1) The Business of One-of-a-Kind Airbnbs

While many are experiencing an AirbnBust, Mark Jenney is making millions in the short term rental space.

Mark Jenney is a successful entrepreneur, having built 5 companies to 8 figures. He was the founder of RVShare, the Airbnb of RVs, which he sold to the PE firm KKR.

Mark has turned that business expertise into a winning short term rental strategy, earning millions of dollars for his unique properties.

Here’s how Mark has created his multi-million dollar Airbnb portfolio:

• Create a unique property or experience. Don’t be average. See examples of Mark’s amazing properties here.

• Aim for 10% cash return on investment.

• 5 star ratings only - Mark uses a 300 point checklist to keep his properties on point. A 4 star rating is treated like a 1 star, and the team will debrief to learn and improve from the experience.

Key Insight →

With short term rentals, average is dead. It pays to be unique. While average properties are a dime a dozen, a well run short term rental with a unique theme or story will always earn a premium.

2) Culdesac Builds First Car-Free Neighborhood

Looking to kick your Kia to the curb?

Culdesac may have the solution with their car free communities!

While America is traditionally a car-centric nation, Culdesac is looking to change that. They worked for three years developing the first car-free neighborhood, in Tempe, Arizona.

Culdesac is a development company building neighborhoods that “embrace community, open space, and mobility”. 

The Tempe, AZ site is the first development for the company. The site is roughly 16 acres, with 55% dedicated to public space, 636 residential units, and no parking (by design)!

Residents have access to the following perks and amenities to help them live their car-free best life:

• Electric bikes, light rail pass, Bird scooters, and Lyft discount

• Grocery store, coffee shop, co-working space, gym, restaurants and food trucks

• Pedestrian friendly spaces and green areas

Key Insight →

Americans may love their cars, but what people really crave is community. Ever since the invention of the automobile, society became built around the use of vehicles. Culdesac is built on the belief that we should be pushing cars to the side and bringing people together.

3) Virginia is Banning Single Family Zoning

Earlier this year, Arlington, VA banned single family zoning.

Now, Alexandria, VA may be next.

Alexandria city planners are recommending a single-family-only ban under their “Zoning for Housing” initiative. It is estimated that 10% of the city’s renters are paying more than 30% of their income on rent, and considered “housing-cost burdened”.

Here’s why these cities are turning to upzoning and banning single-family:

• Create more housing supply with greater density to create more affordable housing

• Give residents a greater range of housing options with “missing middle housing” to avoid pricing people out of the market

• Promote neighborhood walkability with mixed-use development

Key Insight→

Upzoning is crucial to creating more affordable housing. While many parts of the US have turned to bigger houses, bigger lots, and more space, housing prices have soared to unattainable levels. The focus should be on creating more housing density for better, more affordable neighborhoods.