Author Archives: markshayrealtor

Short-term Rentals (STR) in Pennsylvania are regulated by the local municipalities. Pennsylvania has three official forms of municipal governments, cities, townships, and boroughs. Municipalities have the right to restrict this use of a home through Zoning and they have the right to regulate STR through local ordinances and licensing processes. To give you a senseContinue reading “The Pocono Geography Puzzle – Understanding Who Regulates Short-term Rentals in the Poconos”

As we enter 2023, the real estate market in the Poconos remains vibrant and there is some good news for buyers. Inventory is twice the level it was a year ago, prices seem to have stabilized (plateaued?), and sellers are becoming a lot easier to work with. In my opinion, we are still in aContinue reading “Pocono Short-term Rental Market Real Estate Update – Winter 2023”

An Insider’s look at investing in vacation homes in the Lake Harmony Area The Lake Harmony area has long been a popular Pocono vacation spot and for those who rent their properties, business over the past few years has been very good. The Lake Harmony area benefits from two nice lakes, two ski resorts, twoContinue reading “Should You Buy a STR in Lake Harmony Area?”

Some communities are more friendly to VRBO and Airbnb, others oppose the practice.  Here is an summary drawn from various HOAs (Home Owner Associations) and township regulations. Last Updated: February, 2022 Rules and regulations change over time and just like municipal officials change, so do those in HOA’s. This list is just an estimate, youContinue reading “Short-term Rental Friendly Pocono Communities”

I recently viewed a very unique property in Carbon County and think it might become a very successful STR. 646 Pohopoco Drive, Lehighton, PA 18235 is a sprawling home, almost three distinct units in what should be a successful location. It is 7 acres and has plenty of room for the addition of a poolContinue reading “Unique STR Opportunity by Beltzville State Park”

I get a lot of inquiries from people who have heard about the Poconos, but who have never been here. They understand that Poconos has a reputation as a vacation area, but are unsure of the draws, so here’s my spin. The Pocono Mountain region is famous as a vacation getaway with its natural scenicContinue reading “What Brings People to the Poconos?”

It seems that a growing number of investors and companies that support them are feeling very positive about investing in vacation homes in the Poconos and the future of Short-term Rentals in the region. Popular YouTuber Edward Lui states the Poconos are the Best Airbnb Market in the Nation, Airbnb put the Poconos in theirContinue reading “Are the Poconos the Best AirBnB Market in the Nation?”

The end of the third quarter is a time of significant transition in the vacation home market in the Poconos.  The busy summer vacation season has wrapped up, and for some it is time to look at their position and perhaps make some changes.  As a realtor focused on helping buyers find vacation homes theyContinue reading “Pocono Short-term Rental Market Real Estate Update – Fall 2022”

Many of the inquires I get ask is there are service providers to help with getting a STR started and then keeping it going.  Since Tourism is the main business in the Poconos, the answer is yes.  Below is a list of firms that have been mentioned by clients, other realtors or that I haveContinue reading “Service Providers for Short Term Rentals in the Poconos”

Revised February 2023 There has recently been a rise in properties for sale that are described as “Turnkey STR,” a term that has come to mean a property that is fully operational as a short-term rental and being sold as a complete package.  These are often properties that have recently been upgraded, are very tastefullyContinue reading “What is Turnkey STR?  Factors to Consider When Buying a Short-Term Rental Business.”