Zoning, Rules and Regulations regarding Short-term Rentals, VRBO and AirBnB are changing in the Poconos, here is a scorecard of municipalities and what they say about running a short-term rental from your vacation home or income property.

At the March 2025 Poconos STR Conference, attorney Eric Smith delivered a powerful session dissecting the legal complexities surrounding short-term rentals (STRs) in community associations and municipalities in Pennsylvania, and particularly the Poconos.  He emphasized that many STR restrictions enforced by HOAs, or community association boards are invalid unless explicitly grounded in a community's...

Balance and Opportunities in the Poconos Vacation Home Market The intense seller's market of the past few years has passed, and we are firmly in a balanced market here in the Poconos Vacation Home Real Estate.  Mortgage rates, while still elevated compared to the ultra-low rates of 2020-2021, have eased slightly, giving investors more financing options. In parts of the Poconos, home prices have softened...

Each spring, in conjunction with the Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners, Chris Barrett, CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) delivers a comprehensive update on the state of tourism and vacation rentals in the Poconos region.  The key takeaway? The Poconos continues to thrive as one of Pennsylvania’s top vacation destinations, with short-term rentals playing a major role in the...

Bill Faeth is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and business coach based in Nashville, Tennessee. Bill is known for his ability to inspire and motivate audiences with his compelling entrepreneurial journey and practical insights. Bill was the keynote speaker at the first ever Poconos STR Conference in 2024. In his January 2025 Bill Faeth Unfiltered podcast, in an episode called Where NOT to Invest in...

NOTE: On Monday March 17, by a 3-2 vote the Tobyhanna Township supervisors voted 3 to 2 in favor of a resolution to rescind the STR cap, a clear victory for property rights here in the Poconos. Poconos VRO co-founder Marty Nicoll spoke at the meeting, he had two key messages: Don’t interfere with the real estate market with arbitrary caps, you are hurting people. Let the market do what it does...

Attorney Eric Smith to discuss the case at Poconos VRO Conference on March 6 For those in the STR industry in the Pocono, a recent court decision shows promise that vacation rentals in certain communities will not vanish. On February 12, 2025, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied The Association of Property Owners of The Hideout, Inc.‘s application for appeal, thereby upholding a prior Commonwealth...

Top 10 STR Friendly Communities in the PoconosMention HOA and many people think of cumbersome regulations, restrictive committees and added expenses. Here in the Poconos, we have our share of these, but we also have many communities which were built as vacation/resort communities and the HOA serve to bring attractive amenities and a pleasant vacation experience for homeowners and guests. As a real estate...

Finding and then starting a successful short-term rental (STR) in the Poconos involves careful planning and execution. Poconos is a nice vacation spot, conveniently located in a mountain market, three hours away from 47 million people. Poconos has year-round attractions, it a great last-minute option for those that want to get away for a weekend or longer. Our market has some unique features, like local...

As short-term rentals (“STRs”) continue to thrive in the Pocono Region and across Pennsylvania, it is important that owners, buyers and owners’ associations (HOAs/POAs) understand their rights. In several recent cases, overreaching HOAs have had their restrictive STR policies overturned and appeals have gone as high as the state's Commonwealth Court. You can read more about Short-Term Rentals Win...

The 2025 Poconos STR Conference is shaping up to be the most valuable event yet for short-term rental (STR) owners, investors, property managers, and industry professionals. Whether you're a seasoned STR operator or just getting started, this conference offers unparalleled opportunities to learn, network, and grow. Taking Place Thursday, March 6, 2025 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Mount Pocono. Buy...