Short Term Rental Conundrum

We are sharing a recent Associated Press article by Jesse Bedayn that popped up on the phenomenon of the short-term rentals (STR) in Steamboat Springs, CO a vacation area much like the Flathead Valley.  

"...  figures from analytics firm AirDNA and the US Census Bureau show nearly 30% of homes in Steamboat Springs are vacation rentals. "  Read Full Article

In an article from the local Flathead Beacon by Maggie Dresser in March 25, 2021, it was reported that:

 "Flathead County had 2,814 properties, the highest in the state, contributing to a positive financial impact for hosts while potentially limiting housing availability and spiking costs in some communities."  Read Full Article

The debate about STRs may not be a daily conversation if you already own a home, but the concern is high among local Flathead area business owners, local government and public and private service providers who can't get new hires started because they can't find housing (affordable or not). Currently there are hundreds of job openings available but virtually no rental openings.  Those that are open have hefty price tags out of reach for the comparative wages/salaries. We may not quite be where Steamboat Springs is but we probably aren't far behind.