Let’s get a game plan.
Resources
STS Plus
STS Plus is the Short Term Shop’s education and support platform designed to help STR owners succeed. Members get access to ongoing training, weekly live calls, management workshops, pricing strategy guidance, systems setup tutorials, and a community of experienced hosts. It’s a centralized resource for learning how to self-manage, improve performance, and operate efficiently in markets like the Smokies and beyond.
The Short Term Shop Analysis Calculator
The Short Term Shop Analysis Calculator helps you quickly evaluate a short-term rental property by estimating realistic revenue, expenses, cash flow, and returns. It breaks down operating costs, compares rental history with market comps, and calculates key metrics like cap rate and cash-on-cash return—giving you a clear picture of whether a deal makes financial sense before you make an offer.
PriceLabs Market Dashboard
The PriceLabs Market Dashboard gives you a clear snapshot of how your short-term rental market is performing. It shows real data on occupancy rates, average daily rates (ADR), revenue trends, top-performing properties, and upcoming demand. With filters for bedroom count, property type, and date ranges, it helps you compare your listing to the competition, spot pricing opportunities, and understand how seasonality affects your market—so you can price smarter and maximize revenue.
The ENEMY Method
The Enemy Method is a strategy for analyzing short-term rentals by identifying your closest “enemy” competitors—cabins with similar size, location, and amenities—and studying their pricing, occupancy, and performance. By understanding how your direct competition behaves in the market, you can set smarter rates, position your property effectively, and project realistic revenue.
Utilities
Here is a quick reference to help inspectors know which utility providers commonly service properties in the Smokies. Click the link above for a full list of providers and contact information.
TN Smokies STR Setup Cheatsheet
This closing checklist gives you everything you need to get your Smokies STR up and running—from housekeeping and handyman contacts to utilities, smart-device setup, photographers, furnishings, tech stack, and account setups. It’s a simple guide to help you launch smoothly, stay organized, and get your property live and ready for guests as quickly as possible.
STR Licensing / Taxes
This guide gives a quick overview of all STR licensing, permits, and tax requirements in Sevier County and its cities, with direct links to applications, business licenses, and updated state tax rules. It helps owners understand what filings are needed, how OTA-only taxes work, and who to contact for compliance in each jurisdiction.
Smokies Map of Popular Neighborhoods
.This map highlights the most popular Smokies neighborhoods and nearby attractions, giving you a quick overview of where guests love to stay and what’s around each area. It’s a helpful snapshot for understanding location, demand, and proximity to major hotspots.
Cost Segregation
Cost segregation is a tax strategy that breaks down a property into its individual components—like flooring, appliances, lighting, and certain structural elements—so you can depreciate them faster. This accelerates deductions, reduces taxable income, and can significantly increase cash flow for real estate investors, especially in short-term rentals.