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The West Coast Homestays blog provides education for San Diego homeowners looking to improve their Airbnb performance with better pricing, guest experience design, regulatory understanding, and direct booking strategies. Blog articles help hosts learn how to optimize listings, navigate seasonality, improve occupancy, and elevate their short-term rental brand. This resource supports new and experienced hosts who want more consistent revenue and a more professional approach to managing vacation rentals.
Exit Strategies for San Diego Airbnb Owners (2026): Sell, Hold, or Pivot?
TL;DR — San Diego Airbnb Exit Strategies (2026) Exit strategy should be planned before you need it “Holding” is an active decision—not a default Selling too late erodes leverage and buyer demand Pivoting (STR → MTR or LTR) is often the smartest, least disruptive move Regulations in San Diego heavily influence exit timing and value Clean financials and permit clarity dramatically increase optionality Emotional attachment is expensive; data-driven timing wins West Coast Hom
Mark Palmiere
4 days ago3 min read
Insurance, Liability & Risk for San Diego STR Owners (2026): What Airbnb Doesn’t Tell You
TL;DR — STR Insurance & Risk in 2026 Airbnb’s AirCover is not real insurance and should never be relied on alone Most homeowner policies exclude short-term rental activity , especially in San Diego Liability risk increases with guest volume, amenities, and direct bookings Pools, hot tubs, fire pits, and outdoor spaces significantly raise exposure One uninsured incident can erase years of profit and threaten personal assets Proper STR-specific and umbrella coverage protec
Mark Palmiere
5 days ago3 min read
San Diego Airbnb Laws & Compliance in 2026: How to Avoid Fines, Shutdowns & Lost Permits
TL;DR — San Diego Airbnb Laws (2026) San Diego enforces short-term rental laws aggressively—assume scrutiny, not leniency A valid STRO license is mandatory for most Airbnb listings One violation (especially noise or occupancy) can jeopardize or revoke your permit Most compliance failures come from ignorance, not intent —but penalties are the same Noise, occupancy, parking, and trash are the top enforcement triggers TOT & TBID taxes must be collected and remitted corr
Mark Palmiere
6 days ago3 min read
North Park & Hillcrest Rentals in 2026: STR vs Mid-Term — Which Strategy Wins?
TL;DR — North Park & Hillcrest in 2026 North Park and Hillcrest are lifestyle-driven markets , not beach vacation zones Demand is fueled by walkability, dining, culture, and local character Short-term rentals can work , but mid-term rentals (30–180 days) often outperform on net income Primary-residence strategies are the most practical under current permit rules Longer stays mean less turnover, lower costs, and reduced regulatory risk Guests include remote workers, n
Mark Palmiere
Dec 25, 20253 min read
La Jolla Short-Term Rentals (2026): Demand, Rules & Luxury ROI Explained
TL;DR — La Jolla Airbnbs in 2026 La Jolla commands some of the highest nightly rates in San Diego Guest demand centers on ocean views, privacy, and quiet luxury , not nightlife Stays are longer (5–10 nights) with fewer bookings but higher net revenue STRO permits are limited and strictly enforced; compliant homes hold long-term value Luxury single-family homes outperform average listings by a wide margin Professional photography, premium furnishings, and hotel-level
Mark Palmiere
Dec 24, 20253 min read
Downtown & Gaslamp Airbnbs in 2026: Are City Condos Still Worth It?
TL;DR — Downtown & Gaslamp Airbnbs (2026) Downtown San Diego and Gaslamp Quarter remain highly event-driven Airbnb markets Revenue spikes around San Diego Convention Center , San Diego Padres games at Petco Park , Comic-Con, concerts, and major conferences HOA rules and condo bylaws are the biggest profitability risk and must be verified in writing Parking availability, noise controls, and building policies directly impact reviews and compliance One- and two-bedroom
Mark Palmiere
Dec 23, 20254 min read
Mission Beach Vacation Rentals (2026): ROI, Rules & the Reality of Hosting
TL;DR — Mission Beach Airbnb in 2026 Mission Beach delivers some of the highest nightly rates in San Diego Demand is extremely strong during summer and holidays STRO permits are limited and tightly enforced Parking, noise, and occupancy rules are critical Homes with existing permits are premium assets Professional management is essential for long-term success West Coast Homestays helps owners maximize ROI while staying compliant Mission Beach is widely considered the crown je
Mark Palmiere
Dec 22, 20254 min read
Pacific Beach Airbnb Guide (2026): Demand, Rates, Rules & What Guests Expect
TL;DR — Pacific Beach Airbnb in 2026 Pacific Beach remains one of the highest-demand Airbnb markets in San Diego Weekend and summer demand drive high occupancy and strong nightly rates The guest mix skews younger and higher-energy , raising expectations for speed, cleanliness, and rules Noise, parking, and occupancy enforcement are non-negotiable in 2026 Dynamic pricing (weekends, holidays, events) is critical to maximizing revenue Homes walkable to the beach and Gar
Mark Palmiere
Dec 21, 20254 min read
San Diego Airbnb Permit Guide (2026): How to Get Your STRO License Without Costly Mistakes
TL;DR — San Diego Airbnb Permits in 2026 All short-term rentals in San Diego require a valid STRO (Short-Term Residential Occupancy) license There are four STRO tiers , each with different limits, eligibility rules, and revenue potential Tier 4 (non-primary residence) permits offer the highest income potential but are lottery-based and highly competitive Tier 3 (primary residence) allows unlimited nights if the owner lives in the home most of the year Operating witho
Mark Palmiere
Dec 20, 20254 min read
Is Airbnb Worth It in San Diego in 2026? A Data-Driven Owner Guide
TL;DR — Is Airbnb Worth It in San Diego in 2026? San Diego Airbnb is still profitable in 2026 — but only with the right strategy STRO permit eligibility (especially Tier 3 & Tier 4) now determines whether Airbnb is viable Neighborhood choice matters more than property size for ROI Top-performing areas include Mission Beach , Pacific Beach , La Jolla , Little Italy , and Gaslamp Quarter Professionally managed Airbnbs earn ~20–40% more than DIY listings Average ADR r
Mark Palmiere
Dec 18, 20254 min read
Short-Term Rental Laws in San Diego: What Owners Must Know
STRO License Requirements San Diego mandates all STRs fall under one of four license types: Tier 1: Home sharing (host on-site) Tier 2: Whole home, <90 nights Tier 3: Primary residence whole-home (90+ nights) Tier 4: Non-primary residence (lottery based) Each Tier has specific rules regarding occupancy, documentation, and renewal. Occupancy and Guest Rules Occupancy limits are determined by zoning and bedroom count Quiet hours must be enforced Trash and recycling instruct
Mark Palmiere
Dec 4, 20251 min read
San Diego Airbnb Permit Guide: How to Get Your STRO License Step-by-Step
San Diego’s Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) law is one of the strictest in California, and if you plan to host on Airbnb or VRBO in 2025, you must obtain the correct license. This guide walks San Diego homeowners through the entire STRO permit process step-by-step, including documents, timelines, fees, and common mistakes. Why San Diego Requires an STRO License San Diego created its STRO system to balance tourism demand with neighborhood quality of life. The license e
Mark Palmiere
Nov 27, 20252 min read
Is Airbnb Worth It in San Diego in 2025? A Profitability Guide for Owners
Is Airbnb still worth it in San Diego in 2025? With new STRO regulations, fluctuating tourism trends, and rising operating costs, homeowners want clarity before investing or launching a listing. The truth is that Airbnb is still one of the most profitable uses of residential property in San Diego —but success now depends heavily on compliance, neighborhood, and professional management. San Diego STR Profit Snapshot for 2025 Across single-family homes and condos, revenue poten
Mark Palmiere
Nov 26, 20252 min read
Rental Property Tax Deductions Checklist: 6 Must-Know Write-Offs for 2025
Discover our rental property tax deductions checklist to maximize your 2025 tax savings. Learn key write-offs and boost your property earning potential!
Mark Palmiere
Oct 3, 202517 min read
California Landlord Tenant Laws: Your Simple Guide
Learn about California landlord tenant laws with our easy-to-understand guide. Stay compliant on rent control, security deposits, and eviction rules.
Mark Palmiere
Aug 30, 202515 min read
Mid-Term Rental Success: See our success with corporate, insurance and government contracts.
$18,000/month Insurance Relocation Placement 4 bedroom in Bay Park, San Diego. Family of 4 relocated from water damage in their home. Contract lasted for 13 months while home was being remodeled! $12,250/month Corporate Contract 5 Bedroom in Bay Park, San Diego. Commercial construction company working at Fashion Valley Mall for 45 days. $13,450/month Government Contract 3 bedroom apartment in Pacific Beach, San Diego. 3 Naval Engineers working at the Naval Base for 3 months.
Mark Palmiere
Nov 15, 20241 min read
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