One business is booming amid the pandemic.
Short term rental owners earned millions in the month of June alone and it helps pump money into the local economy during a difficult time.
A quiet country back road, centuries old timber, ten acres, and ten minutes from the heart of Waco all make the Deerfield Estates a short term renter's paradise.
"It really is kind of an oasis out here. People love it," said Deerfield Estate's Tim Tittley.
Bookings dipped when the pandemic began but now they're 75-80% full.
"I think more than ever recently, this is what people are looking for. They want something that is out of the way, but not too far. Open air and with lots of extra space," said Tittley.
It's a national trend.
Air BnB reports STR hosts in rural areas of the U.S. earned over $200 million in June, that's a 25% increase from June 2019.
"Some people whose economic area has changed, especially in rural areas, this is an opportunity to list a house they own and get some income," said Avalara Director of Compliance Pam Knudsen.
Knudsen says it's now easier than ever for Texans.
VRBO and Avalara, an automated tax compliance company, rolled out a program only in Texas and Georgia that helps streamline the compliance process.
"Everything from licensing and registration to the calculation of lodging taxes. This is an area that is not typically on people's knowledge base and it can be really complicated," said Knudsen.
Deerfield Estates has seen their VRBO bookings grow and says the new feature gives hosts more time to focus on what matters most.
"I just love working with people," said Tittley.
You can check out Deerfield Estate's property at https://www.deerfieldvenue.com/.
