🏡 Trending STR Homes for Sale

Sourced from the largest STR buyer/seller network online.

🌲 $299,000 | Mentone, AL: 3BD/2BA, walk to downtown, 1-acre lot, 120 reviews, $35K GAR. Renovated, furnished. View Details

🏞 $320,000 | Gilchrist, TX: 2BD/2BA, 800 sqft. Ocean views, modern design, proven STR, community pool access. View Details

🛶 $399,900 | Bentonville, AR: 2BD/2BA, near Coler MTB, $51K projected STR. Built-ins, outdoor game zone potential. View Details

🌅 $550,000 | Hocking Hills, OH: Sleeps 6, on 5 acres. 25+ future bookings in place. View Details

🌊 $569,900 | Kentucky: New STR, $70K potential, furnished, dynamic pricing. Second unit at $549,900 did $55K in 2024. View Details

🪵 $585,000 | Mears, MI: 2BD/2BA, 848 sqft lakefront A-frame on Upper Silver Lake, sandy shoreline, smart locks. View Details

🌲 $590,000 | Sevierville, TN: Treehouse cabin, 1BD + loft, $80K in 2023, $78K in 2024. 208 reviews. Walk to venue. View Details

🌄 $629,000 | Kissimmee, FL: 4BD/3BA + den, 4.5 miles to Disney, low HOA, pool, garden, fruit trees. View Details

🏡 $675,000 | Dayton, TN: 5BD/4BA, 4-unit lakeside STR, 85% new windows, lake views, furnished, 3 Airbnb units. View Details

🌲 $699,900 | Lincoln City, OR: 3BD/3BA, Olivia Beach, $62K YTD Airbnb, hot tub, EV charger, STR zoned. View Details

🦌 $715,000 | Hamilton, MT: 2BD/3BA, 5 wooded acres, turnkey, hot tub, RV pad, 2nd septic approved. View Details

🔥 $749,000 | Woodstock, NY: 2BD/2BA, dual-bungalow, 4.9 rating, $106K TTM revenue, hot tub, yoga deck. View Details

🏖 $875,000 | Lake of the Ozarks, MO: 5BD/3BA, $121K avg annual income, volleyball court, huge dock. View Details

🏔 $1,395,000 | Gatlinburg, TN: 3BD/5BA, 2,967 sqft. Chalet Village, $136K gross since Mar '24, luxury STR. View Details

🏕 $1,550,000 | Pigeon Forge, TN: 3-cabin portfolio, $254K gross, 20%+ CoC, seller finance available. View Details

🏞 $1,750,000 | Mancos, CO: 5BD/3BA, 85 acres, 3 remodeled cabins, natural ponds, STR ready. View Details

🌅 $2,300,000 | Sevierville, TN: 5,400 sqft luxury new build, Lake Douglas, 2 kitchens, rec + media rooms. View Details

🎿 $329,000 | Lake Harmony, PA: Ski-in/ski-out, Boulder Lake Club, $50K+ projected, Jack Frost Mtn access. View Details

📰 Trending News Nuggets

Skim fresh, real-time headlines shaping Airbnb, housing, and STR investing—stay current, catch the signals, and understand what’s driving the market

🏨 FTC bans hidden fees for live events and short-term rentals starting May 12, a significant regulatory change affecting the vacation rental industry nationwide.

• The Federal Trade Commission's new rule aims to increase price transparency for consumers by requiring businesses to display the total cost upfront rather than surprising guests with additional charges at checkout.

• Industry experts suggest this could lead to shifts in pricing strategies as companies adjust to regulations.

💰 A comprehensive analysis of cleaning fees reveals significant variations across global short-term rental markets, with some regions charging substantially more than others.

• The study found North American properties typically demand the highest cleaning fees at approximately 28% of the nightly rate, while European properties average around 18%.

• These differences reflect regional market dynamics, property sizes, and guest expectations, with luxury markets generally commanding premium fees.

🐓 An innovative Airbnb host transformed a chicken coop into a profitable short-term rental that now covers their entire mortgage payment.

• This creative conversion showcases how property owners are finding unique ways to capitalize on underused spaces amid the growing demand for distinctive vacation rentals.

• The renovated structure maintains rustic charm while offering modern amenities, attracting guests looking for authentic experiences rather than traditional accommodations.

⚖️ Lawsuits testing Airbnb's potential liability for carbon monoxide deaths could reshape safety standards across the entire short-term rental industry.

• Multiple cases challenging the platform's responsibility for guest safety are working their way through courts nationwide, with plaintiffs arguing that Airbnb should assume greater accountability for property conditions.

• Legal experts suggest these precedent-setting cases could force platforms to implement more rigorous safety requirements.

🏝️ The most wishlisted Airbnb properties across America reveal evolving traveler preferences with unique and experiential accommodations dominating the platform's popularity rankings.

• From treehouse retreats to desert oases, these highly-saved listings demonstrate the growing preference for distinctive stays that offer memorable experiences beyond traditional hotels.

• Analysis shows that properties with exceptional views, unusual architecture, or secluded locations tend to generate the most guest interest.

🏡 New Braunfels short-term rental market anticipates recovery despite recent regulatory and economic headwinds affecting this popular Texas tourism destination.

• Local property managers report increasing advance bookings for summer months after a challenging period of reduced occupancy and heightened competition.

• Industry participants remain cautiously optimistic that the area's strong appeal to tourists seeking river recreation and small-town charm will drive continued demand for vacation rentals.

🌊 Traverse City officials consider limiting new short-term rentals to address housing affordability concerns in this popular Michigan tourist destination.

• The proposed regulations would cap the number of vacation rentals in certain neighborhoods while creating a more streamlined permitting process for owner-occupied properties.

• Community debates highlight the tension between tourism economic benefits and maintaining affordable housing for local residents.

🌴 Florida's vacation home sales data reveals resilient market performance despite economic uncertainties and insurance challenges affecting coastal properties.

• The analysis shows continued strong demand for second homes particularly in Gulf Coast and Central Florida regions, though at slightly moderated price points compared to 2024 peaks.

• Investment buyers remain attracted to the state's favorable tax environment and steady tourism appeal.

🏘️ South Florida's housing market could experience price adjustments with nearly 52,000 homes currently listed for sale across the region.

• Real estate analysts note this substantial inventory increase represents a significant shift from the tight market conditions of previous years.

• Experts suggest this expanding supply could create more favorable conditions for buyers after years of seller dominance in the South Florida market, potentially affecting investment properties and vacation rentals.

🇵🇹 The best Airbnbs in Madeira, Portugal showcase stunning cliff-side villas and charming historic renovations that capture the island's unique appeal to international travelers.

• These distinctive properties feature dramatic ocean views, private pools, and architectural elements that blend traditional Portuguese design with modern amenities.

• Tourism to this autonomous Portuguese region continues growing as travelers seek alternatives to more crowded Mediterranean destinations.

🇲🇽 The most appealing expat cities in Mexico continue attracting remote workers and retirees seeking affordable living costs and vibrant cultural experiences.

• Communities like San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, and Mérida top the rankings for their combination of amenities, safety profiles, and established expat infrastructure.

• This migration trend is reshaping local real estate markets with growing demand for long-term rentals and investment properties.

🏢 An innovative real estate investor's approach to converting hotels into affordable apartment housing demonstrates creative solutions to America's housing challenges.

• This adaptive reuse strategy transforms struggling hospitality properties into much-needed residential units while potentially offering attractive returns for investors.

• Industry observers note this conversion trend is gaining momentum nationally as hotel valuations adjust and demand for affordable housing options grows.

🔍 Zillow implements new home listing guidelines aimed at enhancing transparency and accuracy in the online real estate marketplace.

• The updated policies require more detailed disclosures about property conditions and histories while establishing stricter verification processes for seller information.

• Industry analysts suggest these changes could improve consumer confidence while creating additional compliance requirements for property listers.

📊 The latest weekly housing trends data reveals moderating price growth and gradually increasing inventory across most major U.S. markets.

• Analysis shows listing prices rising at a slower pace than previously observed while properties remain on market slightly longer than in recent months.

• Economists interpret these shifts as potential signs of market normalization after several years of exceptional volatility.

💳 Credit card and loan delinquency rates have reached a 20-year high, potentially signaling broader economic stress that could impact housing markets and consumer spending patterns.

• Financial analysts express concern about this troubling indicator, noting that rising payment failures often precede broader economic contractions.

• Housing market participants should monitor these trends carefully as they may foreshadow changing conditions in property markets and vacation rental demand.

💭 Headline Sentiment Takeaways: This weeks trending headlines present a mixed outlook for the short-term rental industry.

• Regulatory changes like the FTC's hidden fee ban and liability lawsuits could increase operational complexity, while creative adaptations (like chicken coop conversions) demonstrate continued entrepreneurial opportunity.

• Market conditions appear regionally variable, with some areas experiencing inventory increases that could pressure pricing into summer.

• The credit card delinquency data raises caution flags about potential economic headwinds ahead for discretionary travel spending.

📊 Economic Calendar Watch

Housing and Economic Calendar Report | Week of May 5–9, 2025

Mortgage rates held steady, housing inventory reached a six-year high, and the Federal Reserve maintained its policy stance. Labor market indicators remained robust, while trade data highlighted ongoing economic challenges.

📈 “The housing market is showing signs of stabilization, with increased inventory providing more options for buyers, even as affordability remains a concern.”
— Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, Realtor.com

🏡 Housing Market Reports

🗓️ Economic Calendar

🔍 Key Takeaways

• Mortgage Rates: The 30-year average held steady at 6.76%, continuing a pattern of rate stability.

• Homebuilder Sentiment: Builder confidence was unchanged at 40, suggesting a plateau in optimism.

• Housing Starts & Permits: Both metrics fell sharply, pointing to a slowdown in new construction planning.

• Labor Market: Claims remained low despite a slight uptick, supporting the narrative of a strong job market.

• Services & Sentiment: Services expanded modestly, but consumers are growing more cautious entering summer.

📌 Market Outlook

Rates are likely to remain in current ranges, barring unexpected inflation shifts. Rising inventory may help balance affordability issues, but builders remain cautious. Continued labor strength supports broader economic resilience, though sentiment hints at softening demand.

🧾 Key Sources

Mortgage Rates – Freddie Mac PMMS
Housing Data – U.S. Census Bureau
HMI – National Association of Home Builders
ADP Jobs Report – ADP National Employment Report
BLS – Nonfarm Payrolls & Unemployment
Consumer Sentiment – University of Michigan
Economic Calendar – MarketWatch

🏡 STR & Real Estate Stock Trends

STR Scout Weekly Tracker – May 9, 2025

🟢 Builders Steady | 🟢 STR Platforms Mixed | 🔴 STR Operators Down | ⚖️ Mortgage Rates Flat

📊 Stocks Snapshot

💡 Quick Insights

• Zillow (Z) led gains among STR platforms with a 5.6% weekly increase, buoyed by positive market sentiment.

• Redfin (RDFN) saw a 2.5% decline, though it maintains a strong 13.8% YTD growth.

• STR operators like Sonder (SOND) and Rocket Companies (RKT) faced headwinds, with weekly declines of 3.3% and 4.2%, respectively.

• Mortgage rates remained steady this week, with the 30-year fixed rate holding at 6.83%, providing a stable environment for buyers.

PS - Did you like today’s content? Have ideas on what to publish next? Tap the poll below to let us know how we are doing or respond to this email. I read every response. Thanks 😀