🔥 First Pass | Austin | 3 STR Listings in 3 Minutes

FIRST PASS

Here’s the problem:
You’re looking at dozens of listings across multiple markets. Most of them aren’t worth 15 minutes of your time.

First Pass fixes that.

Each week, we identify properties in key STR markets and run them through the same investment triage experienced investors use before booking flights or contacting agents.

Here’s what you get.

• What the listing actually says, not what it implies

• STR signals sitting in public data

• Regulatory exposure, pricing context, and structural facts

• Introductions to local agents who understand STR when you’re ready

Here’s what you don’t get

• Deal selling or promotion

• Inflated gross revenue projections or hype

• Recommendations to buy

• A replacement for your own diligence

We surface the clearest 80 percent of what's knowable upfront so your attention goes to assets that actually deserve it.

This is triage, not advice. Verify everything locally, with an agent when you're ready.

STR Scout takes no commissions or advertising from properties featured. You get intelligence, not a sales pitch.

Real Estate Trends — At a Glance

Austin, Texas | November 2025

This snapshot highlights a small set of market signals to provide orientation before reviewing individual listings.

5-Signal Snapshot (YoY)

• Median Sale Price: -1.1%

• Inventory: 6.8%

• New Listings: -7.4%

• Days on Market: +5 days

• Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 0.0%

Recent Month Context (MoM)

• Median Sale Price: -2.3% from October 2025

• Inventory: -11.5% month-over-month

• New Listings: -35.6% from October 2025

• Days on Market: -4 days from October 2025

First Pass Context

Over the past 12 months, inventory increased 6.8% while median sale price declined 1.1% year-over-year. Days on market rose 5 days, from 87 to 92. New listings fell 7.4% compared to the same period last year, with month-over-month declines of 35.6%.

Local Context | Real Estate Is Local

Local professionals are available to provide regulatory clarity, neighborhood-level nuance, or financing context for Austin, Texas when needed.

Local Agent → 

STR Lender → 

STR Scout does not represent buyers or sellers in real estate transactions. We provide independent market intelligence and may facilitate introductions to local professionals upon request.

Source: Redfin | Updated weekly | Trends reflect historical housing activity and are provided for context only, not forecasting.

First Pass #1 — Property Overview

1612 Clifford Ave, Austin, TX 78702 | $1,850,000

Listed by: Sonya Cunningham, eXp Realty, LLC
Source: Redfin

Local Agent Introduction

STR Lender Introduction

2. PROPERTY SNAPSHOT

3. CRITICAL CALLOUTS

✓ Stated STR Performance (Listing-Reported)

The listing states this is a “fully turnkey short-term rental” with “consistent year-round bookings,” future bookings through September 2026, and reported 2024 gross income of approximately $242K with 2025 projected at ~$260K+ per owner.
Operating expenses, net income, ADR, occupancy metrics, and verification of bookings are not disclosed in the listing.

4. HOLDING COSTS (PRE-REVENUE)

• Property tax: $2,114/month | $25,366.86/year

• HOA: $0

• Insurance: $987/month (estimate)

Monthly carry: $3,101 (before debt service, utilities, Wi-Fi, maintenance, vacancy)

5. CONTEXT SECTIONS

Price Context

• List price: $1,850,000

• Price per sq ft: ~$721 (listing-reported)

STR Signals — Claimed, Not Verified

• “One of East Austin’s most successful and fully turnkey short-term rental properties.”

• “Future bookings through September 2026 already in place.”

• “5-Star rating, one un-booked weekend since launch (year 1).”

Location Context

• East Austin neighborhood; minutes from downtown (listing-described)

Proximity Awareness (Approximate Distance)

• Downtown Austin: Minutes away (listing-described)

Regulatory Exposure (Resource Links)

• City of Austin STR regulations

• Travis County property records

STR eligibility, license availability, caps, and enforcement status: Requires verification.

6. PRICE & STATUS HISTORY

• Jan 12, 2026: Listed active at $1,850,000 (DOM: 1 day)

• Jul 21, 2022: Previously listed active at $1,800,000

Area average DOM: ~88 days (East Austin market insight)

Prior sale price: Missing (Texas non-disclosure state)

7. MOTIVATIONAL LANGUAGE SCAN

Motivational Language Detected (Listing Copy):

• “One of East Austin’s most successful and fully turnkey short-term rental properties”

• “Strong rental income”

• “Hands-off, high-performance operation”

• “Everything conveys… so you can start earning immediately after closing”

• “This is a unique opportunity”

8. FURNISHINGS STATUS

All furnishings, décor, linens, and kitchenware convey per listing.

9. DATA CONFIDENCE

• High: Physical attributes, tax amount, year built, square footage

• Medium: STR performance claims, projected income, future bookings

• Low: Net operating performance, expense structure, regulatory standing

10. LISTING ACTIVITY VELOCITY

The property has been active for 1 day on Redfin with 243 views and 15 favorites. No open houses are scheduled.

11. MARKETING VS. RECORDS CHECK

• Marketing claim: “Fully turnkey short-term rental with consistent year-round bookings.”

• Public record: Single-family residential property in Travis County.

12. MISSING / OPEN QUESTIONS

• Missing: STR license number and transferability

• Missing: Historical P&L details beyond gross revenue

• Missing: Operating expense breakdown

• Missing: Confirmation of future bookings and contracts

• Missing: Insurance policy specifics for STR use

13. MATERIAL FACTS

• Single-family residential home on 0.25-acre lot

• 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, plus additional family room sleeping use (listing-described)

• Private heated pool/spa and outdoor amenities

• Solar panels installed

• STR legality: Requires verification

14. BOTTOM LINE

This is a two-story single-family residential structure marketed with active STR performance signals at a $1.85M price point in East Austin, with multiple income and booking claims presented but unverified and key regulatory and operating details undisclosed. For local regulatory detail or on-the-ground verification, we can introduce you to the local agent when you are read.

First Pass #2 — Property Overview

115 Heritage Dr, Austin, TX 78737 | $1,399,000

Listed by: Dylan Haines, Compass RE Texas, LLC
Source: Redfin

Local Agent Introduction

STR Lender Introduction

2. PROPERTY SNAPSHOT

3. CRITICAL CALLOUTS

✓ Stated STR Performance (Listing-Reported)

The listing states the property is a “fully functional, turnkey short-term rental” with $545,757 in gross revenue generated over the past three years.
Annual revenue by year, operating expenses, net income, ADR, occupancy metrics, and license status are not disclosed.

4. HOLDING COSTS (PRE-REVENUE)

• Property tax: $1,103/month | $13,240.37/year

• HOA: $0

• Insurance: $536/month (estimate)

Monthly carry: $1,639 (before debt service, utilities, Wi-Fi, maintenance, vacancy)

5. CONTEXT SECTIONS

Price Context

• List price: $1,399,000

• Price per sq ft: ~$336 (listing-reported)

STR Signals — Claimed, Not Verified

• “Fully functional, turnkey short-term rental.”

• “Generated $545,757 in gross revenue over the past three years.”

• “Includes future bookings.”

Location Context

• Approximately 6 miles from Dripping Springs and 15–17 miles from Downtown Austin (listing-described)

Proximity Awareness (Approximate Distance)

• Dripping Springs: ~6 miles

• Downtown Austin: ~15–17 miles

Regulatory Exposure (Resource Links)

• City of Austin STR regulations

• Travis County property records

STR eligibility, license availability, caps, and enforcement status: Requires verification.

6. PRICE & STATUS HISTORY

• Jan 7, 2026: Listed active at $1,399,000 (DOM: 7 days)

• Dec 4, 2025: Sold (public records)

Area average DOM: ~120 days (78737 market insight)

Prior sale price: Missing (Texas non-disclosure state)

7. MOTIVATIONAL LANGUAGE SCAN

Motivational Language Detected (Listing Copy):

• “Ideal balance of space, privacy, and convenience”

• “Private Hill Country oasis”

• “Turnkey short-term rental”

• “Significant upside for increased STR performance”

• “Seamless transition into ownership”

8. FURNISHINGS STATUS

May be sold fully furnished per listing.

9. DATA CONFIDENCE

• High: Physical attributes, tax amount, square footage, renovation year

• Medium: STR revenue claims, furnishings inclusion, future bookings

• Low: Net operating performance, regulatory compliance, expense structure

10. LISTING ACTIVITY VELOCITY

The property has been active for 7 days with 353 views and 14 favorites. No open houses are scheduled.

11. MARKETING VS. RECORDS CHECK

• Marketing claim: “Fully functional, turnkey short-term rental.”

• Public record: Single-family residential property in Hays County.

12. MISSING / OPEN QUESTIONS

• Missing: STR license number and jurisdiction

• Missing: Annualized revenue and expense breakdown

• Missing: Net operating income history

• Missing: Confirmation of future bookings and contracts

• Missing: Furnishings inclusion terms if sold individually vs. portfolio

13. MATERIAL FACTS

• Single-family residential home on a 1.12-acre lot

• 4,159 sq ft with 4.5 bathrooms and multiple bedroom configurations

• Private pool, hot tub, and outdoor entertainment features

• Septic system and propane utilities

• STR legality: Requires verification

14. BOTTOM LINE

This is a two-story single-family residential property marketed with turnkey STR performance claims at a $1.399M price point on a large Hill Country lot, with multi-year gross revenue figures stated but key operating, regulatory, and licensing details not disclosed. For local regulatory detail or on-the-ground verification, we can introduce you to the local agent when you are ready.

First Pass #3 — Property Overview

1205 Arthur Stiles Rd, Austin, TX 78721 | $470,000

Listed by: Barbara Bowen, Compass RE Texas, LLC
Source: Redfin

Local Agent Introduction

STR Lender Introduction

2. PROPERTY SNAPSHOT

3. CRITICAL CALLOUTS

✓ Stated STR Performance (Listing-Reported)

The listing references “investment opportunity,” “rental appeal,” and suitability as an “income-producing property.”
No STR revenue, booking history, licensing status, or operating metrics are disclosed.

4. HOLDING COSTS (PRE-REVENUE)

• Property tax: $774/month | $9,289.36/year

• HOA: $0

• Insurance: $251/month (estimate)

Monthly carry: $1,025 (before debt service, utilities, Wi-Fi, maintenance, vacancy)

5. CONTEXT SECTIONS

Price Context

• List price: $470,000

• Price per sq ft: ~$361 (listing-reported)

STR Signals — Claimed, Not Verified

• “Turnkey asset.”

• “Rental appeal.”

• “Income-producing property.”

Location Context

• East Austin location within Govalle–Johnston Terrace neighborhood (listing-described)

Proximity Awareness (Approximate Distance)

• Govalle Park: Nearby (listing-described)

• Springdale General: Nearby (listing-described)

Regulatory Exposure (Resource Links)

• City of Austin STR regulations

• Travis County property records

STR eligibility, license availability, caps, and enforcement status: Requires verification.

6. PRICE & STATUS HISTORY

• Jan 3, 2026: Price change noted during rental listing period

• Dec 5, 2025: Listed for rent at $2,995/month

• Dec 3, 2025: Listed active for sale at $470,000

• Current DOM: 41 days

Area average DOM: ~70 days (Govalle–Johnston Terrace)

Prior sale price: Missing (Texas non-disclosure state)

7. MOTIVATIONAL LANGUAGE SCAN

Motivational Language Detected (Listing Copy):

• “Timeless elegance and investment opportunity”

• “Turnkey asset”

• “Strong long-term value”

• “Exceptional upside potential”

• “Move-in-ready gem”

8. FURNISHINGS STATUS

Not disclosed.

9. DATA CONFIDENCE

• High: Physical attributes, tax amount, square footage

• Medium: Renovation scope, rental positioning

• Low: STR viability, income potential, regulatory standing

10. LISTING ACTIVITY VELOCITY

The property has been active for 41 days with 311 views and 15 favorites. No open houses are scheduled.

11. MARKETING VS. RECORDS CHECK

• Marketing claim: “Investment opportunity” and “income-producing property.”

• Public record: Single-family residential property in Travis County.

12. MISSING / OPEN QUESTIONS

• Missing: STR license status and jurisdiction

• Missing: Historical rental or STR income

• Missing: Operating expense details

• Missing: Furnishings inclusion

• Missing: ADU feasibility and permitting status

13. MATERIAL FACTS

• Single-story single-family residential home

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,303 sq ft

• Public utilities with gas service

• Large backyard with covered porch

• STR legality: Requires verification

14. BOTTOM LINE

This is a single-story single-family residential property marketed with investment and rental positioning at a $470K price point in East Austin, with no disclosed STR performance data and multiple regulatory and income-related unknowns remaining. For local regulatory detail or on-the-ground verification, we can introduce you to the local agent when you are ready.