This week’s STR Scout newsletter unpacks the key developments shaping STR investing:

🔹 STR Classifieds – This week’s Top 20 hottest STR deals, featuring high-yield ski cabins, waterfront escapes, and turnkey investments in sought-after locations.

🔹 All Time High Home Values – U.S. housing market closed out 2024 with another consecutive monthly price gain, marking the 19th straight all-time high!

🔹 STR Trending News Nuggets – Airbnb’s AI-powered anti-party tech, Florida’s fight against corporate homebuyers, and European cities cracking down on STRs.

Let’s dive in.

— The STR Scout Team

Top Investors Are Buying This “Unlisted” Stock

When the team that grew Zillow to a $16B valuation starts a new company, investors notice. No wonder top firms like SoftBank invested in Pacaso.

Taking the industry by storm all over again, Pacaso’s platform offers co-ownership of premier properties – completely revamping a $1.3T market.

And by handing keys to 1,500+ happy homeowners, Pacaso has made $100M+ in gross profits.

Now, with aggressive global expansion underway, their current share price won’t last long.

Invest for $2.70/share by 2/27.

🏡 $280K | Bainbridge, GA: 3BD, 2BA brick ranch cottage with 2066 sqft. Open-concept kitchen, sunroom, and beautifully landscaped yard. Bright, spacious, and inviting. View Post

🏡 $299K | Odessa, TX: 3BD, 2BA thriving Airbnb on 0.25 acres. High occupancy, modern kitchen, wrap-around porch, large workshop. Turnkey STR with recent upgrades. View Post

🏡 $315K | Port Angeles, WA: Fully furnished 1BD, 1BA tiny home on spacious lot. Successful STR near Olympic National Park. New fence, 2BD septic for future use. View Post

🏖️ $355K | Matagorda, TX: Beach house walking distance to shore. Grossed $42K last year. Gated driveway, private community, $250K pool update. Fishing hotspot. View Post

🌴 $419K | Panama City Beach, FL: 3BD, 2BA home near Lake Powell. Open floor plan, high ceilings, screened porch. Walk to pool, hot tub, sports courts. STR potential. View Post

🌲 $480K | Lowman, ID: 4BD, 2BA home on 1.78 wooded acres. Wood stove, front & back porches, RV pad with hookups, detached garage/workshop. Ideal retreat or STR. View Post

🌲 $510K | Townsend, TN: 2BD + loft, 2BA cabin 5 miles from Great Smoky Mountains NP. Sleeps 8. Grossed $33K in first 6.5 months on Airbnb. Strong STR potential. View Post

🏡 $575K | Arden, NC: 3BD, 3BA Arts & Crafts home with STR potential. Main house + studio apartment over garage. Fully furnished, turnkey investment. View Post

🏡 $585K | Tacoma, WA: 4BD, 2BA home in North Tacoma. Updated kitchen, original wood floors, hot tub, finished basement with rental potential. Walk to UPS & 6th Ave. View Post

🌊 $589K | Fort Myers Beach, FL: 1BD, 1BA beachfront condo at Pink Shell Villas. Gulf & Bay views, updated kitchen, heated pool. Strong STR potential, sleeps 4. View Post

🏖️ $675K | Rockaway Beach, OR: 3BD, 2BA STR with transferable license. Grossed $80K in past year. Fully furnished, turnkey. Rare opportunity in a capped STR market. View Post

🏡 $760K | Windsor Island Resort, FL: 7BD, 5BA vacation home, 3282 sqft. Strong STR potential with bookings through August. Seller financing available. Resort amenities included. View Post

🏝️ $820K | Galveston, TX: Unique 4BD, 3BA octagonal STR in Pirates Beach West. Oceanview balconies, large fenced yard. Grossed $95K in 2023. High-rated rental. View Post

⛰️ $844K | Waynesville, NC: 3BD, 3BA mountain retreat in Eagles Nest. Spacious deck with stunning views, modern kitchen, fireplace. Strong STR potential. View Post

🌊 $945K | Gulf Shores, AL: 5BD, 3BA beach home in gated community. 3-min walk to Gulf. Grossed $94K in 2024. New roof, remodeled baths, gourmet kitchen. View Post

🌲 $1.3M | Logan, OH: Two luxury log cabins on 10 acres in Hocking Hills. Hot tubs, game rooms, firepits, private balconies. Turnkey STR near top attractions. View Post

🐻 $1.45M | Pigeon Forge, TN: 3 fully renovated cabins on one lot. 5 min to downtown, 10 min to Gatlinburg. High-end furnishings. Grossed $250K+. STR-ready. View Post

🏡 $1.45M | Blue Ridge, GA: 7BD, sleeps 19. Heated pool, theater room, large game room. 5 min to downtown. Proven high-income STR with strong bookings. View Post

🌄 $1.45M | Sedona, AZ: 3BD, 3BA turnkey STR with detached casita. Grossed $130K+ in 2023, $60K booked for 2025. Hot tub, sauna, game room. Prime West Sedona location. View Post

🏖️ $2.2M | Destin, FL: 4BD, 4BA beachfront townhome with private 37-ft beach. 3 decks, renovated in 2022. Grossed $188K in 2024, $92K booked for 2025. View Post

Home Prices Hit 19th Straight Record High!

National Housing Market: A Continuing Uptrend

The U.S. housing market closed out 2024 with another consecutive monthly price gain, marking the 19th straight all-time high, according to the latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index. While the pace of appreciation has slowed from the frenzied 2021 highs, the market still posted a 3.9% year-over-year (YoY) increase in December, up from 3.7% in November.

Key Market Insights

• 10-City Composite Index: Up 5.1% YoY

• 20-City Composite Index: Up 4.5% YoY

• New York leads the pack: +7.2% YoY

• Chicago & Boston: +6.6% & +6.3% YoY, respectively

• Tampa prices declined: -1.1% YoY

• West Coast markets struggle: San Francisco down 4.5% in the second half of 2024

What’s Driving Prices Up?

Despite high mortgage rates, inventory constraints are keeping prices elevated. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index, home prices rose 4.5% YoY and 1.4% from Q3 2024 to Q4 2024. With fewer homes for sale and demand still steady in key metros, price appreciation continues, though at a slower clip than in previous years.

Brian D. Luke, CFA, from S&P Dow Jones Indices, states:

Strong Markets:

✅ New York (+7.2%) – Booming urban market with high STR demand
✅ Chicago (+6.6%) – Affordable buy-in with steady price growth
✅ Boston (+6.3%) – All-time high, strong tourism and business traveler market

Cooling Markets:

🔻 Tampa (-1.1%) – Price softening creates entry opportunities for investors
🔻 San Francisco (-4.5%) – Declining home prices may offer value plays
🔻 Seattle & San Diego (-3% & -2.9%) – Cooling markets with STR-friendly regulations

Bottom Line

• Prices are still rising in some markets, but at a more moderate pace

• Northeast markets are surging, while West Coast markets are cooling

• Inventory shortages continue to support price growth

• Select cities like Tampa and San Francisco may offer better buying opportunities

With 19 straight months of price increases, the market still presents opportunities—but smart investors should focus on regional trends to maximize returns. Whether you're looking for strong cash-flowing markets or value buys in declining metros, understanding local price trends is key to making profitable STR investments.

Source Articles:

• Case-Shiller National House Price Index – Calculated Risk

• Home Prices Pick Up Steam – Scotsman Guide

• S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index – Advisor Perspectives

🤝 Pacaso and The Agency partner to bring luxury vacation home co-ownership to more buyers, expanding access to high-end properties through fractional ownership. This collaboration aims to make premium destinations more accessible to those who can't afford full ownership. 

🧠 Pacaso co-founder Austin Allison shares insights on the company's innovative approach to vacation home ownership in a comprehensive profile and interview. The fractional ownership model continues to disrupt traditional second home markets across desirable destinations.

🏠 Housing market experts are revising forecasts as inventory continues to grow. After years of shortages, the U.S. housing market is finally tilting in favor of buyers. Increased inventory levels and slower price growth are creating more opportunities for potential homeowners who have been sidelined in recent years.

🔑 Time to snag your dream home as market conditions shift. The housing landscape is evolving with more properties available and less frenzied competition. This marks a significant change from the last decade when sellers dominated negotiations and buyers often faced multiple bidding wars.

💰 Homebuyers are getting the largest discounts in two years as sellers become more willing to negotiate. With increased inventory and less competition, buyers now have more leverage to ask for concessions and price reductions than at any point since early 2023.

🏘️ Zillow just revised its 2025 home price forecast as market conditions continue to evolve. The real estate platform's updated projections reflect changing dynamics in different regions, with some areas expected to see modest growth while others may experience price corrections.

🔎 Las Vegas has been identified as the least stable housing market in the country, according to a new study. The research highlights volatility in pricing and demand, creating a challenging environment for both buyers and sellers in the desert metropolis.

🌊 Lake Travis-Westlake area near Austin is experiencing a surprising surge in home sales despite the broader market slowdown. This luxury enclave continues to attract affluent buyers looking for waterfront properties and premium amenities in the Texas capital.

📈 Illinois home sales, prices, and inventory all rose in January, bucking national trends in some categories. This triple increase indicates a market that's becoming more balanced while still maintaining strength in certain metrics.

🏙️ Orlando's housing market now has its highest inventory levels in years, giving buyers more options than they've had recently. The increased supply is creating more favorable conditions for those looking to purchase in central Florida.

📊 Sarasota-Manatee real estate data for January shows shifting market dynamics in this popular Florida region. The monthly report indicates changes in inventory, pricing, and days on market compared to previous periods.

🏗️ Columbus area home sales data for January reveals growing inventory levels, providing relief in a market that has been tight for years. The increased number of available properties is giving buyers more choices.

🔨 Housing starts are shifting to favor multifamily and build-to-rent properties, reflecting changing preferences and affordability challenges. This trend benefits investors and property managers focused on rental units rather than traditional homebuilders.

🍃 The spring selling season is going to be challenging for homebuilders as they navigate higher inventory, rising interest rates, and shifting buyer expectations. Companies are adjusting their strategies to attract customers in this more competitive environment.

💎 Luxury homebuilders are focusing their business on wealthy move-ups, empty nesters, and rich millennials who remain insulated from economic pressures affecting other segments. These demographic groups continue to fuel demand for high-end properties despite broader market hesitation.

🏝️ Cocoa Beach raises vacation rental fees to the highest in Florida, impacting short-term rental operators in this popular coastal destination. The significant increase is designed to address community concerns while generating additional revenue.

⚖️ Florida Governor Ron DeSantis backs a proposal to eliminate property taxes on homes without mortgages, which could significantly impact real estate ownership costs in the state. The initiative aims to benefit long-term homeowners who have paid off their properties.

📋 Pinellas County considers changes to short-term rental ordinance as tourism and housing needs continue to evolve in the Tampa Bay area. The proposed modifications aim to balance the interests of visitors, rental operators, and permanent residents.

🏔️ Summit Park residents call for short-term rental restrictions in their Utah community, citing concerns about neighborhood character and housing availability. The growing tension between tourism and residential needs mirrors debates happening across popular vacation destinations.

🌄 Aspen City Council reviews its short-term rental program as the luxury mountain destination balances tourism revenue with community housing needs. Officials are evaluating the effectiveness of existing regulations and considering potential adjustments.

⚡ Harry Potter-themed Airbnb owners were traumatized by $6,000 in damages caused by guests at their magical accommodation. The unfortunate incident highlights the risks vacation rental hosts face when offering unique themed experiences.

🌌 A cave Airbnb in Ohio offers adventurous travelers a unique underground accommodation experience. This distinctive property has become a popular destination for those seeking unusual lodging options beyond conventional hotels or vacation rentals.

🏭 Factory-built homes are attracting attention from Airbnb billionaire who sees potential in manufacturing efficiencies for the vacation rental market. The investment signals growing interest in innovative housing solutions for both permanent and temporary accommodations.

❓ Should you sell your U.S. vacation home? Canadian owners face this increasingly common question as currency fluctuations, tax considerations, and changing travel patterns impact the value proposition of cross-border property ownership.

🌴 Two American retirees moved to Spain and now enjoy a life of luxury in a house they purchased for just $46,000. Their story highlights the growing trend of international retirement migration to areas with lower costs of living and high quality of life.

⚠️ Federal authorities have issued a travel notice warning about violent crime at a popular spring break destination, urging travelers to exercise caution during their visits. The alert comes as many Americans prepare for vacation travel in the coming weeks.

🌍 U.S. travelers are putting their European travel plans on hold this year due to various factors including economic concerns, geopolitical tensions, and changing preferences. This shift is prompting many Americans to reconsider domestic destinations for their upcoming vacations.

🍁 Canada boycotts U.S. travel over trade war, costing American tourism $2.1 billion USD. The significant economic impact highlights how international relations can directly affect cross-border tourism and hospitality businesses.

⚠️ A serious Fed warning has sparked Bitcoin price crash fears among investors and market watchers. The cryptocurrency market continues to experience volatility as regulatory and monetary policy developments impact digital asset valuations.

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