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🔥STR Classifieds | Proven Performers, Fresh Drops, Gulf to Smokies
Smart money's securing STR financing now. Here's why
Conventional rates hit 5.99%, three-year lows, with 89% odds the Fed cuts next Tuesday. Why locking STR financing now might position you for winter's best deals instead of joining the spring stampede.
Inside:
5 Agent Picks: Turnkey STR performers—cabins, coastal, cash-flowing
11 Featured Posts: Fresh price drops and new STR listings from The Poconos to Broken Bow to the Gulf Coast
The case for positioning STR financing now: Pre-approval or cash-out while winter softness creates opportunity
The best STR deals will surface in the next 90 days, now's the time to connect—find a vetted STR agent to scout the best deals
Happy scouting,
Andy Thoms
Editor, STR Scout
Scout STR Deals. Connect with Local Insiders. Conduct Thorough Due Diligence.
Why Exploring Your STR Financing Options—Before Year-End—Might Be Smarter Than Waiting
December 3, 2025
With the Fed likely cutting rates to 3.25–3.5% next week (markets are pricing in 89% odds CNBC), you'd think the smart move is to wait for even lower rates. But here's what we're seeing that might shift your thinking.
The Case for Positioning Now
Mortgage rates on conventional loans hit 5.99% yesterday—3-year lows CBS News. That's compelling financing by any recent standard. And here's the nuance most people miss: rate cuts don't automatically translate to better buying opportunities.
Just last week, December cut odds sat at 30%. Today they're over 75%. Yahoo Finance What changed? NY Fed President Williams signaled support for further cuts to move "closer to neutral." Goldman Sachs The market heard him loud and clear.
Why Winter Could Favor Prepared Buyers
We're heading into what might be an interesting window. Sellers are delisting at the fastest pace in nearly a decade, pulling inventory off the table rather than accepting lower offers. The seasonal slowdown combined with weakening sentiment suggests winter doldrums could bring some softening.
That's where having your financing locked becomes an edge. The best deals will emerge over the next 60-90 days, and you'll likely be competing against cash buyers who've been waiting on the sidelines.
Having pre-approved STR financing means you can move decisively when opportunities surface.
The Spring Equation
Lower rates next year could complicate homebuying amid greater competition for still-limited inventory. CBS News
Think about the timing: if rates drop another 50-75 basis points by March, every investor who's been sitting out suddenly runs the same math. Inventory stays tight because sellers waited for spring, and you're bidding against a flood of newly motivated buyers.
The properties you could negotiate on today at 6% might cost 15% more in April—even if rates are at 5.5%.
Consider This Approach
Rather than waiting for the "perfect" rate environment, there's an argument for getting positioned now:
For current owners: This might be the time to pull equity at historically favorable rates while it's available. If you're planning 2026 acquisitions, having capital ready lets you act when winter softness creates opportunities. Waiting until rates drop further could mean facing tighter lending conditions or higher property prices that offset any rate advantage.
For buyers: Lock your financing now, then hunt strategically through winter. We're expecting more motivated sellers as we move deeper into December and January. Having your capital ready means you're shopping for value at the optimal time—not racing the spring crowd.
The Uncertainty Factor
Will this play out exactly as we're sketching? Maybe, maybe not. Markets are unpredictable. What we're reasonably confident about: rates are favorable right now, inventory dynamics are shifting in many STR markets, and seasonal patterns suggest winter could bring buying opportunities for those who are prepared.
The question isn't whether to wait for rates to drop another 50 basis points. It's whether you want to be ready when good deals emerge—or whether you want to join the spring competition when everyone else decides conditions are "finally perfect."
Host Financial, today’s sponsor, works with STR investors who think three moves ahead. That might mean locking financing now, staying patient through the holidays, and being ready to move when the right opportunity presents itself.
Processing Fee Waived for STR Scout Members
⭐ $1,499,000 | Escondido, CA
4 BD / 3 BA | 2,400 sqft | Single family home | $625/sqft
Key Takeaways for STR Investors
Fully furnished income-producing STR grossing over $150,000 annually
Active 4.9-star Airbnb with 80+ reviews
Turnkey setup with management and maintenance agreements in place
Resort-style amenities including pool with slide, hot tub, game room, and outdoor entertainment areas
No HOA
Listing information provided by: North County Associated Brkrs, CRMLS NDP2510778
⭐ $675,900 | Mars Hill, NC
3 BD / 4 BA | 2,349 sqft | Single family home (cabin) | $288/sqft
Key Takeaways for STR Investors
Fully furnished cabin in Scenic Wolf Resort, less than 50 yards from Hatley Pointe ski slopes
Strong STR demand with similar cabins earning over $100K annually
Hot tub, panoramic long-range views, and year-round mountain tourism draw
STR allowed per community restrictions; turnkey mountain rental opportunity
Days on market: 78
Listing information provided by: EXP Realty LLC, Canopy MLS 4302418
⭐ $975,000 | Mars Hill, NC
3 BD / 3 BA | 2,650 sqft | Single family home | $368/sqft
Key Takeaways for STR Investors
Fully furnished and professionally redesigned in 2025
STR allowed in Wolf Laurel (per restrictions)
High-demand location just 0.7 miles from Hatley Pointe ski area
Strong amenity package including hot tub, sauna, game room, massage chair, and designer interiors
Days on market: 98
Listing information provided by: EXP Realty LLC, Canopy MLS 4289820
⭐ $746,750 | Sevierville, TN
2 BD / 2 BA | 1,200 sqft | Cabin | $622/sqft
Key Takeaways for STR Investors
Fully turnkey and includes all furnishings
Sleeps up to 8 guests with hot tub, sauna, fire pit, and outdoor projector
Minutes from Pigeon Forge in a high-demand STR market
Low HOA at $50/mo
Days on market: 171
Listing information provided by: Real Broker, Great Smoky Mountains Association of REALTORS® 306959
⭐ $395,000 | Indianapolis, IN
4 BD / 3.5 BA | 2,588 sqft | Single family home | $153/sqft
Key Takeaways for STR Investors
Turnkey, fully furnished, cash-flowing short-term rental
Fully renovated with updated electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, siding, and windows (2023)
Two primary suites plus additional guest-friendly bedroom setups
Garage includes a game room; walkable location near restaurants, coffee shop, and Garfield Park
Days on market: 12
Listing information provided by: Keller Williams Indy Metro NE, MIBOR MLS 2207157
🔹 View Details $275k – Poconos, PA
3BD/2BA, 1,200 sqft. STR-licensed and turnkey in gated Stillwater Estates. Updated ranch close to Kalahari and I-380, active Airbnb and priced to move.
🔹 View Details $379k – Westminster, SC
3BD/2BA log cabin with Lake Hartwell access. Price improvement! Includes 3 lots, community amenities, and STR-friendly zoning; rustic charm meets rental potential.
🔹 View Details $430k – Zionville, NC
2 units on one lot with hot tub and mountain views. New lower price! Proven Airbnb history, great setup for guest flexibility or dual use.
🔹 View Details $515k – Broken Bow, OK
2BD/1BA A-frame on 1.2 acres near Hochatown. Brand-new and fully furnished with hot tub, sauna, firepit. Luxury cabin appeal + STR ready.
🔹 View Details $508k – Gatlinburg, TN
2BD/1.5BA yurt-style cabin near Parkway. Hot tub, mountain views, and fireplace. $69k gross annually, STR-ready and held in LLC. Includes 2% seller credit.
🔹 View Details $550k – Burnsville, NC
2BD/2BA mountain retreat with $77k STR / $54k LTR income potential. Fully furnished and in-town location. PRICE DROP just announced!
🔹 View Details $608k – Gatlinburg, TN
2BD/2.5BA + bonus room near Ski Mountain Rd. Mountain + strip views, hot tub, propane fire table, $65k gross in 2024, est. $73k in 2025. 2% seller credit offered.
🔹 View Details $3.98M – Cumming, GA
8BD/8.5BA, 14,278 sqft on 7.3 acres. Designer-furnished estate with theater, music studio, bunk room, pool, game room & 5-car garage. Strong ROI cash flow, fully STR-stocked, and set up for weddings or WANDER hosting.
🔹 View Details $589.9k – Destin, FL
3BD/2BA, 1,740 sqft. Gulf views + private beach access. No 2025 HOA increases. STR allowed, garage parking, resort amenities. Great coastal income producer.
🔹 View Details $950k – Port St. Joe, FL
5BD/3BA, 3,400 sqft. STR powerhouse w/ $120k+ yearly income. Heated pool, beach proximity, sub-4% mortgage, and seller carryback with cash flow built in.
🔹 View Details $1.325M – Pencil Bluff, AR
Riverfront resort on 13.4 acres. 4 cabins, 14 campsites, main home. STR + campground income, Superhost, turnkey with branding. Hipcamp Top 5 in Arkansas.
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