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Hello STR Scout Members,

In today’s issue:

🔑 STR Classifieds: Discover 5 Trending STR Homes for Sale and Deals Priced from $103k!

📰 News Nuggets: Trending Airbnb, Housing, and Economic News to stay ahead in today’s market.

Happy Holidays!

— The STR Scout Team

^{TOGETHER WITH HOST FINANCIAL}

Short-Term Rental Loans That Make Sense

Found the perfect vacation rental property but can't get traditional financing?

You're not alone. While banks remain stuck in the past, Host Financial has revolutionized STR investing with loans that actually match how your business works.

No more explaining Airbnb economics to skeptical loan officers. Host Financial qualifies you based on what matters: your property's earning potential in the short-term rental market.

"I scaled from one property to five in 18 months using Host Financial," shares Sarah M., an STR investor. "Traditional banks couldn't see the potential. Host Financial got it immediately – and now my portfolio generates six figures annually."

What Makes Host Financial Different:

✓ Qualification based on STR income potential
✓ 60-second approval process
✓ Higher leverage with STR-optimized loans
✓ Available in 47 states
✓ Portfolio-friendly lending

"When I found my dream vacation rental, waiting weeks for bank approval wasn't an option," says Mark C. "Host Financial got me approved in days. I closed before other investors even finished their traditional loan applications."

Think about it: Every day you wait is another prime STR property lost to faster-moving investors. The booming short-term rental market won't wait – and now, you don't have to either.

Ready to move fast on your next STR deal? Here's how:

1. Get your quote in 60 seconds (no credit impact)

2. Choose your customized loan solution

3. Close quickly and start earning

Your next profitable STR property is out there right now. The only question is: Will you have the financing to grab it?

Visit hostfinancial.com now for your 60-second quote.

🌊 $219K-$265K | Myrtle Beach, SC: 4 updated 1BD & 2BD condos hitting the market! Gorgeous ocean views, prime location. Perfect for investment or vacation home. Don’t miss out! View Post

See more Myrtle Beach, SC STR homes for sale priced from $149,000.

🏕️ Big Bear Lake, CA: Fully furnished cabin w/ 4.97-star rating & 150 nights rented in 2023! 30 nights booked for 2025. Popular Airbnb w/ repeat guests. Serious buyers only—no realtor inquiries. View Post

See more Big Bear Cabins STR homes for sale priced from $149,000.

🌄 $639K | Lake Lure, NC: Stunning 4BD/4BA Cape Cod home, 3,332 sqft. Features gourmet kitchen, remodeled basement w/ movie theater, wet bar, pool room, & hot tub. $132K STR income (June '23–July '24). View Post

See more Lake Lure, NC STR homes for sale priced from $135,000.

🎭 $214k to $219.5k | Branson, MO: 3 turnkey STR units, just reduced! Seller financing available w/ 20% down. Fully equipped & guest-ready. Perfect investment opportunity. View Post

See more Branson, MO homes for sale priced from $103,000.

🌄 $745K | Gatlinburg, TN: Charming remodeled A-Frame in Chalet Village! Turnkey STR, perfect mountain chalet dream. Off-market sale by owner. Buyer agent commission offered. DM for details. View Post

See more Gatlinburg, TN homes for sale priced from $222,000.

Do you need a STR Loan Quote? Contact Host Financial.

Mortgage Rate Watch

As of December 26, 2024, Freddie Mac reported the following average mortgage rates:

Rates are trending upward, reaching their highest levels since mid-July.

For the most competitive DSCR loan interest rates for STR purchase and refinance, contact our trusted partner Host Financial for a quick quote.

STR Scout Newsletter: Your Bi-Weekly Insights

Short Term Rental

🌐 Airbnb bets big on luxury to charm travelers. In a bid to compete with hotels, Airbnb is rolling out high-end accommodations that blend convenience with opulence. These hotel-like stays, complete with concierge services, signal a shift as the platform adapts to changing traveler preferences. Explore more luxury experiences.

🏛️ Historic hotels find new life through Airbnb. The Sherwood Hotel in Greene, New York, is now offering accommodations via Airbnb, reflecting a growing trend of blending heritage with modern hospitality. This pivot attracts history enthusiasts and travelers looking for unique stays. Read more on Sherwood Hotel.

✈️ Rome and Paris lead as top Airbnb cities despite challenges. Iconic destinations like Rome and Paris remain hotspots for short-term rentals, even as local governments tighten regulations. Travelers continue to prioritize cultural capitals for memorable experiences. Dive into short-term rental trends.

⚖️ New York tightens the reins on short-term rentals. Recent rules in New York are creating hurdles for STR operators, focusing on ensuring fair practices and preserving housing availability for residents. This could reshape the market for urban rentals. Check out the new rules.

🔒 STR safety under scrutiny after high-profile incidents. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO are stepping up efforts to address safety risks for both guests and hosts, introducing measures to build trust and improve experiences. Uncover the safety focus.

Housing

📉 Florida home prices could dip in high-risk zones. Coastal and hurricane-prone areas face a housing market shake-up in 2025, with insurers pulling back coverage and costs rising. Experts predict some markets could lose their edge. Explore price risks.

📊 Housing supply sees a surprising year-end rise. Redfin reports a 12% increase in home inventory compared to last year. While this gives buyers more options, it’s also a sign that demand might be cooling. Learn more about housing trends.

💡 The U.S. housing stock ages into a new era. With a median home age of over 40 years, the U.S. housing market faces challenges like outdated designs and rising renovation costs. Modernizing these homes could create fresh opportunities for builders and investors. Understand the age factor.

🏠 Housing costs remain a stubborn inflation driver. The White House and Federal Reserve flagged housing as a key factor keeping inflation elevated. Rent increases and mortgage costs are expected to challenge economic stability next year. Learn more about housing inflation.

🚶 Homelessness rates rise amid affordability crisis. A combination of skyrocketing rents and stagnant wages has left more people unhoused. Advocates are calling for stronger intervention to address this growing humanitarian challenge. Examine the housing crisis.

Economy

💳 Holiday spending drives record credit card debt. As consumers splurge on gifts, travel, and dining, credit card balances are poised to hit all-time highs. Experts warn that rising interest rates could make repayment tougher in 2025. Explore the debt spike.

📈 Mortgage rates finish the year on a high note. Rates climbed back to 6.85%, reflecting economic uncertainty despite signs of inflation easing. Homebuyers are feeling the squeeze as affordability takes a hit. Delve into rate increases.

🏠 Housing costs remain a stubborn inflation driver. The White House and Federal Reserve flagged housing as a key factor keeping inflation elevated. Rent increases and mortgage costs are expected to challenge economic stability next year. Learn more about housing inflation.

Destinations

🌴 Costa Rica woos North American retirees with ease of living. Affordable healthcare, a pleasant climate, and friendly tax policies make Costa Rica a top choice for retirees seeking a peaceful yet adventurous lifestyle abroad. Learn about moving to Costa Rica.

🇲🇽 Mexico outpaces Caribbean neighbors in tourism growth. The country’s record-breaking visitor numbers reflect its growing appeal, thanks to diverse experiences ranging from beaches to cultural landmarks. Mexico’s rise is reshaping the region's travel dynamics. Check out tourism trends.

🏡 Vacation homes surge in top U.S. markets. Cities like Scottsdale and Asheville are seeing increased demand for second homes, as remote work and lifestyle changes influence buyer decisions. These markets blend leisure with investment opportunities. Explore vacation trends.

🎨 Historic hotels combine art and hospitality. From themed rooms to gallery-inspired spaces, hotels are weaving creativity into the guest experience, appealing to both art enthusiasts and luxury travelers. Explore the trend.