🔥 Top 25 Trending STR Homes for Sale Across The USA

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Hello STR Scout Members,

Stay ahead in the STR market with this week’s insights and opportunities:

🔑 STR Classifieds: Explore 17 turnkey Airbnb properties for sale.

🏠 News Nuggets: Trending Airbnb, housing, and economy news.

📣 Airbnb Earning Learning: Summary of key takeaways for STR investors.

Happy Scouting!

Andy Thoms
Editor, STR Scout

🏔️ $645K | Sevierville, TN: Turnkey 2BD/2BA cabin in Wears Valley with top rental performance—Airbnb 4.98 rating from 50 reviews in under a year, ranked in top 10%! Fully furnished and operational. Perfect for a seamless 1031 exchange or investment. View Post

🔥 $1.345M | Ridgway, CO: Motivated seller, price negotiable, must close by Jan 1! 4BD/3BA on 2.2 acres with stunning views. Turnkey STR, 260+ 5-star reviews, fully booked. Includes separate 1BD unit. Furnishings included if bought by Dec 31. Rare income-generating gem! View Post

🏖️ $339K | Panama City Beach, FL: Charming 2BD/2BA townhome in Gulf Highlands. Close to the beach with great amenities—don’t miss this one! Perfect for a vacation home or investment. View Post

🏠 $434K | Davenport, FL: 3BD+1, 2BA, 2,000 sqft home on a 10,000 sqft lot. Community pool, playground, and paid-off solar panels—no electricity bills! Fully furnished and Airbnb-ready. Perfect for investors or families. View Post

🌅 $997K | Alligator Point, FL: Luxury 3BD/3.5BA bayfront home with bonus room in an STR-friendly HOA. Top 10% on Airbnb, 100% 5-star reviews, $66K gross in first year with potential for more. Priced below appraised value ($1.03M). Ideal for investors seeking strong returns. View Post

🏖️ $270K | Panama City Beach, FL: Updated 1BD/1BA condo, 2-min walk to beach, 3 miles to Pier Park. New roof, paint, flooring, furniture, and TV. Turnkey and ready for rentals! View Post

🌊 $1.36M | Avon, NC: 7BD all en suites in OBX on weekly rental program. Fully furnished with private pool, hot tub, and pool table. Perfect turnkey investment! View Post

🌊 $1.449M | Salvo, NC: 7BD/6BA ocean retreat in OBX, fully furnished and on a weekly rental program. Features private pool, hot tub, and sits on a quiet cul-de-sac. Strong rental potential! View Post

🏞️ $510K | Townsend, TN: Fully furnished 2BD cabin with $61,300 already booked for 2024 (projected $70K). Neighborhood pool, prime location. Turnkey STR investment! View Post

🌊 $799K | South Nags Head, NC: Established 4BD oceanfront rental in OBX with $87,883 booked for 2024. Barefoot beach living at its finest! Sunday turnovers for easy management. View Post

🏊 $1.2M | Sevierville, TN: 4BD + bunk room, 4BA, 3,120 sqft cabin with indoor pool and mountain views! Turnkey STR opportunity. Ideal location for high occupancy and strong returns. View Post

🏰 $600K | Kissimmee, FL: 5BD/5BA STR near Disney in gated community with 24/7 security. Corner lot with themed bedrooms, private pool, and jacuzzi. Over 3,000 sqft, fully furnished. Ideal for vacationers and investors! DM for financials. View Post

🌊 $834K | Perdido Key, FL: Stunning 3BD/3.5BA 2-story condo in Perdido Towers with Gulf views from every room. 400 feet of beachfront, heated pool, sundeck, boat docks, tennis, and 24/7 beach access. Top rental grossing $100K+ annually. Perfect for a luxurious getaway or investment! View Post

🏡 $980K | Dallas, TX: Versatile full duplex with 5BD/6BA, ideal for STR, multi-gen living, or rental. Live in one side, rent the other! Spacious outdoor areas, multi-family zoned, minutes from everything. Furniture negotiable, owner financing available. View Post

🎿 $635K | Beech Mountain, NC: 5BD/3BA chalet just 5 mins from ski resort. Features hot tub, new firepit, appliances, and mattresses. No HOA. Grossed $77K in 2023, with potential for $80-85K. Selling due to market challenges—ready for a fresh start. Serious inquiries only; title transfer via local NC law firm. View Post

🏔️ $850K | Sevierville, TN: Off-market cabin with creative financing—only 8% down! 3.37% mortgage rate, $3,245/mo total payments. Strong $85K/yr income, no HOA. Perfect for investors; furniture refresh could boost bookings! View Post

🚨 $450K | St. Louis, MO: Investor opportunity! Successful STR with 9% cap rate, $70K+ gross revenue, and $40K+ NOI. Prime location minutes from top attractions. Turnkey, high cash flow, proven track record. Don’t miss out! View Post

⛷️ $307K & $315K | Bartlett, NH: Two turnkey 2BD/1BA golf course condos across from Storyland and close to 5 ski resorts. New ACs, patios, and furnishings. Strong rental history, $30-35K annually each. On-site pool, golf, and clubhouse. Low taxes and HOA. Ideal year-round investment! View Post

🌴 $425K | Cape Coral, FL: Inviting 3BD/2BA, 1,429 sqft home, perfect for seasonal living or STR. Open layout, granite kitchen, stainless appliances, and breakfast bar. Private fenced backyard. Prime location near dining and shops. Move-in ready! View Post

🏙️ $225K | Denver, CO: Coming soon 1BD/1BA condo across from Rose Medical Center—perfect MTR investment for travel nurses! Close to new bars and dining. Open House Nov 16, 1-4PM. View Post

🏡 $270K | Liberty, MO: Fully renovated 4BD/2BA with fresh paint, luxury vinyl floors, and new stainless-steel appliances. Finished walkout basement opens to lush backyard. Stylish and move-in ready! View Post

🏡 $300K | Portland, OR: Profitable MTR investment! 3BD/2BA townhome generating $5,400/month in rent with 30-day minimum stay. Professionally managed. DSCR loan with 25% down required due to rental cap in complex. Great income opportunity! View Post

🌊 $2.9M | San Diego, CA: Waterfront 4-unit building in Sunset Cliffs! Each 1BD/1BA unit offers ocean views, natural light, and a cozy coastal vibe. Projected $314K annual income with transferable Airbnb permit. Prime location near beaches, parks, dining, and shops. Perfect for investors seeking high returns and laid-back coastal lifestyle. View Post

🏔️ $1.2M | Sevierville, TN: Secluded 3BD/3.5BA cabin on 5+ acres with panoramic mountain views! Fully furnished, high-earning STR with $137K booked for 2024. Includes bunk space, cozy stone fireplace, and 2-story detached garage framed for expansion. Ideal luxury retreat or income property. View Post

🏖️ $649K | Gulf Shores, AL: Coveted lower-floor beachfront condo, 3BD/2BA, stunning east & west gulf views from private balcony. New LVP floors & 2023 HVAC. Top-notch amenities—pools, sauna, fitness center, BBQ area. Walk to The Hangout, festivals, dining, shopping! Priced $20K below last sale. View Post

Airbnb

New York City's Short-Term Rental Crackdown Intensifies. New York City has implemented stricter regulations on short-term rentals, significantly impacting Airbnb hosts. The new rules require hosts to register with the city and limit the number of guests and duration of stays. This move aims to address housing shortages and maintain neighborhood integrity. Read more

Airbnb Enhances Safety Measures for Hosts and Guests. In response to safety concerns, Airbnb has introduced new protocols, including identity verification and 24/7 support. The company is also expanding its insurance coverage to protect hosts from property damage. These initiatives aim to build trust within the Airbnb community. Read more

Airbnb Partners with Local Governments to Boost Tourism. Airbnb has announced partnerships with several U.S. cities to promote tourism and support local economies. These collaborations include marketing campaigns and the development of unique travel experiences. The goal is to attract more visitors and provide economic benefits to local communities. Read more

Airbnb Launches 'Airbnb Rooms' for Budget Travelers. Catering to budget-conscious travelers, Airbnb has introduced 'Airbnb Rooms,' offering affordable private room rentals. This initiative provides guests with cost-effective lodging options while allowing hosts to maximize their property usage. The move is expected to appeal to solo travelers and those seeking authentic local experiences. Read more

Housing

Mortgage Rates Rise Following Presidential Election. Mortgage rates increased after Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election. The 30-year mortgage rate rose by 9 basis points as financial markets responded to the election results. Analysts suggest that Trump's policies may lead to more volatility in the housing market and potentially higher rates into 2025. Read more

Zillow's Strategic Expansion Amid Sluggish Market. Zillow Group is set to report its third-quarter earnings, projecting $555 million in revenue with a net loss of $40 million. Despite a sluggish housing market, Zillow's strategic expansion into streamlined homebuying services, branded as a housing super-app, excites analysts. These services include climate risk scores and phrase-based search tools, aiming to drive faster revenue growth compared to the national housing market. Read more

Homebuyer Demographics Shift Amid High Costs. The National Association of Realtors reports that the average age of homebuyers has risen to 56 years in 2024, the oldest since records began in 1981. High mortgage rates and home prices have made it increasingly difficult for younger and first-time buyers to enter the market. Read more

Housing Inventory Reaches Highest Level Since 2019. The housing market has surged with the highest inventory levels since 2019, offering relief to buyers after two years of rising prices and declining inventory. October saw a 29.2% increase in homes for sale compared to the previous year, with significant gains in former pandemic hot spots such as Austin, Memphis, and Orlando. Read more

Trump Voters Prioritize Basic Needs Over Housing Affordability. A recent Redfin survey shows that while housing affordability is a significant issue for Trump supporters in the 2024 election, it is overshadowed by the rising costs of everyday essentials such as groceries and gas. Only 29% of early Trump voters cited housing costs as a factor in their decision, whereas 43% of Harris supporters emphasized housing affordability. Read more

Affordable Rental Markets Identified Amid Rising Costs. New research by Realtor.com reveals the top five U.S. cities where you can rent a home for less than $1,500 a month, amidst soaring rental prices nationwide. Oklahoma City, Columbus, Cleveland, Memphis, and San Antonio are highlighted as the most affordable. Read more

Housing Market Faces Uncertainties Ahead of 2025. The housing market faces uncertainties with high interest rates and low inventory levels, causing buyers to hesitate. Experts predict stabilization rather than a crash for 2025, with rates expected to decline, improving home sales and affordability. Read more

Home Sales Slow to Weakest Annual Pace in Nearly 14 Years. In September, U.S. home sales fell to the lowest annual pace in nearly 14 years, with existing home sales decreasing by 1% from August to an annual rate of 3.84 million. Despite lower mortgage rates and increasing property supplies, sales have remained sluggish. Read more

Single-Family Homebuilding Hits Five-Month High. U.S. single-family homebuilding surged to a five-month high in September, although the outlook remains dim due to a modest rise in permits for future construction. Read more

Housing Market Expected to Thaw in 2025. Experts predict that the housing market will likely thaw in 2025, with home sales expected to rise as mortgage rates and inflation decline. Home prices are expected to mostly hold their value due to lack of supply. Read more

U.S. Economy

U.S. Economy Grows at 2.8% Annual Rate in Q3. The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.8% annual rate in the third quarter, driven by robust consumer spending and increased exports. This growth reflects the economy's resilience amid high interest rates and inflation concerns. Read more

Service Sector Experiences Fastest Growth in Over Two Years. Service-oriented companies, including retailers and restaurants, reported their fastest growth in more than two years in October. The Institute for Supply Management's index for service businesses rose to 56%, indicating strong economic momentum. Read more

Federal Reserve Signals Gradual Interest Rate Cuts. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank is preparing for gradual interest rate cuts, moving towards a more neutral stance. This approach aims to support economic growth while managing inflationary pressures. Read more

Inflation Reaches Lowest Point Since February 2021. Inflation in the U.S. dropped to its lowest level since early 2021, with consumer prices rising just 2.4% in September compared to a year earlier. This decline adds to the positive economic outlook as the presidential race concludes. Read more

Stock Market Reacts Positively to Economic Indicators. Following the release of strong economic data, including GDP growth and service sector expansion, the stock market experienced significant gains. Major indices reached record highs, reflecting investor confidence in the economy's trajectory. Read more

Economists Express Concerns Over Potential Inflationary Policies. Some economists have raised concerns that proposed policies, such as increased tariffs and large-scale deportation programs, could lead to inflation rather than the promised economic growth. These measures may introduce uncertainty and higher prices in the market. Read more

Consumer Confidence Rebounds Amid Economic Growth. Consumer confidence has rebounded, supported by strong economic indicators such as GDP growth and low inflation. This renewed optimism suggests continued economic expansion into 2025. Read more

Labor Market Remains Steady with Low Unemployment Rates. The labor market remains steady, with low unemployment rates and consistent job creation. This stability contributes to the overall positive economic outlook as the year concludes. Read more

Airbnb Q3 2024 Earnings Summary for STR Investors

This summary provides key insights and considerations from Airbnb’s recent Q3 2024 earnings call, relevant to short-term rental (STR) investors. Alongside strong financial results, Airbnb is focusing on mainstreaming hosting, enhancing service quality, and expanding globally. However, certain areas of concern, raised during the call by analysts, highlight potential challenges in regulatory and market dynamics that STR investors should consider.

Key Takeaways from Airbnb Q3 2024 Earnings Call

Performance Overview

• Airbnb reported 10% revenue growth to $3.7 billion, with net income at $1.4 billion (a 37% margin).

• Free cash flow hit $1.1 billion for Q3, and total 12-month free cash flow was $4.1 billion, enabling a $1.1 billion stock repurchase in Q3.

Strategic Initiatives

1. Mainstream Hosting

   • Airbnb’s platform expanded to 8 million active listings, aided by the Cohost Network, allowing owners to hire experienced cohosts to manage listings. Significant early interest has shown growth potential.

   • However, the reliance on part-time hosts and new cohost models may lead to some quality inconsistency.

2. Enhancing Core Services

   • Airbnb emphasized quality control, removing 300,000 low-quality listings to enhance guest experience and reduce customer service contacts.

   • 50+ new upgrades were implemented to personalize and simplify the app experience, though consistent quality remains a goal.

3. Global Expansion & Market Focus

   • Airbnb is targeting emerging markets like Japan and Brazil, adapting strategies to local needs with new payment options and brand awareness campaigns.

   • Analysts pointed out regulatory challenges, particularly in New York City, which could limit rental inventory and earnings for STR investors in high-demand areas.

Market & Demographic Insights

• Booking Lead Times Normalizing: Bookings grew each month in Q3, with lead times stabilizing, especially in European markets.

• App Utilization Grows: 58% of nights booked now occur on the Airbnb app, with growth among young first-time bookers.

• Affordability and Pricing: Initiatives like Total Price Display and host pricing tools are helping Airbnb remain price competitive against hotels, though local price pressures may still affect affordability.

Product Innovation & Customer Service

• Customer Service Transformation: Airbnb is investing in AI-powered customer service for improved guest support, adding personalized and action-based assistance.

• Reliability Initiatives: With over 200 million nights booked on "Guest Favorites" listings, Airbnb is enhancing reliability, lowering service contacts, and increasing guest satisfaction.

Areas of Concern Highlighted in the Q3 Earnings Call

Analysts highlighted several areas of caution that may impact STR investors:

• Regulatory Challenges in Key Markets
  Regulatory issues remain a significant concern, especially in markets like New York City, where recent restrictions affect short-term rentals. Airbnb’s leadership described New York as a “cautionary tale,” where restrictions have not reduced rent prices. However, the company is optimistic about potential future regulatory changes.

• Margin Pressures and Increased Marketing Spend
  Airbnb expects Q4 EBITDA margins to compress slightly, around 27-28%, due to investments in global expansion and seasonal marketing. While these are strategic moves for future growth, increased costs could pressure short-term profitability.

• Quality Control Through Supply Removals
  The decision to remove 300,000 low-quality listings supports Airbnb’s commitment to quality, but it has slightly impacted overall supply growth. To counter this, the Cohost Network aims to attract high-quality supply. Though promising, it’s still in the early stages and will take time to reach substantial scale.

• Revenue Growth from New Services
  Airbnb’s new services are set to launch in over 100 cities, but CEO Brian Chesky noted they may take time to impact revenue significantly. While the company anticipates long-term returns, these investments may initially frontload costs. Investors should remain patient as these new services build traction over the coming years.

Summary

Airbnb’s Q3 2024 results reflect strong financial growth with a focus on enhancing user experience, service quality, and expanding global reach. Nonetheless, regulatory challenges, operational costs, and the early stages of new strategic initiatives highlight areas for STR investors to monitor. As Airbnb introduces new services and faces regulatory shifts in core markets, STR Scout will keep you informed on these developments to weigh growth opportunities against market risks.