🚧 We’re Building What Comes Next

For over 100 weeks, we’ve delivered foundational market insights and trends to help STR investors make smarter, more confident decisions.

Not as gurus. Not as marketers.

But as fellow investors who’ve been through every real estate cycle — and who believe better decisions come from better context.

I’m Andy Thoms — a retired mortgage executive who funded over $5 billion in investor loans, and a long-term STR investor investing in more than 150 doors across the U.S. and abroad. I’ve spent decades in real estate and lending, scouting, and built STR Scout to give investors a clear, trusted source of intel — free from fluff, sales pitches, or hype.

Along the way, in 2017 I launched STR Homes for Sale to sell Airbnb spec homes. It has since blossomed into the largest online marketplace for buying and selling short-term rentals, connecting buyers and sellers across the country.

Through that journey, one thing became clear:

The investors winning right now aren’t guessing — they’re reading the market.

👇 What We’re Launching: STR Scout Pro

This isn’t a course. It’s not a platform.

It’s a trusted source — built from real life experience, and designed to deliver what actually matters:

✔️ Early reads on where markets are heading
✔️ Exclusive deal flow and price trend insights
✔️ On-the-ground scouting reports and local contacts we’d use ourselves
✔️ Full access to STR Scout classifieds, market briefings, and investor playbooks
✔️ Ad-free, high-integrity analysis — curated weekly for serious investors

🧭 Why STR Scout Pro?

Because too many investors are flying blind.

STR Scout Pro doesn’t tell you what to do — it gives you what you need to decide wisely.

This is the next evolution of the newsletter you already trust — a deeper layer of insight, opportunity, and strategy designed for this moment in the market cycle.

Whether you’re buying, holding, exiting, or expanding — this is built for you.

⏳ What’s Next

We’re in pre-launch — and founding members will get early access, preferred pricing, and priority visibility into every report and resource we’re rolling out.

If STR Scout has brought you value so far — STR Scout Pro will take you further.

🙏 Thank You

We’ve poured decades of experience — and the last two years of relentless research, scouting, and publishing — into building a source you can trust.

STR Scout Pro is for those who want to cut through the noise and act with clarity.

Thanks for being part of this journey.

More soon.

– Andy T.
Founder, STR Scout

💼 We’re Building What Comes Next in This Global STR Market - Unbiased Intel

Todays STR Scout letter is brought to you by Host Financial:

🔑 Meet Your STR Funding Partner

In a lending market that shifts by the week, getting approved is no longer enough — you need a partner who knows how to navigate every twist without slowing you down.

If you’re buying a short-term rental, you shouldn’t be underwritten like a long-term landlord. That’s why Host Financial helps you qualify using actual STR income from Airbnb, VRBO, or AirDNA projections — not outdated market rents that limit your buying power.

And if rates drop mid-process? You don’t miss out. Your deal pivots automatically to lock in better terms. No delays. No do-overs.

This is what we do — STR loans, every day, in 48 states. We work the market so you can work your deals.

Sourced from the largest STR buyer/seller network online.

🏠 Top 10 Picks Trending Now

Explore this week’s top-performing, investor-focused STR opportunities—organized by region for fast, intelligent discovery.

🏜 Arizona

🔹 View Details $135k – Tucson, AZ
Prime Tucson location condo near UMC & U of A. First-floor 1BR unit with parking, appliances included. Turnkey for student, professional, or investor.

🏞 Texas Hill Country

🔹 View Details $615k – Canyon Lake, TX
$85K gross in 2024! STR-ready lakehouse with panoramic views, beach-entry pool, EV charger, and hot tub. No HOA, half-acre lot, turnkey & self-managed.

🏖 Florida Coast

🔹 View Details $809k – Palm Coast, FL
Projected $125K income! Direct oceanfront 3BR condo in luxury resort. Turnkey with bookings, 7 pools, lazy river, golf & fitness. Premium vacation appeal.

🔹 View Details $650k – Englewood, FL
Waterfront 2BR canal home w/ private dock & pool. Mid-century modern charm, vaulted ceilings, terrazzo floors. No HOA/CDD, great STR potential.

🌄 Smoky Mountains – TN

🔹 View Details $630k – Gatlinburg, TN
$88K gross in 2024! 2BR turnkey cabin in resort w/ grotto pool, game loft, hot tub & mountain views. Fully furnished & STR-ready with creative financing.

🔹 View Details $750k – Sevierville, TN
$80K+ gross! 2BR + kids’ room, sleeps 10. Game room, new hot tub, fire pit, deck, generator & future pool access. Fully furnished, turnkey & 4 miles to GSMNP.

🔹 View Details $1.7M – Pigeon Forge, TN
Custom 5BR, 7BA cabin w/ full-size indoor pool and sweeping views. STR-ready with level parking and luxury finishes. Minutes to Pigeon Forge attractions.

🔹 View Details $1.375M – Gatlinburg, TN
Luxury 2BR + bonus in Chalet Village. Chef's kitchen, 27-ft fireplace, game loft, private spa & epic Mt. LeConte views. Not your average STR cabin.

🏔 Poconos – Pennsylvania

🔹 View Details $289k – Long Pond, PA
$52K income in 2024! 1.33-acre lot w/ creek, hot tub, clubhouse access. Turnkey & furnished, Emerald Lake gem near lakes, ski resorts & beaches.

🔹 View Details $3.6M – Pennsylvania
#1 PA Airbnb by AirDNA. $567K gross in 2023, fully turnkey, pro team, marketing & furniture included. Jersey Shore filmed here! Owner-direct sale.

🌲 Pacific Northwest

🔹 View Details $849k – Portland, OR
Unique MTR/mixed-use gem in Kerns. 5BR total across 2 units, café-ready with commercial kitchen, La Marzocco espresso, ADA lift, office & STR upside.

🧠 5 Pro Tips | Smarter STR Moves

Quick wins and actionable insights.

1️⃣ Target Regulation-Friendly Growth Markets

Pro Move: Invest where demand and legislation align

Focus your acquisitions on STR markets with rising demand, stable regulations, and year-over-year growth. In 2025, several secondary cities are outperforming due to regulatory relief and unique travel demand. Use data platforms to analyze supply, demand, occupancy, ADR, and local regulation sentiment before making offers. Avoid saturated areas to maximize long-term cash flow.

2️⃣ Automate for Pricing and Efficiency Gains

Why It Works: Dynamic rates and smart ops boost ROI

Use dynamic pricing tools and smart home tech to optimize nightly rates and automate guest touchpoints. Dynamic pricing can increase revenue by up to 40%, while automation—smart locks, thermostats, and messaging—saves time and enhances guest satisfaction. Scaling with efficiency is critical as host competition intensifies.

3️⃣ Hunt Motivated Sellers for Better Deals

Revenue Boost Tip: Use DOM and price drops as leverage
With rising rates and slower listing turnover, many STR owners are eager to exit. Look for listings with extended days on market and multiple price cuts. Motivated sellers often accept concessions—on price, furnishings, or seller financing. This opens the door for turnkey deals at below-market prices.

4️⃣ Prioritize Cash Flow and Real Performance

Pro Move: Underwrite based on actuals, not projections
Skip speculative plays. Focus on STRs with strong trailing 12-month income, high occupancy, and consistent net operating income. Validate numbers with local property managers—not just agents—to confirm year-round performance. In 2025’s environment of moderate RevPAR growth, reliable cash flow beats hype.

5️⃣ Streamline Transactions and Cut Costs

Why It Works: Lower fees = higher ROI
Use a local real estate attorney for contracts and legal clarity—especially in creative deals or seller financing scenarios. Attorneys can resolve title issues and protect your interests, often for less than traditional closing services. If selling without an agent, cap buyer commissions at 2% to preserve equity. Every dollar saved can fuel your next acquisition.

📰 Top 10 News Nuggets

Skim curated headlines shaping Airbnb, STR investing, housing, and travel—spot the signals driving the market now.

1. Airbnb Powers $90 Billion in U.S. Economic Activity
Airbnb generated an estimated $90 billion in economic activity across the U.S. in 2024, supporting over one million jobs and distributing labor income in all 50 states. Its economic influence now extends beyond traditional tourism hubs into smaller communities, highlighting the platform’s ability to fuel localized growth.
Read more

2. Airbnb Leverages Lollapalooza Partnerships for Premium Bookings
Airbnb is offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access at Lollapalooza festivals in Chicago, São Paulo, and Berlin, tapping into cultural tourism. These partnerships provide unique experiences that drive premium bookings for hosts in festival cities, allowing them to capitalize on heightened demand. The move underscores how creative alliances can differentiate properties and maximize revenue.
Read more

3. Experience-Driven Travel Spurs STR Opportunities
New trends show travelers are prioritizing authentic, local experiences over traditional vacation packages, leading to higher willingness to pay for curated stays. Properties that offer insider access to culture and personalized amenities are outperforming generic listings. STR operators who adapt to this demand can command premium rates and improve guest satisfaction.
Read more

4. Houston’s Airbnb Market Boosts Local Economy
Houston’s short-term rental market is showing strong local impact, supporting jobs and becoming a staple of the city’s tourism infrastructure. Airbnb is helping revitalize neighborhoods and contributing to small business growth by accommodating both leisure and business travelers. The city serves as a model for how STR platforms can enhance urban economies.
Read more

5. Hosts Use Strategic Pricing to Capitalize on Peak Seasons
Vacation rental markets are seeing 40–60% rate increases during peak travel periods, thanks to sophisticated dynamic pricing strategies. A new study identifies top-performing seasonal markets, offering revenue optimization insights for hosts. For STR investors, mastering pricing is key to capitalizing on high-demand windows.
Read more

6. Seller Glut in Housing Market Opens Investment Opportunities
The U.S. housing market has nearly 500,000 more sellers than buyers, a record imbalance that’s expected to drive price declines. This shift could benefit STR investors seeking to buy at lower entry points after years of elevated home values. Savvy operators may find expansion opportunities in a cooling market.
Read more

7. Sharp Home Price Drops in Key STR Markets
Home values have fallen in 27 of 50 metro areas, especially those previously driven by speculative buying. The correction is creating potential entry points for investors targeting high-demand locations with better valuations. Strategic acquisitions now could yield strong long-term returns as markets stabilize.
Read more

8. Price Corrections Hit Major U.S. Housing Markets
For the first time in two years, home prices in the 20 largest U.S. markets are declining, with coastal and secondary cities seeing the biggest drops. This adjustment could rebalance rent-to-price ratios and open new opportunities for rental property investors. STR operators may find more accessible price points in formerly overheated markets.
Read more

9. Home Sale Cancellations Surge, Exposing Regional Weakness
Home sale cancellations are spiking in cities like Denver, signaling buyer hesitancy and market softening. Inventory is rising while prices level off, prompting STR investors to take a localized approach to market entry. Regional variability means operators must monitor micro-trends closely.
Read more

10. Las Vegas Sees Alarming Rate of Home Sale Cancellations
Las Vegas is facing a sharp uptick in home sale cancellations, a red flag for investor sentiment and housing market confidence. This may present acquisition opportunities for STR operators, but also signals a need for caution and market research. Price volatility could continue amid shifting buyer behavior.
Read more

📈 Other Trending Nuggets

• Fed policy concerns continue to weigh on mortgage rates and housing affordability
• Homebuilding slows amid economic uncertainty, constraining future housing supply
• Washington state’s capital gains tax hike affects STR investor strategies
• Redfin reports steep decline in investor condo purchases
• Orlando named most disappointing tourist destination, impacting STR bookings
• International travel spending expected to fall in 2025, pressuring STR markets
• Summer 2025 travel trends highlight value-conscious vacationers
• Housing market shifts as sellers begin to outnumber buyers
• Pending home sales down 6.3% in April, reflecting buyer hesitation
• Peter Thiel warns of potential U.S. economic catastrophe
• Hospitality tech consolidation reshapes STR management landscape
• Wellness-focused travel is gaining traction among STR guests
• Mixed economic signals prompt careful strategy from STR investors

🏡 STR Weekly Market Watch

Week of May 24–30, 2025

Short-term rental investors are navigating a market marked by rising mortgage rates and shifting builder sentiment. Elevated borrowing costs and a cautious construction outlook are reshaping investment strategies.

📈 “The average rate for a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. has risen to 6.89%, its highest level since early February.” — Associated Press, May 29, 2025

📊 The Pulse

Mortgage Rates

• 30-Year: 6.89% ↑

• 15-Year: 6.03% ↑
  → Rising rates may dampen homebuying demand, potentially increasing rental demand in the STR market.

Builder Sentiment

• NAHB Index: 34 (−6 pts)
  → Builders are increasingly cautious, indicating a potential slowdown in new housing supply.

Housing Starts & Permits

• Starts: 1,361K (+1.6%)

• Permits: 1,412K (−4.7%)
  → A decline in permits suggests a future slowdown in construction, which could tighten housing supply.

Median Rent

• $2,100 (−$20 YoY)
  → Slight year-over-year decrease in rents may reflect softening demand or increased supply in certain markets.

Inventory

• Active listings: Data not specified
  → Inventory levels are crucial for STR investors to assess competition and acquisition opportunities.

🗓 Macro Moves

• Mortgage Applications

  • −1.2%
    → A decrease in mortgage applications indicates potential cooling in homebuying activity.

• Jobless Claims

  • 240K (+14K)
    → An increase in jobless claims may signal emerging economic challenges that could affect rental demand.

• Retail Sales

  • −0.1% MoM
    → Slight decline in retail sales suggests cautious consumer spending, potentially impacting travel and STR bookings.

• Consumer Sentiment

  • 50.8 (−1.4 pts)
    → Declining consumer sentiment may reflect concerns over inflation and economic stability, influencing travel behavior.

📈 STR Stock Tracker

• RDFN (Redfin): $10.10 (−1.56%)

• Z (Zillow): $66.22 (−0.38%)

• ABNB (Airbnb): $127.77 (−0.46%)

• VCSA (Vacasa): $5.39 (+0.56%)

• BKNG (Booking): $5,494.86 (−0.13%)

• EXPE (Expedia): $165.61 (−0.02%)

• TNL (Travel+Leisure): $48.55 (−0.31%)

→ STR-related stocks showed mixed performance, reflecting investor uncertainty amid economic headwinds.

🧐 What STR Investors Should Know

• Rising Rates: Elevated mortgage rates may suppress homebuying, potentially increasing demand for short-term rentals.

• Builder Pullback: Declining builder sentiment and permits could limit new housing supply, affecting STR inventory.

• Soft Rents: Slight decreases in median rents may require STR operators to adjust pricing strategies.

• Elevated Inventory: Monitoring inventory levels is essential to understand market saturation and competition.

• STR Stock Moves: Mixed stock performances suggest a cautious outlook among investors in the STR sector.

🔭 Outlook

The STR market faces a complex landscape with rising mortgage rates and cautious builder activity. Investors should stay informed on economic indicators and adjust strategies accordingly to navigate potential challenges and opportunities.

🔭 STR Scout Rule of the Week

“Adaptability is key; in shifting markets, flexibility ensures resilience.”