PROACTIVE Vacations Outperforms Brunswick County Rental Market in 2025, Signals Strong Momentum for 2026 - PR Newswire

Mortgage rates are expected to cool in 2026, which could impact the second-home market and potentially benefit investors using debt-service-coverage ratio (DSCR) loans. Hosts should be aware of these trends as they may influence the demand for vacation rentals and investment strategies.

Economic growth is expected to slow in 2026, with mortgage rates staying within a narrow range and home prices remaining largely flat. This could impact your STR business by potentially affecting booking rates and demand, so be prepared for a potentially slower market.

Mortgage delinquencies rose sharply in November, potentially impacting homeowners' ability to pay. Hosts should monitor local economic conditions and anticipate possible shifts in booking behavior, especially regarding cancellations or payment issues.

This article discusses The Loan Store's (TLS) rapid growth in the wholesale mortgage market and their strategy of focusing on non-qualified mortgages (non-QMs). Hosts can learn from their approach to building a resilient business, focusing on profitability and customer experience rather than solely chasing market share.