News

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.

PROACTIVE Vacations outperformed the Brunswick County rental market in 2025 and anticipates strong momentum in 2026. This signals potential for growth in the Brunswick County area. Hosts should research market trends in Brunswick County to gauge their listing's performance potential.

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.

This article discusses concerns about easing credit score requirements for mortgage lending, particularly the potential risks of increased defaults. While not directly about STRs, it highlights the importance of financial stability and the potential for economic downturns impacting the housing market and, indirectly, STR businesses.

This BiggerPockets article predicts a potential exodus of casual short-term rental investors in 2026 due to market conditions and increasing competition. It also discusses the impact of new opportunity zones, which may offer investment opportunities for those looking to buy property in specific areas. Hosts should evaluate their current cash flow and consider whether to sell, and keep an eye on new opportunity zone designations for potential investment.

KB Home is shifting its focus to a built-to-order (BTO) strategy, aiming for higher margins in a challenging market. Hosts should pay attention to this trend as it may impact competition and pricing in their local markets, especially if private builders react to the changes.

This article highlights the importance of data and AI in gaining a competitive edge in the 2026 housing market, emphasizing that hosts who prioritize data-driven decisions and adapt to market changes will thrive. Hosts should focus on leveraging data and AI to make informed decisions about their STR business to capture market share.

Foreclosure starts are down nationally, but certain counties are seeing a rise in early-stage filings, which can indicate future pre-foreclosure opportunities. Hosts in Florida, California, Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas should monitor county-level data to anticipate potential distressed property sales and consider how this might affect their local markets.

DSCR (Debt-Service-Coverage Ratio) loans, which qualify borrowers for investment properties based on expected rental income, are gaining popularity, and are expected to continue growing. This trend is driven by a high-rate environment, the rise of nontraditional income, and the interest of institutional investors. Hosts who might be looking to invest in more properties should consider this new financing option.

This December 2025 housing market update from BiggerPockets discusses the current state of the market, including flat home prices, declining mortgage rates, and improved affordability. Hosts should take note of regional differences in price corrections and consider refinancing options to improve cash flow.

This article discusses the concept of "imbalance" in trading, which can be applied to identifying market trends. Hosts can use this information to understand supply and demand dynamics, potentially influencing their pricing and revenue management strategies. Analyze market trends to predict shifts in demand.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is creating a surge in demand for short-term rentals, but the impact varies significantly by city. Hosts should analyze their local market dynamics (domestic vs. international travel, regulations, and pricing) using tools like PriceLabs to understand how demand is evolving in their area and adjust pricing strategies accordingly.

Demand for Airbnbs in Los Angeles is surging due to the World Cup, causing prices to increase by 56%. This presents a significant opportunity for hosts in the area to boost their revenue.