Community Perks with The STR Report

🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing a 10-15% Cash-on-Cash return.

🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

January 12th, 2026

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: 🏌️‍♂️The STR Sweet Spot You’re Overlooking

📈 Trending Market Highlight: El Paso, Texas and Rockford, Illinois

✉️ STR News: Trump Wants to Ban Big Investors from Buying Homes. Would It Affect Short-Term Rentals? & more

💸 Mortgage Rate Watch

🌲 Unique Airbnb of the Week

🏫 Subscriber Perks: Go Live Playbook, including: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, STR Buy Box Template, & Tax Savings E-Book

✅ Community Perks: Top-Tier Property Management, Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, and STR Loans & More

📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters

Golf Destination Rentals — A Hidden Goldmine⛳️

When most investors think “top-performing short-term rentals,” visions of oceanfront escapes or cozy ski chalets usually come to mind. But beneath the radar lies a niche that’s been quietly outperforming for years: golf destination rentals.

These properties are often booked solid not just on weekends but throughout the week, thanks to tournaments, corporate golf retreats, and groups of friends traveling together. Golfers tend to plan well in advance, travel in packs, and spend generously—not only on the course but on upscale accommodations that make their trip feel special. The result? A guest profile that’s consistent, high-value, and less seasonal than many other vacation niches.

Prime Markets to Watch

Pinehurst, NC

• The East Coast’s most iconic golf hub with historic charm

• STR demand surges during weddings, tournaments, and seasonal events

• Less restrictive regulations than major metro markets

Scottsdale, AZ

• Home to over 200 courses and perfect Oct–May weather

• Peak booking overlap with the Super Bowl, PGA Tour events, and MLB spring training

• Desert architecture and open-air spaces make listings stand out in photos

Palm Desert / La Quinta, CA

• 100+ courses in the sunny Coachella Valley

• Winter ADRs ranging from $400–$600

• Popular with snowbirds, retirees, and golf event travelers

• Guests expect high-end finishes and luxury golf-related amenities

Amenities That Matter

Golf travelers are selective—and willing to pay a premium for the right setup. To stand out in these markets, consider adding:

• Club storage space so guests can keep gear secure and organized

• Early check-in for guests catching morning tee times

• On-site putting green or simulator for warm-ups and rainy-day play

• “Golfer’s Welcome Kit” stocked with tees, balls, cold towels, and sunscreen

• Local insider guide with course reviews, restaurant picks, and pro shop recommendations

Why This Niche Works

Golf STRs thrive on event-driven bookings and group travel. Unlike some vacation rentals that rely on summer beach crowds or ski season, golf properties enjoy steady interest across multiple seasons and events. Plus, golf travelers often book for 3–5 nights midweek—meaning your calendar stays full without relying solely on weekenders.

Even better, the marketing barrier is low. Golf communities and events often promote themselves heavily, drawing in a ready-made audience. Your job is to provide a property that delivers comfort, convenience, and a little wow factor.

While the spotlight is often on beachfront homes, ski lodges, or downtown condos, golf destination rentals quietly offer one of the most reliable and profitable plays in the STR game. With high-spend guests, strong midweek demand, and minimal competition compared to other vacation niches, you don’t need ocean views to hit championship-level returns—you just need the right course to play on.

El Paso, Texas

Downloadable El Paso, Texas Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $96 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 60%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $32,656 per year

Read our full El Paso, Texas Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

Rockford, Illinois

Downloadable Rockford, Illinois Short-Term Rental Market Report

• Average Daily Rate (ADR): $138 per night

• Occupancy Rate: 66%

• Annual Revenue Potential: Around $53,107 per year

Read our full Rockford, Illinois Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

📬 See our collection of 120+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

📱 What the Largest Vacation Rental Companies in the U.S. Really Look Like
The industry is shifting again, with big players like Casago reshaping the map post-acquisition and Sonder’s downfall warning against over-centralization.

💸 Trump Wants to Ban Big Investors from Buying Homes. Would It Affect Short-Term Rentals?
Whether it's an executive order or legislation, any impact of a ban on institutional investors in the single-family home market would depend on the fine print.

✈️ 2026 Vacation Rental Trends: How Travel Is Becoming More Selective
These 10 trends reveal where traveler preferences are heading and how professional operators can respond.

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – January 12th, 2026

Current Mortgage Rates (as of January, 12 2026):

• 30-Year Fixed: 6.01% (–0.05%)

• 15-Year Fixed: 5.55% (–0.04%)

• 30-Year Jumbo: 6.34% (–0.01%)

• 30-Year FHA: 5.70% (+0.01%)

• 30-Year VA: 5.71% (+0.01%)

• 7/6 SOFR ARM: 5.68% (–0.04%)

Market Overview: Mortgage rates moved notably lower today, led by a five-basis-point drop in the 30-year fixed rate to 6.01%. Shorter-term and adjustable-rate loans also saw meaningful declines, reflecting improved bond market conditions and easing yield pressure. Overall, today’s move marks one of the more noticeable rate improvements so far this year.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

• Short-Term: Rates may continue to see modest volatility but remain range-bound, with movement tied closely to bond market activity and upcoming economic data.

• Long-Term: If inflation continues to cool and long-term Treasury yields trend lower, there is potential for further gradual improvement in mortgage rates. However, sustained declines will depend on clearer signs of economic slowing or a shift in monetary policy expectations.

For real-time mortgage rate updates, visit Mortgage News Daily.

Bored of staying at regular Airbnbs?

How about staying in a dome in Montana?🌲

Escape to the Glacier Dome — your unforgettable home base just 10 miles from the west entrance of Glacier National Park. Nestled in scenic Bad Rock Canyon, this unique dome combines cozy comfort with epic adventure, perfect for both nature lovers and those seeking relaxation. Wake up surrounded by Montana’s stunning landscape, explore majestic trails by day, and unwind in a space that feels as special as your Glacier trip itself. With room for up to four guests and thoughtful touches like self check‑in and a dedicated workspace, it’s ideal for couples, families, or friends craving a memorable escape. Imagine strolling to a local café for huckleberry ice cream or buffalo burgers after a day of adventure — all within walking distance. Rated highly by past guests for comfort, location, and host communication, this dome isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s a part of the Glacier experience. Don’t just visit Glacier National Park — stay somewhere as unforgettable as the journey itself.

Subscriber Perks:

📖🏡💰 Go Live Playbook

The "Go Live Playbook" is your all-in-one guide featuring a beginner’s guide e-book, messaging templates, Airbnb welcome book, STR buy box template, and tax savings tips to kickstart your short-term rental success.

Community Perks with The STR Report

🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing a 10-15% Cash-on-Cash return.

🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

Partner with Us!

If you have a project you’d like us to promote, or a product or service you’d like to share, please reach out to us at [email protected].

We appreciate you being a part of our STR community and for sharing our group with your business partners and associates. Thank you!