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👁🗨 Sesemi STR Hot Sheet | 📲 STR Mortgages
Dear Sesemi STReet,
This week we wanted to take a look at Oregon Coast tourism statistics that jumped off the page including the BBC naming the area one of the top places to visit in 2026 and a ‘bucket list’ roadtrip!
Also - mortgage rates have sunk to the lowest level in a month. Well qualified buyers for PRIMARY home purchases are nearly a full percentage point lower than six months ago in the high 5%’s.
Back to our OR Coast BBC Article…
"The Oregon Coast is a mesmerizing mix of brawn and beauty," the BBC said. "Wave-pounded shorelines splash against dense evergreen forests, lonely lighthouses poke their heads over the moody fog and migrating whales breach offshore from small-town fishing communities."
17 million overnight visitors in 2024
Average annual tourism growth of 5.7% since 2012
37% of all Oregon visitors include a coastal trip
Average visit is 5.4 days
The average visitor is 54 years old with a household income of $113,411
If you’re seeking to acquire a short term rental in 2026 consider timelines and seasonality:
The typical closing takes 30-45 days and typical permit/license issuance is 30ish days - allow 2-3 months to close and launch.
For many tax incentives it is best to be licensed and operate for at least 30-60 days* - 3-5 months total.
Peak shopping season is Spring from April-August (expect competition this year on prime listings)
Peak occupancy and revenue is also during the Summer season
Theme: As with all Real Estate - Investing early is critical.
For market and investing insights be sure to follow me and my articles as a FEATURED AUTHOR ON BIGGER POCKETS.
📲 Shop directly at our exclusive STR HOT SHEET. Updated daily and featuring 100+ active and off market vacation rental properties for sale. Search 24/7/365 at www.sesemisheet.com
🧾 BLOG: Tips for acquiring prime STRs in HOT markets amid low rates + strong competition
It is no secret that acquiring prime, productive and licensed STRs in most areas is getting more challenging due to increasing regulations and that over the next two years demand will continue to increase due to tax incentives and market dynamics. Our market has experienced an up-tick in coastal STR interest and demand and we've had to work overtime to ensure our investors are aware and able to move decisively when the proverbial opportunity knocks - in the form of the optimal listing or scenario.
So here are a few STR 'secrets' that can help crack the search code based on over a decade of operating personal STRs and two dozen STR sales in the past two years.:
- A.B.P. Always. Be. Prospecting: As in like 24/7 or a specialized broker/agent doing it on your behalf. I cannot tell you how many of the dozen plus STRs we sold last year that came down to timing. Days are weeks in real estate and STRs can have 2-3 times the buyers seeking the same target. My advice is that if a listing has potential - to tour it visually or physically as soon as possible. Leverage is lost with competition and making the effort during the week, can be the difference between acceptance and an all-cash offer coming in over the weekend. Time kills deals.
- Clearly identify your objectives. Not all investment goals are created equal, neither are the resources or paths to reach the intended asset. While optimal, maximum ROI is a prime objective, many clients are seeking to off-set second home costs or satisfy leveraged liability over the long term, but intentions can help guide and direct the 'shopping' process. For example on our most recent purchase, we were willing to sacrifice size and condition for waterfront access. Our strategy with this home is not the highest rate of return (as we don't want heavy usages of our seasonal personal space) but to off-set operating costs and satisfy the mortgage on an accelerated schedule. We put as little down as possible and the goal is to pay it off in 10-15 years and redevelop a larger luxury riverfront residence.
- Tight buy box. The profile of property that you're seeking should be highly dialed in, as with the anticipated costs and timelines. Investors will want to budget for design, furnishings (if unfurnished), mortgage payments (licensing takes time), improvements, travel and time away from your day job. With that said - many optimal investment areas are increasingly saturated or have restrictive inventory and expanding the geographical region could accelerate the cycle by expanding possibilities. If investors and/or their representatives have a clear check list of characteristics, it will help to focus on only eligible and suitable listings more efficiently. Often - our investors find acquisitions just outside their initial immediate target city or town.
- Win the offer. Validate the offer. This always applies but can be particularly helpful in multiple offer or competitive scenarios. In most markets, prime exceptional and turn-key STRs sell within days or weeks leaving investors limited time to fully visit or evaluate as might be possible with a primary or local purchase. As a result, decisiveness is often required without having the opportunity for extensive due diligence in advance of an offer. At least here in Oregon, the contingency period is designed to protect prospective buyers and to provide sufficient time to assess both the properties condition and subsequently the terms of acquisition. For all practical purposes it is impractical for buyers to be aware of any deficiencies prior to entering into an agreement to purchase (especially when time is of the essence) so our advice is to double down on due diligence if you get the property under contract. Reputable property inspector, well, septic and often handyman or contractor for items identified. We always try to schedule a physical visit for a quote of any repairs for all parties to reference.
- If at first you don't succeed..try again! There are a variety of reasons transactions might not work out (even when you've identified the perfect property!) Multiple offer scenarios, cash competition, inspection or conditional issues, timing or the unexpected but I try to emphasize controlling what you can. For example: Focusing only on licensable STRs will save a lot of expense, effort and heartache and having on the ground support for projections, evaluation and assessment are often the difference in identifying or proceeding with an acquisition. Persistence is critical to any positive investment and prime coastal real estate with the highest and best usage is no exception. There is always another option and opportunity, so it's ok to walk away if needed and all roads lead to the next. The most actionable plans have sticktuitiveness and the strongest buyers are the ones that keep their foots on the gas. On average we can identify, close and launch an STR in 60-90 days..so searching in February equals being live in April or May..but we've worked closely with clients as long as 2+ years..in other words - STR hunting is a year-round sport.
- Buy for yourself and share with others. There are exceptions to every investment, but our guiding theme for ourselves and investors is to invest in a location and property that you would personally rent or want to own - on terms that are investable. The STR sauce (at least here on the coast) is to go the extra mile..as the hospitality business is just that - a business and one that takes effort, energy and skills to succeed. Design and amenities matter, and they need revision or refreshing with the times or the season. The reality is that all STRs (in desirable areas with barriers to entry) will generate income, but the top 5% can often generate multiples of the 'average' or effortless rental. If the goal is maximum income, the requirement is maximum effort, investment, creativity and execution. Maximum bookings? Allow pets, install a sauna or hot tub, manage and promote your personal website and bookings and refresh the decor and technology every few years or several hundred uses. Treat the investment like you would your own home and there is an audience willing to compensate you for the privilege and luxury of the vacation experience. Think of it like this: what is the total amount of bookings in the immediate area of your investment? Theoretically there is always an STR nearby occupied sometime...why not yours?
- Preparation provides opportunity and there is always a deal out there. Some of the first (and best) professional real estate advice I received was to pound the pavement and create circumstances. I've knocked on doors, showed pending properties, called off market listings, mailed letters, sold the neighbor's house of a listing and waited years for the right time to approach a seller about a private carry. That tenacity and consistency in the RE game always yields results, even if not directly as indirectly can provide some key insight or detail that eliminates a prospect, area or possibility. Likewise as it pertains to STRs having your financing, agent/broker, management, budget (including utilities and launch costs) and unemotional attachment to the outcome can pay dividends. It helps to even have a little fun while you're at it...if you have to make a trip to tour, treat it like the vacation you're expecting guests to pay for. There is no more useful market experience than your direct observations and enjoyment.
STR Fun:
- Patience pays but indecision cannot.
- Trust your gut but double check the numbers.
- You'll know the one..but tour two.
- First impressions are different the second time around.
- Buy short. Sell long. But always be willing to pay the price.
- Happy homes are nice. Happy investments are nicer. Both are best.
- Good things come back around...but great real estate does not.
- Go it alone..but invite friends and family for a visit.
- If you're not the smartest house on the block..be the best looking.
Featured Property:
89610 Sea Breeze Dr Warrenton OR
4 | 3 2896SF - Previous STR back on market. Unique home with luxury rental potential.
🌅 12 MORE STRs For Sale:
35160 Rueppell Ave Pacific City OR | 2 / 1 1096SF - Active riverfront STR with transferrable permit. *Likely to require flood insurance. Asking $599,000
2674 Highway 101 N Seaside OR | 1 / 1 1200SF - Commercially zoned active STR with strong rental history. *Difficult to finance. Asking $599,999
650 NE Lillian Ln Depoe Bay OR | 3 / 5 2543SF - Oceanview newer construction active STR. Asking $739,000
2442 SW Dune Ave Lincoln City OR | 4 / 3 1944SF - Active STR in Olivia Beach. 2018 construction. Asking $825,000
6165 Columbia St Arch Cape OR | 3 / 1 1060SF - Oceanview STR with transferable permit. Asking $849,000
57586 Parkersburg Rd Bandon OR | 5 / 5 2683SF - Riverfront home near Bandon Dunes. County STR eligible. Asking $949,000
14580 Harbor View Dr Rockaway Beach OR | 4 / 4 3553SF - Two licenses left in southern zone. Asking $961,000
1164 Beach Dr Seaside OR | 5 / 4 3080SF - Oceanview home with new STR permit. Asking $975,000
56532 Eclipse Dr Bend OR | 2 / 2 1650SF - Riverfront updated home back on market. Asking $1.1M
34210 Ocean Dr Pacific City OR | 2 / 2 1384SF - Active oceanfront STR with transferrable permit. Asking $1.1M
5816 Martin Rd Florence OR | 4 / 5 3132SF - Lakefront estate - in office listing. STR eligible. Asking $1.549M
380 Pearl St Lincoln City OR | 3 / 4 2314SF - Oceanview home featuring three suites. Shows Residential Commercial Zoning - subject to STR confirmation* Asking $1.6M
BONUS HOSPITALITY LISTING: IN HOUSE - 12 Unit Riverview Boutique Motel in Florence Oregon! Impeccably maintained, operated and consistently profitable -this impressive turnkey property is primed for continued success. Asking $1.997M
👁🗨 Our exclusive STR HOT SHEET is updated daily and features 100+ active and off market vacation rental properties for sale. Search 24/7/365 at www.sesemisheet.com
🎯 Why use an STR-focused broker
We specialize in licensed, zoned STRs, 1031X timing, and turn-key luxury sales so investors save time and capital.
$35M+ in STR sales closed along the Oregon Coast & beyond; we underwrite revenue, compliance, and operations—not just comps.
Our HOT Sheet tracks 99% of eligible STRs so you move smart.
🪄 HOT Sheet: 9 of 10 of our STR sales are first found on our exclusive and invite-only cheat sheet: Request access and visit sesemisheet.com
Thank you for reading this week’s edition of Sesemi STReet your premier information source for vacation Rental and investment property insight throughout Oregon & California.
Anthony AJ Wong
Licensed Oregon Real Estate Broker | NMLS Mortgage Broker
Sesemi | STR Brokers powered by Fathom Realty Oregon + Loan Factory
📞 541-800-0455
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License #201231202 | FL NMLS ID: 2297941
P.S. As a licensed NMLS mortgage broker with Loan Factory - utilize our industry leading pricing tool for mortgage options anywhere in the country. Our loan system is designed for busy professionals that demand transparency and efficiency. Check in with my go-to LO Joseph Chiofalo for Pre-Approvals or Rate Quotes.
