These are heady times in property management

We’re navigating a landscape shaped by high interest rates, rising costs, shifting regulations, and a constant hum of uncertainty. I keep hearing about people bowing out, selling their rentals and moving on. The stories come from every direction: nightmare tenants, rogue landlords, lost shirts, stolen lunches, and plenty of spilled milk.

It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Jerome K. Jerome:

“From all accounts, the world has been getting worse and worse ever since it was created. All I can say is that it must have been a remarkably delightful place when it was first opened to the public, for it is very pleasant even now…”

Despite the noise, the fundamentals of the rental market remain strong.
 A 3% vacancy rate in Fort Collins says a lot. The basic social contract between renters and housing providers is still intact: most tenants want to pay rent on time, take care of their home, and live their lives. Most housing providers want to offer good housing and run a sustainable, fair business.

The housing landscape is shifting, but there’s real reason for optimism.

Demand for rentals remains high. Opportunities to acquire investment properties are beginning to emerge again. AI and technology are evolving fast, giving us new tools to streamline operations, boost efficiency, manage risk, and make smarter decisions. Housing coalitions and PACs are growing stronger, helping to amplify our voice.

Change and uncertainty can be daunting, but in the immortal words of Winston Zeddmore:

“We have the tools, and we have the talent!”

Let’s work!