Property Management Weekly Brief: June 24–30, 2025
What a week it’s been in property management! From shifts in housing affordability to new tech tools making waves, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s dive into the highlights and get you up to speed on what’s shaping our industry.
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Housing Affordability Crisis Deepens Across the U.S.
A recent report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies indicates the U.S. housing affordability crisis worsened last year, leading to the first decline in the national homeownership rate since 2016. The typical existing single-family home hit a record high of $412,000 in 2024, now five times the median household income. Rising property taxes and home insurance costs are adding to the burden, affecting the entire country, not just high-priced coastal markets. This trend suggests continued strong demand for rental housing as homeownership becomes increasingly out of reach for many, particularly younger Americans under 35 who are being priced out of buying. For property managers, this means sustained strong occupancy rates, but also a need to be sensitive to the financial strain on tenants, which could influence rent collection stability and the need for flexible payment solutions.
Published: June 24, 2025
https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/affordability-crisis-home-prices-record-household-income-housing-report-2025/ -
Mortgage Rates See Slight Dip, Offering a Glimmer of Relief As of June 24, 2025, the national average for 30-year fixed mortgage rates saw a slight decrease to 6.85%, down from 6.86% the previous week. The 15-year fixed rate also dipped to 5.88%. While a small change, these lower rates can make homeownership slightly more accessible for some. Experts predict rates might stabilize around 6.4% to 6.6% through the end of 2025, with further drops possible into 2026. This potential downward trend could influence future buyer behavior, potentially converting a segment of renters into homeowners, thereby slightly easing pressure on the rental market. However, even with these dips, the investment landscape for cash-flowing rental properties in strong rental markets remains attractive, indicating continued investor interest in the property management sector.
Published: June 24, 2025
Today's Mortgage Rates - June 24, 2025: Rates Dip With 30-Year FRM Down to 6.85% -
On-Time Rent Payments Decline for 23rd Consecutive Month A new report for June 2025 indicates a notable decline in on-time rent payments for independently operated rental units, falling by 85 basis points to 84.3%. This marks the 23rd consecutive month of year-over-year declines, with the forecasted full-payment rate hitting a post-2021 low of 94.0%. This trend serves as a significant warning about the financial health of renter households across the U.S. in a high-uncertainty economic environment. Western states, however, continue to show higher on-time payment rates, with Montana leading at 93.5%. This consistent decline directly impacts property managers’ cash flow and operational stability, emphasizing the need for robust rent collection strategies, flexible payment options, and thorough tenant screening to mitigate potential losses.
Published: June 2025
https://rentredi.com/blog/rental-performance-report-for-june-2025/ -
Multifamily Leaders Address Market Challenges and Acquisitions
Executives from prominent multifamily firms recently discussed the rapid changes in the U.S. multifamily sector, including challenges like inflation, government policies, and fluctuating interest rates. These leaders are actively seeking ways to leverage technology and manage rising costs while differentiating their companies. Notably, Blackfin Real Estate Investors made a significant move by acquiring Sage Creek Apartments in Augusta, Georgia, for $17.3 million, showcasing continued investment activity in the sector despite market uncertainties. The ongoing discussions highlight a persistent need for operational efficiency and strategic investment in a volatile market, reinforcing the importance for property managers to adopt innovative solutions to remain competitive and profitable.
Published: June 26, 2025
Apartment leaders speak out: June 2025 | Multifamily Dive
Tools & Tips
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New Software Features from Tenant Inc.: Hummingbird Updates
Tenant Inc. rolled out new features for their Hummingbird property management software in June 2025, designed to streamline operations and enhance tenant communication. Key updates include the Charm Auto Attendant for self-service phone inquiries, Customizable Confirmation Emails for a professional tenant onboarding experience, and the Featherlink Connector for advanced telephony integration. These tools aim to reduce manager workload and improve tenant satisfaction by automating routine calls and personalizing communications, freeing up staff for higher-value tasks and boosting tenant retention.
New Features Roundup: June 2025 -
Prioritizing Smart Tech & Utilities for Renters A SmartRent survey from June 2025 indicates that renters are increasingly prioritizing smart technology and bundled utilities, with Generation Z driving this demand. This suggests that incorporating smart home features like security cameras and smart locks, and offering convenient utility packages (like water and trash included in rent), can be a significant draw for potential residents and a key factor in tenant retention. Meeting these evolving resident expectations directly aligns with the 2025 property management trends of prioritizing resident satisfaction and offering practical perks.
https://investors.smartrent.com/news/news-details/2025/New-SmartRent-Survey-Reveals-What-Renters-Expect-from-Property-Managers-During-Peak-Summer-Leasing-Season/default.aspx
Fun Fact
Did you know that the iconic Hollywood Sign, a symbol of fame and fortune today, originally started as a real estate advertisement? Built in 1923, it initially read “Hollywoodland” and was put up to promote a new housing development. This historical tidbit highlights the long-standing tradition of creative marketing in real estate, demonstrating how even grand, memorable gestures can have their roots in property development. It’s a reminder that innovative approaches to attracting attention have always been a part of the industry.
Real Estate Trivia: 16 Fun Facts You Must Know in 2025
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any Property Management events or utilized new Property Management tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.