As we tip into fall, I want to remind everyone that this season is more than pumpkin spice and football—it’s the perfect time to get your properties, your books, and your strategy ready for the year ahead.
First, let’s talk market reality:
Rental rates in many areas are softening. Vacancies may take longer to fill, and the September rental cap announcement is right around the corner. That means now is the time to audit your last rent increase and start building your 2025 pro forma—a simple projection of your expected income and expenses for the year ahead. If you’ve never done one, think of it as your financial blueprint. It helps you plan rent adjustments, anticipate expenses, and identify where your cash flow might tighten.
When rental rates are dipping, we have to find the sweet spot: increase rents enough to keep up with rising costs, but not so much that you price yourself out of a market already feeling pressure. Caution and precision will protect you.
Second, let’s talk property readiness. Fall is the season to tackle deferred maintenance before winter makes problems expensive:
- Roofs – Prevent leaks now before they cause major water damage.
- Window caulking – A small gap today can turn into a costly repair later.
- HVAC servicing – Cheaper than an emergency heat call in January.
- Drainage checks – Prevent flooding and disruptions to your tenants’ homes.
Proactive maintenance isn’t just good stewardship—it’s good economics. A few hours of prep now can save thousands in lost rent and repairs later.
Finally, let’s talk portfolio positioning. If you have a property you’ve been debating selling—or doing a 1031 exchange with—now is the time to start sharpening your pencil. If interest rates begin to drop, we may see a spike in inventory and more movement in the market. Being ready means understanding your property’s valuation today and knowing what you’d trade for tomorrow.
A well-timed 1031 exchange can be the perfect opportunity to trade out of a “troublesome” property—one with high vacancy, unpredictable income, or constant repairs—and into a more stable, predictable asset. One that holds tenants longer, produces stronger cash flow, and demands less of your time and money. That’s not just an upgrade in your portfolio—it’s an upgrade in your peace of mind.
As always, stay engaged, stay informed, and manage with both eyes open. Our market rewards those who think ahead.
—Dan Gandee
President, Rental Owners Association of Lane County
