The Growing Opportunity of Midterm Rentals

Midterm rentals are properties rented for more than 30 days but less than a year. They are gaining attention as a smart investment strategy for homeowners and investors. These rentals have become more popular in recent years because they can bring in good money, even in today’s challenging housing market.

What Are Midterm Rentals?

Midterm rentals fall between short-term rentals (like Airbnb) and long-term rentals (leases for a year or more). These properties are rented for months at a time, often to people who need a temporary place to stay but not for just a few days. Midterm rentals became even more popular during the pandemic when many cities put rules on short-term rentals.

Who Stays in Midterm Rentals?

Midterm rentals work well for:

  • Traveling Medical Staff: Nurses and healthcare workers often need a place to stay for a few months while working in different cities.
  • Workers on Temporary Projects: Construction workers, consultants, and other professionals who travel for work prefer staying in midterm rentals over hotels.
  • Families Trying Out a New City: People who want to move but aren’t ready to buy a home might rent a place for a few months to see if they like the area.

Why Invest in Midterm Rentals?

Midterm rentals can make more money than long-term rentals. This is because people staying for a few months often pay more than those who sign a year-long lease. Plus, midterm renters are usually professionals or families, so they tend to take better care of the home.

Unlike short-term rentals, midterm rentals don’t come with as many rules and regulations. This makes them easier to manage. Since people are staying longer, there are also fewer cleanings and turnovers, which saves time and money.

What Types of Homes Are Best?

Homes with 1-2 bedrooms are often the best fit for midterm rentals. This is because most midterm renters are single travelers, couples, or small families. A two-bedroom home where one room can be used as an office is also popular. Midterm renters look for places that are comfortable and well-kept, but the home doesn’t need to be fancy.

Where Should You Invest?

The best places for midterm rentals are cities or towns with:

  • Hospitals and Medical Centers: Traveling nurses and healthcare staff often need nearby housing.
  • Big Companies and Construction Projects: Workers coming in for temporary projects look for midterm rentals instead of hotels.
  • Areas with Few Hotels: If there aren’t many hotels or the hotels are too expensive, people will prefer midterm rentals.

Examples of Good Markets: Cities like Seattle and Nashville are popular, but smaller towns and rural areas with business hubs can be great options too. Check if there’s demand by looking at how many hotels or other rental options are in the area.

Is Now a Good Time to Start?

Yes! The midterm rental market is still growing and not as crowded as short-term rentals like Airbnb. Experts say it’s like how short-term rentals were in 2012, which was a great time to get started. By investing in midterm rentals now, you can build experience and get ahead as more people find out about this type of rental.

Tips for Starting:

  • Research Your Market: Know who will be renting and why. This could be medical workers, business travelers, or families.
  • Start Locally: If you live in or near a city with a big hospital or major companies, consider starting there. You already know the area, which helps with setting prices and marketing.

Ready to Explore Midterm Rental Options in Portland?

If you’re interested in exploring midterm rental opportunities in Portland, I’d love to help! Whether you’re looking to invest or simply learn more, I can guide you through the process. Schedule a time to chat with me using my link, and let’s discuss your goals and options.

Navigating the Portland Real Estate Market: September 2023 Update

Hello, fellow Portlandians and prospective home buyers and sellers! It’s Will here, bringing you the latest scoop on the Portland real estate market as we step into September 2023. Buckle up as we dive deep into the current trends, predictions, and some golden advice for both buyers and sellers in the vibrant Portland market. Don’t forget to hit that like and subscribe button for more real estate insights!

Current Market Dynamics

First things first, let’s talk numbers. The interest rates have been hovering around the mid to low-sevens, and while core inflation has ticked down slightly, the overall inflation has seen an uptick. The median sales price has decreased by about 2.7% compared to last year, and we are witnessing a competitive market in the $300,000 to $700,000 price range.

Predicting the Market’s Path

As we venture further into 2023, there are a few scenarios we might see unfolding in the Portland market:

  1. Interest Rates Decreasing: This would be a boon for buyers, potentially bringing about 5 million new buyers nationally. However, it could spur a demand-supply imbalance, pushing the prices up.
  2. Steady Interest Rates: If the rates remain unchanged, we might be looking at a stable market for the next 12 to 18 months, albeit with a persistent demand in the affordable first-time homebuyer range. This is the most likely scenario of the three.
  3. Interest Rates Increasing: Not the best news for buyers as affordability would take a hit. Sellers might have to get creative with offers to attract buyers. We may also see a slight decrease in pricing but not 20-30% drops.

Golden Advice for Buyers

If you are a first-time homebuyer eyeing properties in the $300,000 to $600,000 range, brace yourself for some competition. But hey, don’t lose heart; you might just snag some cool concessions from the sellers, including a 2-1 rate buy down or additional closing costs assistance.

Seller’s Corner

Sellers, it’s time to put on your aggressive hats when it comes to pricing. With fewer buyers in the market, you might want to keep a close eye on comparable listings to price your property competitively. And if you are selling a condo, patience is key as the days on the market have increased.

Let’s Connect

Got questions or need personalized advice? Feel free to reach out; I am here to guide you in your real estate journey in Portland. And before you go, do hit that like and subscribe button to stay updated with the latest in the Portland real estate world.