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Author: Tim H.

Ohio Rental Homes: Landscaping
CategoriesTips For Landlords

Ohio Rental Homes: The Importance Of Spring Landscaping

By Tim H.,

As winter fades and Ohio begins to thaw, spring presents a critical opportunity for rental property owners. While many investors focus on interiors—paint, flooring, and mechanicals—the exterior of your property is just as important. Strategic spring landscaping isn’t just about appearances. It’s about protecting your investment, reducing long-term expenses, and maximizing rental income.

Invest Now, Save Later

Spring landscaping is one of the simplest ways to prevent costly repairs down the road. After a long Ohio winter, properties often need attention—especially when it comes to water management and structural protection.

Backfilling soil around the foundation to ensure proper grading helps direct water away from the home. Without this, melting snow and spring rains can pool near the foundation, increasing the risk of leaks, cracks, or even structural damage. A small investment now can prevent thousands in foundation repairs later.

Similarly, cleaning and preserving gutters is essential. Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water overflow, leading to roof damage, fascia rot, and basement flooding. Pair this with proper downspout extensions, and you’re actively protecting the entire structure of the home.

Protect the Roof and Structure

Tree trimming is another often-overlooked but high-impact maintenance item. Overhanging branches can scrape shingles, clog gutters, and even fall during storms—causing major roof damage.

By trimming trees back in the spring, you not only extend the life of your roof but also reduce liability risks. Preventative maintenance like this keeps your capital expenditures under control and your property performing at a higher level.

Avoid Violations and Keep Properties Compliant

In many Ohio municipalities, overgrown bushes, weeds, and unkempt yards can lead to code violations and fines. Bush trimming and general yard cleanup ensure your property stays compliant with local regulations.

More importantly, it signals that the property is actively managed. Neglected homes attract attention—for all the wrong reasons.

Deter Squatters and Unwanted Activity

Vacant or poorly maintained properties can quickly become targets for squatters or vandalism. Regular landscaping activity—mowing, trimming, edging—creates the appearance of occupancy and oversight.

This simple perception can be a powerful deterrent. A clean, maintained exterior tells people: “This property is watched, managed, and cared for.”

Increase Curb Appeal = Increase Value

First impressions matter—whether you’re renting or selling. Fresh mulch, trimmed bushes, and newly seeded grass can dramatically improve curb appeal.

Planting grass seed in bare areas not only enhances the look of the property but also helps prevent soil erosion and drainage issues. A well-maintained exterior allows you to command higher rents and increases your resale value when it’s time to exit.

Better Tenants, Longer Stays

Landscaping doesn’t just impact your property—it impacts your tenants’ behavior.

When residents see a well-maintained exterior, they’re more likely to take pride in their own space. This leads to better upkeep, fewer issues, and a stronger sense of community. Tenants who feel good about where they live are also more likely to stay long-term—and are more accepting of reasonable rent increases.

In contrast, neglected properties often lead to tenant dissatisfaction, higher turnover, and more headaches for owners.

Take Action This Spring

Spring landscaping isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. It protects your asset, improves tenant quality, and positions your property to generate more income over time.

If you own rental property in Ohio and want help getting it spring-ready, now is the time to act. From grading and gutter maintenance to full exterior cleanups, having the right team in place makes all the difference.

Contact 5 Points Property Management today for help sprucing up your rental property this season. Whether you need a full exterior refresh or just a few strategic upgrades, we’ll help you protect your investment—and maximize your returns.

Ohio Rental Property Owners
CategoriesFinance News

The Boomcession For Ohio Rental Property Owners

By Tim H.,

The U.S. economy is sending mixed signals right now. On paper, things look strong. Employment is relatively stable, consumer spending in dollars continues, and asset prices like stocks and real estate remain elevated. But many Americans feel financial pressure from rising costs and stagnant purchasing power. Economists have started calling this unusual environment a “boomcession.”

For Ohio rental property owners, this economic contradiction creates both challenges and opportunities.

What Is a Boomcession?

A boomcession combines the words boom and recession. It describes an economy that appears strong based on traditional metrics like GDP growth or stock market performance, while many households feel like they are experiencing a recession due to rising living costs and financial stress.

In other words, the economy may be technically expanding, but everyday expenses—housing, food, insurance, and utilities—are rising faster than many incomes. That disconnect explains why consumer confidence often feels weak even when the overall economy is growing.

For rental housing providers, this environment can feel like a balancing act.

Why Rental Demand Remains Strong in Ohio

Despite economic uncertainty, demand for rental housing across Ohio remains steady in many markets.

Several factors support this trend:

  1. Homeownership remains difficult.
     High mortgage rates and elevated home prices have pushed many would-be buyers into the rental pool. Nationwide, renter households have continued growing in recent years as buying becomes less attainable for many families.
  2. Large renter populations in urban areas.
     Cities like Cleveland, Akron, and Columbus have long-standing multi-generational renter populations that rely on affordable housing options.
  3. Government housing assistance programs.
     A significant portion of renters in Northeast Ohio receive some form of assistance through programs such as housing vouchers, local subsidy programs, or nonprofit housing support. While these programs vary in reliability, they can provide an important financial safety net for many tenants.

This combination helps keep occupancy rates relatively stable, even when the broader economy feels uncertain.

The Pressure Landlords Are Feeling

While rental demand remains healthy, landlords are not immune to the pressures of the boomcession.

Operating costs for rental property owners have climbed significantly in recent years. Many owners are dealing with:

  • Rising property insurance costs

  • Higher maintenance and repair expenses

  • Increased property taxes in some municipalities

  • Inflation in labor and construction materials

These cost increases can squeeze cash flow, especially for smaller landlords or those who purchased properties recently at higher prices. In many cases, rents have increased—but not always enough to fully offset rising operating expenses.

The result is a period where returns may temporarily feel tighter, even when properties remain occupied.

Two Paths Forward for Property Owners

During uncertain economic cycles, property owners typically face two choices.

Option 1: Sell While the Market Is Still Strong

Owners who are financially stretched—or simply ready to move on—may want to consider selling before the busy summer selling season brings more competition to the market.

Working with a professional sales team like 5 Points Property Management can help landlords evaluate current property values and determine whether now is a good time to exit.

Option 2: Focus on Long-Term Wealth

For many investors, the better move is simply staying the course.

Real estate has always been a long-term wealth-building strategy, not a short-term emotional investment. Rental property owners who keep their focus on long-term goals—steady income, appreciation, and retirement cash flow—often benefit from holding through economic cycles like this one.

“The boomcession may create temporary discomfort, but rental housing remains one of the most resilient asset classes.”

The Bottom Line

Economic headlines may feel confusing right now, but one thing remains clear: people will always need places to live.

Whether you’re thinking about selling or simply optimizing your rental portfolio, the team at 5 Points Property Management can help. Contact us today for a free rental analysis or property valuation to see what your investment property could rent for—or sell for—in today’s market.

 

CategoriesTips For Landlords

Is This A Good Time To Sell My Rental Property In OH?

By Tim H.,

For many Ohio rental property owners, the past few years have brought a mix of opportunity and frustration. Rising rents have boosted income potential, but higher repair costs, stricter regulations, and aging housing stock have made ownership more challenging. If you’re feeling the pressure, you may be asking a common question: Is now a good time to sell my rental property in Ohio?

The answer depends on your goals—but several factors make spring one of the strongest selling windows of the year. At the same time, experienced investors know it’s important to pause, evaluate the numbers objectively, and avoid making emotional decisions during stressful moments.

Below are a few reasons why many owners choose to list their rental properties this time of year.

Retail Buyers Enter the Market With Fresh Cash

Every spring, the real estate market receives a boost from tax refund season. Many first-time buyers and owner-occupants use their refunds to fund down payments, closing costs, or moving expenses.

This influx of buyers increases competition for affordable housing—especially single-family homes and small multifamily properties that may have previously been rentals.

For property owners, this means more potential buyers actively searching and ready to make offers.

Investors Are Looking for Tax Advantages

Spring is also a time when many investors reassess their portfolios. Some buyers are looking to deploy capital for tax planning purposes, while others want to maximize contributions to retirement accounts that allow real estate investments.

Self-directed IRAs and other retirement vehicles can be powerful tools for acquiring property. As a result, there is often strong demand from investors seeking income-producing assets before the year progresses further.

This creates a window where both retail buyers and investors are competing for the same properties.

Beat the Late Spring and Summer Listing Surge

Another advantage of selling earlier in the season is simple: less competition.

Many property owners wait until late spring or summer to list their homes. By getting ahead of that wave, sellers may benefit from:

  • More visibility among buyers

  • Less competition from other listings

  • Stronger negotiating positions

When inventory is lower but demand is rising, properties often receive more attention and showings.

Better Weather Means Better Showings and Photos

Ohio winters make real estate difficult. Snow-covered yards, gray skies, and cold weather discourage buyers from touring homes.

Spring changes everything.

Warmer temperatures make it easier for buyers to schedule showings, neighborhoods look more inviting, and professional listing photos improve dramatically. Green lawns, natural light, and better curb appeal can make a meaningful difference in how quickly a property sells—and for how much.

Don’t Make Emotional Decisions During Stress

That said, selling should never be a reaction to temporary frustration.

Many rental owners today are dealing with properties that require significant repairs. Inflation has driven up the cost of materials and labor. Regulatory fees and compliance requirements can also add pressure.

But before making a decision, take a step back.

Ask yourself why you originally purchased the property. For many investors, real estate was meant to be a long-term wealth-building strategy. Historically, rents and property values tend to rise over time, and patience often rewards those who hold quality assets.

In fact, the number one regret many investors share is selling too soon.

If You Do Sell, Have a Plan

If you ultimately decide selling is the right move, make sure you have a strategy in place.

Think about:

  • How you will minimize taxes from the sale

  • Whether a 1031 exchange or other strategy may apply

  • How you will reinvest or protect the proceeds

  • Where your capital can continue growing safely

Selling without a clear plan can sometimes create new financial challenges down the road.

Get Professional Guidance Before You Decide

Whether you’re thinking about selling, holding, or repositioning your investment, having accurate data makes all the difference.

5 Points Property Management can help you evaluate your options with a free rental analysis and free property valuation so you can see what your property might rent for—or what it could potentially sell for in today’s market.

Before making a big decision, get the numbers.

Contact 5 Points Property Management today to request your free rental analysis or free property valuation and make the choice that’s best for your long-term investment goals.

Section 8 versus cash tenants
CategoriesTips For Landlords

Section 8 vs. Cash Tenants: Which Is Better?

By Tim H.,

One of the most common questions rental property owners ask in Ohio is whether Section 8 (voucher) tenants or cash-paying tenants make for a better investment. The honest answer? It depends — and the tradeoffs are real. Understanding how subsidy programs work, where the risks lie, and what’s required of landlords is critical before choosing one path over the other.

Understanding Housing Assistance in Ohio

Ohio has a wide range of housing subsidy and voucher programs beyond the traditional “Section 8” label. In Northern Ohio alone, landlords may work with organizations such as:

  • CMHA (Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority)

  • EDEN (Emergency Disease and Eviction Network)

  • CHN Housing Partners

  • Local housing authorities administering Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)

  • Shorter-term rental assistance programs tied to grants or local funding

These programs often allow tenants to afford rents they otherwise couldn’t — meaning landlords can sometimes achieve higher contract rents in tougher neighborhoods, subsidized by taxpayers.

The Upside of Voucher Tenants

Voucher programs can provide:

  • Partial rent payments directly from an agency

  • Strong demand in lower-income areas

  • Lower marketing costs due to long waitlists

However, a major misconception is that government rent is guaranteed. In reality, subsidy payments depend on ongoing funding, compliance, and program rules. Agencies can run out of funds, change policies, or terminate contracts — sometimes with limited notice.

The Hidden Costs and Risks

Voucher rentals come with significantly more requirements than cash tenants, including:

  • Initial inspections before move-in

  • Annual or biannual re-inspections

  • Strict habitability and documentation standards

A common issue landlords face is failed inspections — not always because of owner neglect, but because:

  • Tenants don’t allow inspectors inside

  • Tenants block contractors from completing required repairs

  • Minor issues escalate into full rent abatements

When inspections fail, rent can be withheld for months, even while owners continue paying mortgages, taxes, and utilities. Navigating these processes requires time, patience, and strong documentation.

Cash Tenants: Simpler, But Not Risk-Free

Cash-paying tenants generally mean:

  • Fewer inspections

  • Faster move-ins

  • More flexibility in operations

That said, they also carry risks — including nonpayment, turnover, and market-driven vacancy. In softer neighborhoods, cash rents may be lower than voucher-supported rents.

The Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A diversified portfolio with both voucher and cash tenants can work well, spreading risk across income sources. The key is doing the math: understanding the quality level required, the legal and administrative hoops involved, and whether the rent premium truly offsets the added complexity.

Smart investors don’t choose sides — they choose strategies that align with their properties, management capacity, and long-term goals.

CategoriesTips For Landlords

Rental Property Investing in OH: Surviving the Seasons

By Tim H.,

Ohio is a true four-season rental market, and that reality shapes everything about owning and operating investment property here. From hot, humid summers to snowy winters and everything in between, successful rental property investing in Ohio isn’t just about buying right — it’s about planning, budgeting, and maintaining ahead of the seasons.

Landlords who stay proactive tend to see fewer emergencies, lower repair costs, and happier tenants. Those who don’t? They often learn the hard way, usually with an after-hours service call and a hefty invoice. Here’s how smart Ohio property owners survive (and thrive) through all four seasons.

Spring: Reset, Repair, and Prevent Violations

Spring is prime time for catch-up maintenance after a long Midwest winter. Snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles are hard on roofs, siding, sidewalks, and landscaping.

This is the season to:

  • Inspect roofs, gutters, and exterior trim for winter damage

  • Address exterior painting before peeling paint turns into city violations

  • Repair cracked walkways and loose handrails

  • Restart biweekly lawn care to keep properties compliant and curb-appeal strong

Many Ohio municipalities issue citations quickly once grass grows and paint peels. Budgeting for routine landscaping and exterior upkeep in spring helps avoid fines and tenant complaints later.

Summer: HVAC and Heavy Use

Summer brings higher utility usage, more wear on systems, and increased tenant expectations for comfort. Ohio summers can be hot and humid, and air conditioning failures are one of the most common emergency calls landlords receive.

Before peak heat hits, owners should:

  • Service AC units in late spring or early summer

  • Replace filters and inspect condensate lines

  • Check attic ventilation and insulation

Preventative HVAC servicing costs far less than emergency repairs during a July heatwave — especially when technicians are booked solid and charging premium rates.

Fall: Clean, Inspect, and Prepare for Cold

Fall is arguably the most important season for preventative maintenance in Ohio. It’s your last chance to prepare systems before winter stress hits.

Key fall tasks include:

  • Gutter cleaning to prevent ice dams and water intrusion

  • Furnace inspections and tune-ups

  • Checking weatherstripping, windows, and door seals

  • Draining exterior hoses and winterizing outdoor plumbing

Servicing furnaces in the fall saves money long-term. Emergency no-heat calls in January often come with higher labor rates, limited availability, and frustrated tenants — all avoidable with proactive care.

Winter: Safety, Access, and Rapid Response

Winter is about risk management. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures introduce liability and habitability concerns.

Winter budgeting should include:

  • Snow plowing and ice management for driveways and walkways

  • Monitoring for frozen pipes

  • Rapid response plans for no-heat situations

Consistent snow removal isn’t just about convenience — it’s about preventing slip-and-fall claims and keeping properties accessible for tenants, mail carriers, and emergency services.

The Big Picture: Budgeting for a Four-Season Market

Rental property investing in Ohio works best when owners accept the reality of a four-season climate and plan accordingly. Annual maintenance budgets should account for:

  • Seasonal landscaping

  • HVAC servicing

  • Snow removal

  • Preventative inspections

Skipping maintenance rarely saves money — it usually just delays the expense until it’s bigger, louder, and more expensive.

The takeaway: In Ohio, strong returns don’t come from ignoring the seasons — they come from preparing for them. Proactive maintenance protects your asset, keeps tenants satisfied, and helps your investment perform year after year.

Rental property investing
CategoriesTips For Landlords

Is Cleveland, OH Good for Short-Term Rentals? A Real Talk Look at the Data

By Tim H.,

If you’ve been scanning Airbnb or VRBO listings in the Midwest, Cleveland might look interesting at first glance — lots of listings and lower property prices than many coastal metros. But if you’re evaluating short-term rentals (STRs) as an investment versus long-term annual rentals, the data tells a more nuanced story about risk, returns, and neighborhood dynamics.

Short-Term Rental Snapshot

As of late 2025, Cleveland’s short-term rental market shows a meaningful but not massive supply of Airbnb/VRBO-style properties. According to multiple market trackers, there are roughly 1,600‒1,700 active short-term rental listings in the city — whether on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms. For example Airbtics reported about 1,642 active Airbnb listings in the city with an average occupancy rate near 61% and an average daily rate around $116–$120.

Meanwhile, professional data provider AirDNA suggests there may be as many as 4,300 total vacation-rental-type properties captured in its system (Airbnb + VRBO + other vacation channels), though that broader dataset includes all kinds of short stays.

Typical STR revenue in Cleveland is modest compared to big tourist cities. Average annual Airbnb revenue hovers around $25,000–$26,000, with monthly revenue around ~$2,100, depending on occupancy and ADR mix. That’s not terrible, but it’s also not what you’d see in a high-tourism coastal market — and that’s before you factor in operating costs, cleaning, management fees, and property taxes.

City officials are actively discussing more regulation of STRs, estimating between 900 and 1,500 short-term rentals, and proposing licensing and density caps to prevent blocks of homes from turning into transient zones.

Long-Term Rental Landscape

By contrast, Cleveland’s long-term rental market dwarfs the short-term space in sheer scale. Realtor.com reports about 1,500 long-term rentals currently on the market, with median rents around $1,200-$1,665 per month, depending on source and neighborhood.

Cleveland’s overall housing stock — nearly 200,000 housing units according to census data — consists of a large renter base. So even with only ~1,500 active listings at any given time, long-term rentals represent a much bigger share of the active rental economy than short-term units do.

Cleveland also has a significant affordable housing and subsidy footprint. The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) manages over 10,500 affordable housing units, and roughly 17,000 housing choice (Section 8) vouchers are used by renters across Cuyahoga County — many concentrated in Cleveland’s East Side.

These subsidized units help meet low-income housing needs but also signal strong long-term demand for stable, affordable rentals rather than transient occupancy. That rental demand tends to favor annual leases over short-term stays.

Risks of Short-Term Rentals in Cleveland

Beyond the numbers, there are non-financial risks worth weighing:

  • Crime rates and disruptive guest behavior — especially party crowds — are a well-documented concern in parts of the city and can lead to property damage and neighborhood pushback against STRs. Community sentiment in some areas has been vocally against heavy STR presence.

  • STRs often require more hands-on management, turnover cleaning, and compliance with evolving city rules — all of which eat into profits.

  • The seasonal nature of leisure demand in Cleveland means off-peak months can be slow, reducing effective revenue compared to year-round long-term leases.

Management Costs: STR vs. Long-Term Rentals

One of the starkest differences between these strategies is operating costs:

  • Long-term rental property management typically runs about 8.5% of rental income with professional firms — a relatively predictable cost for landlords.

  • Short-term rentals, on the other hand, often incur much higher costs, including:

    • Platform commissions and service fees (Airbnb/VRBO collect ~15–20%, sometimes more).

    • Professional STR management fees (often 15–30% of gross revenue for full service).

    • Cleaning fees and turnover costs between every guest stay (a category STR rarely incurs in long-term rentals).

    • Utility, furnishing, and hospitality-level maintenance costs that are ongoing.

    • Higher risk of property damage or wear and tear from transient guests — especially if attracting “party” crowds.

All of this eats directly into that headline STR revenue; in many cases, net profits after these costs can be equal to or less than what a long-term rental would produce, without the headaches of daily turnover. (Many seasoned investors argue STRs need to outperform long-term rentals by 20%+ just to justify the extra work and risk.)

Conclusion: Long-Term Rentals Still the Safer Bet Here

When you stack up the data, Cleveland’s STR market is real and active — but not overwhelmingly profitable, and it’s dwarfed by long-term rental demand. For most investors in this market, long-term annual rentals deliver steadier cash flow, lower vacancy risk, and fewer operational headaches.

Short-term rentals can work — especially if you’ve got a distinctive property or target niche travelers (for instance, visitors to local sporting events or seasonal festivals) — and might make more sense in destination markets like cabins in Amish country or resort towns.

But for Cleveland proper, where affordable housing needs are high and long-term demand remains stable, annual rentals are likely the smarter strategy for most investors.

financing options for rental property
Categories5 Points Blog

Top Funding Options for Rental Property Repairs & Improvements

By Tim H.,

– Cleveland, Akron & Warren, Ohio

Whether you’re managing a single rental or a growing real estate portfolio, one thing is certain: repairs and improvements are part of the business. From routine maintenance to major renovations, staying ahead of repairs protects your asset, maintains property value, and keeps your tenants satisfied.

But the big question for many real estate investors is:
How do I fund these improvements without straining cash flow?

At 5 Points Property Management, serving Cleveland, Akron, and Warren, Ohio, we work with investors every day who use a variety of financing options to keep their properties performing at the highest level. Below are some of the most effective funding sources to consider for your next residential rental property project.

1. Cash Flow Reserves (Best for Small-to-Medium Repairs)

Keeping a portion of monthly cash flow in a maintenance reserve is foundational for smart real estate investing. This is ideal for repairs like:

  • Plumbing leaks
  • Appliance replacement
  • Minor electrical fixes
  • Painting and cosmetic updates

Pro Tip: We recommend setting aside 8–10% of monthly rent for routine maintenance and future capital improvements.

2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC is one of the most flexible and cost-effective funding sources for investors. It allows you to borrow against the equity in a property and only pay interest on what you use.

Best for:

  • Major system upgrades (HVAC, electrical panels, roofing)
  • Property-wide remodels
  • Turnover renovations between tenants

HELOCs are great because they preserve your liquidity while giving you access to quick capital.

3. Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance lets you replace your existing mortgage with a new one at a higher loan amount, allowing you to pull out equity in cash.

Ideal for investors who want:

  • Long-term fixed financing
  • Lower monthly payments
  • Funds for large rehab projects
  • Money to reinvest in additional rental properties

This strategy aligns well with BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) investors and long-term portfolio builders.

4. Private Money or Hard Money Loans

If speed matters, private lenders or hard money loans can provide funding within days.

Best for:

  • Full rehabs
  • Time-sensitive repairs
  • Acquiring distressed properties that need immediate work

Rates may be higher, but these lenders provide fast, asset-based funding, perfect for investors who need to move quickly.

5. Government & Local Grants (Often Overlooked!)

Cities like Cleveland, Akron, and Warren frequently offer grants, loans, or incentive programs for:

  • Lead-safe certification
  • Energy-efficient improvements
  • Exterior repairs and city code compliance
  • Safety upgrades

These programs can significantly reduce the cost of repairs, sometimes covering them entirely.

Tip: Check your city’s housing department and county land bank for current funding programs.

6. Vendor & Contractor Payment Plans

At 5 Points Property Management, many of our specialty contractors offer flexible payment arrangements for qualified investors. These can include:

  • Split payments
  • Deposit + completion payment
  • Payment plans for larger renovations

This approach keeps work moving forward without large upfront costs.

7. Business Credit Cards & Lines of Credit

Many real estate investors use a business credit card for smaller or mid-sized repairs. With proper management, this can be a fast and convenient funding tool.

Benefits:

  • 0% APR promotional rates
  • Easy tracking of property-related expenses
  • Rewards or cash back

Best for: Minor renovations, appliances, flooring, turnovers, and emergency repairs.

Why Funding Repairs Matters

Handling repairs promptly:
✔ Protects your asset value
✔ Prevents small issues from becoming expensive problems
✔ Enhances tenant satisfaction and retention
✔ Keeps rental income flowing consistently
✔ Reduces vacancy time
✔ Minimizes city violations and compliance issues

A well-maintained property is a profitable property, and smart funding strategies help investors stay ahead of the curve.

Partner With 5 Points Property Management

If you’re investing in Cleveland, Akron, or Warren, our team at 5 Points Property Management can help you:

  • Prioritize repairs
  • Create cost-effective improvement plans
  • Connect with trusted, affordable contractors
  • Manage renovations
  • Protect and grow your real estate investment

We understand the local markets, investor needs, and the financial strategies that keep rental properties performing at their peak.

Ready to improve your rental property without financial stress?

Contact us today for guidance, contractor coordination, and full-service property management.

CategoriesFinance News

Top Finance News For Investors Today

By Tim H.,

There’s a lot happening in the latest finance news. Especially when it comes to real estate and mortgages.

Let’s dive into the top finance news today to see what the potential effects are behind the big headlines…

Nvidia Stock Performance

It seems like the entire stock market and US economy has been riding on the hopes of AI recently. Now the golden child of the NASDAQ, Nvidia seems to be showing cracks. Top investors are now turning bearish on the stock, with NVDA down 12% in the past month according to the latest stock market news headlines. 

This may be just the wake up call that investors need to return to disciplined and sensible investing in tangible assets like real estate. Which should in turn bolster the positions of property investors. 

Is The New 50 Year Mortgage A Good Deal?

The current administration has floated extending mortgage terms to as long as 50 years!

While this would make the monthly payments much more affordable for young homebuyers, and create more positive cash flow for investors in the short term, there are potential downsides. 

For one, this would likely support higher property prices, and interest rates, which may not create true affordability for retail home buyers. 

Secondly, on a 50 year mortgage, borrowers would end up paying around double the interest, or an extra $400,000 in interest on the average priced home over the life of their loan. Effectively meaning they’ve paid for the home 3x over by the time they retire this debt. 

What Is A Portable Mortgage?

One of the latest forms of exotic mortgage according to coverage by Yahoo Finance news is the Portable Mortgage. 

The premise is that borrowers could reduce finance costs, by simply moving their mortgage debt from property to property when they buy and sell. 

This could potentially save thousands of dollars in transactional costs. However, you had better check that fine print and all the rules before you sign up for one. 

Is A New Fannie Mae IPO In The Works?

Bill Ackman just laid out his three step proposal for relisting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on the stock exchange. 

This would follow the government considering all of the bail out money from 2008 satisfied, and open up public investment in the $400B behemoth, while giving institutional investors a huge opportunity to cash out.

Figure Home Equity Lines Of Credit

Figure boasts becoming the number one non bank source for HELOCs in the US. 

They offer fast funding, online, with lines of credit from $15k to $750k. Worth looking into for your next home remodeling project or tapping into extra funds to renovate or maintain your rental properties. 

Which States Are Eliminating Property Taxes?

Property taxes are a substantial cost for real estate investors. Many, if not most people now agree that property taxes have effectively changed homeownership into long term renting. Meaning you’ll never be free of payments, even when you pay off your mortgage. 

Several states have been looking into how they can get rid of property taxes, including FL, OH, and TX. 

In fact, in the latest finance news, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared property tax relief an emergency. However, while he has made a variety of efforts to offset taxes and cap them, he says that it is the local counties which are doing the taxing which need to stop, not the state. 

Property Holding Costs Hit $16,000 Per Year

New data from Zillow shows holding costs for homeowners have been skyrocketing. Maintenance makes up the largest portion of this, with about $11,000 a year needed to maintain the average home. 

Inflation in property taxes, utilities, and insurances isn’t helping either. With some cities seeing a 79% spike in insurance costs. 

Check out more on how to manage the maintenance and profitability of your rental properties in 5 Points Property Management’s new education series for investors. The series of expert tips for investors will be featured on our brand new YouTube channel, which is set to launch in December 2025.