January Newsletter
Hello friends,
I’ve been wanting to share more of what I see day-to-day in property management so I decided I would start a monthly newsletter with a lense into my daily happenings. I will cover what’s happening in the rental market, what’s making a difference in protecting long-term investments, highlight a property or two and hopefully start dialogue on housing. This is the first of what I hope will be a helpful resource.
A quick, pulse on the Seattle rental market
As we head deeper into winter and early 2026, the Greater Seattle rental market is showing signs of stabilization and subtle shifts rather than dramatic swings. Here’s what the latest data shows:
Rents remain high but tempered — average rents in Seattle are holding around the mid-$2,000 range, still above the national average but showing softness compared with recent years.
Seasonal and market-wide moderation — modest month-to-month declines and seasonal slowdown are typical this time of year, though average rents still trend slightly positive year-over-year.
Renter preferences are sharpening — with higher costs and more options, prospective renters are being choosier, placing emphasis on condition, location, amenities, and overall value.
Days on market vary by price and quality — well-priced, well-presented properties continue to perform strongly, while higher-priced or less-updated units are staying on the market longer than they did in tighter conditions.
Regulatory and economic context matters — new statewide rent-cap rules and shifting housing supply dynamics mean landlords and managers must balance strategy with compliance and resident retention.
In this environment, success isn’t just about what you charge, it’s about how a home shows, how it’s maintained, and how the leasing experience feels to renters. Thoughtful preparation and management continue to make a measurable difference.
Winterizing: the quiet hero of property protection
Winter has a way of exposing everything we meant to “get to later.” Some of the most common (and preventable) issues we see this time of year include frozen hose bibs, under-maintained heating systems, slow leaks that turn into bigger problems, and drainage issues after heavy rain.
A few simple but powerful winter reminders:
Disconnect and drain exterior hoses
Confirm heating systems are serviced and filters are changed
Check crawl spaces, basements, and exterior drainage, clean gutters and roofs.
Address small leaks before they become insurance claims
None of this is glamorous, but it’s often the difference between a smooth season and an expensive surprise. Thoughtful winter prep protects both the property and the resident experience.
Featured Property: Arbor Heights, West Seattle
Each month, I’ll spotlight a property we’re actively managing to give a behind-the-scenes look at how we position rentals for success.
This month’s feature is a stunner located in Arbor Heights. a well-located property where presentation, pricing, and marketing all matter. For this home, we’re using professional photography, detailed floor plans, and a dedicated TourFactory marketing page to ensure strong visibility and clear storytelling for prospective residents.
👉 View the Arbor Heights TourFactory listing here:
Shoutout to my referral partners
Strong property management isn’t just about collecting rent, it's about risk reduction, asset preservation, and consistency, especially in markets like this. I am so thankful to my fellow brokers who trust their clients with me. I take pride in ensuring properties are well cared for so if and when it’s time to sell we return the property to our referral broker better than they left it.
If you know someone who owns a rental, or is considering buying one, who could benefit from a thoughtful, hands-on approach to property management, I’m always happy to be a resource. Even a quick conversation can help clarify next steps.
Community in action
Monday Night Pinball kicks off again next week.
It’s one of my favorite hyper-local, community-building traditions. Teams represent neighborhood bars and spend a few dollars in quarters to interact and connect with interesting and fun people. I represent West Seattle's Admiral Pub. If you ever want to join or just hear which neighborhood we’re playing in, I’m always happy to share.
Thanks for being part of my world, whether through investing, referring, collaborating, or just cheering from the sidelines. More to come soon.
Best,
Rachel