Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The Property Management Times
Topic

Industry Commentary

20 articles
The Great Reset: How Higher Rates Are Forcing a PM Portfolio Reckoning
Industry Commentary

The Great Reset: How Higher Rates Are Forcing a PM Portfolio Reckoning

Sustained higher interest rates are fundamentally reshaping the economics of property management portfolios. PM companies can no longer rely on portfolio growth to mask operational inefficiencies; instead, they must focus on intelligent cost reduction and maximizing NOI for owners. This shift makes AI and remote staffing not just competitive advantages, but essential tools for survival and growth.

David Laskin· May 15, 2026· 3 min
Beyond the Memes: What Reddit PMs Are Really Venting About This Month
Industry Commentary

Beyond the Memes: What Reddit PMs Are Really Venting About This Month

Property managers on Reddit are venting about persistent issues like overwhelming tenant communication, maintenance headaches, and legislative changes. These daily frustrations contribute to a widespread burnout epidemic, highlighting the need for smarter solutions to offload repetitive tasks and preserve the human element of the job.

Michelle Pan· May 13, 2026· 6 min
When the Music Stops: How Higher Interest Rates Are Reshaping PM Portfolios
Industry Commentary

When the Music Stops: How Higher Interest Rates Are Reshaping PM Portfolios

Higher interest rates are forcing property managers and owners to rethink their strategies. Efficiency and cost-cutting are no longer optional, they're essential for survival in a tightening market.

Kyle Quines· May 11, 2026· 4 min
NARPM's AI Stance: Reading Between the Lines of 'Cautious Optimism'
Industry Commentary

NARPM's AI Stance: Reading Between the Lines of 'Cautious Optimism'

NARPM's 'cautious optimism' on AI means we must understand both its potential and its pitfalls. Property managers should educate themselves, start with small experiments, demand transparency from vendors, and focus on AI as an augmentation tool, not a replacement for human staff.

Ian Anunciacion· May 8, 2026· 7 min
Propurti Geeks and the AI Hype Cycle: What a New Launch Really Means for Your PM Business
Industry Commentary

Propurti Geeks and the AI Hype Cycle: What a New Launch Really Means for Your PM Business

Propurti Geeks is launching a new AI-powered property management platform. While exciting, property managers should look beyond the hype to understand how such tools can genuinely improve operations, from resident communication to predictive maintenance. Focus on practical ROI and seamless integration with existing workflows.

Ian Anunciacion· May 8, 2026· 6 min
When 'Just Visiting' Becomes 'Just Living Here': The Guest-Turned-Tenant Headache
Industry Commentary

When 'Just Visiting' Becomes 'Just Living Here': The Guest-Turned-Tenant Headache

That Reddit post about an unauthorized guest becoming a permanent resident? Been there, done that. It's a classic property management headache that highlights the need for clear lease agreements and proactive communication.

Kyle Quines· Apr 30, 2026· 5 min
AppFolio in 2026: What We're Actually Expecting, Not Just Hoping For
Industry Commentary

AppFolio in 2026: What We're Actually Expecting, Not Just Hoping For

Looking at the "AppFolio property management 2026" headline, I'm thinking about what practical advancements we actually need. It's not about sci-fi, it's about smarter automation, actionable data, and truly seamless integrations to make our jobs less insane.

Kyle Quines· Apr 25, 2026· 5 min
Beyond the Award: What Property Meld's Recognition Means for PM Service Delivery
Industry Commentary

Beyond the Award: What Property Meld's Recognition Means for PM Service Delivery

Property Meld's HDI award for 'Best Service and Support' is more than just vendor recognition. It signals a critical industry shift towards demanding robust support from technology partners, especially in complex areas like maintenance. This trend impacts how PMs evaluate software and the evolving skill sets required for property management teams.

David Laskin· Apr 22, 2026· 5 min
Burnout and Staffing in 2026: Yeah, We Saw That Coming
Industry Commentary

Burnout and Staffing in 2026: Yeah, We Saw That Coming

The Google News headline 'property manager burnout staffing 2026' is hardly news to those of us in the trenches. We've been experiencing this crisis for years, with stretched-thin teams and an endless cycle of responsibilities. It's time to address the root causes of burnout and staffing shortages with practical, human-centered solutions.

Kyle Quines· Apr 21, 2026· 5 min
The Pulse of Property Management in 2026: What I'm Hearing from NARPM Colleagues
Industry Commentary

The Pulse of Property Management in 2026: What I'm Hearing from NARPM Colleagues

NARPM members are navigating a complex 2026, marked by lingering economic pressures, persistent staffing challenges, and the ever-evolving role of technology. Despite these shifts, the human element remains at the core of effective property management. It's a balancing act of budgets, people, and innovation.

Michelle Pan· Apr 17, 2026· 5 min
The Unfiltered Truth: What Property Managers on Reddit Are Really Venting About This Month
Industry Commentary

The Unfiltered Truth: What Property Managers on Reddit Are Really Venting About This Month

This month, property managers on Reddit are venting about familiar frustrations: staffing shortages, clunky tech implementations, and the ever-present tension between tenant expectations and owner demands. It's a candid look at the daily struggles and the underlying theme of burnout in our demanding profession.

Michelle Pan· Apr 10, 2026· 6 min
Navigating the Nuances: Where HOA and Condo Management is Headed in 2026
Industry Commentary

Navigating the Nuances: Where HOA and Condo Management is Headed in 2026

The HOA and condo management market in 2026 is expanding beyond new developments, driven by aging infrastructure, complex financial needs, and lifestyle-focused communities. Success in this evolving landscape demands specialized expertise, exceptional communication, thoughtful technology adoption, and a steadfast human-centered approach.

Michelle Pan· Apr 3, 2026· 6 min
The Shifting Sands of SFR: What Institutional Retreat Means for Independent Property Managers
Industry Commentary

The Shifting Sands of SFR: What Institutional Retreat Means for Independent Property Managers

Institutional investors are pulling back from the single-family rental market, a significant shift with profound implications for independent property managers. This retreat presents a unique opportunity for local operators to reclaim market share and differentiate their services. Success will hinge on leveraging local expertise, adopting strategic technology, and prioritizing personalized service.

David Laskin· Mar 31, 2026· 5 min
The Shifting Sands of Single-Family Rentals: What 2026 Holds for PMs
Industry Commentary

The Shifting Sands of Single-Family Rentals: What 2026 Holds for PMs

Single-family rental demand in 2026 continues to be robust, driven by a persistent desire for space, flexibility, and professional management. Property managers must adapt to a discerning 'rent-by-choice' generation and the impact of institutional investors and build-to-rent communities. Understanding these shifts is key to thriving in an evolving market.

Michelle Pan· Mar 27, 2026· 5 min
What's Grinding Our Gears: A Look at This Month's Reddit PM Rants
Industry Commentary

What's Grinding Our Gears: A Look at This Month's Reddit PM Rants

This month's Reddit property management rants hit close to home, covering everything from bizarre maintenance requests to owner expectations and the ongoing staffing struggle. It's a reminder that while our jobs are often thankless, we're not alone in the trenches of property management absurdity.

Kyle Quines· Mar 20, 2026· 5 min
2026: What NARPM Members are *Actually* Saying About Our Industry
Industry Commentary

2026: What NARPM Members are *Actually* Saying About Our Industry

NARPM members are navigating a complex 2026, balancing the hype of AI with the reality of operational challenges. Staffing remains tough, but remote options are gaining traction, while software integration issues continue to plague efficiency. Regulatory burdens are increasing, and client education is more vital than ever.

Kyle Quines· Mar 18, 2026· 7 min
The Shifting Sands of SFR: Why Institutional Retreat is an Opportunity for Independent PMs
Industry Commentary

The Shifting Sands of SFR: Why Institutional Retreat is an Opportunity for Independent PMs

Institutional investors are pulling back from the Single-Family Rental market, creating a significant opportunity for independent property management companies. This shift requires independent PMs to strategically adopt institutional best practices in technology and talent while retaining their core strengths of local expertise and personalized service.

David Laskin· Mar 18, 2026· 5 min
Local Chapters in a Globalized World: Why Your PM Network Still Needs a Zip Code
Industry Commentary

Local Chapters in a Globalized World: Why Your PM Network Still Needs a Zip Code

Despite the rise of remote work, local property management chapters remain critical. They provide invaluable localized knowledge, foster community, and offer support specific to geographic markets that global networks cannot replicate. The future of property management is a hybrid model, balancing remote efficiency with essential local expertise.

David Laskin· Mar 17, 2026· 4 min
Navigating the NARPM 2026 Conference: My Picks for Sessions That Truly Matter
Industry Commentary

Navigating the NARPM 2026 Conference: My Picks for Sessions That Truly Matter

The NARPM 2026 conference offers a wealth of knowledge, but navigating it effectively requires a strategic approach. I'm sharing my top session picks, focusing on legal updates, practical AI applications, staffing solutions, financial deep dives, and the essential human element of property management.

Michelle Pan· Mar 16, 2026· 7 min
The HOA and Condo Market in 2026: Navigating Growth, Talent, and Automation
Industry Commentary

The HOA and Condo Market in 2026: Navigating Growth, Talent, and Automation

The HOA and condominium management sector is a significant growth engine in 2026, driven by demographic shifts and new construction. However, this growth is met with a severe talent shortage and a need for advanced technological adoption. Firms must specialize, automate, and embrace remote staffing to thrive in this complex market.

David Laskin· Mar 11, 2026· 5 min