How SFR Investors Can Win in Today’s Market The housing market isn’t what it was three or four years ago—and it’s not going back anytime soon. For single-family investors, this means adapting to a “new normal” where higher mortgage rates, increased carrying costs, and a rise in resale inventory are reshaping the investment landscape. Well gone are the days of buyers lined up around the block and bidding wars on every listing. But that doesn’t mean opportunity has vanished—it just looks different now. Many of the conditions that are causing hesitation in the broader market may work in favor of investors who approach this cycle with discipline, creativity, and a long-term mindset.  From financing strategies to market-specific deal flow as listings sit longer, to improved pricing power on insurance for larger portfolios—today’s environment rewards those who are prepared to pivot. The good news? With the right approach, investors can still uncover solid opportunities to build wealth, grow cash flow, and position themselves ahead of the next upcycle. Here are five things investors can do to win in today’s housing market. Buy the Deal, Not the Fed Waiting on the Fed to cut rates is not an investment strategy—it’s a gamble.  While many would-be investors sit on the sidelines, hoping for a pivot that may come too late or too slowly, experienced investors are staying active and searching for deals that pencil out. They’re underwriting conservatively, negotiating more aggressively, and prioritizing deals that make sense in today’s market—based on current rates, rents, and risks. Rather than chasing hypothetical upside tied to future monetary policy, they’re baking in downside protection on the front end. It’s not about timing the Fed. It’s about structuring the deal so that it works with the hand you’re dealt today. More Inventory Is An Opportunity for Value Buyers  After a long stretch of near-record-low active inventory, single-family investors are finally seeing more resale homes come to market. For some, that might sound like bad news—more competition, less pricing power. However, the reality is that this normalization creates opportunities, particularly for disciplined buyers who focus on value. In some markets, specific properties are now remaining on the market for extended periods. Sellers growing fatigued by slow sales may be more willing to negotiate, opening doors for buyers to purchase homes below their previous peak prices. Especially in Q3 and Q4, expect pockets of deals that require some repairs or capital expenditures—classic value-add plays where investors can boost rents and equity over time. Investor Sentiment: More Bullish Despite the Headwinds Interestingly, when we fielded the LendingOne–ResiClub SFR Investor Survey this quarter, we found that investors are becoming more confident about buying—even as they acknowledge that the market feels slower and mortgage rates are higher than previously expected. In fact, in Q2 2025, 79% of single-family investors said they’re likely to purchase at least one more property in the next 12 months. That’s up from 61% in Q2 2024 and 77% in Q4 2024. This shift signals that many are embracing the new normal rather than waiting for old conditions to return. They recognize that market dynamics have changed permanently and are adjusting acquisition criteria accordingly, or they may be attracted by rising inventory and some markets turning into buyers’ markets. This pragmatic mindset bodes well for the single-family investment space. Rather than being paralyzed by uncertainty, investors who stay disciplined, focus on fundamentals, and pursue value will be best positioned to succeed. Insurance Stability Emerging After the Storm—Don’t Be Afraid to Policy Shop The last few years have seen a surge in property insurance costs, fueled by rising replacement values. However, according to our intel, this lagged inflationary spike is beginning to level off. This provides investors with better clarity for cash flow projections and long-term planning. And if you’re savvy, you’ll even be able to get it lowered a little. For those with multiple properties, now is an ideal time to explore portfolio-level insurance, which spreads risk across your holdings and can unlock significant discounts.  Even for smaller landlords, policy shopping—getting fresh quotes, reassessing coverage levels, and comparing carriers—can yield real savings in a market that’s no longer spiking month after month. It’s Time To Be Strategic!  Yes, the housing market today looks very different from the frantic boom of the pandemic years. But for single-family investors willing to think strategically and embrace change, it remains fertile ground for growth. Whether it’s taking advantage of ARMs, leveraging portfolio-level insurance savings, or hunting down value deals in rising inventory. The market’s “new normal”—and no one truly knows how long it’ll last—might require a little more patience and flexibility, but it also offers a real opportunity for those ready to adapt and invest with their eyes wide open.

The single-family build-to-rent (BTR) category isn’t niche anymore—it’s mainstream. Annual BTR deliveries hit 39,000 homes in 2024, a 455% jump from pre-pandemic 2019 levels. As of April 2025, there are another 90,000 purpose-built single-family rental units in active development across the country’s 100 largest metros. There’s a good reason why build-to-rent supply is up: renter preferences are shifting. According to a 2024 survey by John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC), 36% of BTR residents now say they prefer renting over owning, up from 27% in 2023. That jump signals that more of today’s BTR renters aren’t just settling for rentals because they’re priced out—they’re actively choosing the lifestyle, flexibility, and convenience that BTR communities offer. But who exactly are the folks choosing to live in build-to-rent communities? What motivates them to rent rather than buy—and what keeps them there? To answer these questions, LendingOne analyzed the latest data. Here are 3 things to know about BTR renters in 2025. 1. Renters Want More Space That shift is clear: BTR homes increasingly cater to families who need extra space for kids, work-from-home setups, or multigenerational living. It’s part of what makes BTR communities fundamentally different from traditional apartment offerings, and a reason renters who would have once transitioned to homeownership are staying put. More Spacious Single-Family Rentals Are the New Normal 2. Preference for Renting is Ticking Up Across All Life Stages In 2024, renters at all life stages reported a stronger preference for renting than they did just a year earlier. BTR is a particularly attractive option for millennials who are reaching the prime age for major life milestones like child-rearing. Young singles/couples who rent in BTR communities, in particular, saw a 12-point jump in their preference for renting (from 23% in 2023 to 35% in 2024). Young families also experienced a 12-point increase (from 17% to 29%). It’s also an appealing option for empty nesters who want the financial flexibility and lifestyle ease of renting versus owning. Mature families and older adults—once assumed to be natural buyers—are also embracing rental life. In 2024, nearly half (46%) of mature singles and couples living in BTR communities say they are there by preference, up from 42% the year before. While the extra space is a bonus for the older crowd, they are also drawn to the amenities that tend to come along with BTR communities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, and clubhouses. This preference shift reflects a broader cultural change: renting, especially in high-quality, well-managed BTR communities, is now seen as a lifestyle choice, not a compromise. Share of Build-to-Rent Residents that Prefer to Rent 3. Affordability Math has Some Americans Renting Longer While preferences are shifting, strained home affordability remains a primary driver of build-to-rent’s growing popularity. In nearly every major metro, the monthly mortgage payment for a median-priced single-family home significantly exceeds the average monthly rent for a comparable BTR home. In San Francisco, the gap is over $4,000. In San Diego and Seattle, it’s more than $2,900. Even in fast-growing Sunbelt markets like Austin, Raleigh, and Phoenix, a mortgage payment for a single-family home costs about $1,100 more per month than renting one. That gap explains why many would-be buyers are choosing to stay in rental homes longer. The math just doesn’t make sense for many households—especially younger families who may not have the savings or income stability needed to qualify for today’s higher mortgage rates. Strained affordability blocks some renters from homeownership Big Picture For some Americans, build-to-rent homes are no longer a stepping stone—they’re a destination. With demand driven by young families, working professionals, and downsizing retirees, BTR communities offer the space, flexibility, and lifestyle that today’s renters increasingly seek.  That appeal is reflected in the scale of the U.S. build-to-rent pipeline, which now exceeds 90,000 units across the 100 largest metros. Even in BTR-saturated markets like Phoenix, Dallas, and Atlanta, development remains active. For real estate investors, that persistence signals confidence in the category’s long-term staying power.

Build-to-Rent (BTR) is becoming one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing segments of the U.S. housing market. With multifamily investors seeking new avenues for growth, BTR presents a compelling investment case due to favorable demographics, lifestyle trends, and a pressing national housing shortage. This whitepaper examines the primary drivers fueling the growth of the BTR market in the U.S., the movement of multifamily investors into this niche, what attracts investors to BTR, the challenges the asset class faces, and why LendingOne is a preferred lending partner for owners and operators in this space. Key Insights from this Whitepaper Why Build-to-Rent (BTR) properties often generate stronger rent performance and lower turnover than traditional multifamily How major players like Greystar and MAA are expanding their footprint in the BTR sector Key trends in institutional investment—and what they reveal about long-term confidence in BTR Ways LendingOne is supporting developers in funding and growing scalable BTR communities Case studies highlighting how leading operators are shaping the future of suburban rental housing Download the Whitepaper

The 2025 real estate investing environment is one of cautious optimism, with a desire to still expand their portfolio. A belief for higher-for-longer interest rates, uncertainty related to tariffs, and cost increases that are reshaping portfolio decisions across the U.S. In this article, you’ll see the full results of our LendingOne-ResiClub SFR Investor Survey–Q2 2025. Investors who own at least one single-family investment property were eligible to respond to our survey, which was fielded between May 29 and June 13. In total, 222 single-family landlords completed the survey. ResiClub, our partner for the survey, is a news and research outlet dedicated to covering the U.S. housing market. LendingOne’s findings point to investors seeking selective growth. Most respondents across all regions say they still plan to acquire new properties in the 12 months ahead, and investors are not pricing in a drop in renter activity—at least not in their local markets. Even in markets like the Southeast and Southwest, where investors say the market is weaker, they also respond that they are trying to purchase more.  At the same time, rising insurance premiums, property taxes, and higher-for-longer interest rates are forcing investors to reassess margins, stress test cash flow, and stay disciplined on acquisitions. “In 2025, real estate investing is about finding opportunity in a changing market,” says LendingOne CEO Matthew Neisser. “Our survey highlights that investors are not backing down despite the ‘higher-for-longer’ interest rate environment and rising costs. Instead, they see the initial signs of buying opportunities as inventory levels increase. There will be more opportunities in Q3/Q4 for unsold properties that have been on the market longer than normal compared to the prior few years.” Topline Findings 1. Most investors plan to buy—despite headwinds 80% of single-family landlords say they’re likely to buy at least one property in the next 12 months. 32% of single-family landlords say they’re likely to sell at least one property in the next 12 months. 57% of investors believe mortgage rates will remain above 6.5% over the next 12 months—up sharply from 29% in Q4 2024. 2. Operating costs are rising—especially insurance 59% of landlords say higher insurance premiums have moderately (42%) or significantly (17%) reduced their cash flow over the past year. 30% of investors said property taxes were their largest expense increase last year, followed closely by 29% who cited home insurance. In the West, 19% of landlords report insurance premiums have risen more than 50% over the past five years. 3. Rent growth is still on the table 83% of landlords plan to raise rents in the next 12 months—but only 10% of landlords expect rent hikes of more than 7%. Only about 12% of respondents expect rental demand to weaken over the next year, while 89% expect it to remain steady or improve.  Big picture: The results of the LendingOne–ResiClub SFR Investor Survey (Q2 2025) point to a market where most single-family rental investors remain in cautious acquisition mode. With borrowing costs still elevated and operating expenses rising, investors are adjusting their strategies and attempting to modestly raise rents to offset pressure on cash flow. In today’s environment, successful investing requires discipline—and those best positioned are focused on long-term fundamentals. Likelihood of Buying in the Next 12 Months Likelihood of Buying in the Next 12 Months (Q2 of 2024 to Today) Likelihood of Selling in the Next 12 Months Impact of Rising Insurance on SFR Investor Cash Flow 5-Year Insurance Cost Changes How SFR Investors View Home Price Momentum (12 Months) How SFR Investors View Rental Demand Over the Past 12 Months How SFR Investors Expect Rental Demand to Be In the Next 12 Months How Much SFR Investors Plan to Raise Rents in the Next 12 Months Expected Home Price Changes Nationally Over the Next 12 Months Expected Home Price Changes Locally Over the Next 12 Months Expected 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Next 12 Months

Once a niche strategy, build‑to‑rent (BTR) is now a part of the mainstream.  Annual U.S. build-to-rent (BTR) deliveries soared to 39,000 single-family homes in 2024, a 455% increase from the pre-pandemic 2019 BTR delivery count. Moreover, according to LendingOne’s analysis, the runway is long: the nation’s 100 largest metros still have over 90,000 units in the active BTR pipeline. And while development is still heavily concentrated in the Sunbelt, purpose-built single-family rental communities are now cropping up in smaller Southeastern, Midwestern, and Mountain West metros, warranting real estate investors’ attention. Annual U.S. Build-to-Rent Deliveries Hit Another All-Time High To see where the build-to-rent has made the biggest footprint—and where BTR is continuing to expand—LendingOne examined Point2Homes/Yardi’s metro-level database of completed single-family build-to-rent deliveries from 2020 to 2024 and active pipeline counts as of April 2025, across the 100 largest U.S. metros. These were our top-line findings: BTR deliveries that were seeded during the Pandemic Housing Boom are now coming to fruition as annual deliveries hit a new record high in 2024. The Sun Belt’s BTR epicenters—Phoenix, Dallas, and Atlanta—continue to expand due to favorable demographics, developable land, and continued institutional investment. Build-to-rent is also gaining traction in secondary and tertiary markets—places like Wilmington, Des Moines, and Chattanooga—where the current BTR pipeline is more than double the size of what’s been delivered over the past five years Sun Belt Markets Have the Largest Build-to-Rent Footprint Among the largest 100 U.S. metros by population, these are the 10 markets with the largest BTR footprint: Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ → 25,712 units Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX → 18,863 units Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA → 14,197 units Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX → 9,219 units Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC → 8,551 units Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX → 6,124 units San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX → 4,539 units Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL → 4,204 units Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL → 4,084 units Jacksonville, FL → 3,873 units Even as scattered-site acquisitions have cooled down over the last couple of years, big names like J.P. Morgan Asset Management are continuing to invest, propping up the investment category’s resilience. Even with rent prices cooling off, the long-term BTR vision for as well as Atlanta, Charlotte, and primarily Texas and Florida metros, is sustaining a growing footprint.  Smaller markets are not getting left behind either. While BTR momentum remains strong in Sun Belt giants, it’s the next tier of markets that may offer investors the most runway. In places like Colorado Springs (+260%), Durham (+228%), Richmond (+222%), and Wilmington (+185%), the pipeline of future build-to-rent supply is more than double what’s been delivered over the past five years.  These surges point to shifting investor focus toward affordable, fast-growing metros where competition is lower yet demand remains strong. Top 40 Housing Markets with the Biggest Footprint of Single-Family Rentals Built-to-Rent Units Big Picture Build-to-rent has moved beyond its niche status, emerging as an investment category with staying power, driven by long-run demographic demand and an active pipeline stretching across both Sun Belt hubs and fast-growing secondary markets.

We’re talking to real estate investors all over the country and hearing the same question: “The real estate market’s adjusting — doesn’t that mean I should wait?” It’s a fair question. After years of rapid appreciation, bidding wars and historically low rates, today’s market feels… different. Prices in some areas are flat. Interest rates are higher. Some investors are hitting pause. But at LendingOne, we believe this kind of market shift doesn’t mean danger — it means balance and in many cases opportunity for investors who know what to look for. In this article we’ll break down what a “market adjustment” really means, what the data says in mid-2025 and how smart investors are using this period to buy with more control and less competition. What Does a “Real Estate Market Adjustment” Really Mean? First, let’s define terms. A market correction usually means a big decline — 10% or more in asset values. A crash is worse, like 2008. But a market adjustment is neither. It’s a natural, even healthy, rebalancing after years of rapid growth. Between 2020 and 2022 US home values rose over 40% in some areas due to historically low rates, remote work and limited inventory. That wasn’t sustainable — and today’s slower pace is more in line with long term trends. Why Adjustments Create Openings for Investors When the market cools, here’s what happens: Competition Declines Fewer casual buyers and over-leveraged investors are bidding on deals. That means: More time to analyze properties More room to negotiate price and terms Better chance of winning without overpaying. Sellers Get More Motivated Sitting on the market longer means sellers start to make concessions: Price drops Repairs Rate buydowns Closing cost credits These incentives can change your return profile — and they’re more common during market slowdowns. You Can Focus on Fundamentals In hot real estate markets speed often wins. But in balanced or cooling markets quality wins. You can: Run thorough comps Forecast cash flow with more certainty Take your time inspecting the property Avoid buying on emotion That’s how disciplined investors build wealth — not by chasing hype, but by buying good properties at fair prices. Common Investor Misconception: “A Slower Market Means More Risk” Actually it’s the opposite. Real Estate Markets that grow too fast often have hidden risks: Inflated values Short term speculation “FOMO” purchases with thin margins A slower market means better underwriting, more rational pricing and longer hold times — all good for disciplined investors. What Should Investors Be Doing Right Now? Here’s what LendingOne recommends: Stick to Your Buy Box – Know your numbers. Focus on properties that cash flow at today’s rates — not hypothetical ones. Reconnect with Off-Market Channels – Agents, wholesalers, property managers — the best deals may not be on Zillow. Get Your Financing Lined Up – The investors moving fastest are the ones with capital lined up and lending terms locked in. Don’t Confuse Caution with Paralysis – Being thoughtful is wise. But letting fear freeze you out of a good deal? That’s costly over time. Final Thought: Adjustments Are When Portfolios Are Built When everyone’s rushing in it’s hard to win. When people start pulling back — that’s when long term investors get serious. This isn’t 2008. It’s not even 2020. It’s 2025 — and the market is just finding its footing after several crazy years. If you’ve been waiting for the market to “normalize” good news: It already has. What you do next depends on whether you see that as a threat — or a window. Want to Talk About a Deal in Today’s Real Estate Market? We can help. → Talk to a LendingOne Advisor today about market trends, current loan options and how to take advantage of today’s market with the right financing strategy. Let’s make the adjustment work for you.

Let’s not beat around the bush — financing real estate in 2025 is more expensive than it has been in years. As of late May, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.86% and many investors are wondering if deals can still work. At LendingOne, we hear it all the time: “Rates are too high — I’m just going to wait until they come down.” But waiting on rates — just like waiting on prices — has real risks. The truth is, higher rates don’t eliminate opportunity. They reshape it. Let’s break down what’s going on with rates, why this market still works for smart investors and how to structure deals that make sense at today’s rates. What’s Really Going On With Rates? As of May 23, 2025: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.86% 15-year fixed is averaging 6.13% 5/1 ARMs are sitting at 6.28% These rates are way above the super low rates of 2020–2021. But they’re also far below historical highs. For context: In the 1980s, mortgage rates were over 16% Between 2000–2010, rates averaged 6.3% From a 50-year historical view, today’s rates are close to the long-term average So this is normal — and investors who learn to navigate this will have an edge. Why High Rates Aren’t a Deal Killer Real estate investing isn’t about getting the lowest rate — it’s about getting the right deal that works at today’s terms. Here’s how smart investors are approaching it: They’re Buying Based on Cash Flow — Not Rate Alone Let’s say you buy a rental property at 6.9% interest and it still cash flows. Would it be nice to finance that at 5.5% instead? Of course. But if the deal works now — it’s already a good deal. When rates drop later (and they will) you can refi. But the cash flow and equity you’re building in the meantime doesn’t wait. Smart investors lock in a deal they like and refi later if/when rates improve. They’re Using Creative Financing Structures Many LendingOne borrowers are: Choosing interest-only loans to reduce initial payments during renovations of fix and flips. Using the BRRRR strategy to lock in short-term bridge loans to then refinance later into a long-term hold.  Lock in now with current rates and refinance later when rates drop  These structures mitigate the impact of high rates — especially for investors with defined exit strategies. They’re Negotiating More Aggressively High rates mean fewer buyers, which often means more motivated sellers. According to Redfin: 44% of home sellers offered concessions in Q1 2025 Days on market has risen to 40+ days on average, giving buyers more leverage  This creates room for: Price reductions Seller credits (rate buydowns, repair credits, etc.) Favorable terms in off-market deals So while rates may be higher, the total deal structure can actually be more favorable. Real-World Scenario Let’s say you’re buying a multifamily property listed at $650,000. At a 6.9% interest rate on a 30-year loan, your monthly principal and interest is about $4,285. That sounds high — until you see: The gross monthly rent is $7,800 You negotiate $10,000 in seller concessions You plan to refi in 18 months if rates fall to the projected 6.0%–6.2% By year two, your effective cost basis may be significantly reduced — and you’ll already have built equity, collected rent and improved the property value. When you do this: If rates drop,  stay flat or rise slightly, you’re still not investing. And in the meantime, you’ve lost potential rental income, appreciation and deal opportunities. Waiting for the “perfect” rate often means missing the best deals. How to Invest at Today’s Rates We recommend to LendingOne clients: Underwrite conservatively. Run numbers at current (or slightly higher) rates to stress-test the deal. Prioritize cash-flowing assets. Passive appreciation is uncertain. Income pays the bills. Use bridge or interest-only options when appropriate. Especially helpful for value-add and fix-and-flip projects. Have an exit plan. If you plan to refi, know when and under what conditions you’ll do it. Talk to a lender early. Get clarity on loan terms, amortization schedule and cash requirements — so you can move fast when a deal appears. Final Thought: Rates Are Just One Variable It’s easy to get fixated on rates. They’re headline-grabbing and easy to compare year over year. But the best investors see the big picture: Cash flow Equity gain Market growth Negotiation leverage Long-term wealth creation Rates matter. But they don’t determine success — your strategy does. Want to See if a Deal Still Works at Today’s Rates? We’ll help you analyze it. → Talk to a LendingOne Advisor today. We’ll run through financing scenarios, compare structures and help you decide if now is the right time to move — even with rates where they are. Because waiting for the “perfect” conditions? That’s rarely how great portfolios are built.

We’ve heard it more often in 2025 than any time in recent memory: “I’m just going to wait for prices to drop a little more before I buy.” And we get it. Prices skyrocketed during the pandemic boom. Now that appreciation is slowing — or even reversing slightly in some markets — it’s easy to assume a bigger correction is just around the corner. But at LendingOne, we’ve helped thousands of investors buy through every kind of market cycle. And here’s what we can say with certainty: Trying to time the bottom rarely works. Smart investors buy the right deal — not wait for the perfect market. In this article, we’ll break down what’s really happening with pricing, what the experts are saying, and why waiting too long could cost you more than it saves. What the Market Data Says About Prices in 2025 Let’s get to the numbers. According to Redfin’s latest housing forecast: U.S. prices will fall by only ~1% by Q4 2025 The median sale price in April 2025 was $438,108, up 1.3% year-over-year Meanwhile, Case-Shiller’s national index showed home values up 3.4% year-over-year as of March 2025. And the National Association of REALTORS® forecasts home price growth of roughly 2% for full-year 2025.(Source: NAR Housing Forecast 2025) In simple terms? Yes, some markets are cooling. But prices aren’t crashing. Most experts predict a plateau or gentle correction — not a big drop. What If Prices Do Drop? Let’s Do the Math Let’s say you wait, and prices fall 2–3% later this year. If a property you’re looking at now costs $400,000, that means you could buy it later for $388,000 — a $12,000 discount. That sounds good — until you factor in what you’re losing by waiting: You’re missing out on rental income. That $400,000 property might generate $2,500/month in rent. Waiting six months = $15,000 in lost income. You’ll face more competition later. If rates drop or prices start going up again, more buyers will jump in — and prices will go up. You’re still exposed to inflation. Your cash loses value sitting idle. Even modest 3–4% inflation eats into your buying power. The property you want might not be available. There’s no guarantee the “right” deal will still be there. In short: a small discount doesn’t always beat the opportunity cost of inaction. What Smart Investors Know About “Market Timing” Here’s a truth that experienced investors understand: You don’t wait to buy real estate — you buy real estate and wait. Why? Because long-term value creation in real estate comes from: Equity buildup through loan amortization Market appreciation over time Rising rents and tax advantages Creative improvements that boost property value None of that happens while you’re sitting on the sidelines. Real Estate Is Still Undersupplied — Even in a Slower Market One reason prices haven’t dropped more is supply. The U.S. housing market is still millions of units short of what’s needed to meet demand, according to data from Freddie Mac and the National Association of Home Builders. As of April 2025: Inventory of existing homes rose to 1.45 million units — up from the extreme lows of 2021–2022, but still short of a balanced market. New home construction has slowed due to rising costs and builder caution, adding further pressure to supply. This imbalance is what keeps prices from crashing — and why many investors are still buying today, even at current price points. What You Should Do Instead of Waiting We’re not saying “buy anything right now.” But we are saying this: If you find a property that: Cash flows at today’s interest rates Is in a location with strong rental demand and economic growth Fits your investment criteria for hold time, risk, and equity potential …then it’s worth serious consideration — regardless of what might happen to prices in six months. At LendingOne, we’re seeing our most experienced clients do the following: Buying on Cash Flow, Not Hype They’re not hoping for 3-4% annual appreciation — they’re buying properties that cash flow from day one. Using Adjustable or Bridge Loans to Stay Flexible Some are using shorter-term loans to capture equity now, with the option to refinance later if rates or prices move. Negotiating Harder With less competition, there’s more room to ask for concessions, credits or better terms — especially on fixer-uppers or longer-DOM properties. Final Thought: “Perfect Timing” is a Myth It’s natural to want the best deal. But the truth is, no one — not even the best analysts — can consistently call the bottom of any market. What matters more than buying at the lowest price is buying the right property, at the right terms, with a plan to hold and operate it profitably. The right time to buy isn’t when everything feels safe. It’s when you’re prepared, the numbers work and you’re ready to move. Talk to LendingOne About Your Purchase Plan Still feeling cautious? That’s normal. We’d be happy to walk you through financing options based on today’s rates — and help you model how different price and rent assumptions impact your returns. → Contact LendingOne Today

Economic uncertainty is back in the headlines. With new tariffs, global tensions, stubborn inflation and talk of a slowdown, it’s no surprise some real estate investors are getting cold feet. You might be asking: “Should I really be investing in real estate right now when the overall economy feels shaky?” It’s a fair question — and one we’re hearing more often in 2025. At LendingOne we believe the answer isn’t a hard yes or no. It’s about perspective, planning and understanding why real estate behaves differently than many other asset classes during economic shifts. Here’s why smart investors aren’t backing down — and how they’re adjusting to stay ahead. The Big Picture: Slower, Not Stopped Let’s look at the numbers. The US economy is growing — just not as fast. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Q1 2025 GDP was 2.2%, below expectations but still good. Unemployment is at 4.0% and consumer spending is holding even with tighter budgets. But investor sentiment is being spooked by: New tariffs on Chinese goods which have increased costs for builders and developers. Concerns about a consumer slowdown in Q3. Global instability which adds uncertainty to supply chains and equity markets. But major real estate markets — residential and small to mid-size commercial — are stable. Why Real Estate Performs Differently During Economic Volatility Real estate doesn’t react to every economic twitch like equities or crypto. Here’s why: Real Estate is a Hard Asset Real estate is physical. It provides shelter, utility and income — all things people need regardless of market cycles. In uncertain times many investors rotate into hard assets to hedge against currency shifts, inflation or market volatility. Real Estate Gives You Control  You can’t control the Fed’s interest rates. But as a real estate investor you can: Set your own rents Renovate to increase value Refinance when rates drop That kind of control is priceless in uncertain times. Real Estate Cash Flows Dividend stocks pay out a few times a year. Crypto doesn’t cash flow at all. But rental properties? They cash flow every month — and often increase with inflation. According to Zillow, US median rent prices are up 3.2% year over year as of April 2025 — slower than the pandemic peak but still growing. In most areas, rents are holding strong even as home prices level off. What Investors Are Worried About — And How to Respond Objection 1: “Tariffs are increasing construction and material costs.” Reality: That’s true — especially for new builds. But this also tightens future inventory which can increase the value of existing properties. Investors focused on value-add renovations or turnkey rentals may actually benefit. Pro Tip: If you’re building or renovating, lock in pricing with contractors and suppliers early. Also, look at areas where new supply is already constrained — these tend to hold value better. Objection 2: “The economy will go into recession.” Reality: A slowdown isn’t a crash. And historically real estate has often remained resilient — or even appreciated — during mild recessions especially in undersupplied areas. Did You Know? During the 2001 recession US home prices still rose 6.6% nationally.  Even during the 2020 pandemic prices surged as demand outpaced supply. Today housing supply is still below long term averages so even a small drop in demand won’t collapse the market. Objection 3: “My other investments are down — I don’t want to overextend.” Reality: Diversifying into real estate may actually help stabilize your overall portfolio. The correlation between stock market returns and housing is low — they don’t tend to move together. When stocks zig, real estate may zag. Consider: Short- or mid-term rental properties in cash flowing markets. These can produce immediate income while allowing for appreciation over time. What Smart Investors Are Doing in 2025 At LendingOne we’re seeing three key behaviors from experienced investors in this economic climate: They’re Stress Testing Their Deals Investors are modeling conservative rent assumptions, factoring in possible price drops, and underwriting to higher interest rates — and still moving forward when the numbers work. They’re Building Liquidity Having reserves doesn’t mean you’re scared. It means you’re ready. The investors who move fastest when a deal appears are the ones who have access to capital, flexible terms and pre-approved financing. They’re Playing the Long Game Economic cycles come and go. The investors who succeed think in 3-, 5- or 10-year horizons. They know short term turbulence doesn’t stop long term equity growth, rental demand or portfolio expansion. Practical Advice for Investors Feeling Economic Pressure Here are a few things you can do today: Run deal analysis at higher rates and lower rents. If it still works — it’s probably a good move. Focus on local economic data, not just national headlines. Some markets are still growing jobs and population even if national sentiment is negative. Explore bridge financing or shorter loan terms. This can help you stay flexible as the macro picture evolves. Work with lenders who know how to navigate cycles. (That’s us.) Final Thought: Chaos Doesn’t Cancel Opportunity — It Reshapes It Every investor remembers moments when fear ruled the market — and when those who acted early came out ahead. Yes, the economy feels uncertain. But when you zoom in on the data, fundamentals and trends in housing the story becomes clearer: Real estate is one of the most controllable, durable and income generating assets you can own — even when the economy feels shaky. If you’re feeling uncertain but want to keep looking at opportunities let’s talk. Talk to a LendingOne Advisor about structuring a financing plan that works in this environment. Whether you’re buying your first deal or scaling your portfolio we’re here to help you invest with clarity — not fear.