The Golden Age Of Property Management Is Coming

Justin Anderson from RentSmart delivered a presentation at NARPM’s Southern States Conference that had everyone buzzing.   

It was all about data telling us how homeownership rates continue to drop,  changes sweeping across the property management industry, and a roadmap for property managers to take advantage of this market shift. 

That’s why we HAD to interview him and share it with you.

Here are four key takeaways from his conversation with Vendoroo’s Chief Property Manager, David Normand:

1. Market Dynamics: The Shift to a Rental Nation

Justin predicts that the U.S. is transitioning toward a rental-driven market. “We’re moving towards a nation of renters,” Justin noted, explaining that homeownership rates may drop below 50%. This shift presents property managers with a unique opportunity to provide value to investors by focusing on the rising demand for rentals. Even as property values decline, prices are rising due to inflation, creating confusion for many. This is why property managers must become guides. Those who can provide well-informed solutions to owners navigating these changes, will win.

2. The Decline of Homeownership and Rise of Lifetime Renters

As Justin pointed out, more people are losing faith in homeownership, and many will choose renting as a lifestyle for its convenience. “Lifetime renters are becoming the new norm,” Justin said. For property managers, this means focusing on delivering exceptional renter and owner experiences. Renters want flexibility and remote options, and property managers need to adapt by offering services that match these expectations.

3. The Golden Age of Property Management: Be Visible, Not Invisible

Justin described the next few years as a golden age of property manager. “In the next 3-5 years, we’ll hit the bottom of the market, and that’s when real estate will be on sale,” he said. With $84 trillion being transferred to younger generations, property managers need to step out of the firefighting mode and create positive touchpoints with owners. Those who can position their businesses as strategic partners, demonstrating value with transparency and proactive communication, will grow their market share.

4. Leverage Technology to Become the Guide.

Justin stressed the importance of technology in staying competitive. “Are you ready for growth? Do you have the tools to meet the next generation's demands?” he asked. Today’s owners and renters don’t need you to tell them what they are seeing—they expect a guide to help them decide what is next. Property managers need to use technology like AI to automate routine tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-level activities such as transparent communication, ROI reporting, and maintenance justification. By doing this, property managers can shift from being invisible task-doers to invaluable strategic partners.

Conclusion: Prepare for the Future—The Time is Now

Justin Anderson’s insights are clear: the Americans view of homeownership is changing, and that change represents a massive opportunity for property managers. 

As renters increase and homeownership declines, the property managers that focus on leveraging technology to automate tasks, free themselves up, and create positive owner experiences will shift their perception from invisible vendor to invaluable partner. They will be the ones that grow their market share during the great generational wealth transfer and the rise of the rental nation.

p.s: Vendoroo takes the busy work off your plate, lower your cost of maintenance per door*, and help you win owner trust with AI powered maintenance coordination.

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*Vendoroo clients see an average drop of $12 in maintenance cost per door