Summary
Rents received are a directly proportional to job market strength. As jobs soften, so do rents and vice versa. In this market, renters are finding roommates or returning to live with family/friends to reduce costs and expenses.
Analysis
In the San Jose area, typically the highest rental rates for the Bay
Area, brokers at a recent marketing meeting are praying for a strong
employment environment. In the past 5 years, many apartment owners
purchased with negative leverage in anticipation of appreciation, this
overpriced asset combined with softening rents is a double hit for the
owners who were caught up in the euphoria of teaser interest rates. Add
to the mix a fully indexed interest rate and the situation becomes even
more exciting. The fundamentals of investing which were ignored until
recently are called fundamentals for a reason.
Pete Chrzaszcz, Broker, Commercial MasterMinds


