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Freedom Investing Insights
January 2026 – Real Experience. Real Results.
Actionable insights. Real-world investing. Delivered.
A Note from the Team
“What gets measured gets managed.”
— Peter Drucker
The start of a new year brings clarity—especially in real estate. January is when the noise quiets down, the numbers become more honest, and disciplined investors separate themselves from hopeful ones.
At Freedom Property Advantage, we believe the beginning of the year is about getting grounded: understanding where the market actually is, tightening operations, and setting goals that are intentional—not reactive. This month’s insights are designed to help you do exactly that as we move into 2026.
Let’s start the year focused, informed, and prepared.
— The Freedom Property Advantage Team
Market Pulse
Pittsburgh Rentals: Longer Timelines, Higher Stakes
As we enter 2026, one of the clearest signals in the Pittsburgh rental market is the increase in average days on market, now hovering around ~55 days across many neighborhoods and unit types.
This doesn’t mean demand has disappeared — it means renters have options.
Here’s what we’re seeing behind the number:
Pricing sensitivity is high. Renters are shopping harder, comparing listings, and waiting longer before committing.
Early momentum matters more than ever. Properties that generate strong activity in the first 10–14 days still lease efficiently. Those who don’t often sit for much longer. Pricing appropriately is extremely important
Overpricing is punished quickly. Listings that start above market tend to lose visibility and require multiple price adjustments, extending vacancy well beyond the average.
Quality and readiness are separating winners from laggards. Clean, rent-ready units with strong photos and clear marketing still outperform—even in a slower season. It's still a relative game.
Freedom’s Take:
In a 55-day market, every extra week of vacancy hurts. Investors who rely on gut feel or “waiting it out” are paying a vacancy tax. Data-driven pricing, weekly trend tracking, and fast response times are core requirements—not optional tools.
Investor’s Edge
Why Knowing Local Rental Rules Can Make or Break a Deal
Running numbers correctly isn’t just about rent, taxes, and insurance — it’s about knowing your jurisdiction.
Across Allegheny and Washington Counties alone, rental requirements can vary significantly by:
Municipality or borough
Property age and type
Occupancy status (vacant vs. occupied)
Program participation (market rate vs. voucher)
Common local requirements include:
Rental registration or licensing
Interior or exterior inspections before leasing
Lead-based paint compliance for older properties
Certificates of occupancy tied to borough approval timelines
The problem? These requirements are often not reflected in initial underwriting — yet they directly impact:
Time to lease
Carrying costs
Renovation timelines
Inspection failure risk
Freedom’s Take:
Experienced investors don’t just underwrite properties — they underwrite the process. Knowing what inspections are required, how long approvals take, and what standards apply in each borough prevents surprises and protects cash flow.
This is where local experience compounds. The more properties you operate across different jurisdictions, the better your decision-making becomes — and the faster you move from theory to reliable execution.
Health, Wealth & Life
Set Goals With a “Why” — and Measure Them Often
January is goal-setting season, but goals without meaning don’t last.
The most effective investors set goals that:
Are specific and measurable
Are reviewed frequently, not once a year
Are tied to a clear why—more time, less stress, financial freedom, or family priorities
When goals are connected to something personal, they become easier to track, easier to adjust, and harder to abandon.
Tip for 2026:
Write down one professional goal and one personal goal. Then write why each one matters. Revisit them monthly. Progress compounds faster when the purpose is clear.
Recommended Reading: Goals With Purpose
As we head into 2026 planning, much of our focus at Freedom has been revisiting a few core books that have shaped how we set goals, measure progress, and stay aligned with our “why.” Sometimes the most valuable step isn’t finding something new—it’s returning to frameworks that work and applying them with fresh clarity.
•Atomic Habits — James Clear
A foundational favorite at Freedom. This book reinforces that sustainable progress comes from systems and habits—not willpower. Clear goals become achievable when they’re supported by consistent, measurable behaviors.
•Start With Why — Simon Sinek
Another long-standing favorite. Sinek’s message is simple but powerful: when goals are tied to a clear purpose, they’re easier to commit to, revisit, and defend when trade-offs arise.
•The 4 Disciplines of Execution — Chris McChesney, Sean Covey & Jim Huling
This is one of the most relied-upon frameworks inside Freedom. 4DX emphasizes focusing on the wildly important, tracking leading indicators, and creating a consistent cadence of accountability—exactly what keeps goals alive beyond January.
•The 12 Week Year — Brian Moran & Michael Lennington
A useful complement to the books above. While not a core favorite, the 12-week framework can be helpful for tightening execution cycles and increasing the frequency of goal review during the year.
Freedom in Action
Giving Back This Holiday Season
This past Christmas Eve, our team spent time volunteering at the City Mission in Washington, PA, helping support individuals and families in need during the holiday season.
It was a meaningful reminder that real estate is ultimately about people—about providing stability, dignity, and a place to call home. We’re proud of our staff for giving their time, energy, and heart to serve the local community.
Strong communities create strong markets. Giving back is part of who we are—and always will be.
Start 2026 With Clear Numbers
If your property has been sitting longer than expected—or if you’re planning a new listing—start with the data.
We’re offering a free rental comp analysis to help you understand:
Where your pricing stands today
How it compares to similar properties
What adjustments (if any) could reduce vacancy time
Request your free rental comp analysis here.
No pressure. Just clarity.
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Thanks for reading.
Stay sharp. Stay strategic. Stay free.
— The Freedom Property Advantage Team