May 2025- Freedom Investing Insights

Freedom Investing Insights
Actionable insights. Real-world investing. Delivered.
May 2025 Edition | Powered by Freedom Property Advantage

 A Note from the Team
Hi there,
Welcome to the very first edition of our monthly newsletter! We’re excited to
share valuable insights, tips, and local updates to help you make the most of
your rental properties here in Pittsburgh.
Whether you’re a seasoned property owner or just getting started, we’ve got
you covered.

Market Pulse- Are tariffs impacting real estate?

• Recent U.S. tariffs on imported construction materials—such as steel,
  aluminum, and Canadian lumber—are significantly impacting the real
  estate sector by escalating building costs.
• For investors in rental properties, this will increase the cost of repairs as
  supply costs rise.
• The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that these
  tariffs have added approximately $10,900 to the cost of constructing a
  typical single-family home, contributing to a 14.2% decline in single-
  family housing starts in March 2025.
• The increased costs are also affecting the rental market. With higher
  construction expenses, developers may slow down new multifamily
  projects, potentially limiting rental supply and exerting upward pressure
  on rents . As a real estate investor, this could mean raising rents could
  be on the horizon. This scenario poses challenges for both homebuyers
  and renters, as affordability becomes a growing concern in the housing
  market reducing the pool of qualified renters and increasing the time to
  place a tenant.
• In summary, the recent tariffs are contributing to increased construction
  costs, reduced housing starts, and potential affordability issues in both
  the homebuying and rental markets. Stakeholders in the real estate
  industry should closely monitor these developments and consider
  strategies to mitigate the financial impacts.

For more information- check out these links -
How 2025 tariffs are impacting the real estate market.
Tariffs Impacting Construction Costs?

Investor’s Edge: Find, Underwrite, Improve

Rental Comps: How finding the right comparable
properties helps you in the long run!
Finding accurate rental comps is crucial for setting the right rent, analyzing
deals, or evaluating a property's potential. Here's a step-by-step guide tailored
for real estate investors, landlords, or property managers:

1. Define the Subject Property - Identify the exact features of your unit—
bed/bath count, finishes, amenities, and location.
2. Set Your Search Radius - Stick to a comparable radius within similar
neighborhoods or school zones for accuracy.
3. Use Multiple Data Sources - Compare comps from various sources.
Comparing recent data and seeing what's on the market today is extremely
critical. That is where you will find the properties you are competing against to
find a suitable tenant. The real estate market changes quickly and often so
having up to date information makes a big difference.
4. Adjust for Differences - Modify comp rents based on square footage,
condition, amenities, and layout differences. We recommend our owners to go
through an onsite walk through with our staff prior to listing. This will allow us
an opportunity to discuss any possible items at your property that may cause it
to differ from competing properties on the market. This could cause an
increase or decrease in rental rate at your property.
5. Set a Realistic Range - Establish a high-mid-low rent range and choose
pricing based on your risk tolerance and urgency. Here at Freedom Property
Advantage, we use real measurable data to determine a realistic price range
along with a corresponding time on market estimates. At the end of the day,
making your price competitive will lower your vacancy and bring you more
money!
6. Test & Validate - List your unit, monitor interest, and adjust quickly based
on response and applicant feedback. This step is one we consider most
important in our leasing process. We are constantly monitoring views, clicks,
saves, tour requests, and showings to help ensure our pricing is accurate.

Health, Wealth & Life

We’re reading:
investors.
"The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel – timeless truths for disciplined

• Money Tip: Owning rental property opens the door to potential tax
  benefits, including deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes,
  maintenance, and depreciation.
• Quick thought: Real estate isn’t just about appreciation—it’s about
  control. Keep a “Why I Invest” note in your phone. Re-read it every time
  a deal stresses you out!

Let’s Build Together

If you’re scaling your portfolio or tired of babysitting rentals, we’re here to help
—from rental analysis to boots-on-the-ground management.

• Rental Analysis
• Proactive Management/ Maintenance
• Investor Strategy Calls
  Book a free 15-min strategy session → Book an Appointment Here!

Thanks for reading,
The Freedom Property Advantage Team
Communication. Consistency. Results.
Freedom Property Advantage 412-567-4400