--- title: "Roommate Effect: Good News for Real Estate Investors" description: "Are you an investor or rental property owner who is worried about the future of your rentals? The good news […]" url: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/roommate-effect-good-news-real-estate-investors publisher: Real Property Management Gold phone: +1-301-392-2172 assessment: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment --- # Roommate Effect: Good News for Real Estate Investors LocalPublished May 3, 2017Updated February 15, 2024 Are you an investor or rental property owner who is worried about the future of your rentals? The good news is: you shouldn’t be. According to the Census Bureau, homeownership rates were reported at 63% at the end of 2015, which is a 20 year low for Americans, and even dropped a point from last year end report data. The good news for rental property owners is that vacancy rates are dropping as well, proving the demand for rental units is still there. In fact, Zillow reported that the [average rent rates are on the rise](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/rental-rates-southern-md). Combine that with the fact that the US had over 700,000 new renters in 2015 alone. You can see a lucrative market for rental property owners. **3 Factors Combined Lead to the “Roommate Effect”** High debts, high rent rates, and low incomes have come together to create “the roommate effect.” Zillow also studied how the “roommate effect” will impact the rental market. Just like on popular sitcoms “The Golden Girls,” or “Friends,” or even “How I Met Your Mother,” adults today are doubling up in [rental homes as a way to save money](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/california-maryland-rental-property-management-experience). In 2012, the number of American renters living with roommates or family members was over ⅓ of the adult population. According to Stan Humphries, Chief Economist for Zillow.com, “All of these doubled-up households represent tremendous potential energy for the market. And when these compressed households begin to unwind and these millions of Americans do start to [create their own households](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/rentvsbuy), demand will bounce back, possibly even causing household growth to outpace population growth.” **A Growing Market** Studies show that rental markets are stable and will be for some time. So now is a good time for [investing in real estate](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/real-estate-investing-stock-market-best-option). As the leader of property management companies in Southern Maryland,  Real Property Management Gold is here to help you as you grow your portfolio. Our overall goal as a company is to save property owners the time, money, and headaches often associated with rental property. We offer solutions for every aspect of Southern Maryland property management, and are experts on the local  area. As you continue to grow your portfolio, lean on our professionals at [Real Property Management Gold](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us)  to guide you along the way. First published by Real Property Management Gold on May 3, 2017. Details may have changed since then; current rules are in the [Landlord Center](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center). ## Keep reading - [Indian Head Rail Trail: What the 13-Mile Trail ConnectsThe Indian Head Rail Trail is a paved trail of about 13 miles that links the Town of Indian Head with the White Plains area of Charles County. It follows a former railroad corridor through the Mattawoman Creek stream valley. Owners can cite it in a listing as a fact, with the official name and a measured distance.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/indian-head-rail-trail) - [Calvert Cliffs Fossils: What Maryland DNR Says About the ParkMaryland DNR states that fossils of over 600 species have been found along Calvert Cliffs. Calvert Cliffs State Park sits at 10540 H. G. Trueman Road in Lusby. DNR also warns that climbing on or walking beneath the cliffs is prohibited because of landslides, and that collecting fossils beneath the cliffs is illegal.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/calvert-cliffs-fossils-lusby) - [Thomas Stone National Historic Site: A Port Tobacco LandmarkThe National Park Service lists Thomas Stone as a Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independence, born in 1743 and tied to Port Tobacco in Charles County. He is buried at Thomas Stone National Historic Site, which has a mailing address of 6655 Rose Hill Road, Port Tobacco. Check the park's page for hours and tours.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/thomas-stone-historic-site-port-tobacco) ## Ask what your home could rent for. Free. A free rental assessment from our offices in Lexington Park and Waldorf. No cost, no contract, no pressure. [Request a free assessment](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment)[(301) 392-2172](tel:+13013922172)