Head of Marketing

Co-Founder & Head of Product

Co-founder & CEO

By partnering with Belong, homeowners can rest easy knowing their home is protected, managed, and optimized to attract new residents, even in the wake of hurricanes like Helene and Milton.

Milton & Helene's Fury: The Unexpected Rental Price Impact

Hurricanes are powerful natural phenomena that bring intense wind, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. They form over warm ocean waters and can rapidly escalate into dangerous storms, causing destruction to homes, infrastructure, and entire communities. The intensity of hurricanes is classified into categories based on their wind speeds, with Category 5 being the most severe. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in both the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, attributed to the warming of global ocean temperatures as a result of climate change.

Hurricanes can significantly impact the rental markets, especially in regions prone to these storms. When hurricanes hit, the immediate effects often include property damage and, in some cases, complete destruction of homes. This disruption leads to several challenges.

Supply Shortages: A hurricane can destroy or severely damage homes, limiting the number of available homes for rent, which, in turn, drives up demand and prices. For example, after major storms, there’s often a sharp increase in rents as displaced residents look for new housing.

Insurance Costs: The increased risk of hurricanes has led to higher insurance premiums, particularly for homes in hurricane-prone areas. This cost is often passed on to residents, raising overall rental prices.

Long-Term Market Shifts: Areas that have been repeatedly impacted by hurricanes may experience declining rental prices, as residents may view them as riskier areas to live. On the other hand, areas less prone to hurricanes may see increased demand, driving prices higher.

As hurricanes become more frequent and severe, it’s essential for homeowners and property managers to be prepared. Here are some steps to help mitigate the risks:

Reinforce Your Home: Ensure that your home is hurricane-proof, with reinforced roofs, windows, and doors. Installing storm shutters and impact-resistant glass can also help prevent damage.

Stay Insured: Make sure you have comprehensive home insurance that covers hurricane-related damage, including flooding. Review your policy regularly to ensure you’re adequately covered.

Create an Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for residents and communicate it clearly. Ensure they know evacuation routes and have a list of emergency contacts.

Stay Informed: Keep up with weather forecasts and warnings. Modern technology offers several apps and platforms that provide up-to-date information on approaching storms.

How Belong Can Help You Find Residents and Provide Confidence

Belong offers unique solutions to help homeowners navigate the challenges of managing their homes, especially in regions prone to hurricanes. Here’s how Belong can support you:

Guaranteed Time To Love: Our innovative program ensures that your home will find a resident within a set timeframe, providing you with peace of mind in a fluctuating market. Even in the aftermath of hurricanes, when the market becomes uncertain, Belong guarantees consistent efforts to find the right resident for your home.

Home Maintenance and Management: Belong ensures that your home is well-maintained, helping mitigate damage from hurricanes by conducting regular inspections and addressing maintenance needs. Should a hurricane strike, We will assist in organizing repairs and ensuring your home is ready for residents as quickly as possible.

Insurance and Risk Management Support: We connect you to trusted insurance providers to help you secure the best coverage for your home, so you're prepared in case of future storms.

Confidence in Uncertain Times: Belong’s approach gives you the confidence to weather market disruptions caused by natural disasters. We take care of finding residents and maintaining your home, so you can focus on long-term peace of mind.

The Specific Impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Hurricanes Helene and Milton are two storms that left lasting marks on the communities they touched.

Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 storm that impacted the Atlantic coast. The storm’s strong winds and storm surge caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, particularly in coastal regions. Renters and homeowners alike faced significant challenges, with many displaced and seeking alternative housing. The damage from Helene contributed to a spike in rental prices as the housing supply dwindled.

Hurricane Milton, on the other hand, was slightly less powerful but equally devastating. As a Category 3 hurricane, it primarily affected inland areas. Milton's slow-moving nature brought torrential rain, leading to widespread flooding and significant damage to homes that weren’t prepared for such conditions. The aftermath saw a major increase in the demand for rental properties as homes were repaired, temporarily inflating rental prices.

Both hurricanes are reminders of the unpredictable and damaging effects of these storms, underscoring the importance of being prepared as a homeowner or landlord.

By partnering with Belong, homeowners can rest easy knowing their home is protected, managed, and optimized to attract new residents, even in the wake of hurricanes like Helene and Milton. We help you safeguard your home, maintain steady rental income, and stay resilient in the face of future storms.

Disclaimer: We don’t enjoy using the word ‘landlord’. We prefer to refer to members in our network as homeowners and residents, not landlords and tenants, since we’re on a mission to upend and redefine the traditional landlord-tenant relationship. That said, this article is for homeowners taking the leap for the first time who are looking for answers with more common industry terms like ‘landlords’ and ‘tenants’, so in some instances we have had to stick to the old moniker for owners of rental homes.

Article about the impact of hurricanes on rental home prices

24/7 Care, Hurricanes Included

Just because the season has changed, does not mean that you can't rent out your house on your timeline! Find out why renting out your home in the fall season has its own unique advantages.

Fall Doesn’t Mean a Fall in Applications: Why Renting Out Your Home in Autumn Has Its Advantages

As the weather starts to cool and leaves change color, it’s easy to assume that rental activity slows down. Historically, summer is the peak season for moving, with families eager to settle before school starts and young professionals jumping into new careers. But while it’s true that the rental market tends to be more active in warmer months, Fall doesn’t necessarily mean a fall in applications. In fact, autumn offers unique advantages for homeowners looking to rent out their properties.

A Smaller but More Serious Pool of Renters

During the summer, rental applications often surge, but that doesn’t always mean quality over quantity. Many people are casually browsing, or making quick decisions due to time constraints. By contrast, renters in the fall tend to be more serious about securing a home. Whether it’s due to job relocations, life changes, or personal timing, those moving in the fall are often more committed and prepared to move quickly.

Quality Over Quantity: Fall renters typically have a greater sense of urgency and purpose, which often leads to better applicants.

Long-Term Residents: This more selective pool may result in fewer applications, but a higher likelihood of securing long-term, responsible residents.

And with Belong’s enhanced resident screening, we always ensure the highest quality applicants!

Fall naturally brings fewer properties to the market, as many homeowners list their rentals during the busy summer season. However, this decrease in competition can work to your advantage. Renters looking for homes in the fall often have fewer options, meaning your property has a better chance of standing out. This increased visibility can lead to quicker rentals and less time sitting vacant, saving you money on unoccupied periods.

Flexibility for Renters Seeking Immediate Move-Ins

Because the market isn’t as saturated in the fall, there’s more room for flexibility in leasing terms. Renters moving in the fall may need to secure housing immediately due to work schedules or personal reasons, and they’re often ready to sign a lease quickly. This means you could find a resident faster and avoid the prolonged vacancy that sometimes comes with waiting for the “right” applicant in the busier months.

While many families aim to move during the summer, circumstances like job transfers or academic schedules may still prompt fall moves. Universities and colleges also play a role as students and faculty may need housing as they finalize last-minute plans for the new semester. If your property is located near a college or university, this could be an opportune time to attract these groups.

The fall market allows for more negotiating power on both sides. Homeowners can be more flexible with rental terms, pricing, or move-in dates, and residents may appreciate this flexibility. It’s a win-win situation that encourages future residents to act quickly. This approach not only increases your chance of leasing out the property sooner but also helps maintain a strong homeowner-resident relationship from the start.

Delaying your rental listing until the spring might seem tempting, but it could cost you more in the long run. By waiting, you risk losing out on months of potential rental income. A vacant property still requires maintenance, security, and may even lead to depreciation over time.

Lost Income: Each month your property sits empty is money out of your pocket. Rental income lost during fall and winter adds up quickly.

Ongoing Expenses: Even without residents, you’ll still be responsible for utilities, upkeep, and possibly even taxes.

While the fall season may see a slight dip in overall rental applications, it doesn’t signal a lull in the rental market’s potential. By capitalizing on the benefits of renting in the fall; serious renters, reduced competition, and the season’s charm, you can position your property for success. Fall doesn’t mean a fall in applications; rather, it can be a time to secure a reliable resident and reduce the stress of prolonged vacancy.

So don’t let your home sit vacant a day longer, and see why homeowners all across the U.S. are ditching outdated property management for Belong!

Make Homeowners Fall For Your Property

Find rental home success in Seattle with 8 ideas for creating a successful long-term management strategy and optimizing your rental home in Washington state.

Rent Out Your Seattle Home Like a Pro in 2024

Life in Washington State is a desirable one. And with a diverse cultural scene, spectacular national parks, and big employers across healthcare, tech and retail — Seattle and its surrounds has plenty of demand for rentals. 

But that doesn’t mean it’s an easy place to make a quick buck either. A high cost of entry, hot competition, and economic uncertainty mean you need a smart, long-term strategy to realize financial goals from a rental home. 

In this article, we dive into 8 tips for achieving rental success in Seattle and beyond.

8 ways to optimize your rental home in Washington state

1. Create a long-term rental strategy to achieve financial goals 

Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the US, but also a city where patience is greatly rewarded. Having a smart rental management strategy in place and holding property can help you achieve your financial goals comfortably. 

According to data from NeighborhoodScout, Seattle real estate appreciated by 98% between 2013 - 2023. Even with prices cooling post-pandemic, long-term homeowners are well and truly ahead. 

Spokane is another area in Washington that has done exceptionally well. With more renters chasing affordable housing and space to work remotely, Spokane property appreciated by 146.46% in the same period. The last five years alone saw appreciation grow by 64%, or an average of 10.41% per year. 

When considering your financial goals for a rental home in Washington State or Seattle, it’s worth thinking long-term. Exiting the market quickly may not see the same returns due to the high entry costs. 

2. Lock in predictable, consistent rent 


A long-term renting strategy is easier if you can predict your returns over time. A per-night rate as a short-term rental may be enticing, but this also comes with a lot of headaches and uncertainty. 

Seattle in particular has strict limitations, licensing and fees for short-term rentals that don’t apply to the long-term rental market. Washington state lawmakers are also considering an additional 10% tax on STRs, creating further uncertainty around income. 

There are far-reaching benefits for both homeowners and the wider community when you opt to rent out a home on a long term basis. Belong wants to give confidence to homeowners in choosing this option by offering predictable, guaranteed rent. With Belong, you’ll get paid your rental income like clockwork, regardless of when residents pay.

Read More: How Guaranteed Rent is Changing Property Management Forever

3. Stay informed on local tenant-landlord laws and bills

Washington is full of local ordinances, so laws and eviction rules vary between cities. This can make compliance a bit of a minefield if you don’t have your finger on the pulse! Cities including Seattle, Tecoma, and Bellingham have all passed strong renter protections and eviction laws that differ from the rest of the state. The City of Olympia passed new tenant protections as recently as March 2024. 

Homeowners should also watch bills on the horizon such as House Bill 2114. This seeks to limit rent increases in the state to 7% per year (but has a way to go before it becomes law).

Belong makes compliance simple. We’ll help you meet financial goals while also providing unparalleled service to your residents. This goes beyond staying on the right side of the law, with 24/7 human support. And if things take a turn, Belong homeowners are protected with $15,000 of eviction coverage. 

Read More: 5 New Laws Washington State Landlords Should Be Prepared For in 2024

The Washington and Seattle real estate market is very seasonal. While the pandemic era chaos saw rents surge, seasonality is returning with peaks and troughs. Understanding demand trends for your pocket of Washington is essential to setting competitive rent and securing long-term residents at the right price. 

Take a look at Zillow’s median rental price for single-family homes in Seattle. The graph below illustrates a steep curve that peaks between June and September before dropping right off in December-January. 

Belong data shows similar trends, with prices peaking in the warmer months every year across Washington state. 

Read More: How To Achieve The Best Rent By Listing In Summer

5. Consider making your home a pet-friendly rental

Washington state has a very high pet ownership rate — there’s over 42,000 pet licenses registered in Seattle alone (more pets than kids!). 

The trend towards remote and hybrid work has also seen an increase in pet adoption. If you’re looking for ways to increase the appeal (and price) of your home, it’s safe to say that pet-friendly rentals have a competitive advantage in Washington. With proper screening and allowable pet fees, this could be a simple way to expand your applicant pool. 

6. Market your home, neighborhood and amenities

Washington state is home to incredible national parks, cultural icons, industry titans, and many top-rated school districts. Owning a rental home within walking distance of any of these pull-factors will have an impact on the return and income you can expect. 

Be sure to include these factors when marketing your rental home — and when creating a pricing strategy. If you’re struggling, Belong can help by using a clever combination of technology, real-time demand and human smarts to set the best price that will attract long-term residents to your home. 

A rental home isn’t a reliable source of income when it’s vacant. One way to ensure your rental home remains a successful asset in a state like Washington is to invest in proper maintenance and have the right insurance coverage. 

Budgeting for maintenance and insurance is a short-term expense that can pay off long-term. It’s cheaper than having to make major repairs or go through a period where the home can’t be lived in, especially in the case of a fire or natural disaster. 

This is why Belong has built an incredible vendor network of over 10,000 vetted contractors across the country. Homeowners can make instant requests and set up subscriptions for regular maintenance on your rental home — even purchase rental home insurance. And to avoid any dents in your cash flow Belong offers flexible payment options for these services. 

Read More: Why Ignoring Rental Home Maintenance Could Cost You More Than Repairs

8. Consider smart home or sustainability upgrades to your rental

People love Washington because of its diverse geology — and they want to keep it that way. Seattle and Washington residents tend to be environmentally conscious, so investing in cost-efficient sustainability upgrades with lower running costs could attract more applicants and potentially justify higher rent. 

And with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon calling Seattle home, simple smart-home upgrades are likely to be appreciated by professionals looking for a place to rent. 

Achieve financial freedom with real estate in Washington

If you’re looking for stability in your rental experience, Belong has you covered. We’re making rental finances predictable by offering stable, guaranteed rent. We’re providing flexible payment options to keep your cash flow steady. And we’re doing it while providing a better way of living for the millions of Americans who rent. 

Working together, we can put people first and change what it means to rent a home in Seattle and greater Washington. Belong can help you reach your financial goals, while also creating lasting, positive impact on innumerable lives for decades to come.

Interested in learning more about Belong in Washington state? Check out one of our local pages below:

The best property management alternative in Seattle

The best property management alternative in Spokane 

Earn Guaranteed Rent For Your Seattle Rental

Whether you’re dealing with a problematic property management company or just burnt out on self-managing your rental homes, Belong can help.

From Frustration to Freedom: Why Homeowners Choose Belong

Not all rental homeowners consider themselves to be landlords building real estate empires. In reality there are many situations where homeowners find themselves on the rental market unexpectedly. It’s so common that it’s created the term ‘accidental landlords’. 

Common scenarios that create accidental landlords include:

Locking in a record-low interest rate that you don’t want to give up for higher mortgage repayments

Owning a house you love, but needing to move for work

Needing more space for your family but hoping to return one day 

Being priced out of the neighborhood you want to live, but buying a home you can afford elsewhere to achieve home ownership

Not everyone who rents out a home loves the idea of even being called a ‘landlord’ (accidental or otherwise!). The term has such a negative connotation that Belong doesn’t even call our homeowners that! 

One of Belong’s specialties is working with homeowners who are taking on the challenge of rental home management for the first time. Our goal is to keep homes in the hands of individuals — finding wonderful humans to treat the home as their own and keep homeowner headaches and frustrations at bay. 

Is hiring property management the right choice? What’s the alternative?

Property managers are supposed to make your life easier, taking care of your rental home residents so you can enjoy your investment without worry. But the reality is often not so glossy. Common complaints of traditional property management companies include poor communication, hidden fees, low-quality maintenance work, and high property vacancy. 

Property managers work in a way where your profit comes at the expense of the people who occupy your home. It’s not good for you and it’s not good for your residents. 

That’s why Belong exists. Belong gives rental homeowners an alternative, without having to do all the heavy lifting yourself. We’re solving the broken property management system to create a new residential network, with perks that will make renting out your home more enjoyable and profitable. 

The end result? A rental home management partner that looks out for you, your cash flow, and your residents with innovative solutions that make renting lovable. 

How Belong is changing and simplifying rental management

Belong looks after rental homes, but isn’t a traditional property management company. Think of us more as a technology company with a human heart. Where long-term renting meets hospitality. Belong addresses both sides of the housing crisis by supporting homeowners to meet their financial goals and looking after residents to get them into home ownership sooner. 

Here are five reasons to choose Belong over traditional property management or DIY:

Never chase a rental payment again. Ever. 

Belong homeowners earn guaranteed rent, which means you get paid every month — no matter when we receive it. This is our way of “putting our money where our mouth is”. We’re so confident in our resident placement and screening process that we can pay you like clockwork. It also provides your residents with the flexibility to pay on their schedule, without impacting yours. 

2. Transparent fees that include a whole lot


Many property management companies will advertise low management rates that seem very appealing up front, but include only the bare minimum. Soon, your 6% management fee can skyrocket to thousands of dollars upfront and per month.

At Belong, our management fee is a transparent 8% and free of junk fees. We never hide costs or charge extra for what we think should be essential. This includes our most in-demand services such as guaranteed rent, flexible payment options, 24/7 support, and up to $15,000 in eviction protection from legal costs if you ever need it. 

This dramatically simplifies your life as a homeowner and makes predicting your cash flow a breeze. 

3. Constant innovation and homeowner perks

We pride ourselves on being different from old-school companies that haven’t changed since 1980. That’s why we infuse technology into everything we do. 

Our industry-leading homeowner app puts everything you need at your fingertips, including:

Help and support when you need it (yes, even on weekends!) 

Flexible financing to spread the cost of maintenance or home expenses

Get rental home insurance to protect your asset

Access cash flow insights and tax documentation

Review and approve maintenance requests, connecting with our 10,000+ strong vendor network

And this is just the beginning. As a tech-forward solution, Belong is always innovating to make the rental experience better for everyone. 

Belong residents get access to 24/7 support, a user-friendly app for simple payments, and credit towards their home deposit with every on-time rent payment. It’s why Belong homes find residents quickly and keep them longer. 73% of Belong residents renew their 12-month lease, keeping vacancies low and your home well cared for. 

Did you know that Belong integrates into all popular listing platforms such as Zillow and Zumper? When you list with Belong, you’ll automatically be featured on all the top sites. This matters because it means, you’ll get 30-50% more views for your home as well as a direct feed of applicants from these sites into the Belong system. This lets us contact potential residents quickly and find the best applicant faster than a traditional property manager could. 

It’s another way that Belong reduces vacancy times and costs for homeowners, with 66% less vacancy than competitors and an average of 29 qualified applications for every home listed. 

How to maximize your ROI if your home is under lease

Maybe this isn’t your first rental home experience. Maybe you’re fed up with a problematic property management company or burnt out on self-managing your rental home. If this is the case, Belong can help in two easy steps — even if you’re mid-lease. 

If your rental home is currently occupied, you can apply to join Belong and make sure your residents and cash flow are well taken care of. 

To get started, you can find our online qualification process here. We’ll reach out to confirm if your home is a good fit for Belong. We’ll also help you with all the logistics if you’re switching from a property manager. 

We’ll work with your residents to make the transition as seamless as possible. They will remain on their existing lease, but also access Belong's easy online payment options and concierge support.

2. Get your residents qualified for guaranteed rent

To access guaranteed rent for existing residents, Belong will need to qualify them with our screening process. 9/10 residents are qualified for our guaranteed rent program.

If your residents move out at the end of their lease, we’ll help you find your next residents so you continue earning passive income with no interruptions. We’ll also include protection of up to $15,000 in legal fees for any residents we place if we ever need to start eviction proceedings. 

Belong is simplifying the rental experience and helping more homeowners reach their financial goals through real estate. Visit our homeowner's page to find out more about how our services are helping people to ditch property management in Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando, Charlotte, Miami and many more.

Get guaranteed rent, better cash flow, and 24/7 support for your rental home by ditching outdated property management for Belong, the modern alternative.

Sparsh Mehta

I grow new markets and bring our industry-changing experience to homeowners and residents around the country. Lover of the Outdoors, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Hiking, Live Music, and all things Technology.

Afton Brazzoni

Annalise Mantz

Tyler Infelise

Ale Resnik

Jane Allison Gunn

Afton Brazzoni

Annalise Mantz

Tyler Infelise

Ale Resnik

Jane Allison Gunn