How are you planning to generate new owner-client leads in 2026 and are you betting on tactics that actually work?

In this episode, Marc Cunningham sits down with Stephen Fox of Upkeep Media to break down the most effective, realistic strategies property management companies should be focusing on to drive owner leads next year. Instead of chasing shiny objects or short-term hacks, the conversation centers on organic SEO, Google reviews, YouTube, and education-based marketing that compounds over time.

Stephen explains why Google and YouTube still dominate owner search behavior, how AI search fits into the picture, and what PMs should prioritize depending on where they are in their growth journey. They also unpack why video marketing is one of the cheapest and most defensible lead-generation strategies available—and why perfection is not required to win.

This episode is a practical roadmap for PMs who want predictable lead flow, lower acquisition costs, and marketing assets that keep working long after they're created.

Upkeep Media: Get a free property management lead gen analysis

Property Manager Websites - the highest performing property management website in the industry

Venderoo- An always-on AI teammate to handle all aspects of maintenance

Lead Simple - manage more doors with less stress using LeadSimple

Rentvine - the property management software you can trust

Lending One - real estate loans for investors

Reconcile Daily - corporate & trust accounting experts

PMbuild - Marc's education for property managers

Denver Property Management - Grace Property Management website

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

Renewal rent growth has been carrying the rental market—but how long can that last?

In Part 2 of this in-depth conversation, Marc Cunningham continues his discussion with Jesse Lederman, Chief Financial Analyst at Zelman, breaking down the less-talked-about forces shaping the 2026 rental market. This episode dives into renewal rent growth versus new move-in pricing, blended rent growth, days on market, turnover, maintenance costs, and shifting investor behavior.

Marc and Jesse explain why renewals have outpaced market rents, how renter "friction" is delaying price corrections, and why that dynamic may not be sustainable forever. They also unpack why days on market remain elevated, what annualized turnover really means for operators, and why maintenance and capital expenses unexpectedly declined in late 2025.

The episode closes with a look at investor demand—why institutional buyers have pulled back while individual investors appear more opportunistic—and the early signs of stabilization heading into the spring leasing season. If you're advising owners, setting 2026 budgets, or managing expectations during a slower cycle, this episode gives you the data-backed context you need.

Zelman & Associates: trusted experts offering unparalleled housing insights

Property Manager Websites - the highest performing property management website in the industry

Venderoo- An always-on AI teammate to handle all aspects of maintenance

Lead Simple - manage more doors with less stress using LeadSimple

Rentvine - the property management software you can trust

Lending One - real estate loans for investors

Reconcile Daily - corporate & trust accounting experts

PMbuild - Marc's education for property managers

Denver Property Management - Grace Property Management website

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

The 2026 rental market is shaping up to look very different than the last few years—and property managers need to be ready to explain why.

In this special year-end episode, Marc Cunningham sits down with Jesse Lederman, Chief Financial Analyst at Zelman, to break down insights from Zelman's latest Single-Family Rental Survey. Together, they unpack what the data is really saying about rent growth, supply pressure, and the growing wave of accidental landlords entering the market.

You'll hear why new move-in rent growth has turned negative in many markets, how low mortgage rates are reshaping owner behavior, and what property managers should expect as they head into 2026. This episode gives you the language, context, and data you need to communicate confidently with owner clients—and to stop taking the blame for market forces outside your control.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation focused on helping property managers think strategically about the year ahead.

Zelman & Associates: trusted experts offering unparalleled housing insights

Property Manager Websites - the highest performing property management website in the industry

Venderoo- An always-on AI teammate to handle all aspects of maintenance

Lead Simple - manage more doors with less stress using LeadSimple

Rentvine - the property management software you can trust

Lending One - real estate loans for investors

Reconcile Daily - corporate & trust accounting experts

PMbuild - Marc's education for property managers

Denver Property Management - Grace Property Management website

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.