All Forum Posts by: Kyle Reedstrom

I have a lot of new construction homes in my area.   Many of them have no transaction history.   How do I find out what the price was of these homes when they were built and closed with the 1st owners?   AKA I want to find out the original price the houses started at?

Context:  I am a Real Estate agent and we are conducting a marketing campaign to show people how much their homes have appreciated in value.   In order to have that number, we need the original price the home closed at. 

Hello.  It's me.  I've been wondering if after all this time you'd like to....here for another Hot-Take-Tuesday post by Kyle from Fargo 😎

Let’s just say it — too many people are paralyzed by interest rates.  I can't go more than 24 hours without talking about the dang rates.   

Are people really sitting on the sidelines, clutching their pearls every time the Fed sneezes, waiting for some magical "perfect rate" to come save them!?   Meanwhile, real investors — the ones actually building wealth — are out here buying deals, locking in payments, and riding appreciation all the way to the bank.

If you're still obsessing over rates, it's time for a wake-up call. Here's why payment and appreciation leave interest rates in the dust:

🔥 1. Cash Flow Pays the Bills. Interest Rates Don't.

Nobody ever retired because they bragged about getting a 4% rate instead of 6.5%. They retired because the rent covered the payment and left money in their pocket. Cash flow is what keeps the lights on, the business running, and your stress level low.   If the payment works and you're cash flowing, the rate is just noise.  

🔥 2. You Can Refinance a Crappy Rate — You Can’t Refinance a Missed Opportunity.

Rates go up. Rates go down. Big whoop. You know what doesn’t change? The price you paid. Lock in a killer property with real upside, and when rates drop (because they always do), refinance and boost cash flow.
Wait around hoping for some fairytale rate? Cool. Someone else will buy that property, ride the appreciation wave, and you’ll be the one paying them rent.   Oh and don't come complaining when interest rates DO pop down and the whole market goes into a frenzy again and now every property you want has 4 offers day 1.   Remember that?   Makes these homes sitting on market for 24 days with 2 price drops seem pretty appetizing eh?

🔥 3. Appreciation Is the Ultimate Cheat Code.

Want to know how people wake up with six figures in equity? It’s not because they sat around rate-watching.
It's because they bought in markets that go up over time. While you're crying over a percentage point, they’re stacking $100K in appreciation without lifting a finger. You can’t out-save or out-hustle a good appreciation curve.  

Perfect example is my wife.  She bought a twinhome in Fargo in 2017 for $184K.    Today's it's up to $265K.   If interest rates would have paralyzed her we'd have $100K missing on our net worth statement.   And don't tell me you wish you would have bought back then too....Because when I'm writing posts on BP in 2030....I'll be talking about the low hanging fruit that was available during the 2025 market. 

🔥 4. Rents Go Up. Your Payment Stays the Same. You Win.

I remember back in 2015 when I started in Real estate and I saw all these "old-school" investors buying single family houses for $210K.  And I know the rents were only $1200/mo!?  What are they doing!?  That's a horrible investment right!?   Well, fast forward 4.5 years and rents went up to $1850/mo.  Now they are at $2200/mo for the same house.   Who's the dumby now?  Lock in your payment today. Rents climb tomorrow. Boom. Profit.
This is the long game people keep missing. Yeah, today’s rate might sting a little. But five years from now, when your payment is locked and rents are up 30%, you’ll be laughing all the way to the beach.

🔥 5. Sitting on the Sidelines Is the Most Expensive Hobby.

While you’re busy "waiting for rates to come down," property values are climbing. Rents are climbing. Equity is growing... just not in your name. Every day you wait is a day you lose real, tangible money.  Fargo's average historical appreciation is 2.76%.   Even through 2008-2009 market.  2.7% on a $300K investment....you do the math as 5 years goes by.    And to think you didn't buy that investment you liked because the payment changed by $130/mo because the interest rates were too high.  
Spoiler alert: There’s never a perfect time. Winners play the hand they're dealt.

💣 Final Thought:

If you're serious about real estate wealth, stop treating interest rates like the boss level. They’re just background noise. Focus on what matters:
✅ Solid payment.
✅ Strong cash flow.
✅ Killer appreciation potential.

That’s the real flex.

Cheers 🚀

Kyle from Fargo

Hey-o it's Kyle from Fargo and I'm always feeling a bit spicy on Tuesdays.  

I think good friends and people you truly care about show you love by telling the truth.   So I feel like calling out my fellow real estate agents today (and myself in the process).  

Let's be real....2025 is separating the winners from the whiners in real estate. If you're struggling, it's probably because of one (or several) of these reasons:

🔥 1. You Still Think You're a "People Person"—But You’re a Dinosaur
Gone are the days of schmoozing your way to a deal. Buyers and sellers don’t need your charming personality; they need a strategic negotiator and a marketing powerhouse.  Oh and also...they need someone that's up to date on contract changes, contract law, and definitely the new rules with the NAR settlement.    If you're not leveraging AI, data analytics, and aggressive digital marketing, you're getting crushed by those who are. You can still be kind...we nice...and serve like crazy, but the "smile and sell" era is dead—adapt or die.

💰 2. You’re Lazy and Entitled—Blaming the Market Instead of Your Skills
Yes, interest rates are up. Yes, inventory is weird.  Yes it costs 60% more to build...ANYTHING these days.  But guess what? Deals are still happening!  Just not for agents who refuse to prospect aggressively, create systems for their business, or pivot away from old strategies. The ones who complain about "how hard it is" or "how tough this market has been" are the ones who refuse to put in the work. Real estate is a business, not a hobby.

🚗 3. You’re Acting Like an Uber Driver, Not a Deal Closer
Stop thinking your job is to “show homes.”  Zillow, Redfin, and AI-powered searches have made house shopping a skill for anyone with a phone and a pair of eyeballs.   Buyers don’t need a tour guide—they need someone who has studied how houses function, can out-negotiate other buyers, and structure offers that WIN. If your only value is opening doors, guess what? You're replaceable.

💡 4. You Refuse to Build a REAL Brand
If your entire marketing strategy is just posting "Just Listed" and "Just Sold" on Facebook, you deserve to fail. In 2025, real estate is a branding game. Buyers are working with agents they trust.   Buyers are working with agents with reputation.  Buyers are working with agents who like-what-they-like.   The agents who are dominating are leveraging short-form video, email marketing, and personal branding that screams authority. The rest? They’re begging for leads while their competition wins.

Harsh truth: The industry isn’t failing...it might just be you.  So if you’re failing, ask yourself: Are you evolving, or are you just making excuses?

Drop your thoughts below—are agents failing because of the market, or are they just getting exposed? 👇🔥

Cheers,

Kyle from Fargo 🚀

Hey Gang - Kyle from Fargo here.   

I've been noticing in recent months there has been chatter in the real estate and investment communities about a possible slowdown in the short-term rental (STR) market with some claiming that Airbnb and similar platforms are facing headwinds. I'm writing to you to say....I Don't Buy It.   While it’s true the industry is evolving, I firmly believe that the future of Airbnb is poised to be stronger than ever—and here’s why:

Still seeing Growth in Remote Work and Digital Nomadism (GEN Z is the future!)
The rise of remote work is more than just a pandemic-era trend. Many companies have embraced hybrid or fully remote models, giving employees unprecedented flexibility to work from anywhere. This shift has fueled the rise of digital nomads and extended stays in Airbnbs, as professionals seek unique, comfortable spaces to work and explore new locations.  I've literally had 2 small businesses use my airbnbs recently that just used our space for 2 day quarterly retreats.  This is a lifestyle shift...not a trend.  AND Airbnb has already recognized this trend, offering discounts on longer stays and tailoring properties to remote workers’ needs.

Travelers Prefer Unique Experiences - Ask my wife 
Gone are the days when travelers defaulted to cookie-cutter hotel chains. That's what our parents did (I'm 35 btw).   Today’s consumers crave authentic, immersive experiences. Whether it’s staying in a tiny home, a yurt, or a historic downtown loft, Airbnb offers the diversity that hotels simply cannot match.  In my location (Fargo)...I have friends that have rented out Ice-Houses!  People are cooky...and getting cooky-er :) This demand for “local living” isn’t slowing down; if anything, it’s growing stronger, particularly among younger generations who prioritize unique travel experiences.  Which keys into my next point....

They Are Expanding Markets and Niches
Airbnb is no longer just about vacation rentals. The platform is rapidly expanding into new markets, including luxury stays, rural getaways, and even event-hosting properties. With features like Airbnb Experiences and partnerships in niche markets, the platform is diversifying its offerings to capture a broader audience. This diversification reduces risk and opens the door to more growth.

🔥 HOTTEST TAKE: Guess What.....They Are Adapting to Regulations
While it's true that some cities have cracked down on short-term rentals, this isn't a death sentence for the industry. This is where the crowd gets loud but it's not all facts. In fact, these regulations often separate serious, professional hosts from those looking for quick, unsustainable profits. Many investors are adapting by purchasing properties in STR-friendly markets or transitioning to mid-term rental strategies. Airbnb itself has shown its willingness to work with governments to create frameworks that balance community needs with hosting opportunities.

What Has Been More Resilient Than STR During Economic Uncertainty? 🤔
When times are tough, people still ended up traveling—BUT they are more budget-conscious.  Who's more flexible than Airbnb??  Airbnb offers travelers a wider range of price points and the ability to save money by cooking meals or sharing spaces. For hosts, this means reliable demand even during economic slowdowns. The platform’s flexibility is a key advantage that traditional hotels can’t replicate.

Airbnb FEELS Like the Future...Hotels Feel Like The Past.  AKA Tech-Driven Innovation
The fact is, Airbnb’s strength lies in its ability to innovate. From advanced algorithms that match guests to their ideal properties to features like verified listings and guest reviews, Airbnb is continuously improving its platform. New initiatives, such as hosting AI tools and dynamic pricing features, make it easier for hosts to succeed, further solidifying Airbnb’s position as a market leader.  Are Hotels doing this?  I'd question that.  And if yes....not at the rate of companies like Airbnb and VRBO. 

Strong Brand Recognition and Loyalty
Airbnb is a household name with a loyal user base. My wife and I rarely even look at a different site when traveling with family.  Travelers trust the platform, and many hosts have built successful businesses relying on its ecosystem. This level of brand loyalty and recognition provides Airbnb with a moat that’s hard for competitors to breach.

My Final Thoughts
While the Airbnb market may face challenges, these are opportunities in disguise. Investors and hosts who stay adaptable and focus on providing high-quality guest experiences are likely to thrive in this evolving landscape. Far from being bearish, I see a future where Airbnb continues to revolutionize the way we think about travel, hospitality, and even real estate investment.

That's my HOT TAKE 🔥 So.....

What’s your take on the future of Airbnb? 

Are you doubling down or sitting this one out? Let's hear it 👇

Hello!  If you're in the FM area and you own/operate STRs I'd love to connect.    A couple questions first:

1)  How many STRs are you involved with?

2) How long have you been STR investing?

3) Was Jan-25 your best STR January in the past 3 years?

Just purchased the building and inherited the vacancy. (In response to @Obed Calixte comment). 

Buildium is syndicating to some sites but I'm not sure how effective it is.   

We recently have 10 vacancies in a 20-plex that we want to fill with long-term tenants in the next 30-60 days.    We use Buildium PM software but that just seems like such a reactive approach.

Anyone have some great Pro-Active strategies they've used to fill vacancies??

Cheers, 

Kyle from Fargo 🚀

If I was in your shoes I'd consider playing the Hard Money game. However, do your homework and be very diligent. It's deemed risky, but ROI and passivity is top notch.

Hey gang - A partner and I just started a local RE investor meetup.

Q: For anyone that attends these regularly or runs one....what are some of your best practices/tips/tricks to keep your audience engaged and growing?

Cheers 🚀

Kyle

Hey Solomon - Many of us have been there.  What would you say your goal is: A) Cashflow Growth B) Net-worth Growth