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Top 10 Real Estate Predictions for 2009

By Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com

9 of 10

Rental Rates Will Increase as Demand Increases

House with a for rent sign

As the demand for rentals increase, rental rates will rise in 2009.

© Big Stock Photo
Surging numbers of home owners will lose their homes in 2009, which will turn former home owners into tenants. Some home owners will walk away from their residences, deciding that home ownership is not worth the aggravation, and return to living in rentals.

Because new construction will be at a standstill, existing inventory will serve as shelter. There will be fewer rental homes available than the demand will dictate, which will put upward pressure on rental rates. Sellers who are unwilling to take a hit on their sales prices will put their homes on the market as rentals, but that won't provide enough inventory to fulfill demand.

It's a good time to be landlord.

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