Yes, it's supposed to soften the blow of the rent increase.

I was seeing this first hand in softening rents in order to fill the vacants, or alternatively, accepting less than qualified tenants, so I thought it was best to sell.

I have been telling people New Homes are not the way to go for a while now.On 10-17-13 I wrote:"With inventory rising and the market setting itself up to soften in 2014, brand new homes are looking to take it on the chin again.

I've said much of the same regarding fundamentals about the current exuberance in the Salt Lake market (combined with the current flight from stocks and surplus of 1031 money now that investors can relinquish at reasonable prices).We also have a race against the uptick in interest rates that I think will soften the market this fall (but no crash).  

It's obvious that with a generally softening market (props to you if you're going strong), developers/investors might be banking on a 2017 oil price improvement (no don't worry, I'm not taking this thread there) to stimulate housing back up to last year's highs so they can sell at prices they originally projected when making their land acquisitions.

Same goes for the water softener, do most of you provide the salt or have tenants pay for it  and take care of the upkeep?

Or should I keep my powder dry and save up cash to pick up multiple deals in a year or two once the market softens or corrects? 

@April MolinaThe management company I work for puts everything on the tenants: Water, Electric, Gas, Snow, Lawn, Water Softener Salt (if applicable) and Furnace Filters.Some people we work with like to do the Salt/Furnace Filters so they have one excuse to go in the house every 3-6 months. 

Real estate prices are softening.

I'm guessing it might increase my review response rate and maybe soften a potential negative review.