As inflation drives rent growth, properties in stable markets like the Midwest can continue to deliver returns even in higher-rate environments.Market Conditions Favor Real Estate RecoveryThe commercial real estate (CRE) market has faced significant challenges in recent years, but signs point to a recovery:Bottom of the Market Cycle: CRE appears to have reached its low point in late 2024, with 2025 marking the start of a slow recovery phase.Limited New Supply: High interest rates have curtailed new construction, which should drive rent growth in the coming years.Policy Changes on the Horizon: There is growing discussion about potential policy shifts under the new administration, including a return of 100% bonus depreciation and lower interest rates.

Markets are slowing significantly around the country (but not everywhere).

If you set it up well, don't worry, you'll get guests when you repost.If you really want to capture the existing bookings, then go for it and plan to re-furnish it at the start of slow season.

An appraiser likely isn't going to spend time giving you much feedback in advance (unless you have a connection or they are super slow).   

Anything requiring court or judicial decisioning is extremely slow. 

Jan and Feb are historically slow but a few suggestions I have are1.

And the reason why your "tale of two halves" will play out as you described.Demand:  This has actually been high almost all along, but rent growth hasn't materialized in response due to high levels of new supply. 

Colder climates see fewer moves in the winter, and things really slow down around Thanksgiving and Christmas when people are busy with the holidays and family.Second, talk to your PM.

It wasn’t clear in advance what the next steps were, or who was responsible for doing what.

Transaction volumes continue to be slowed with days on market increasing, but Sellers are remaining defiant and not coming off too much of their higher prices.