Merced Property Management Blog

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Merced Rental Market Outlook

By Rental Zebra Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Trying to predict the rental market is a little like predicting traffic on a Friday afternoon. You know it is going to be busy, but the real question is how busy it will be and where the slowdowns will hit. Merced’s rental market is heading into 2026 with momentum, visibili...

New vs. Old Construction for Investment Properties in Merced

By Rental Zebra Friday, January 9, 2026

Buying an investment property in Merced isn’t just about price; it’s about strategy. One of the first decisions investors face is whether to go with new construction or an older home, and that choice can shape everything from rental demand to long-term returns. New bu...

Average Rent in Merced, California: 2026 Forecast and Market Insight

By Rental Zebra Sunday, December 21, 2025

If you’ve been in Merced recently, you’ve likely felt the chill and seen the fog settle in. But even if the mornings feel gray, the rental market is still moving ahead.Whether you’re an investor tracking trends, a landlord preparing for the future, or a renter t...

Essential Rental Property Maintenance Strategies for Merced Landlords

By Rental Zebra Sunday, December 7, 2025

If you’ve been a landlord long enough, you’ll know that maintenance issues have a funny way of showing up at the worst possible moment, usually right when you’ve sat down with dinner or decided to take a rare day off. It’s almost as if leaky faucets a...

Top Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods in Merced: Development, Business, and Education

By Rental Zebra Friday, November 21, 2025

When you look at Merced, California today, what’s exciting isn’t just rising property values; it’s the story of transformation unfolding across the city. Once known mainly for its agricultural roots, Merced has rapidly evolved into a vibrant hub of education, co...

Partnership Opportunity: Property Inspection Services Wanted

By Rental Zebra Friday, November 14, 2025

Are you an experienced property inspector or inspection company? Or have a strong interest in construction and building your resume? Rental Zebra is an established and growing property management company seeking to partner with reliable, detail-oriented, and tech enabled in...

Now Hiring: Property Management Coordinator

By Rental Zebra Friday, November 14, 2025

Are you organized, proactive, and passionate about helping people? Do you have a real estate license? Rental Zebra is an established and growing property management company seeking a Property Management Coordinator — a key player in keeping our operations, communications, ...

How Airbnb’s New Fee Structure Affects Mid-Term Rental Owners in Merced

By Rental Zebra Friday, November 7, 2025

If you’re a property owner in Merced offering mid-term rentals, 30-day or longer stays, are popular with traveling nurses and doctors, university grad students, construction crews, folks displaced by insurance claims and relocating professionals. There’s a significant...

Virginia Smith’s Gift Is About to Change Merced

By Jamie Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The story of Virginia Smith is one that continues to shape Merced’s future. Her generosity created educational opportunities for generations of students and even helped bring UC Merced to life. Now, with a new development project underway, her legacy is entering an exciting...

Pet-Friendly Rentals in Merced: Pros, Cons, and Profit Potential

By Jamie Tuesday, October 21, 2025

If you want to buy rental properties in Merced, one of the most important things to think about is whether or not to let pets stay there. More than 65% of American homes have a pet, resulting in a growing demand for rentals that accommodate pets. But should you let pets live...