D
ana Bull has spent her entire career investing in long-term rentals, but she's experimenting with mid-term rentals in 2025 due to high interest rates. Mid-term rentals offer higher revenue than long-term leases but require more management. Bull started building her real-estate portfolio in 2012 and expanded to over 20 units in Massachusetts by sticking to a strategy of buying quality properties with upside and filling them with long-term tenants.

    To combat high interest rates, Bull listed her latest acquisition as a mid-term rental, targeting people looking to stay for one month or more but less than a year. This is her first experience with something other than a long-term rental, and she's finding it more work-intensive but generating higher revenue. She earns more by working with an agent, but could earn even more if she handled the leasing herself.

    Bull plans to test out the mid-term rental strategy for at least 18 months. The most challenging aspect is the leasing process, which is less mainstream than short- and long-term rentals. She advertises her property on Furnished Finder and takes it off Zillow when it's available, targeting grandparents who want their own space.

    Bull doesn't expect mortgage rates to drop in 2025 and advises not letting rates dictate when you buy real estate. If you're financially prepared to invest in 2025, consider alternative leasing approaches like mid-term rentals or Airbnb. Look beyond year one and focus on neighborhoods that can balance short- and long-term rental opportunities.

    Bull has already refinanced her mortgage once, saving about $250. She'd love to refinance again and transition the property to a long-term rental if rates drop, but for now, she's experimenting with mid-term rentals for her own curiosity and to understand this niche better.