What the score is
The Leverage Score rates each area from 0 to 100 on room to ask, then ranks areas across the metro. A higher score means buildings in that area are competing harder for renters, so a polite, specific ask is more likely to land.
What goes into it
- New supply nearby: buildings in pre-leasing and lease-up competing for the same renters
- Special depth: how deep current specials run in the area compared with the board median
- Lease-up stage mix: how many buildings are early in lease-up versus near stabilization
- Special changes: whether specials in the area are growing, holding or being cut short
What never goes into it
Commission. Location, schools, reviews or people. The score is about the market for units, not the neighborhood.
How to use it
High score: ask for one thing, backed by comps, such as more weeks free, a waived fee or parking. Low score: take the posted special if it works on true monthly and year two. Either way, get any concession in the addendum.
For context, DFW delivered 12,108 units in the first half of 2026 (Yardi Matrix), and RealPage expects 20,000+ more from Q4 2026 to Q3 2027.
