Benefits of the Dog Days in Real Estate

The pandemic brought on a significant rise in dog and cat adoptions which continues as we move on. However, as consumers are forced to relocate to rising rent or mortgage costs, some of them are getting rid of pets, often resulting in deliberately harming them.

 

It's nice to see articles like the one linked below showing officials finally recognizing this problem. As one that creates opportunities for real estate developers, investors, and brokers, I'm here to tell you that there are opportunities which can bring about benefits when it comes to tenants or buyers and their pets.

 

A couple years ago, a client of mine that owned a 6-unit apartment building with a yard loves dogs. Research showed that there was not a 'dog friendly' rental available within at least a couple of blocks surrounding her building. Her building had a yard. She installed a dog run, and marketed the building as "dog friendly". Soon after, all six units were rented by dog owners. The dogs got along and played with each other, while the tenants worked together to keep the yard clean because they all benefited from the pet-friendly atmosphere. Tenants would watch each other's dogs. 

 

How did this benefit the landlord?

 

 

 

Think about it. Those tenants couldn't find anything like that in the area, so they were not looking to move. The landlord had "happy" long-term tenants while surrounding buildings faced the usual turnover. As you would expect, the cash flow for the building increased for the long-term. 

 

Let's connect. Perhaps my research can find a good "pet friendly" opportunity to increase your profits. Maybe we can develop a community of build-to-rent single-family homes using the 100% Funding on Vertical Construction program my clients have access to.

 

 

https://www.presstelegram.com/2024/12/18/la-county-aims-to-keep-people-and-pets-together-in-rent-stabilized-housing 

It Was A Good Deal Before The Research

Creating opportunities for success in real estate often involves a lot more than the property or parcel when it comes to determining the potential for an investment or an asset. It often involves a lot more than the rates at the time of the transaction, especially when you consider that a significant rate reduction opens the door for a refinance.

Multi-family opportunities are starting to be stronger than single-family ones, especially as we prepare for the new year and possible changes it will bring. However, researching the overall rental market is becoming an even more important step. New research shows how some cities and areas have much different supply and demand than others. Without researching, real estate investors and developers could be making a very costly mistake.

Earlier this month, I was involved in promoting an off-market deal of land for residential development in the Austin TX area within proximity of two major manufacturing plants. I was all set to include my access to a 100% vertical construction funding plan, which could have resulted in up to 1,200 homes being built for "no money down". Of course, I needed to do my research to make sure the demand was there before putting my stamp of approval with my team.

 

 

Researching the Austin area shows that there are currently (as of Dec. 1, 2024) more than 60,000 apartments under construction. That total is for "under construction" and does not include the thousands of apartments (and single-family rentals) currently functioning. The current number of pending apartments will increase the number of rentals in and around Austin by more than 20%. That fact told me that adding more than 1,000 homes, whether for rent or sale, would be competing with thousands of other options for tenants or buyers. I then found out that average apartment rents in Austin are down by more than 6% over the past two years.

Consequently, my research saved me a lot of time and effort to market an opportunity that would not have been viable. However, my role is to create opportunities in real estate. Miami, Salt Lake City, and Charlotte are two other markets faced with the same issue.

Back to the drawing board. The goal is to find other "positive" opportunities. Kansas City is an example. Rents there currently average $1,165 per month, which is 7% below the national average. Meanwhile, the median income there is $78,000, which tells me there might be room for higher rents. This is where having a research person comes in handy, as he or she could be on the case for you right now. If you don't have a research person or team to help grow your income, let's connect!

Flip The Plan If Not The Property

In recent weeks, I have noticed that more of the real estate investors I talk with have been telling me how profits from flipping residential real estate continue to drop. It’s a “half full half empty” situation, since there are profits even if not as much as previous years.

The article linked below bears out what I have been seeing and hearing. My reason for pointing this out is not to be discouraging or address the apparent downward trend for flipping. As one who continues to focus more with collaborations and consulting with investors and developers, I’m here to create more effective solutions.

My private coaching and consulting with real estate investors often results in developing other strategies to consider in addition to a flip. I am always strongly advising investors to run all of the options when uncovering a potential good investment deal. In other words, look at options beyond flipping for ways to increase your profit potential from an investment.

 

Sometimes a property makes more sense as a long-term rental, short-term rental, or for BRRRR. Perhaps it makes more sense to tear down and rebuild to make it a luxury property or improve the conditions. You won’t know unless you consider all options. 

Research like what is shown in the below article may discourage some investors from pursuing more properties. When that happens, it opens up more opportunities to those that know to pursue every possible angle. Let my team and me help with your efforts!

 

https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/home-flipping-proves-less-profitable-in-the-third-quarter/

 

Getting Around Supply Chain and Construction Delay Issues

While some real estate developers and investors see uncertainty in South Florida, I’m seeing opportunities. There are ways to work around several of the key challenges and get a project done while others around you sit back and speculate.

Supply chain and funding issues for residential are huge challenges, but there are ways to work through them. There are some concerns that putting inexperienced people and contractors in construction situations can do a lot of damage (per the linked article below), and they are valid. However, these situations don’t have to stop you from cultivating a deal, especially in Florida. 

One way to eliminate supply chain and construction delays is to go with modular housing. Having one or more residential or commercial homes or buildings delivered and professionally assembled when scheduled to meet the delivery date is a crucial element of success. My team and I can assist you and your team in making that happen.

 

 

On the residential side, a developer working with an established home builder (at least five successful builds within the past two years) can now receive 100% funding on vertical construction. The program works for one house or an entire development, provided the land is used as collateral. This program is an ideal solution for a developer lacking a strong credit score. My team can assist you and your team to make that happen!

Parcels available now to make these things happen in your favor may not be available months or years from now when the challenges stopping you now are resolved. Let’s connect and collaborate for mutual benefit!

Meanwhile, below is an how analysts are looking at South Florida, just to further the point:

https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2024/12/13/real-estate-trends-to-watch-in-2025-restructuring-growth-and-challenges-in-south-florida/?slreturn=20241215181900

 

 

 

Whether They Buy Or Rent, Be Ready

 Many of the opportunities I have seen and found in recent weeks center on "build to rent". The below linked article shows reasons why this is happening so much. Fewer people can afford to buy a home in an area they would ideally like to be able to buy in.

I can't help but reflect on one of the examples from the article, which is about a couple living in Southern California deciding to purchase their first home - in Minnesota instead. My point is that if buying a home is important enough, consumers can find one even if in a totally separate market. If the living situation is more important, the chance of a consumer being able to be close to where they want increase by having the ability to rent.

 

However, this is not written for consumers facing the rent and/or own situation. I'm looking to get the attention of real estate developers, builders, investors, and brokers whose business could benefit by pursuing and working with those consumers.

 

 

 

A developer and/or investor could be looking into locations suitable for homes which are affordable for buyers OR to serve as long-term rentals. Brokers could be bringing scenarios to current renters, showing them what they could buy for the same (or less) than they are currently paying for rent. As the article below indicates, there are people in desirable areas that are fine with relocating in order to own a home.

 

Let's connect and explore how we can collaborate on opportunities for mutual benefit!

 

https://www.axios.com/2024/12/14/first-time-homebuyer 

 

 

 

 

How St. Louis Could Be the Gateway

It's still another of example of how performing research and keeping track of upcoming opportunities can lead to a big pay day in the future. This Friday (12/13) is scheduled to be a big day for St. Louis, and could be even bigger for real estate developers, contractors, and brokers that stay on this situation, whether in St. Louis or not.

 

Legislation is in the works to allot $100 million for affordable housing and neighborhood economic development throughout the city of St. Louis. The goal is to have it be in place by Spring of 2025. I'm sure some of the real estate professionals and investors will skim by this because there is nothing immediate. (The specifics are in the below linked article.)

 

I'm writing this for those that see the potential for significant opportunities. This is an ideal chance to form a collaborative partnership that would bring financial and business benefits for years to come. If you wait until after this (and similar in other places) passes to start planning, you would be months behind those who will be ready to pounce with initial proposals.

Now is the time to collaborate. For example, I already have access to:

 

+  "Pre-constructed" housing that can be delivered and assembled when scheduled, eliminating construction and supply chain delays

+ A 100% Funding on Vertical Residential Construction Program

+ Technology like Custom Interactive Virtual Staging to help pre-lease or pre-sell proposed properties

+ Extensive market research, feasibility study, and offering memorandum creation experience

Instead of saying, "How did they do that?", you can be the one on the inside with deals in place. Let's connect!

 

 

https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2024-12-11/st-louis-rams-settlement-money-tishaura-jones-megan-green

Take Control Ahead of Rent Control

The debate goes on about rent control and its impact on the real estate market. It seems like people within the same community can't even agree on how it should be handled. Reactions among tenants and investors vary. It's amazing to me that, according to the below linked article, there is rent control consideration for mobile homes in one part of Maine. 

 

Timing matters, since many big cities face a housing shortage, which would warrant new development and/or conversions from unused office space to residential. However, if rent control is looming, it plays a big role in making major decisions.

 

 

 

These factors could be enough to steer real estate investors to a different market and stall some communities which are heavily involved in rent control. It's another reason why you need to have the right research on hand before making decisions which are crucial to your success in real estate, whether as an investor, developer, broker, or contractor.

 

My team and I are happy to work with you to make the best possible determinations!

https://propmodo.com/rent-control-battles-shift-locally-as-federal-threats-fade/

If You Can't Work There, Maybe You Can Live There

It's about time that there is an effort to make it easier to accomplish something that can help real estate professionals, investors, and contractors. We have a high rate of office space vacancies and a need for more housing in many of the same cities. 

 

The cost of converting an existing modern office building to apartments or condos has to be a lot less than new construction. We are starting to see some municipalities ease up on zoning and other restrictions to favor making that happen.

 

With this advancement, there will be opportunities to be unique. Let's think about a couple of the cold weather cities mentioned in the below linked article like Minneapolis and New York City. Why do buildings need to be one or the other (office or residence)?

 

 

 

Suppose there is a 10-story office building at the moment. Let's say current demand fills up the first through third floors with office space. Why can't floors four through ten (only) be converted to residential? 

 

Think of the possibilities. Living in the same building your office is at eliminates commuting time and costs, added costs of eating out, and drastically reduces automotive costs. Business owners with an office in the building could potentially include a residence within a compensation package. There could easily be a staff person in the lobby to receive deliveries for tenant offices and residents. Common amenities like a fitness center or snack shop could function seven days a week (instead of only during office hours).

 

Look at what serves the most people. My team and I are happy to work with you to make these things happen in your favor!

 

https://www.governing.com/urban/cities-cut-red-tape-to-promote-office-to-housing-conversions

 

 

Build-To-Rent Is Building Up

I'm seeing even more opportunities for build-to-rent communities - and in areas to buy up unrelated single-family homes - within the past few months, and it is easy to understand the trend. 

 

For an increasing number of consumers, the target audience, it has become necessary to rent an ideal home instead of coming up with a large down payment and being forced into a long-time mortgage commitment. For developers and investors, it is about spreading out. Owning one building or property, no matter how large and profitable, has the "putting all of the eggs in one basket" effect. One problem can create multiple vacancies. Whereas, having numerous properties spread out makes a single problem minimal in terms of an entire portfolio.

 

Those that think that big investors are not noticing this trend should read the linked article below, which details just how many investor groups own many single-family rental properties just in the Atlanta area.

 

 

It also does not have to cost as much as you would think to get started as a single-family rental developer. One example is "Cottage Homes On Wheels", which have a number of rental uses and are 'move-in ready' within 100 days. For example, I have a way to utilize these for student housing at college towns. You could be renting to more than 200 students and bringing in six-figure returns for less than $1 million to get started. I also have profitable scenarios for temporary and employee housing. 

 

Let's work together to expand your business to benefit from owning single-family rental properties!

 

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/corporations-ownership-metro-atlanta-rental-homes-analysis 

 

 

 

 

Plenty of Opportunities - Outside of Chicago

Part of market research for real estate professionals and investors should be about reading the room. I'm still finding some agents and brokers that only look at the transaction and the numbers and ignore important intangibles that can make a huge difference in making a successful deal happen.

It's not always 'positive' research that can drive a deal. Take the below linked example of the recent decline in business licenses within the city of Chicago. I'm sure some brokers are asking themselves, "What does this have to do with real estate?". If they are asking that, my gut tells me they won't be getting as many deals done over the next year.

Fewer businesses means a much reduced demand for office, retail, industrial, and mixed use space. Even at a bargain rate, there may not be enough incentive for a potential buyer that knows it would be tough to fill the space.

This is where performing and updating market research comes in. The business license decline is in Chicago. Although Chicago is a big city, these statistics do not apply to the suburbs or distant communities where the cost of housing is significantly less as well.

"Don't go here" does NOT mean "Don't go anywhere"! Success in real estate is about creating and presenting good opportunities. An "Instead of Chicago, look at (name of community)!" presentation could work wonders.

Let's discuss the next opportunity I can help you to create!

https://www.illinoispolicy.org/chicago-business-licenses-hit-lowest-level-since-pandemic/

Affordable Housing Income By Historic Conversion

Seeing a real estate opportunity instead of a dead project can significantly impact you and your team just as it can for the buyers and tenants your "vision" results in.

There aren't many investors or developers that would have and then carry out their vision for affordable housing which honors the 100 year anniversary of the historic building that residents will be able to call home.

This "vision" is creating work for those architects, lenders, contractors, and brokers making this project happen.

Properties like this often produce historic property tax benefits and added financial opportunities, or happen as a result of them being available to those who know to pursue them.

Keep in mind that all of this started because one person came up with an idea - and knew what to do about it. My team and I can help you to make an idea a reality - no matter who thought it of it first!

 

 

https://detroit.urbanize.city/post/100-apartments-coming-historic-former-detroit-school 

Downtown Pittsburgh Atttraction Creates Real Estate Opportunities

Many real estate professionals and investors see a news story about a big development project, whether in their city of interest or elsewhere, and don't give it another thought. My theory over the years is to give a story about an upcoming or approved development plenty of thought. There may be an opportunity for me, my associates, and, most of all, my valued clients.

 

 

There is a lot to be said for pouncing on an opportunity, and that is exactly where having a research person or team can make a huge impact. 

 

Let's take the (below linked) story about plans for a significant attraction in downtown Pittsburgh being approved and all of the opportunities it provides for commercial real estate. Developers and contractors that were researching and tracking this project are already in prime position to submit proposals. There will be plenty for investors and brokers to take on. 

Those not already tracking can and should get more value from this story. It's not just this pending attraction. Now is the time to (for those that haven't started already) research surrounding and nearby properties. There will be a demand for convenience stores, parking, and specialty retailers going to and from the attraction. Chances are some current property owners in the area are not fully aware of the project and might be willing to listen to a reasonable offer. 

My team and I can help you and your team to discover opportunities appropriate for growing your business or portfolio. We know how and where to look!

 

 

 

https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2024/11/12/pittsburgh-planning-commission-esplanade-north-side-ferris-wheel-piatt-companies/stories/202411120091 

Combining Research With Opportunity For Profit

When you have detailed market research, multiple working relationships with vendors and contractors that are willing to listen and work together, and put them together to uncover an amazing opportunity, the result can be an amazing and lucrative real estate opportunity.

 

I just uncovered an opportunity for one entity to be able to build a development of 48 single-family homes (whether to sell or do as build-to-rent), separately provide housing for 250 students (from nearby university), and summer rentals for 100 families (nearby state park and national forest), adjacent to an Interstate highway, and with land for trees or future development for less than $4.2 million!

 

 

 

At the moment, my team and I are the only people that can get all of this done for such a relatively low cost. The student and short-term rental housing is pre-built and can be delivered and ready to be occupied within 100 days. The 48 (possibly more) single-family houses can be 100% financed through a home builder that has at least five successful completed builds within the past three years. This method saves millions of dollars on construction costs. 

The single-family homes could be part of a development or rows of various custom built homes which would be sold at market rates. They could be built gradually to keep pace with expected sales. While the subject property is located in eastern Kentucky, there are possibilities for this level of success for investors and developers, along with land owners around the country. There are not many opportunities for a land owner to generate income from housing within 100 days anywhere else.

These are examples of where having a research person or team can lead. This opportunity in Kentucky can only be executed by one buyer. Perhaps I can help you to find similar possibilities in your area(s) of interest. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling Real Estate To Maxed Out Buyers

The fact that more than one-third of Americans are at or close to their monthly credit limit does not bode well for homeowners looking to sell 'starter' properties to first-time and lower income buyers. Lenders and brokers face similar challenges trying to increase business even when the potential audience is shrinking.

 

It's easy to think that consumer credit problems are a separate issue from the real estate community, but that is not always the case. If consumers can't get loan approval because of this, can't afford a down payment, and are not able to commit to a long-term living space, their choices become limited for the short-term.

 

Real estate developers and builders, providing housing in lower price ranges may wish to consider build-to-rent or reduced down payment situations. Some brokers don't like to deal with rentals, but doing so is a great way to learn when a lease is up and the financial status of the client. 

The "Cottage Homes On Wheels" Program I work with allows investors and agricultural land owners to place short-term rentals, long-term rentals, and student housing (when within minutes of a campus) for well below market rates. I can help with starting within 100 days. In addition, my real estate research and consulting services can help overcome these consumer obstacles as well!

 

https://abc7chicago.com/post/credit-card-debt-37-americans-have-maxed-come-close-bankrate-report-finds/15548202/

 

 

Check Out All Elements of a Hotel Investment

I'm seeing more "off-market" hotel properties available lately and have been hearing from investors about the need to have their research include looking into the reputation of the location. With customer service quickly becoming extinct in all industries, hotels have fallen victim to frustrated guests and bad reviews more than many other industries.

 

Consumers spending in three figures per night for accommodations continue to expect better treatment than going to the front desk and being told to "Call housekeeping". These are aggravations which contribute to fewer and lower tips and bad recommendations, as address in the link below.

 

Performing market research for investors, developers, and brokers over the years has shown me that determining the extent of customer problems should be a factor in an investor's decision to say yay or nay on a purchase. There are times when a name change and an "Under New Management" sign only makes people say, "Oh, that place" and not want to bother.

 

Of course, the financial numbers need to work, whether an off-market or listed property. The point is that in the hospitality business there is a lot to be said for the mood of the customer base. Guests want to be greeted, be able to contact a real person with their specific needs, and not be nickel and dimed upon checkout.

 

Meanwhile, investors (buyers) want to come in to an environment with happy past customers instead of having to start all over again, which lessens the value of their investment. 

https://axonify.com/blog/hospitality-survey/

An Opportunity To Motivate A Seller

From where I sit, the situation (article linked below) in which the Supreme Court will not hear an action against the current Rent Control situation could be an opportunity for a savvy investor. 

How is that? Real estate investors and professionals should ALWAYS be researching and exploring as a way to uncover new, different, and/or additional opportunities. Those that don't have time should have a research person or team doing this for them, since a few dollars today could be thousands or millions of dollars down the road. 

Because of the Court decision (or lack of decision, if you will), my hunch is that there are some multi-family owners that are upset by this and thinking "I need a way out of this!".

 

 

Somewhere there is an investor (or broker with access to appropriate investors) that is looking to acquire a "low maintenance" multi-family property. Somewhere else there is an investor needing to show a loss to offset capital gains or for tax purposes. If investors falling into either category knew to be "ready", they (through a broker) could be contacting owners of rent control properties today to inquire about getting them out of their current situation. Deals could be hatched because of this situation.

We all know that a big part of commercial real estate is seller motivation. Since we are all human, emotion can play a role. Catching someone during a week when emotions are running high could be the best possible timing.

Meanwhile, knowing what these properties are worth and whether or not you can make the numbers work given the current status comes from doing your homework ahead of time and being prepared. (Or, having a research company like mine put you in the best possible position.)

https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-supreme-court-wont-hear-clash-over-new-york-rent-stabilization-laws-2024-11-12/

Opportunities From The Drop In Multi-Family Construction

Statistical trends can be viewed as opportunities in real estate. Those in the article linked below indicate that there is already a drop in planned multi-family construction. There are several ways those findings can be interpreted, but one of them is seeing opportunities.

 

Having less construction of new multi-family properties does not mean that fewer people will be looking to rent. As home prices continue to rise in many areas, the number of renters might actually increase. 

 

What these statistics could mean is that those with rental properties currently will have more opportunities to keep their units rented in areas, such as north Texas, which see the decline in new construction.

 

Meanwhile, another aspect to this is to consider that while there may be less construction, it doesn't mean there will not be "new" rental units entering local markets. Keep in mind the number of conversions of office buildings and retail space toward residential units. These could be replacing the need for new multi-family construction.

 

Doing the research as to where new rentals are (or aren't) coming from is the best way to uncover opportunities in locations you know and work, whether for an investor, developer, broker, or contractor. 

 

Some will say that knowing how you could increase your rental income a couple of years down the road doesn't pay the bills next month. However, those who stay ahead of the game are the ones that benefit from long-term planning. 

 

 

https://rejournals.com/new-multifamily-construction-falling-across-united-states-with-texas-cities-seeing-especially-big-dips

 

 

 

Bringing Negotiating Power Back to the Real Estate Buyer

Part of why I place a huge emphasis on creating opportunities is the added negotiation strength doing so can bring. Whether commercial or residential, if you are the potential buyer, your preference is to have zero competition. That rarely happens with a "listed" property.

 

By having solid market research to provide you with negotiation points, being the only one negotiating opens up your ability to add demands which help you in the long run while aiming to get the deal done. 

 

 

 

The article linked below shows a couple of examples from the residential side, such as the seller paying off solar panels to help the buyer. If the buyer hadn't asked, the seller was not going to volunteer. As this article also reminds, the restructuring of residential buyer agent commission should NOT mean that buyers won't have as much negotiating power. 

 

It shows the benefits of using market research and creating proposal elements in your favor. This could either make or break a deal or save a buyer thousands of dollars while the seller gets a deal they would not otherwise have gotten.

Allow me to help you uncover creative ways to get more deals done.

 

https://vermontjournal.com/real-estate/real-estate-negotiations-making-a-comeback/

 

 

Increase in Hotel Space Creates Demand for Short-Term Rental Properties

Consumer travel has done more than bounce back, as indications are the increase is here to stay. In addition to seeing an increase in hotel transactions, now we are experiencing an increase in new hotel construction. Some projects are happening in areas already well populated with hotels.

The hotel industry is not going to publish or support any statistics about short-term rentals, especially single-family properties, but, as the song says, you can't have one without the other. No matter how many hotels there are, more and more consumers don't like noise in the hallway, something seemingly always "out of order" during an expensive stay, and things like having to pay to park when already paying to stay there.

Some municipalities, or portions of them, restrict short-term rentals, typically within proximity of major hotels. Having the right research person on your team could be the difference of finding an ideal rental property location. As data, such as shown in the below linked article, continues to reflect a demand for accommodations, so does the opportunity for real estate investors and professionals to take advantage.

https://www.bdcnetwork.com/home/news/55239451/hotel-construction-pipeline-surpasses-6200-projects-at-q3-2024 

Real Estate Wealth By Leaseback

It's hard to believe there are still some brokers who complain as if "There is no inventory!" or "I don't have enough business!" when there are so many opportunities out there.

 

The (below linked) story of one of thousands of homeowners that want to stay where they are but can't afford repairs and improvements should be enough inspiration for real estate brokers as much as investors.

 

When you come across situations like this, chances are the owner has a solid amount of equity in the property. By running the numbers, you could look into buying their mortgage note to pay it off. Look into rehab costs, and compare those expenses against the current market value. See how those numbers work against what the current owner is paying in monthly expenses.

 

If you can keep their monthly costs the same by doing a long-term leaseback, you can create monthly cash flow while owning a home you can then rent out or resell at a profit when the long-term tenants either pass away or decide to move.

 

This opportunity is not easy, but it is there for investors and brokers sharp enough to make it work. My team and I can help to create enticing proposals and put this plan into action. If not, you can keep complaining about the lack of business while others are moving forward.

 

https://www.npr.org/2024/10/30/g-s1-30916/housing-crisis-affordable-homes-deteriorating-shortage-repair