Got a phone call today from a great pair of brokers with whom I have long-standing, mutually-profitable relationships. They were calling to congratulate me on closing our most recent deal. On the call, I told them again how much I appreciate their continued help (particularly on this deal, which got a little hairy). But also … Continue reading “A difference between brokers and principals”
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The broken refinancing process
We’re currently in the process of refinancing three properties, with another due to begin shortly. Think we will end up refinancing another 8-10 during 2018. Over time, as our portfolio grows, I expect we’ll be rolling refis constantly. And, I have to tell you: The prospect terrifies me. The financing process is broken. It’s totally … Continue reading “The broken refinancing process”
Small-scale, in-fill development blues
Everyone should read this article in today’s NY Times, which goes into great depth about the problems associated with in-fill development in coastal CA. My experience with the ground-up deal we just completed was similar. No lawsuits, but it did take nearly a year to get permits to add four units to an existing duplex, … Continue reading “Small-scale, in-fill development blues”
My on-going pain in the ass
In general, I find managing apartments to be the most painful thing we do. No one calls up his landlord to thank her when everything is great in the apartment. But when something goes wrong, it’s like you just killed the person’s dog. So, why do we continue to manage, rather than outsourcing? Well, the … Continue reading “My on-going pain in the ass”
Dealing with vacant lots
Yesterday, Curbed described Long Beach’s attempt to beautify the city by placing a $55 annual surcharge on vacant lots. The argument is that the fee will be used to pay for monitoring these lots, which can be magnets for blight and misbehavior. This fee does not go anywhere near far enough. At a time when … Continue reading “Dealing with vacant lots”
Why we’re keeping an eye on oil pricing
One of the mysteries of the present growth cycle is how rents have continued to grow at a rate exceeding wages. One partial / possible explanation is that, in contrast to previous growth cycles, the advent of US-based fracking has kept energy prices surprisingly low, leaving more cash in the pockets of potential renters. So, … Continue reading “Why we’re keeping an eye on oil pricing”
One unit left at our brand new complex on Ave 50 in Highland Park
Think we still have one unit left at the small building we just built on Ave 50, right near all the cool stuff in Highland Park. It’s a 3/2 with two parking spaces, laundry, AC, etc. for around $3000. Figueroa there is probably the most interesting retail corridor in the city right now… loads of … Continue reading “One unit left at our brand new complex on Ave 50 in Highland Park”
The math behind what we do
At this point in the cycle, when we consider a new deal, we spend a lot of time thinking about leverage. Mainly, we’re looking at how our pro forma unlevered yield (eg the cap rate we’re trying to hit post renovation) compares to the projected interest rate on the refinance we’ll do at that point. … Continue reading “The math behind what we do”
Here we go again
Just started interior demo on a new, large project in an area we absolutely love. Despite the market being hot, because we bought well, this project is going to end up being a really good one. But, before we get to the fun part where we release beautiful new homes for people to enjoy for … Continue reading “Here we go again”
All-in on LA
Have been thinking about how amazing it is that a person can own land in LA. I know that’s a weird thing to think about, but stay with me. Land is permanent and, increasing density aside, they’re not making more of it. It’s pretty amazing to me that, through actions taken in the course of … Continue reading “All-in on LA”