Spent some time this morning looking back at all the deals we’ve done to see if I could learn anything about how we have historically sourced. Here are the numbers: Total deals done (as a buyer myself or as part of our fee-for-service business): 81 Of the total, number that were brokered: 74 Total number … Continue reading “Where our deals come from”
Category: Brokerage
A difference between brokers and principals
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”
An effective tactic we just can’t use
Yesterday, I noted that pricing for apartment buildings in LA has become detached from the underlying cashflows the buildings can generate. But some deals are still getting done at (semi-)reasonable prices and I want to discuss how, and why it’s a problem for me. Right now, listing brokers and sellers are pricing properties very aggressively. … Continue reading “An effective tactic we just can’t use”
Trusting the process
One of my agents called me yesterday to see if I had any ideas to help her. She’s got a great client who has been making strong offers on single family homes and getting outbid. Everyone is frustrated. As it happens, my parents are in the market for a home on the Eastside (working with … Continue reading “Trusting the process”
Beware fake Adaptive ads on Craigslist
Recently, we’ve had a little burst of scammers copying our rental ads and using them to rip people off. I suppose on some level, this is flattering… they probably feel like the pics of our units will get people fired up enough to wire money to Nigeria or where-ever the hell the scammer live. But I’m … Continue reading “Beware fake Adaptive ads on Craigslist”
What’s my apartment building worth?
Every once in a while, I take a look at the Google Analytics for this site to try to get a sense for what people are searching for to end up here. Turns out a ton of people are trying to figure out what their apartment buildings are worth. This is the kind of question … Continue reading “What’s my apartment building worth?”
A savvy deal I couldn’t do
Just got a flyer from a reasonably active local broker announcing a deal he closed with the following characteristics: In Westlake, a rapidly improving neighborhood situation between Koreantown and Downtown 10 units totaling 9,800 sq ft 15,000+ sq ft lot R4 zoning $1.8MM price The flyer didn’t specify the rents, but, as I recall, the … Continue reading “A savvy deal I couldn’t do”
What hustle can do for you
Further to my earlier post about the amount of opportunity available for Millennials who want to seize it… thought I’d share with you the experience of one of our leasing agents this weekend. Keep in mind this woman has a full-time job she works during the week. Instead of sitting around all weekend (like I … Continue reading “What hustle can do for you”
Bad news about open ceilings in LA apartments
Have some bad news for those of you who love vaulted ceilings in apartments… they’re almost always illegal in LA. First, what do I mean by vaulted ceilings? They’re the ones where you can look up and see the structure of the roof. Here’s an example: Beautiful, right? So, why should that be illegal? Two reasons: … Continue reading “Bad news about open ceilings in LA apartments”
4443 Willow Brook is for sale (again)
Don’t get excited. I’m not breaking my prohibition against selling any more properties. 4443 Willow Brook is a 10 unit complex Jon and I renovated in 2010-11 via our old entity, Better Dwellings. We sold it in 2012 for $2.1MM, which was around 10x the rent. Whoops. We made a bunch of money on the … Continue reading “4443 Willow Brook is for sale (again)”