Previously, we’ve discussed how an equation embedded in the Housing Department’s Primary Renovations program is responsible for perpetuating slum conditions in rent control buildings. Today, I want to suggest a simple change to the equation that would, I believe, kick off a large wave of construction in LA benefiting all of us while costing very … Continue reading “An (almost) free way to stimulate the LA economy”
Category: Rehabbing
Rent control and slums
Spent a bunch of time recently talking to tenants in a 1920s building. They told the story of how their building turned into a slum. In a nutshell: The owner 30 years ago used to live in the building. He took a lot of pride in the building and fixed all problems immediately. Then he … Continue reading “Rent control and slums”
Do I see any good deals?
Recently, people keep asking me if I see any good repositioning / flip deals to do. And my answer boils down to this: Yes, but only for certain types of investors. Here’s what I mean: Right now, prices for apartment buildings, especially small apartment buildings, are high and rising. A year ago, you could buy … Continue reading “Do I see any good deals?”
Adding washers and dryers to your units? Careful!
One of the best ways to add value to an apartment building is to add washers and dryers to the units. Why? Because tenants will typically pay $100-150 / month in rent in order to avoid using shared laundry rooms or, worse, going to laundromats. The math is easy: $100 / month in extra rent … Continue reading “Adding washers and dryers to your units? Careful!”
Beware of laundry leases!
When you first buy a building, you’re likely to be approached by someone, often the management company you hire, about signing a laundry lease. It will be pitched to you as a convenience for your tenants and an opportunity for you to make some extra cash. Be careful! What’s a laundry lease? It’s an agreement … Continue reading “Beware of laundry leases!”
Project Tour: Saturday, May 12
OK, team. Here’s the plan: On Saturday, May 12, at 1pm, my partner, Jon Criss, and I are going to lead a project tour. The idea is to show you how we do what we do. Here’s what we’ll cover: The math behind our business: We’ll do a quick, in person explanation of how you … Continue reading “Project Tour: Saturday, May 12”
Multi-Family Millions: The book that started my career
If you’re interested in making money from re-positioning apartment buildings like we do, you should read Multi-Family Millions, by Dave Lindahl (that’s not an affiliate link; I don’t get paid if you buy it). A few warnings: The book is cheaply made. It feels like someone self-published it out of vanity. I recommend getting the … Continue reading “Multi-Family Millions: The book that started my career”
How you improve the neighborhood
Sometimes all you need to do to improve your neighborhood is to yell at a priest. My brother and I own a 16 unit building on Reno St (the one from this story) that’s across an alley from a new church, one of those Latin Pentacostal deals. The street itself isn’t the nicest one in … Continue reading “How you improve the neighborhood”
How to add value to your apartment building
Some people take owning an apartment building as their opportunity to unleash their internal interior designer. It’s like the building becomes their personal canvas to show off their taste in decorating. Don’t be one of those people. The only way to make a rational decision about spending money to improve your building is to determine … Continue reading “How to add value to your apartment building”
Open Challenge to East Hollywood Landlords
Guess what we get for one bedrooms with no parking on Westmoreland in East Hollywood. Give up? $1,500 / month. Here is an ad for the 2 bedroom unit that we have on the market now. We’re asking $2,000 and we’ll definitely get it. [Edit: We got it.] On a per square foot basis, those rents … Continue reading “Open Challenge to East Hollywood Landlords”