Category Archives: Office

Ep. 70 Livingston Hessam: You Will Want to Hear What Is Happening With Mortgages!

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Livingston-Hessam_jpgThe coming year is looking to be an eventful period for mortgages and financial lending in real estate. Debt markets are poised to undergo significant changes over the following years amidst regulatory changes and geo-political headwinds. Investors, both seasoned and novice, should be aware of the changes and the effects they could have on current and future mortgages.

Livingston Hessam, Vice President of financial solutions firm Walker & Dunlop and financing expert, discusses these changes in the debt markets and what investors need to know about their impacts on mortgages and other debt-equity options.

  • 2016 Mortgage Bankers Association Conference
    • Annual conference gauges financing market for coming year
    • Mixed outlook for 2016
    • Multi-family holds strongest appetite for lenders
  • Debt Categories
    1. Agency Debt – Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac
      1. Conventional rates, senior housing, student housing, manufactured housing
      2. High-leverage, non-recourse, cap limits
      3. Reached 2015 cap before end of year
      4. Introducing smaller deal offerings ($1-5 million) – lower upfront closing costs, for typically novice borrowers, not included in annual cap limit, do not require same level of eligibility requirements
      5. Only can acquired through authorized servicers/lenders
    2. CMBS Markets (Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities) – Loans sold by banks into secondary markets
      1. Amid current CMBS 10 year maturity loans wave
      2. Several regulations coming into effect causing uncertainty: Risk Retention (Dec. 2016) – Req. CMBS issuers to hold 5% of loan to securitize deal
      3. Investors and lenders advised to close deals in first half of year
    3. Life-Insurance Company Loans
      1. Typical deal – sub-70% leverage, non-recourse, strong exp. sponsor, well stabilized market
      2. Positive lending outlook for 2016
    4. Conventional Lending (Banks)
      1. Regulatory changes: Dodd-Frank Act
    5. Alt. Lending
      1. Walker & Dunlop offers bridge-lending packages
      2. Good for investors with assets not ready for perm. agency lending
      3. Up to 80% of cost for pre-stabilized deal or value-add deal, up to 36 months, help re-sell or re-finance
      4. For multi-family, student housing, manufactured housing, independent & assisted living, and skilled nursing

Livingston kindly provided us with a detailed, corporate overview package for Walker & Dunlop, further describing the financial solutions they offer as well as contact information.

Corporate Overview 2.22.16

 

 

Ep. 60 – Mark Fleming: What Does the Fed Rate Hike Mean to Real Estate Investors

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about-markWinter is coming… And so are national interest rate increases.

The Federal Reserve has recently announced a new national interest rate hike, the first since 2006. Real estate investors are very anxious about the announced rate hike. Many investors are wary that the rate hike may be instituted prematurely in an economy that is not capable of facilitating the effects on real estate markets.

Mark Fleming, Ph. D. serves as the Chief Economist for First American Financial Corporation. With over 20 years’ experience in mortgage and property information, Mark analyzes and forecasts national mortgage and real estate markets. This episode, Mark lends his expertise to our discussion on the new rate hike‘s effect on current real estate markets at a national level, and tells us why investors shouldn’t be so worried.

  • Federal Reserve Rate Hikes
    • First rate hike in 9 yrs
      • 2006 – +5% increase
      • 2007 -’08 to Present – 0%
      • End of Year (2015) – .25% increase
      • 2016 – +1% increase
    • Instituted to correlate with expected income/wage growth
    • Long-term, fixed-rate loans not affected
    • Good for housing markets
      • House-price appreciation seeing “asset inflation”, especially in Florida
      • 5-6% nationally, higher in FL markets (South Florida)
      • Out-pacing current wage growth, causing increase in housing rates
      • Rate hike should slow appreciation growth rate
  • 2016 and Beyond
    • Rate hike est. 5% increase
    • House-appreciation (Nationally) projected to slow to 3-4%
    • Income growth est. 3-4% increase
    • Commercial real estate to benefit from economic growth
    • Multi-family to benefit from strong millennial rental market

Interested in contacting First American Financial or want to learn more from Mark on the new rate hike and other economic info? Check out the company website and visit the Economic Center

Ep. 59 Jay Smith: 6 Hot Spots for Inspecting Properties

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thumb2_JayJay Smith, CEO of A Snoop Inspections, is a veteran in his field of property inspection. Jay possesses over 30 years in property inspection experience as well as hands-on knowledge of building construction. Jay has an invaluable insight into the key concepts of inspecting properties.

Property inspections can cause even the most seasoned real estate investor to shudder. Not only do inspections have the potential to turn up devastating issues for investors close to finalizing a deal, under-qualified inspectors may cost an investor thousands of dollars in corrective aggravation. Recent changes to insurance policies and coverage in Florida have led to increased concern over property inspections and their impact on real estate investment. Commercial investors need to be especially careful as there are many more aspects to commercial property inspection as opposed to residential. This episode will cover six hot spots or areas of focus for any investor to cover when inspecting properties.

  1. Electrical
    1. Out-dated wiring methods may preclude properties from meeting current insurance requirements
      1. Aluminum wiring dating mid 1960s-1970s a prevalent issue; Cloth wiring; Knob-and-tube wiring
      2. No safety outlets by water areas source of concern
  2. Roofs
    1. Major area of concern when inspecting properties. Damage can be detrimental to property and repairs costly.
      1. Look for flat roofs or areas where water pools
      2. Leaks cause major damage
      3. A/C units on roofs – water damage from condensation, impede accessible roof maintenance. New FL building codes require roof-units be on raised platforms
  3. Insurance Changes

    1. Changes to FL insurance coverage a important concern for new buyers
      1. Standards for coverage have changed over recent years
      2. Require more detailed inspections, won’t insure certain construction methods/materials
      3. Insurance coeerage under previous owner will not extend to new buyer
  4. Sinkholes
    1. Costly and potentially dangerous inspection issue
      1. Look for long, horizontal cracks in and around structure
      2. $2000 geo-technical survey
  5. Mold
    1. Serious issue in FL
      1. Difficult to asses severity or extent of infestation
      2. Especially an issue in vacant or untended properties
  6. Inspector Due Diligence
    1. In FL especially, determine certifications of inspectors prior to selecting
      1. FL requires Home Inspector license only
      2. International Association of Home Inspectors – largest H.I. association in U.S.
      3. For specific issues, contact specialists (i.e. mold inspector, master electrician, professional roofer)

To contact Jay for information on inspecting properties or to inquire about his own property inspection services, visit his website: www.a-snoop.com or call (813) 345-2600

 

 

 

 

Ep. 57 Albert Berriz – McKinley Bullish on I-4 Corridor for Multi-Family

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00f4451Florida real estate investors should be familiar with the name McKinley. With over 55 million square feet of commercial and residential real estate in 34 states, McKinley, Inc. is 37th largest real estate investment and management firm in the nation.

Albert Berriz, CEO, Co-owner & Co-Managing Member of McKinley talks with us this week about the firm’s special interest in Florida. The Interstate 4 Corridor, connecting Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando and Daytona Beach is favorite of McKinley for it’s unique position as a major economic engine for Florida. The firm owns and manages 55 multi-family communities along the I-4 corridor. Albert discusses the firm’s attraction to the corridor as a region of of immense population growth.

  • I-4 Corridor
    • Tampa/St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Daytona Beach
    • 3/5 of Florida Residents centralized around I-4
    • 6.5 million residents (6th largest population concentration by geographic area in U.S.)
  • Economic Growth
    • 1.3 times over growth rate of South Florida
    • Panama Canal to introduce Port of Tampa to new markets
    • All Aboard Florida rail project to provide high-speed transit between Orlando and South Florida
      • Tourism/Entertainment
        • Theme Parks in Orlando and Tampa
        • Coastal attractions

For any investor seeking to improve their success in the real estate market, Albert believes that a mentor is an invaluable resource for investors. The expertise and understanding of a seasoned investor can provide knowledge and guidance to make actionable investment decisions.

Albert cites Colin Powell as a distinct influence on his development as a leader. Despite his focus in military and politics as opposed to business, Gen. Powell established himself as a true leader in his field and exhibits the qualities of leadership that can be applied to any individual.

Check out Colin Powell’s literature on leadership on Amazon

To find out more about Mckinley’s properties in Florida visit their website

 

 

Ep. 52 – Real Estate Development is a Big Part of All Aboard Florida Rail Project

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john_guitar_final_3-24-2015For those who haven’t heard, All Aboard Florida is a high-speed rail project connecting Miami and Orlando via Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The project is slated for public use in 2017.

The project will have a major impact on transit in South Florida and Central Florida. The rail project will also have a profound effect on real estate development in the state. John Guitar, Senior V.P. of Business Development discusses All Aboard Florida’s interests in stations and transit-oriented real estate development.

  • 4 million sq. ft. rail transit
    • Miami
    • Orlando
    • Ft. Lauderdale
    • West Palm Beach
  • Utilizing privately owned space in F.E.C. “Flagler Corridor”
  • High-speed Transit
    • 79-110 mph
    • 125 mph (with no grade crossings)
  • Miami
    1. Retail
      1. 200k sq. ft. real estate development for Downtown Miami Station
      2. Servicing local and commuter traffic
    2. Office
      1. 2 Developments planned: 200k sq. ft. & 100k sq. ft.
      2. Accessible locations for commuters
  • Ft. Lauderdale / West Palm Beach
    • Several retail and residential plans in works for future development

To contact John with questions regarding All Aboard Florida’s real estate development and leasing opportunities or to find out more about the project visit the project website www.allaboardflorida.com

www.miamicentral.com

All Aboard Florida – Economic Story

Update***

Now referred to as Brightline

https://gobrightline.com/

 

Ep 40 – Don’t Forget About Small Business Loans for Investment Real Estate

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Hoyt PrindleHoyt Prindle of the Florida Business Development Corporation talks about Small Business Administration (SBA) loans for investment real estate. Most real estate investors overlook this type of financing, because, frankly, it has limited use for investment property…BUT, the financing source can be excellent for mini-warehouses, hotels, golf courses, etc…OR, the professional or retail user who decides to have some attached rental space on the current space in which they own and run their business/practice. The terms of an SBA loan can make a deal VERY attractive for investors. Listen to Hoyt tells us what programs work best.  

Check out this episode!

EP19 Larry Feldman: Office Investor Moves BIG in to the Florida Market

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Wells Fargo BuildingIn 2010, Larry Feldman and his investment partners had decided it was time to strike when the iron was hot. Tampa Office vacancies had plummeted, which took office prices with it. Feldman was gun shy of the Tampa region, as he really did not see it is a market worth pursuing.

Finding deals in other markets, however, proved to be challenging, so he decided to take another look at Tampa and MAN, is he glad that he did! The rock bottom prices presented a handful of opportunities that were too good for Feldman to turn away. Since then, he has been one of the biggest deal makers in the area and stands to make millions on bets that the office markets had bottomed out purchasing the Wells Fargo building in Downtown Tampa and Morgan Stanley building in St Petersburg, among others.

Feldman’s strategy has been to focus on the core business sub-markets (densely populated downtown office space cores), buy under-leased real estate at rock bottom prices, invest in building renovations, build relationships with brokers and try to flip. He stands to make millions from his timing of this market.

Feldman and his partners bought the Wells Fargo building, one of the signature office buildings in downtown Tampa for $115 per square foot and invested $15 per square foot in improvements. Replacement costs for the asset could approach as much as three times what they paid for the property.

He credits his strategy for working closely with brokers as a reason for quick turn-arounds on assets with stubbornly high vacancy rates.

Feldman is not your typical hands off institutional asset manager. He is very involved in the property management of his real estate. He subscribes to the old fashioned way of “Management by Walking Around.” On any given day, you can find Feldman in his Downtown Tampa office in the Wells Fargo building, working the phones, walking the property, checking on his tenants and trying to work on creative ways to make sure the brokerage community keeps him on the top of their list when they have a hot prospect.

We think you will enjoy Larry’s approach to deal making.

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EP9 Todd Jones: Yes! You Too Can Reduce Your Property Tax Bill!

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reduce your property taxes

After the mortgage, the second highest expense for real estate investors is often property taxes.  It might surprise you to know that experts estimate that between 30 and 60 percent of taxable property in the United States is over-assessed, which leads to higher property taxes.

Fighting and winning a battle with your local tax assessor’s office might not be as difficult as you believe.  Investors, apparently, do not believe that to be the case as only a small percentage of property owners appeal their assessment.  Maybe it is a case of investors having too many other battles to fight in the day to day management of their respective business, but perhaps there is lack of clarity over how the process will play out, as well as a fear of fighting a government agency armed with seemingly legions of trained professionals and a legal system tilted against them.

Perception is probably not reality.  In this episode, Steven and Eric talk to Todd Jones, shedding some light on how the process works and how investors can contest the assessment.  Todd helps guide us through the sometimes mysterious ways of how property assessors determine value of your real estate and subsequently, the taxes you pay.

Todd Jones is an MAI appraiser and President of the Florida Association of Property Tax Professionals

Todd’s position as an appraiser and Tax Professional allows him to look at a many types of deals all across the State. As a bonus, he talks about an area of investment that he sees as one of the hottest in Florida.

Quotables -
“In Florida, the Statutes require that that assessors extract the costs to the buyer and the costs to the seller from the sales price.” …approximately 15%

Favorite Restaurant (s) -
Yoko’s Sushi Restaurant
Capital Grill
Zudar’s Deli
Pipo’s
Holy Hog BBQ

Favorite Book
No Asshole Rule – Robert Sutton

Must Attend
The University of Florida – Bergstrom Center for Real Estate – Trends and Strategies Conference

Counsel to Investors
There are always niche opportunities – learn how to peg values
Hone “imagineering” skills

Todd Jones  –
813.760.0212 – mobile
Linkedin

EP7 Darren Wilson: Accidental Landlord Turned Serious Investor in Tampa

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Darren Wilson - Tampa Real Estate InvestorDarren Wilson was an accidental investor.  He did not start out to be a professional investor in single family properties, but once he got the taste of it, he didn’t look back.  In the early part of his career, he was in the technology business, but now is an investor full time for himself and Kennedy Investments. Darren and Kennedy Investments recently completed a large value added office transaction in Central Tampa.  They are currently completely upgrading the property, Twin Lakes Office Park (formerly known as Lincoln Gardens), on Busch Boulevard in Tampa.. Learn how he leverages other revenue streams to grow in to owning over 40 properties, mostly single family homes.

Quotables -
“If you want to build a great process…a great product….a great business, start by surrounding yourself with great people.”
“Just do it – At some point you have to stop running the numbers and do the deal.”
“Don’t bet the farm on one deal”
“Don’t buy anything you couldn’t live in”

Recommended Reading -
Class – Paul Fussell

Favorite Florida Restaurant – 
Bern’s Steakhouse – Tampa
Ulele – Tampa

Kennedy Investments
813.554-1200
3410 Henderson Blvd #200
Tampa, FL 33609