Ep. 112 Courtney Barnard: Legislative Update for Multifamily-Residential Property Owners

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multifamily-residential property legislative updateWe’ve been hearing a lot about Florida’s single family property markets, but what about multifamily-residential property?

Though multifamily-residential may not share the same spotlight that single family is getting, apartment investing makes up a big economic portion of Florida’s real estate market and there are some big legislative changes coming to multifamily residential property that investors need to be aware of.

We are glad to have Courtney Barnard back on the show. Courtney serves as the Government Affairs Director for the Florida Apartment Association (FAA). Courtney appeared previously, in episode 42, where she discussed then-current legislative updates to multifamily-residential property.

This time, she discusses some key changes coming with the 2016 legislative updates. This episode, Courtney also gives us a Florida multifamily market overview in addition to sharing important legislative updates for multifamily-residential property owners.

Florida Multifamily-Residential Property Overview

  • Jacksonville – largest apartment growth (new construction)
  • Sarasota/Bradenton – decline in growth
  • Over 96% occupancy statewide
  • New construction focused on Class A and Class Super A – $145k/unit costs
  • Lack of affordable multifamily developments

Legislative Updates

  • HVAC Maintenance
    • House Bill 535, July 2016
    • Apartment investors with 100 unit or more buildings
    • HVAC repairs can now be made by on-site building maintenance and not HVAC contractor
    • Bill Info
  • Non-Residential Property Tax Exemptions
    • 10% cap on non-residential property tax increases set to expire in 2018
    • No cap could hurt a lot of investors and small-business owners
    • Joint resolution to be put forth to reinstate cap permanently
  • Fire Sprinklers in Building
    • Florida administration code-change from National Fire Protection Standard
    • Takes effect Dec. 31st, 2016
    • High-rises over 75 feet required to have sprinklers in residences and common areas
    • Previously, buildings built before 1994 were exempt
    • Condos + Co-ops can vote to opt out, but apartment investors must comply UNLESS: balconies/secondary entrances are attached to every unit

Florida Apartment Association

The FAA has been in place for 45 years. With 11 regional chapters and over 5,000 apartment communities, the FAA offers members access to great benefits:

To find out more resources offered by the FAA and for other updates from Courtney, visit www.faahq.org.

Ep. 111 Todd Hutcheson: Getting Into Real Estate with Limited Cash

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getting into real estate with limited cashWould-be investors always want to know ways of getting into real estate with limited cash. Regular people interested in real estate investing may be put off by the idea that real estate investing relies on huge cash reserves or access to capital. They may wonder how they are able to become an investor on a limited budget.

Enter Todd Hutcheson

A native Floridian, Todd has been an active investor in Florida real estate since 2001. His firm, ibuyhomes.com, is a nationally ranked wholesaling platform connecting buyers and sellers close on deals all over central Florida. Todd lends his wealth of experience to several investor resources, like real estate investors associations (REIAs). He is a current board member and president-elect of the Central Florida REIA.

He is helping people discover that getting into real estate with limited cash is doable through strategic marketing, networking and continuing education.

Getting Into Real Estate with Limited Cash

Wholesaling Done Different

  • Marketing-based strategy
  • Find motivated seller, put houses under contract, assign contract to investor
  • Get paid on assignment
  • Close in 8-10 from signed contract
  • 100% cash-buyers

Investor Advantage

  • Wholesaling helps investors find unlisted properties
  • Some investors don’t have marketing prowess and need help finding deals

Minimizing Risks with Wholesaling

  • Reliable tool of cash-buyers to lessen risks
  • Investors with proven track record of deals more likely to close

Marketing & Finding Deals

  • 60% of leads through ibuyhomes.com
  • 30% of leads from new investors
  • 10% of leads from selective direct-mailings

Central Florida Recap

  • Hot market
  • Lower-middle class neighborhoods seeing high price indexes
    • Pine Hills & Deltona
    • $120-130k for SFRs, $850-1050 for rents
  • Buy-and-hold investors may see tightening, wholesalers not affected as much
  • Out-of-state and foreign investors wanting to buy
  • I-4 corridor is key barometer for state markets

Other FL Markets

  • Cape Coral
  • Gainesville – strong multifamily development rise

Resources and Tips

Contact

Want to know more about getting into real estate with limited cash? Email Todd: todd@ibuyhomes.com

Visit www.ibuyhomes.com or call (407) 617-4289 for any other questions

Central Florida investors, visit CFRI‘s website for events and news.

 

Ep. 110 Andrew Cohan: Investing in Vacation Properties through Branded Hotels

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investing in vacation propertiesFlorida, the dream destination. A vacationer’s paradise; the land of perennial sun and fun.

Florida has long been a favorite of vacationers. It has also been a favorite of those investing in vacation properties. Investing in vacation properties is a major market for Florida real estate investors.

We have discussed investing in vacation properties before. In ep. 39, we discussed investing in vacation properties using Airbnb, with Greg Bugay. This episode, however, focuses on the hotel market in Florida.

 

Who better to discuss that than Andrew Cohan?

Andrew Cohan is Managing Director for Horwath HTL, serving mainly Florida and the Caribbean. He is an expert on health and wellness resort properties and lends his expertise to determining optimum market demand for these types of properties.

This episode, Andrew discusses investing in vacation properties through branded hotels.

Miami Hotel Market

Investing in Vacation Properties through Branded Hotels

  • REITs
  • Condo-hotel units

Investing in Condo-hotel Units

  • Not a conventional, cap rate-type of investment
  • Unit investors typically earn about 40 percent back on investment
  • Owner, manager and developer of resort may be 3 separate entities
    • Investors need to know that circumstances may change over the investment’s life-time

Condo-hotel Draw for Developers

  • Quick exit, high return opportunity
  • Don’t have to worry about property management
    • Brand managers or non-brand managers

If you are looking to find out more about investing in vacation properties through branded hotels, you have more questions about acquiring a condo-hotel unit or you are a developer looking to transition to hotel/hospitality, you can contact Andrew directly by phone or email:

(305) 606-2898

acohan@horwathhtl.com

Ep. 109 Dennis Cisterna: A Tool for Rent Research

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rent researchRent research can be tough. Rent research can be a pain

Rent research may not be most’s idea of a good time, but it is necessary for single and small multifamily real estate investors. In order to determine investment value and potential for rental income, comprehensive rent research must be done on a property. Usually, this requires an extensive effort on an investor’s part in due diligence and market research.

Dennis Cisterna may have the answer to many investors’ prayers. In addition to his veteran experience in real estate investing and lending, Dennis serves as Chief Revenue Officer RentRange Data Services and Investability Real Estate, Inc. Each of these services serve as a helpful tool for investors conducting rent research on potential properties.

This episode, Dennis discusses these tools for rent research and lends his expert knowledge to Florida market overviews. Find out why there isn’t a better time to become a real estate investor in Florida!

Tools for Rent Research

  • RentRange
    • Analytical tool help investors understand SFR market points
    • Automated rent estimates on +10,000,000 properties
    • Premier SFR analytics tool
    • Business oriented – geared toward property managers, lenders, banks, etc.
  • Investability
    • Online search and acquisition platform (operates as brokerage firm)
    • Totally free to use
    • Offers 3rd party investment services
    • One-stop-shop for SFR and small multifamily investors

Florida Markets

  • Hot markets: Miami, Ft. Myers/Cape Coral, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando, Jacksonville
  • Strong rental markets statewide
  • Miami: 15% rent increase and 5% vacancy
  • Tampa/St. Pete: 10% rent increase and 8% vacancy

Dennis has been kind enough to draw up a Florida-centric market analysis for our listeners. Check it out here! Invest Florida Show – Florida Market Analysis

Investors can visit RentRange and Investability to find out the full extent of services each platform offers. Each platform has an excellent sales and support staff to assist clients with any questions/concerns.

Ep. 108 Elysia Stobbe: Post Election Update & 3 Changes w/ SFR Investor Mortgages

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investor mortgagesElection years always have the potential to inject uncertainty into investment and securities markets… this year has been particularly interesting and it should be fair to say that the result of this election ties an enormous “?” to the end of 2016. Market uncertainty has been reflected in recent rate rises for investor mortgages.

Elysia Stobbe, NMLS# 146751 is not deterred by uncertainty. Elysia is not only a mortgage expert with NFM Lending, but with over 30 properties in her personal portfolio, she is also an experienced investor. She has shared her expert advice on numerous radio and television broadcasts and has authored a book on getting the best investor mortgages. She has been following changes to investor mortgages closely and is finding flexibility and continued promise for real estate investing.

3 Changes to Investor Mortgages

  • .5% hike in mortgage rates driven 10 year treasury bonds post-election
    • e.g. $300k loan sees monthly increase of $90
  • Fannie Mae (FNMA) loan-to-value down-payment requirement 25% up from 20%
  • Multi-property SFR (up to 4 units) investors can hold up to 10 mortgages if purpose is to purchase investment properties

Other News

  • Cash-out options have been increased for investment properties
    • Shows improved confidence in property equities
  • Return of bank statement programs to bank portfolio loans
  • Recent rise of investor rehab loans
    • Investors can save cash while making properties rent-ready

Finding Financing

  • Lot loans
  • Mortgage brokers/bankers
  • Community banks
    • While they may not be offer as much community banks generally offer better terms than national banks
  • Big banks
  • Alt. options: seller-financing; hard-money

Contacts & Resources

Ep. 99 Phillip Smith and Jason Schaller: What You Need to Know About Multifamily Design and Amenities

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Apartment investing is undergoing a profound transformation in regards to multifamily design and amenities. The age of the shoe-box apartment is over. Changing climates in construction, social trends, economic growth and consumer demand have forced apartment investors and developers to re-examine what apartments could and should provide tenants. Apartment investors, whether they are refurbishing existing buildings or developing new complexes, are taking a drastically different approach to multifamily design and amenity provisions. This episode, we are fortunate to have two guests lending their insight and experience to the changing perceptions of what tenants want out of an apartment space.

multifamily design and amenitiesPhillip Smith is CEO of Framework Group, LLC, a multifamily development and construction group based out of Tampa, FL. Phillip oversees acquisition, design and development of multifamily communities. Currently, Framework Group has projects under construction in Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota, with projects under contract in Jacksonville. Framework Group’s goal is to provide multifamily communities with location and amenities that highlight and promote the urban lifestyle. By pushing the envelope of what makes a sensible investment to what meets with consumer demands, Framework Group has become a major figure in and development, offering full-service, high end apartments in Tampa and along the I-4 Corridor.

multifamily design and amenitiesJason Schaller is Managing Director of Property Management for McKinley. McKinley owns and operates a $4.6 billion real estate portfolio, 35,398 apt. units and 21 million SF of shopping centers and office centers around the country. The Michigan-based firm has a special interest in Florida’s I-4 Corridor with much of their Florida portfolio focused on it. Jason currently oversees Mckinley’s line of boutique apartment projects in Tampa, Mckinley | Hyde Park. Jason brings over 20 years of design and construction experience to multifamily design, refurbishing older and historic buildings and adapting them to suit the growing urban lifestyle.

Amenities

  • Reinforce and promote urban lifestyle
    • bike-share programs
    • Canoe, kayak, bike storage
    • Outdoor kitchens
    • Functioning communal spaces
    • Technological integration
  • Health and Wellness Focus
    • Hot/cold plunge pools and resistance pools vs. traditional pools
    • High-end exercise equipment
    • Classes, training courses: yoga, exercise, massages
  • Pet amenities
    • Green spaces
    • Grooming

Multifamily Design and Development

  • High-end finishing/fixtures
    • Quartz counter-tops
    • Rain-style shower-heads
    • Upgraded moldings
    • Wine glass racks
    • Kitchen storage
    • Stainless steel appliances
  • Individual feel
    • Corridor entrances
    • Lighted unit numbers
  • Space
    • High ceilings
    • Larger rooms
  • Décor
    • Natural finishes
    • Authentic colors and textures

If you are a building owner in the Tampa area and you think it might make a great addition to the McKinley | Hyde Park portfolio, visit the Principal to Principal contact page on their website. To find out more about becoming a resident at a McKinley | Hyde Park project, visit the Apartments page on their website for more information.

Framework Group, LLC provides general contracting services and selective development consulting in addition to project development and construction. To find out more about current and upcoming projects along with services offered, visit their website.

 

Ep. 95 Bijan Gorji: Making Money with Residential Condos

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investing in residential condosWho is this man and why is he smiling?

This man is Bijan Gorji, a real estate investor based in Sarasota, FL. Bijan is a special kind of investor though. Bijan invests solely in one asset class–one often overlooked by other real estate investors–residential condos.

Bijan believes that residential condos as an investment asset class have been an unfairly neglected market for too long. Where others see problems, Bijan sees potential… and it is paying off well for him. Since moving to Sarasota from California in 2012, Bijan and his wife have acquired a portfolio of over 35 residential condos with plans to continue investing in more residential condos. This episode, Bijan will discuss why he settled on residential condos as his chosen asset class and why it should appeal to investors from a financial standpoint along with providing a brief overview of Sarasota’s real estate investment market.

  • Pros of Investing in Residential Condos
    • Easy property-management compared with single-family
      • Low upkeep costs
      • Ability to self manage properties
    • Tenant profile allows fluid leasing
      • 1-2 bedroom units to working professionals or grad students; no families
      • Tenant turnaround quicker
    • Buy-and-hold investment w/ monthly cashflow
    • Hands-on investing allows oversight over all facets of investment
  • Investing Tips
    • Check HOA regulations for condo before investing
    • Find properties within driving distance if self-managing
    • Finding tenants is biggest issue with residential condos: list on Craigslist, Zillow, Hotpads, etc.
  • Sarasota Market
    • Huge amounts of construction (Multi-family and Single-family)
    • Rents steadily increasing across all sub-markets
  • Inspiration

If you think you have an investment deal or if you have more questions about how to make money investing in residential condos, contact Bijan directly by email at bgorji@gorjillc.com

Ep. 92 John Fedro: Using Mobile Homes to Get Started Investing in Florida Real Estate

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mobile home investingFlorida has its fair share of mobile homes. Whether providing seasonal residences or  year-round affordable housing, mobile homes have become an ever-present property class in the Florida real estate market. Though they have been a historically neglected asset class, investing in mobile homes can provide strong, consistent returns. As markets in other asset classes become more competitive, mobile homes may be a rising hot market for investors.

John Fedro is one investor who discovered the opportunity in mobile home investing early on. After entering full-time real estate investing in 2002, John purchased his first mobile home in a park in Florida. He quickly saw the potential investing in mobile homes and after his first year had acquired 14 properties. In a virtually untapped market, John was able to develop an investment strategy exclusively for mobile homes that ensured strong returns. He has since expanded his portfolio to Texas and is actively sourcing deals in other states.

  • Mobile Home Investment Types
    • Private land mobile homes – longer to close, traditional sale of real estate;
    • Mobile homes in parks – categorized as personal property in most states, not subject to title issues/other typical
    • Mobile Home Parks
  • Financing
    • Little to no conventional lending; mainly cash deals
    • Seller financing
    • Dodd-Frank regulations do apply to mobile homes w/ financing
      • Mortgage loan originators can assist with compliance
  •  Costs + Fees
    • Purchase for >$10k
    • Sell for <$25k on payments
    • Buyer repays minimum $300/month on property
    • Mobile homes in parks, buyer pays lot fees, utilities, possibly insurance
  • Move-in ready
    • Buyers will usually do refurbs/improvements
  • Marketing
    • Mobile homes in parks: Craigslist, driving through parks, talking w/ park managers
    • Mobile homes on private land: networking, direct-mailings, bandit signs, seller lists
  • Hot Florida Markets
    • Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Gainesville
    • Rural areas, small towns
    • Panhandle
  • Investment Tips
    • Do multiple deals
    • Effective marketing strategies
    • At least 60 mile radius for investment market
    • Seek knowledgeable investor

Check out John’s website for even more information on successful investment strategies for mobile homes. John has free videos and a podcast where he covers tips for investing in mobile homes. Contact John directly by email at support@mobilehomeinvesting.net

Ep. 91 – Talking the Jacksonville Real Estate Market

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Jacksonville Real Estate MarketMany of our past guests on the show have referenced the Jacksonville real estate market in their lists of rising, hot Florida markets. The area has been making a steady recovery since the economic recession and investors are taking notice. With a stable economic base and opportunity in a variety of asset classes, the Jacksonville real estate market has a lot to like for investors.

Maxwell Lee and Kelly Lei, of Glocal Network, know firsthand the appeal of the Jacksonville real estate market. Two years ago, Kelly and Maxwell both left traditional, W-2 income careers for a life in real estate investment and started Glocal Network, a real estate investment firm based out of Jacksonville. Though the company is young, they have a combined portfolio of individually owned and partnered investments of over 20 properties in a diverse collection of asset classes. Kelly’s brokerage and agent’s license combined with Maxwell’s hometown knowledge of the Jacksonville real estate market have established Glocal Network as a leading investor in the Jacksonville real estate market.

  • Jacksonville Real Estate Market
    • Large amounts of single family foreclosure properties still being released
    • 40th largest metro in U.S., with strong growth potential
    • Strong single family markets: Riverside; Avondale; Springfield; San Marco
      • Murray Hill: Up-and-coming secondary market
    • Rent hikes in prime markets (Riverside, Avondale)
    • Ep. 84 – Daren Blomquist: Which Florida Markets are Hot?
  • Glocal Network
    • “Opportunity Investors” – invest in variety of asset classes
    • +20 properties in portfolio
      • Mainly single family, but also retail and multi family
    • Deals financed privately, no institutional loans
      • Glocal invests 25%, investor(s) contribute remaining
      • Preferred percentage deal on returns
      • Average single family turnkey property costs: $90k, all in
  • Investment Tips
    • Want to invest? Buy a property, start small
    • Take advantage of the current low interest rates
    • Learn from experience
    • Know your market
    • Find a mentor or network
  • Inspiration/Support
    • Kelly’s family instilled a determined and practical mindset regarding real estate investing
    • Maxwell and Kelly found BiggerPockets instrumental in investing advice and establishing a strong local investment network

Kelly and Maxwell can be contacted with an opportunity to work with Glocal Network in the Jacksonville real estate market or for investing advice by email at glocaljax@gmail.com

Ep. 90 Gary Beasley, CEO: Buying Single Family Homes with a Cash Flow Through Roofstock

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Buying Single Family Homes Through RoofstockOne of the downsides for real estate investors buying single family homes has always been the large amount of time and financial investment it takes to certify an asset. Buyers most conduct thorough due diligence to verify a property’s physical condition, legal standing and yield potential. Buying single family homes can be a stable financial option, but it requires a lot of personal commitment that some investors just can’t afford.

Roofstock may provide investors with a solution to this problem. This episode, Roofstock CEO Gary Beasley stops by to talk about the new platform that is changing the way investors are buying single family homes. By removing the stress and mess of the due diligence process, Roofstock can greatly decrease transaction fees and increase market fluidity by providing investors with a certified, reliable and transparent marketplace for buying single family rental homes. They are also proving that buying leased single family homes can be a greater asset than vacant singe family properties.

Roofstock:

  • Launched in FL – Tampa, Orlando, Cape Coral, Jacksonville, Miami
    • Also Atlanta and California
    • Grow to 10+ markets in U.S.
  • Due Diligence
    • 3rd party valuation report, title report, property inspection, rent surveys, financial calculator est. returns based on several rental situations, vets tenants and property managers
  • Hands-off Investing
    • Buyer freed from operational component of investing
    • Buyers able to rely on surety of data
  • Cheaper, More Effective than MLS
    • Roofstock – 2.5% transaction fee from sellers; .5% marketplace fee from buyers : MLS – 6% transaction fee
    • Standardized marketplace of available, leased single family homes
  • Investment fund opportunity
    • Recent launch of 100-property fund
  • 1031 Exchanges
    • Provides readily available market for investors in need of exchange property

To find out more about the great services Roofstock offers investors buying single family homes, check out their website! You can also contact Gary directly at gary@roofstock.com or the senior client adviser, zack@roofstock.com