Category Archives: Property Inspections

Ep 159 David Diaz: How Technology is Changing the Property Management Game

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Managing Your Real Estate Asset

Regardless of your preferred property class, the way in which it is managed can make or break an investment. Competent property management can mean the difference between a successful investment and a financial albatross. Many first-time investors make the mistake of discounting the need for adept property management and find themselves in hot water.

From maintenance to tenant issues, there is a lot that goes into managing a real estate asset. If you plan on self-managing your property, you need to understand these aspects. Even if you hire a property manager, you need to understand fees and cost breakdowns.

Fortunately, the tech boom has enabled investors to more fully understand the administrative and operational functions of owning and managing a real estate asset. Now, you can connect with professionals that have the experience and know-how to guide you and empower you in understanding the property management process.

Property Management Meets Accessibility

For many investors, self-managing a property has meant a lot of trial-and-error; getting into what looks like a sweet deal only to find out it’s a lemon or worse… a total disaster.

But now, emerging technologies in the property management industry are allowing investors more access to the tools and resources needed for understanding the nuances of the field. Now you can get consolidated access to professional services and data so you don’t have to piece together you don’t have to learn how to manage a property the hard way.

About our Guest

property managementDavid Diaz is the Co-Founder and Head of Operations for Great Jones, a tech-based property management platform. Having bought, renovated, leased and managed over 10,000 homes for REITs, individual investors and his own portfolio, David is a foremost expert in single family property management.

 

Ep. 150 Jimmy Clark: Lawfare – ADA Compliance and Protecting Your Property from Punitive Damages

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As real estate developers and owners, we want to ensure functional accessibility to everyone coming in contact with our property. Whether you own a retail center, apartment complex or a single-family rental, you want to make sure that everyone has equitable access to a reasonable degree. ADA compliance helps investors to recognize what parts of their property need to have universal accessibility to allow for reasonable use for persons with disabilities or limitations.

But what happens when ADA compliance goes beyond reasonable accessibility?

Real estate investors of all asset classes are subject to punitive damages lawsuits on their property. More often than not, punitive damages claims arise out of an oversight in ADA compliance. Even if you take great care in ensuring ADA compliance in your property, there may be some small accessibility issue that was overlooked that could leave you vulnerable. Sometimes, it can be a simple technicality that results in punitive damages. Whatever the case, punitive damages can cost investors time and thousands of dollars to remedy.

ada complianceJimmy Clark is the Senior Vice President and Real Estate Practice Group Leader at Harden, one of the southeast’s largest risk management and insurance firms. Part of his job is ensuring that property owners aren’t hit with punitive damages from ambulance-chasing attorneys.

This episode, Jimmy offers up some quick pointers for property owners who may not be aware of the punitive damages risks awaiting their property. He tells us the common and not-so-common things you need to look out for in order to make sure your property is fully ADA compliant and protected from damages.

Contact: jclark@hardeninsight.com or 813-367-5609

Don’t miss this episode on ADA compliance and protecting your property from punitive damages!

 

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

 

Ep. 74 Jillian Bandes: 6 Hot Topics to Consider About Building Structure When Buying Multifamily

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AAEAAQAAAAAAAATxAAAAJDczYWFhMzZhLWRkOWUtNDAwMi1hNmM2LTYwZmMzNDdkMjk5ZQWhether investing in a multifamily property with value-add intentions or simply as a stable addition to your portfolio, it is important to consider the building structure and the costs associated with structure maintenance.

Jillian Bandes, of Bandes Construction Company knows just what to look for in building structure when valuating a potential multifamily investment. This episode, Jillian shares six hot topics for investors to consider about building structure when buying multifamily properties.

  1. Electric
    1. Costly repair and improvement item
    2. Determine property’s inside and outside amperage
    3. Enlist licensed electrician for any repairs or improvements
  2. Roofing
    1. Unwise to cut costs on roofing materials and construction
      1. Find dependable roofing companies, use quality materials
    2. Roofing Warranties: 1-2 yr Workmanship Warranty; 10-20 yr Manufacturer Warranty
  3. HVAC
    1. Air-conditioning represents a huge aspect to determine in Florida properties
    2. Requires secure maintenance schedule
    3. Replacement costs can be substantial
  4. Doors & Windows
    1. Many things to take into account with doors and windows
    2. Observe building jurisdiction’s code requirements
    3. Buying replacements in bulk may be more cost-effective than as-needed replacements
  5. Interior
    1. Interior trends fluctuate. Stay current with trends that tenants want
    2. Value-add investors may want to put more into interior costs up front for greater tenant appeal and longevity: energy star appliances, natural stone counter-tops, removing partitions, adjusting ceiling heights
  6. Frame vs. Masonry
    1. Wood frame structures usually require much more extensive evaluations than masonry structures: water-proofing report, site level, landscaping, water table, drainage, etc.
    2. Repairs and rehabs can be costly on frame structures
    3. Masonry offers more stability and investment assurance

For more information from Jillian about important items to consider about building structure she can be contacted through Twitter @jillybee or by visiting Bandes Construction Company’s website.

 

Ep. 67 Brad Hubbard: You Can Increase the Value of Your Property With This Flood Insurance Technique

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2015-08-10_16.10.35Florida real estate investors should all be familiar with the flood insurance line-item on their properties’ expenditure lists. Much of Florida real estate is subject to blanket, federal regulations regarding flood insurance requirements and financial institutions require flood insurance as a prerequisite for lending on all residential properties. Many investors may not know that their properties may be eligible for flood insurance exemptions on a case-by-case basis .

Brad Hubbard is an expert in all things related to flood insurance coverage and requirements. As founder of National Flood Experts, Brad has been saving investors thousands of dollars in expenditures by eliminating annual flood insurance costs. Brad discusses what he looks for in a property to determine its status in relation to FEMA’s national flood-zone map. He also discusses what investors and property owners can do to reduce flood insurance costs on properties not eligible for exemption. This is a great method for investors to eliminate a long-standing line-item on a property’s financial portfolio and increase the property’s long-term investment value.

  • Individual properties may be built outside of federal flood-zone parameters
  • Compare construction of building with FEMA flood-guidelines
    • Due Diligence on property
      • Elevation Certification – verifies building’s base flood-line in a 100-year period.
      • Surveys
      • Other info on elevation and structure of building

To contact Brad with questions regarding flood insurance or for an eligibility inspection, call the National Flood Experts at: 1-800-561-0396 or email: brad@nationalfloodexperts.com

 

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