Ep. 94 Shawn Yesner: 10 Important Items You Will Want to Know About Commercial Deals and Contracts

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commercial real estate deals and contractsCommercial real estate investing is not the same thing as residential real estate investing. Just because both property types have four walls and a roof does not mean they have the same investment strategy. Commercial deals and contracts are subject to different regulations than residential properties. Residential real estate investors looking to invest in commercial real estate should be aware of the different facets of commercial deals and contracts.

Shawn Yesner, of Yesner Law Firm of Tampa, specializes in real estate law. After getting his start in real estate law representing lenders, Shawn began his own law firm in 2004 representing homeowners. Shawn has since expanded his firm to encompass all aspects of real estate law, representing property owners in a variety of legal processes. Shawn discusses some important points for investors to consider when completing commercial deals and contracts.

  • Contracts
    • Residential real estate uses one contract template – FARBAR (FL Assos. of Realtors + FL Bar Assos.)
    • Attorneys specialized in commercial real estate should draft commercial contracts
    • Only clauses that meet buyer/seller agreement should be introduced
  • Tenant Leases
    • Make sure tenants are current on lease payments
    • Track lease deposits
    • Keep leasing contracts in same format
  • Tax-Deferred Opportunities (1031 Exchange) 
    • Strict timelines and regulations to be aware of
    • Seek assistance from CPA or certified agent
    • Be able to prove constructive receipt of funds; don’t get stuck with tax liability
  • “As Is” Contracts
    • Seller should always disclose state of property
    • in FL, Johnson v Davis sets “as is” precedence: Seller must disclose anything material to purchase of property and/or anything that might not be found after a reasonable inspection
  • Assignments
    • Buyers may choose to assign ownership of property to LLC or other business name
    • Contracts should hold original buyers liable
  • Buy/Sell Authority
    • FL recently changed LLC laws
    • Sellers should be aware of who holds legal authority to make buying or selling descisions
    • Title companies can do bulk of research on this
  • Incomplete Agreements
    • A detailed contract should outline purchase agreements
    • Sellers should not leave any gray areas to argue incomplete agreements
  • Zoning
    • Make sure you know your property’s zoning authorizations
    • Zoning can be changed, but make sure your property can accommodate changes
  • Environmental Issues
    • May pose big concern for environmental properties
    • Owners may be responsible for environmental factors that occurred prior to purchase
    • Buyers should complete phase I assessments of properties for any red flags during due diligence process

To contact Shawn for any real estate law needs, visit his website!

Shawn also hosts a podcast covering many legal topics in real estate investing and ownership. Check out Yesner Law Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite major podcast platform!

Ep. 93: Using Social Media and Other Creative Methods to Market Your Apartment Complex

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using social media and creative methods of marketing your apartment complex marketing your apartment complex creativelyA sense of home can be a hard thing to find in an apartment. Real estate investors holding apartment complexes or other multifamily dwellings may find marketing their properties as desirable living spaces to prove difficult in media over-saturated with ineffective advertising and marketing strategies. The rise of social media has changed the face of marketing, with web-based marketing now offering a variety of platforms to deliver your property to potential residents. Some apartment complex investors and property managers are embracing these new platforms and initiating innovative and effective marketing campaigns directed at tenants looking for something more than just another apartment.

Melissa Meredith and Ana Maria Palermo have both grasped this shift and are using social media and other creative methods of marketing to produce appealing, effective marketing solutions for their clients. Melissa Meredith, of Marketing with Mel, works and lives in Tampa’s Channelside District. Melissa applies her innovative “360 approach” to create niche marketing strategies to grow her clients’ business. Ana Maria Palermo, property manager of Channelside’s SkyHouse luxury apartment complex, has built a strong community foundation for the residents by using social media and other creative methods to market to new tenants. This episode, find out how using social media and other creative methods of marketing your apartment complex or other investment property can improve your sales or lease rates.

  • Building Community
    • Engage residents and tenants in interactive community-driven events
      • Pool party, art classes, residents’ night, yoga, cooking classes, etc.
      • Provide events free-of-charge to attendees as future investment for new business
      • Push through social media
  • Social Media
    • Post original, independent content through various platforms
      • Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Instagram, Pinterest, etc.
      • Relatable content should stand out, should appeal to yourself as a consumer, capture essence of product/business
      • Take advantage of ‘viral media’
  • Blogging
    • Post original, engaging content
    • Find common ground with readers, appeal to readers’ sensibilities
  • Comfort and Convenience
    • “Live, Work, Play” concept
      • Provide services/amenities to tenants that makes your property a comfortable, convenient home
      • car/bike-sharing programs (Zipcar); onsite retail spaces; cafés/bars; proximity to local attractions

To find out more about SkyHouse luxury apartments: @skyhousechannelside or #skyhousemyhouse

To find out more about the services offered by Marketing with Mel: https://marketingwmel.com/ or @marketingwmel

Ep. 89 Greg Williams: From College Football Player to Institutional Real Estate Investor

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g williamswebSuccessful real estate investing requires knowing the terrain. Investors need to play the field and work hard to find the right deals. Florida real estate markets are garnering a lot of interest from investors and asset classes across the board are becoming more competitive. An investor starting out in single family can become full-time institutional real estate investor with strategic planning and a strong capital base.

Greg Williams, Co-founder and Principle at Cardinal Point Management of Tampa is a true testament to this fact. Greg was introduced to real estate investing out of college. After 4 years of experience building in a variety of asset classes as part of investment firms, Greg set his sights on becoming an institutional real estate investor in the Florida real estate market, focusing on. Though he started small, Greg aspired for larger more diverse deals. Bringing a competitive spirit and strategic approach, Greg maneuvered Florida’s real state industry and has become a success story as a leading institutional real estate investor.

  • Cardinal Point Management
    • Drawn to Tampa’s diverse commercial opportunity
    • Began small, raising capital through family and friends
    • Full-service development, management and brokerage investment firm
  • 1st Institutional Lender Deal
    • Retail center, S. Tampa, 22k sqf, 95% occupancy
    • Purchased at $255/sqf on non-recourse loan through mortgage broker (Jermey Pino); 8.25-8.5% cap rate; $5.3 million total
    • Sold in March, 2016 for $10.6 million w/ 5.5% cap rate
  • Situational Lending
    • Focus on geography
    • Diverse portfolio
    • Knowledge of structuring deals in variety of asset classes
    • Eye on upcoming or forgotten markets
  • Office Market
    • Outperformed by other asset classes in FL
    • Discount on replacement cost
    • Cash-flow during hold period
    • Path to grow NOI (Net Operating Income)
  • Investor Tips
    • Focus on day-to-day
    • Build relationships, be transparent
    • Due Diligence
    • Greg attributes his success as an institutional real estate investor to adopting his father’s hands-on business approach and his self determination and team-building background from competitive sports

Greg can be contacted with inquiries on deals, opportunities or advice on transitioning to a becoming an institutional real estate investor by visiting the Cardinal Point Management website

 

Ep. 88 Beshears & Associates: Update of the Multifamily and Self Storage Market in Florida

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e2bc79_37043315246c4693996f91e865cad488 e2bc79_e3001e806a764241a578a62d31aad77cReal estate investors in Florida know that the market has seen a steadily increasing return to normalcy since it bottomed out in 2010. Asset classes of all types have been undergoing a resurgence as the market continues to correct itself. With investing outpacing development though, investors are seeing access to viable properties tightening up. Investors need to become more creative when finding deals and stay ahead of new trends arising.

David Beshears, head appraiser and owner of Beshears & Associates, has been appraising properties in Florida for over 20 years and he is very knowledgeable about the self storage market. John Miller, senior appraiser and realtor for Beshears & Associates, specializes in multifamily asset classes, having completed over 200 multifamily appraisals since 2008. This episode, David and John discuss where Florida markets are at, particularly in the multifamily and self storage market.

Multifamily

  • 4% vacancy in Tampa area markets
  • Uptick in rental rates across sub-markets
  • High occupancy rates causing higher appreciation in Class B and C properties
  • Class A properties new builds at $2/sqf (Central Tampa Sub-market: Hyde Park, Westshore, Downtown Tampa, Davis Islands)
  • 3300 units entitled to construction; 2200 scheduled for 2016 completion
  • Class A super properties arising in suburban markets (Riverview)
    • Luxury trend in new developments (zero-entry pools, state-of-the-art amenities)
  • No new builds for Class B and C properties
  • Cap Rates (Tampa): Class A: 4.5-5.25%; Class B: 5.25-5.75%; Class C: 6.5-9%
  • Value-add opportunities still available with focus on interior of units

Self Storage

  • Traditionally lag behind multifamily cap rates by 150-200 basis points
  • Self storage market similar to multifamily market
  • Subject to overbuilding in 3rd tier markets
  • 12% of market owned by institutional investors
  • Value-add opportunity for private investors
    • Online/web presence
    • Upgrade security and lighting
  • Cap rates: Class A: 5-7%; Class B: 7-9%; Class C: 9% and up
  • Major markets in need of new development
    • Opportunity for developers if they can find land
    • 2-3 acres at $5-8/sqf is ideal

Beshears & Associates offers a newsletter providing an overview on a variety of asset classes in Florida, including the multifamily and self storage market. To check out their newsletter and to find out about the other services they offer, visit their website at www.beshears.net

Ep. 82 Mark Nathwani: Just Do It! Real Estate Investing

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AAEAAQAAAAAAAAAmAAAAJGU2ZDRjNTU3LTY0N2YtNDRlMC1iMjFmLTI3ZTZkZDJiMzc4OQNobody said real estate investing was an easy business. Aside from the hard numbers and financial side, commercial and residential real estate investing requires dedication and perseverance from investors and a certain ability to thrive under pressure. For many, these pressures prove too great of obstacles to find success as real estate investors. Invest Florida Show aims to provide its listeners of all investment levels with the tools and resources necessary to make actionable investment decisions. In addition to providing educational resources to our listeners, we also want to inspire would-be investors to make the first big step and invest!

This episode our guest is all about inspiration. Mark Nathwani is a real estate investing specialist and international entrepreneur. Mark has assisted in the growth and development of many businesses and currently serves as CEO of RAMS Real Estate Holdings, a U.S./U.K. based firm focusing on foreclosure properties and other sensible Florida real estate markets. Above all else, Mark believes the first step is the biggest one: want to get into real estate investing? Just do it!

Mark’s Tips for Beginning Investors:

  • Single-Family Residential
    • SFR properties are relatively stable, secure markets for those looking to begin real estate investing
    • Florida has many strong SFR markets:
      • Tampa, St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Orlando
  • Investment Strategies
    • Tailor strategy to investment type:
      • Fix-and-flip, wholesales, holds
    • Invest based on yield as opposed to price and valuation
      • Yield is generally higher in complicated markets i.e. low-income housing
    • Choose a market and apply strategies that suit that market, don’t cherry-pick strategies from other real estate markets
    • Cast a wide net to find deals
      • Brokers, letters, bandit signs, banks, etc.
    • Never lose confidence in your deal!

To contact Mark with any potential investment opportunities or to find out more about his real estate investing services, visit his website!

Ep. 80 Cuban Immigrants – Coming to America & Discovering Real Estate Part 2 of 2

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AR-150819374“Inventar”: last episode, we were introduced to this phrase by our guests, Josue Romero and Juan Nunez. The hardships faced in Cuba as young men and as immigrants to Florida instilled in them an invaluable determination to thrive and to make the best out of any situation given – to invent success out of nothing through hard work. This episode, we learn how Juan and Josue applied these principles to Florida real estate as we trace their success stories from their introduction into the real estate industry to where they are today.

Josue was introduced to the financial side of real estate in 2009, at the peak of the financial crisis that crippled Florida’s real estate markets. We learn how he was able to find success as a mortgage broker despite the dire state of real estate financing. Juan, with Josue as his mentor, entered the investment side in 2011 and quickly found success in the single-family residential markets fixing and flipping. Together, Juan and Josue formed a dynamic, cooperative relationship founded on principles of hard work and perseverance and are now leaders in Florida’s single-family markets. Josue is the owner of MyLendingHub.com, a mortgage calculator website and Juan is owner of Zenun Enterprises, a real estate investment firm. This episode, they discuss their approach to lending and investing as well as the current state of Florida and Hillsborough’s real estate markets.

  • Focused on Single-Family Markets
    • Majority fix-and-flip deals
    • Emerging in development and construction
  • Hot Hillsborough SFR Markets
    • Carrollwood
    • Citrus Park
    • Town ‘n’ Country
    • Northdale
  • Appreciations not really a problem for next couple years, but investor pool diminishing
  • Lending markets moving from FHA to conventional institutions (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac)
    • 3% down for qualified investors and lower premiums than FHA
  • Tips for Investors
    • Focus on single market and expand only after well-established
    • Large portfolios are difficult to manage alone
    • Have a team; network with agents and brokers
    • Due diligence is key
    • Stay in budget

For lending inquiries or solutions, contact Josue by phone – (813) 802-6970 or visit www.mylendinghub.com

For any investment inquiries or potential investment opportunities, contact Juan by phone – (813) 766-2959

Ep. 79 Cuban Immigrants – Coming to America & Discovering Real Estate pt. 1 of 2

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AR-150519874Cuba. The island nation of roughly 11 million situated 90 miles south of Florida has, for decades, cast a large shadow over its continental neighbor. The U.S., especially Florida, has had a profound and diverse history with Cuba. Cubans and Cuban-Americans have played a nominal role in shaping Florida’s commercial landscape as well as cultural backdrop, with Tampa and Miami representing two major pockets of Cuban heritage and influence. This episode may be a bit of a departure from our typical shows, but as bilateral relations between the two countries progress, both Cuba and U.S. industries anticipate a major developmental boom that has real estate investors watching closely. This special episode will be represented in two parts with our guests sharing both some personal stories of their immigration into the U.S. as well as their involvement in Florida’s real estate markets.

Josue Romero is a mortgage broker serving as owner of My Lending Hub, a mortgage brokerage service company based in Tampa, Florida. Juan Nunez is a real estate investor in Tampa and currently owns and operates Zenun Enterprises, an investment firm focusing mainly on single-family markets. In 1999, Josue and Juan both arrived in Florida with their families seeking asylum. At the time, Cuba was in dire straits. Though the boys were young at the time, their families knew all too well the devastating effect of the ‘Special Period’ on Cuban welfare. When their families reached Tampa, they set about cementing the American dream as a reality with little more than resilience and hard-work. Despite its status as a Communist country since 1959, the Cuban disposition has always been innately capitalistic. Through their stories, Josue and Juan will introduce us to the concept of Inventar – the wholly Cuban approach to making something from nothing. We will learn how this unique ability and ingenuity lead to such a fluid and fruitful transition into mastering Florida real estate markets.

 

 

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. 50 – Three Types of Creative Mortgages for Real Estate Investors

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Successful investing needs capital. For real estate investors, that often means mortgaging existing properties as a source of attaining capital. Traditional lending through banks and other financial institutions is often the method of acquiring hard-money loans. Sometimes though, the loan approval process may be too time-consuming or their lending practices may be too restrictive for investors.

Keyur Patel (top, left) and Naim Hamdar (top, right) of Synergistic Funding share three types of creative mortgages that are available to real estate investors as an alternative to traditional institutional lending.

  1. Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities – CMBS Loans
    • Currently strong alternative loan product
    • Cyclical nature – this type of loan dissipates with market downturn
    • Undisclosed, non-restrictive cash-out feature
    • Assumable
    • Non-recourse
    • Quick execution – loan sold as packaged, traded security or bond
    • Competitive Interest Rates compared w/ institutional lending (< 8%)
  2. Bridge Financing
    • Often used as alternative loan for investors making balloon payments on existing mortgage and institution not offering re-financing options
    • Up to 65% loan-to-value
    • Typical terms – 1-3 yrs. w/ balloon
    • Interest rates between 8-12%
    • Quick-closing
    • Non-Recourse
    • Creative underwriting – “carve-outs” prevent loan being taken out with malicious intent
    • No minimum for financing, but $100 million ceiling
  3. Line of Credit
    • Designed for seasoned investors w/ multiple projects per year
    • Private lines of credit offered to investors
    • Available for entire term (1yr)
    • No annual fees if not used
    • Once used, 1% monthly fee applied + 9-month repayment term
    • Quick-closing
    • Relatively quick approval turnover (1-3 weeks)
      • Investors must have at least 2 successful closings per year
      • 1 yr. tax returns
      • 3 months bank statements

For more questions on these types of creative mortgages for real estate investing or to find out about other services Keyur and Naim offer:

Call Synergistic Funding – 813-333-5128

or email them at info@synergisticfunding.com

 

E34 Wesley Burdette – How He Progressed from Single-Family Flipper in to Multi-Family Development

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318084_536836776336108_1099953190_nWesley Burdette has always had a hand in real estate investing, however he began on the lending side in the Washington D.C./metro area. From lending he moved towards single-family residential flipping with his sights set on the Florida real estate markets. After finding success in the single-family markets, Wesley endeavored into real estate development and now has several projects in progress in the Seminole Heights neighborhood of Tampa, notably a 46 unit loft-living complex, The Warehouse as well as four new townhouses.

Wesley joins us to discuss his transition from flipper to developer and covers key tips for investing in the Florida real estate markets along with advice on how to diversify your investments and foray into larger investment markets.

  • Know Your Market
    • Research the areas you are considering investing in
    • Understand consumer psyche – what do people want in a home?
    • Know your contractors, work closely with them
    • Millennial Markets on the rise: Seminole Heights
  • Budget
    • Know what you can afford
    • House-flipping is all about initial buy
    • Cost structure
      • Adaptive reuse (commercial, multi-family)
      • Infrastructure (basic repairs)

Wesley’s Tips:

  • Perseverance is key.
  • Entering into investment real estate can be intimidating, but with determination and the proper know-how you can find success.
  • Be careful with your investments. Don’t get locked into something uncertain

If you are interested in investing in the Seminole Heights area or just looking for some local urban flavor, check out: The Rooster and the Till or The Refinery

To view pictures of Wesley’s multi-family development project, The Warehouse, click here.

Visit the Page on Facebook

Wesley can also be contacted directly at: wburdett1@yahoo.com