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Denver's $200 million budget shortfall is impacting everything from city services to road repairs to our parks system – and the latest casualty could be housing, with the city's ADU program losing a quarter million dollars. Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies to discuss what the loss of public funding means for this type of affordable homes. Plus, they share information on how to not get caught with expired license plates this week and Bree rants about the AI slop creeping into local businesses. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member! What do you think about AI art being used in flyers? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 If you enjoyed this interview with Lauren Howe, the Healthy Food for Denver's Kids Program Supervisor, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 26th episode: Women's Foundation Chalat Hatten and Banker Blue Sky Colorado Chinese University Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Thinking about building an ADU? There are some expensive mistakes you need to understand before you start construction.After funding more than 100 deals involving ADUs, Kenny Simpson has seen what can go wrong, from appraisals and construction costs to refinancing problems and properties that don't produce the value owners expected. In this week's The Brief, Kenny breaks down 7 ADU landmines every homeowner and real estate investor should understand:1. What are you actually building?Do the comps and rents support your plan?2. What will it really cost?Spending $350,000 doesn't automatically add $350,000 in property value.3. The appraisalADUs can be difficult to value, and the wrong appraisal can create major problems. 4. Your takeout loanDon't assume you'll automatically be able to refinance and pull your construction money back out.5. Selling the propertyThe market may not value your finished project the way you expected.6. Qualifying for financingDSCR, residential and commercial lenders can treat these properties very differently.7. Your teamThe lender, loan officer, appraiser, agent, and other professionals you work with can make or break a complex ADU project. The biggest takeaway: do the research before you build.Understand the potential value, rents, appraisal, financing, refinance strategy, and exit plan before committing hundreds of thousands of dollars to an ADU project.
Are we watching 2008 happen again in slow motion? MEETUP THIS FRIDAY: STR/MTR Meetup at Chicken N' Pickle, Grand Prairie — Aug 21, 6-9 PM. Food, networking, pickleball with Myka & Steve. Grab your ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strmtr-meetup-chicken-and-pickle-6-9-pm-tickets-1997616112567In Episode 347 of Live Let Thrive, Myka and Steve break down why the DFW housing market is flashing 2008 signals: flips sitting unsold above their hard-money loan floors, foreclosures starting, bond markets at 2007 levels, and the 18-year crash cycle landing right on 2026.They also explain why they're both getting OUT of the Airbnb arbitrage business — offloading 1-2 bedroom units as travel nurse demand disappears, while 4+ bedroom houses stay booked solid with work crews (one 6-bed duplex is booked through March by a fiber crew). Plus: the "5 paid-off houses will change your life" math, working backward from a $20K/month cash flow number, the Shaq strategy for W-2 investors, PadSplit's insurance gap (and new coverage options from Steadily and HostGuard), why Texas property taxes are the #1 deal killer ($14,000 protested down to $5,000), the ADU two-for-one play, and the mom-and-pop investors now building AI data centers.Big news: Myka is officially a licensed Texas real estate agent, signed with a brokerage, with MLS access — and he's building the investor-friendly agent playbook out loud.CHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:37 AI Data Centers: The New Investor Play?5:08 Where to Find Midterm Rental Guests8:47 The 4-Bedroom Sweet Spot11:40 Why We're Quitting Airbnb Arbitrage16:00 PadSplit's Insurance Gap20:09 How Many Houses Is Enough?24:43 The Shaq Strategy27:15 Investing in D-Neighborhoods29:50 Crash Watch: DFW Is Slowing Down33:28 Myka's License + Brokerage News37:41 Investor-Friendly Agents Win46:43 Property Taxes Kill Texas Deals49:02 The ADU Two-for-One Play56:25 Pull Up Friday: Chicken N' Pickle MeetupInterested in professional management or consulting?Connect with Myka and Steve through their respective management firms:Myka (Sharebnb): http://www.sharebnb.com➡️Steven (Argest Rentals): http://www.ArgestRentals.comSign up for PadSplit with Steve's link and get a free 1 on 1 PadSplit strategy call with Stevie Stacks! https://www.padsplit.com/hosts?referral=94AD509ACheck out Myka's Podcast: Entrepremarriage – Building wealth without losing the marriagehttps://www.youtube.com/@EntrepremarriageClick our Link Tree for Podcast News!https://linktr.ee/liveletthrive#airbnb #shorttermrentals #midtermrentals #padsplit #realestate #liveletthrive #realestateinvesting #housingmarket #housingcrash #airbnbarbitrage #dfwrealestate #texasrealestate #costsegregation #adu #realestateagent
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode, Galyna Parker shares her journey as a serial entrepreneur and real estate investor, highlighting strategies for remote property management, building systems, and exploring new opportunities like land and ADU development. She offers valuable insights for beginners and seasoned investors alike. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
Josh has the Quick Takes for us and Jordana talks about ADU's or what is becoming known as ‘Granny Flats'
In this week's First $1,000 segment, we hear from a serial side hustler who builds an ADU in his backyard, allowing him to earn $1,500/month in passive rentals. He then uses the profits to buy another property.Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case studies of people who earn extra money without quitting their job. This year, the show includes free guided lessons and listener Q&A several days each week.Show notes: SideHustleSchool.comEmail: team@sidehustleschool.comBe on the show: SideHustleSchool.com/questionsConnect on Instagram: @193countriesVisit Chris's main site: ChrisGuillebeau.comRead A Year of Mental Health: yearofmentalhealth.comIf you're enjoying the show, please pass it along! It's free and has been published every single day since January 1, 2017. We're also very grateful for your five-star ratings—it shows that people are listening and looking forward to new episodes.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode, Brad Jones shares insights into the booming ADU industry, his business model, and how he's leveraging marketing and operations to scale rapidly. Discover how to navigate regulations, build community, and capitalize on this fast-growing market. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
(August 13, 2026) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to step downLA county ADU construction hits record highas housing shortage persistsA fight over whose name the kids take was settled by a family OlympicsEurope has a new passport systemSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Devin: What is your superpower?Gene: I've always felt that range is more important than depth. That's where I am.Azure Printed Homes is turning recycled plastic into faster, lower-cost housing while attacking two crises at once: housing scarcity and plastic waste. Gene Eidelman, President of Azure Printed Homes, joined me to explain how the company uses robotics and 3D printing to manufacture housing in a factory.“Azure is a platform that uses robotics and 3D printing to manufacture housing,” Gene said. “30% less expensive, 70% faster, and no waste.”That simple description understates the breadth of the impact. Azure began with backyard studios and ADUs during COVID. The company has since expanded into homes for people experiencing homelessness, affordable housing, wildfire rebuilds and soon, Gene says, multi-story apartment buildings.What I find so compelling is the way Azure's model layers benefits. The company reduces construction waste, reuses plastic that might otherwise end up in landfills or oceans and creates housing more quickly in places where people desperately need it. Gene confirmed that the company has already recycled “millions upon millions” of plastic bottles' worth of material.The work is no longer theoretical. Gene told me the company has delivered more than 150 homes across six states. Its largest project so far is a 62-unit village for people experiencing homelessness in San Luis Obispo, California. By using ground screws rather than traditional foundations, Azure fit nearly twice as many units on the site as conventional construction would have allowed.“We took a very small site, 3/4 of an acre site, and put a lot of units,” Gene said. “If it would be done traditional construction, they couldn't take more than 34 units, but we did 62.”Azure's market is broad. The same platform can support a small safe home for someone leaving homelessness, an ADU in a California backyard or a luxury rebuild in Malibu. “It's really a platform to expand what can be done quicker and less expensive,” Gene said.I'm also excited that Azure is using regulated investment crowdfunding to fuel its growth. Gene explained that the company has completed six campaigns across several platforms, building a community of more than 2,500 investors in 48 states and 20 countries. Azure is currently raising debt capital through a Honeycomb campaign, which you can find at geneeidelmanmedia.com.For impact investors who care about housing, climate and innovation, Azure's progress offers a powerful case study in how purpose-built businesses can scale solutions that matter.tl;dr:This episode explores Azure Printed Homes' mission to turn recycled plastic into faster, lower-cost housing.Gene explains how robotics and 3D printing reduce waste while expanding housing options across markets.Azure has delivered more than 150 homes, including a 62-unit homeless village in California.The company is raising growth capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding debt campaign on Honeycomb.Gene's superpower, range, helps him pivot quickly while staying focused on solving big problems.How to Develop Range As a SuperpowerGene's superpower is range. He told me, “You can acquire deep knowledge. You can hire for deep knowledge. It's the range that is necessary.” For Gene, range means staying focused on the solution while remaining open to the tools, materials, customers and business models that can get you there faster. He said entrepreneurs should “focus on the solution” while also thinking about “how other products that they might be thinking of could be used for this solution.” That perspective helped Azure move from construction to 3D printing, material science, robotics, light-gauge steel and homes on wheels.Gene saw this superpower earlier in his career while building childcare centers. A nearby hospital loved the centers but explained that its nurses could not afford them. Gene quickly reframed the problem. If the hospital funded a center on campus, there would be no rent burden and nurses could access care. That pivot created a corporate childcare business that grew to become the third largest in its niche in the country before being sold to a publicly traded company.Focus on the solution first, not the initial product or business model.Build range by continuously educating yourself across disciplines, markets and technologies.Use new tools yourself before asking your team to adopt them.Hire experts when deep technical knowledge is required.Bring team members with you to meetings so they can observe, learn and generate ideas.Listen actively to customers, partners and industry veterans before prescribing answers.Stay open to unexpected markets when customers reveal new uses for your solution.By following Gene's example and advice, you can make range a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileGene Eidelman (he/him):President, Azure Printed HomesAbout Azure Printed Homes: Azure Printed Homes transforms recycled plastic into 3D-printed houses—built 70% faster and at 39% lower cost than traditional construction—tackling both the housing shortage and the global plastic waste crisis.Website: azureprintedhomes.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/azureprintedhomesOther URL: geneeidelmanmedia.comBiographical Information: Gene Eidelman is the co-founder of Azure Printed Homes, founded in 2022 to create sustainable, affordable housing using recycled polymers. Azure's patented 3D-printing technology builds homes faster and at lower cost than traditional methods, while reducing environmental waste. Gene leads the company's mission to deliver scalable housing solutions for families, communities, and disaster recovery.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/geneeidelmanInstagram: @geneeidelmanSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include PurposeBuilt100™ Winners and supercrowd.tv. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Eric Coury, Arthia AI | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Ken Steele, Rotarian | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Join the SuperCrowd Impact League! You can be recognized for making impact investments via Reg CF. See how your activity compares to your peers. It's free. Win valuable prizes. Start now!SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on August 11th at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!SuperCrowdHour, August 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “How to Make Money As an Impact Investor Starting with $10.” Drawing on his experience as a former investment banker, impact investor, and crowdfunding expert, Devin will demonstrate how anyone can begin building wealth while investing in companies that create positive social and environmental impact—even with as little as $10. In this session, he'll explore how impact crowdfunding has opened investment opportunities to everyday investors, explain how to identify promising mission-driven companies, and share practical strategies for building a diversified portfolio over time. Attendees will learn how to get started with limited capital, manage risk, evaluate investment opportunities, and avoid common mistakes new investors make. Whether you're completely new to investing or looking for an affordable way to expand your impact investing portfolio, this SuperCrowdHour will provide actionable insights to help you invest with purpose, build long-term wealth, and make a meaningful difference. Register now!SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Register Now! Join Investors Circle and DAF Commons on August 19, 2026, from 12:00–1:30 PM ET for an insightful conversation on how Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) can become a powerful engine for impact investing. Hear from leaders at ImpactAssets, Impact Charitable, and RSF – Regenerative Social Finance as they explore ways to put charitable capital to work creating measurable impact today. Learn about emerging opportunities for DAF holders to participate in pooled impact investments and climate-focused funding initiatives.Register Now! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We share educational information—not investment advice. Some links may generate compensation. See our full disclosure.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe
Wer in Afghanistan öffentlich Kritik übt, lebt gefährlich. Fünf Jahre nach der Machtübernahme der Taliban prägen Kontrolle und strenge Regeln den Alltag. Dennoch gab es vor wenigen Wochen Protest auf der Straße – vorwiegend von Frauen. Adu, Yana www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Weltzeit
In this episode, Anderson attorneys Amanda Wynalda, Esq., and Eliot Thomas, Esq., answer listener questions on tax planning, entity structuring, and asset protection for real estate investors. They discuss the best tax strategies for investors who own multiple rental properties as sole proprietors and examine whether converting an S Corporation that owns rental property into an LLC could trigger property tax reassessments or other tax consequences. Amanda and Eliot also explain the rules surrounding home office deductions, including using a detached ADU as a dedicated workspace and claiming deductions for business storage in a garage. They cover the differences between operating as an S Corporation with an accountable plan versus filing on Schedule C, addressing common concerns about IRS scrutiny. Finally, they explore the complexities of structuring a 1031 exchange alongside a self-directed Solo 401(k), highlighting prohibited transaction rules, financing considerations, and strategies for staying compliant while maximizing tax benefits. Tune in for practical guidance on protecting your investments and making informed tax decisions. Submit your tax question to taxtuesday@andersonadvisors.com Register for an upcoming workshop today if you want to protect your business and personal assets from snoopy lawyers and creditors. https://aba.link/6rzu Would you like to learn more about protecting your assets and minimizing taxes? Schedule a free strategy session here: https://aba.link/5c0cf7 Highlights/Topics: 0:00 Intro 9:29 I work in a family-owned company and have the opportunity at the end of this year to obtain equity/ownership. Would you recommend accepting that ownership under a specific tax strategy or corporate setup, or just accepting the ownership under my name and Social Security number? 18:26 Is it a good idea to pull money from a traditional IRA early and then invest in oil funds to get IDC deductions to help offset the taxes I will incur by withdrawing from the IRA? 23:25 Can tax documents be reviewed for previous years and if my previous preparer didn't use all the available strategies; can those strategies be applied for those years? 27:32 I will be relocating to South Africa which has a tax treaty with the United States Government. I am a retiree who receives a monthly annuity. Will I be double taxed? I will be paying both federal and state taxes in the USA. 34:36 What is the best tax strategy for sole proprietor ownership of 12 rentals? 40:50 I have a 22-unit condo project that we converted into rentals in 1992. It was a C Corp. Now it is an S corp. One adviser suggested converting to an LLC. Would this trigger a taxable event for property tax assessments? 47:23 I have a detached ADU in my backyard. I want to use it as a home office. Can I do that and if so, how is the deduction calculated? Also, can I get a deduction if I use part of my garage for the business for storage? 53:59 Does a Sub-S election with an accountable plan attract more attention than a Schedule C filer? 57:07 We are completing a 1031 exchange and would like guidance on the best way to structure the purchase of our replacement property. Our objective is to use all available 1031 exchange proceeds while funding the remaining balance with assets from a self-directed Solo 401(k), if permissible, and avoid obtaining a conventional mortgage. Are there any IRS rules, prohibited transaction concerns, or tax implications we should be aware of before proceeding?
In a shocking turn of events, the city council's sixty-second time limit for public comments has been eclipsed by a sixty-minute discussion on the KABC News Blitz with Randy Wang. Today's episode delves into the latest news on the Eaton fire, the corrupt practices of California's private energy monopolies, and the ongoing housing crisis in San Diego. The conversation starts with a scathing critique of SoCal Edison, which has been found responsible for the Eaton fire. The speaker highlights the company's history of neglecting to maintain its equipment, leading to devastating consequences. This is just one example of the many issues plaguing California's energy sector, where companies like Pacific Gas and Electric and San Diego Gas and Electric prioritize profits over people. The episode also touches on the housing crisis in San Diego, where a proposed ADU apartment complex project has sparked controversy. The speaker discusses the need for more affordable housing options, but also acknowledges the challenges of building in a state where anyone can sue to stop a project under the California Environmental Quality Act. This leads to a broader discussion on the need for a moratorium on naming monuments after living politicians, citing the example of Mark Ridley Thomas, who was recently convicted of bribery and corruption. Tune in to hear the full discussion on these pressing issues and more, including the latest news on the LA Mayor's race and the city's animal welfare crisis. Joining the conversation is Daniel Guss, a renowned reporter who shares his insights on the city's underbelly of politics. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode of the KABC News Blitz with Randy Wang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Real estate decisions carry enormous financial weight, and yet many people navigate them with a realtor who treats the work as a side hustle rather than a true advisory relationship. Melissa Joy, CFP® sits down with Donna Castillo, a top 1% producer realtor with Intero Real Estate Services in Silicon Valley, to talk about what separates a transactional agent from a real financial partner. Donna shares how she works with clients neighborhood by neighborhood, weighing schools, square footage, and competitive dynamics so buyers can win a home without overpaying by six figures.The conversation turns to Donna's R.E.A.L. Method, a framework she created specifically for homeowners over 55 who are weighing whether to stay put, downsize, or explore new options like an ADU or a 55-plus community. Melissa and Donna cover capital gains exposure on long-held homes, the role of a good lender in structuring financing around equity compensation and investment portfolios, and why having candid family conversations about aging in place, trusts, and estate plans is one of the most generous things a person can do for the people they love.What You'll LearnWhy working with a realtor who treats real estate as a true advisory relationship, not a side hustle, matters most on high-value transactionsHow hyper-local market knowledge, down to the specific street, shapes a competitive offer strategyThe R.E.A.L. Method: a framework built for homeowners 55-plus to evaluate reality, equity, available options, and lifestyle impactHow capital gains exclusions work for primary residences, and why the math differs for single versus married homeownersHow a 1031 exchange can defer capital gains on rental property, and why the full proceeds need to stay in real estateWhy using investment portfolios, RSUs, and other equity compensation to finance a home purchase requires careful tax planning with the right lenderThe importance of having proactive conversations with family about aging in place, trusts, and estate plans before a crisis forces the decisionConnect with Donna:Website: donnacastillo.comFacebook: facebook.com/gotodonnaThe previous presentation by PEARL PLANNING was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from PEARL PLANNING or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, or any non-investment related or planning services, discussion or content, will be profitable, be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither PEARL PLANNING's investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. PEARL PLANNING is neither a law firm nor accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. No portion of the video content should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if PEARL PLANNING is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. A copy of PEARL PLANNING's current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at https...
Tiny homes have become one of the hottest conversations in residential construction, but what many people don't realize is that the debate is about much more than small houses. This week on All About Home Construction, we look at North Carolina's proposed changes surrounding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and what they could mean for homeowners, builders, and communities.What exactly is a tiny home? What is the difference between a tiny home, an ADU, and a manufactured home? Why can some tiny homes have features like steep stairs and lofts that wouldn't be allowed in a traditional house? And how much of the challenge is actually building the home versus getting permission through local zoning?We explore the history of zoning, the growing demand for more housing options, the idea of "missing middle" housing, and why lawmakers are looking at ways to make smaller homes easier to build. From backyard cottages and in-law suites to new opportunities for contractors, this episode breaks down the construction, code, and community issues behind one of the biggest housing conversations happening today.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
Jim Park shares his journey from California to Florida, focusing on innovative ADU solutions, modular construction, and the importance of faith in business. Discover how his pivot to modular ADUs is transforming the housing market and creating new opportunities for investors and homeowners alike. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
Accessory Dwelling Units, better known as ADU's, are small, self-contained residential units that can be attached to a home or built as a separate structure, often as a small apartment or in-law suite.Columbus has released a new handbook for residents in building one on their property, though under current city code, building one could be very expensive.We're looking at the role ADU's could play in the need for housing here in Columbus.Guests:Brent Warren, reporter, Columbus UndergroundAlison Goebel, executive director, Greater Ohio Policy CenterOtto Beatty, former Columbus City CouncilmemberJenny Carlson, executive director, Ohio AARP
Accessory Dwelling Units, better known as ADU's, are small, self-contained residential units that can be attached to a home or built as a separate structure, often as a small apartment or in-law suite.Columbus has released a new handbook for residents in building one on their property, though under current city code, building one could be very expensive.We're looking at the role ADU's could play in the need for housing here in Columbus.Guests:Brent Warren, reporter, Columbus UndergroundAlison Goebel, executive director, Greater Ohio Policy CenterOtto Beatty, former Columbus City CouncilmemberJenny Carlson, executive director, Ohio AARP
I get personal in this episode, in order to ask questions about the nature of what is called the “housing crisis.” Are we all just doom-pilling way too much?As a case study, I talk through the life and history of my parents, and discuss whether or not their life and lifestyle is still available today. I discuss house sizes, mortgage rates, lifestyle choices, lifestyle inflation, and more.Find more content on The Messy City on Kevin's Substack page.Music notes: all songs by low standards, ca. 2010. Videos here. If you'd like a CD for low standards, message me and you can have one for only $5.Intro: “Why Be Friends”Outro: “Fairweather Friend”AI TranscriptIntroductionWelcome back to The Messy City Podcast. This is Kevin Klinkenberg. I'm going to do something a little different today and just talk without a guest about the topic of housing in particular and how it ties into a few other kind of hobby courses of mine. Why Challenge the Housing NarrativeReally what I want to spend some time doing is taking a contrarian view of how we talk about the so-called housing crisis. And in one sense, this is kind of fun for me to do. One of the things I really loved about my father is when we would have our discussions or debates in the family about various things that were going on, he would often take an opposite view of Almost just for the sport of it. And the truth is, there are a lot of times he was so good at it, you didn't really know if he felt that way or not. Because he could do really well to argue multiple sides of an argument. And that was really a lot of fun. It was an education for me. It's something I wish more people would just do generally and try to see an issue from multiple perspectives and try to steel man different perspectives or perspectives that are different from your own. And so I've kind of taken to obviously do that if you know me at all.You know I've done that a fair amount in my own life. Not nearly as good as my father was at it, but it has been fun to do occasionally. And I really wanted to apply this to the topic of housing. And there's a couple of reasons for this. And this also ties into a story. I'm going to tell you a little bit of a story about my parents and how they grew up and their trajectory through life, because I think it's actually very relevant to this topic. And whether or not we have a housing crisis at all in America, or if we do, what is the actual nature of of that crisis. And I want to talk about this because I just see so much online and in person conversation that I just feel like there are too many people, especially too many young people that have been kind of doom pilled on life today and life in America generally.And the thing that I want to start out that I really want to propose to everybody and talk about is the life that my parents had And their trajectory through life is still available today. It is absolutely and unequivocally still available to anyone who wants to choose the life that they lived. And in my opinion, obviously, I knew them really well. In my opinion, they had a tremendous life. They had a great life. They've both passed on in recent years. And so I have to talk in the past tense. But by any measure that matters, they had a great life. They lived well into their 80s. They had four kids. We actually all like each other. So it's not just like a, you know, there are some families where you can say, well, I love my family. But as my brother used to say, or after my dad passed, he would say, you know, that... We didn't just love our parents, we really liked our parents.And I think if you're fortunate to be in a family like that, you know a little bit of what I'm talking about. And the four of us as children all... We get along. We're still all friends with each other and get along. We enjoy being together. We're all very different people with different interests and different worldviews. In some senses, we had pretty different childhoods, interestingly enough, because there's a big age spread in our family. So my parents had four kids that they raised. They had a long, stable marriage. They were able to get consecutively better houses as they aged. And then by the time they hit retirement age, they had saved enough money to be able to do other things that they wanted to do. Along the way, they traveled when they wanted to. They really wanted to get out and see the country, see the world.When we were young, that traveling mostly involved just driving around the United States and going to national parks and big cities and seeing the sights. As they got older and had a little bit more disposable income, they would join tour groups and go or sometimes with family to foreign countries and places they really wanted to visit. And I want to give you some context because my parents were not people that grew up with money at all. And I'm going to share some of this because I think it's important to understand. How they came to be where they were and some of the choices they made and how it might impact choices that young people especially could make today.My Parents' StoryMy mom grew up very poor. She spent a part of her childhood living in a housing project in Syracuse, New York. And she was one of five kids and they, you know, her whole childhood they never had any money for much of anything. And they often lived in not the greatest part of town, in Syracuse, even when they got out of the housing project. And my dad grew up in a small town in Kansas called Baser, which is just outside the Kansas City area. But at the time when he was growing up, it was a dusty little town of like 600 people. And, again, one of five kids. And his dad was an auto mechanic, had his own garage, but also just, you know, like people do in Little Towns, did a little bit of everything. He drove a school bus. We helped out with the mail. We did a lot of different things in the town. But it's not like they ever really had any money.My Uncle George, one of my dad's brothers, used to say that they were all poor, but they didn't know it. And part of that is the nature of living in a small rural community. They had a lot of spare time and freedom to roam. And so they probably were able to, you know, occupy themselves with a lot of things that maybe other kids weren't. My mom's father, my mom's parents had a really difficult marriage. My grandfather, her father basically worked in a deli in Syracuse and he And so he worked in a Jewish deli. He was a very, very personable guy, made a lot of his own, made his own corned beef and bagels and everything. And a lot of the customers liked him, but it's not like he ever really made a lot of money. And he and his wife, my grandmother, had a really difficult time, eventually ended up divorcing.And my parents ended up meeting each other in sort of a star-crossed romance that I don't really have time to tell the entire story. But it ended up that they met when my mom was visiting a friend in Leavenworth, Kansas. And... Not too long after that, a romance ensued and eventually a marriage. My parents were born in 1935 and 36, so they're not boomers. They're sort of, I guess, what you would call as greatest generation. But they were too young to be deeply invested in the Great Depression or World War II. They were little kids, really, when all that was going on. So I guess in a sense what you could say is they had the cultural memory of those things. They grew up understanding what life was like in the Great Depression. They grew up poor. They grew up during the war and they knew all that that was going on and they were very well attuned to it, but they weren't part of it.And I think like a lot of people who grew up in that era, they were really affected, especially by the poverty of what was happening. So one of the things that we used to always say about my mom is she could stretch a nickel like anybody's business. She was frugal her entire life. And that really came from growing up with next to nothing. And then for many years... After they were married and started having kids, they were living off basically one salary, not like a big salary or anything, for a long time. And so my mom really had to stretch everything to make ends meet. I'm going to come back to the housing part of this because I think there's some importance to all this.The Housing LadderMy parents got married in 1957, on Christmas Eve of 1957, and then right after that, flew off to Germany. My dad at the time, 21, 22 years old, he had been working a little bit, but he decided he wanted to enlist in the Army, and they spent two years in the Army. He was basically sent off to Germany. And so obviously, you know, late 50s, a great time to be sent off to Germany. No active fighting or anything going on. And they spent two years there. My oldest sister was born in Germany. And then my next sister, I guess you could say, was conceived in Germany. And... And then born back here in the United States when they came back. So by the time they came back to the United States, it's about 1960, and they've got two little kids. And at that time, shortly after they bought their first house, which was in a not so great part of the Kansas City area. It was in Kansas City, Kansas.It was not a terrible area, but not like the greatest. And they bought a small house. And I've had some trouble finding out the exact details in this house, but I think it was probably a two or three bedroom with one bath. It's since been added on to, so it's hard for me to know exactly. But in this period of time, 1960 or so, that would have been their first house. And, you know, my siblings are just going to really... I want to mock my lack of understanding on some of these details, but I think by the time they left that house, my brother had also been born. So there were three kids there. And I want to trace this trajectory a little bit. There's a story here that I think we don't talk enough about that was very common and kind of understood in my parents' era. Which was the idea of buying a small house. New houses were all generally smaller than they are today.There's no question about that. We've had a lot of growth in the average size of houses. So houses were smaller. But it was also kind of understood that you were going to buy... A small house, you were going to build some equity in that, and then you would eventually buy a bigger house. And as you went through the progression of life, as you could afford more, you would buy more. And I'm not entirely sure how... I see a lot more people who are looking to buy their first house who want it all right away. They want that four-bedroom house at the right price, and they're unhappy that they can't get that. I don't want to overgeneralize, but this was something that was really common, certainly in my parents' era. So my dad, after he came back from the Army, he ended up working for a company called Wilson Foods. Wilson Foods was a meatpacking company.So at the time, one of what they called, I think, the big five meatpacking companies that were in the United States that dominated the field was, Wilson's was headquartered in Oklahoma City, but it had plants all over the Midwest. And so he started out as a clerk in the office in Kansas City. So he was on a management track, not on the factory track, but he started at a very entry level position. And then the way it kind of worked in our family and with that company was Again, this was an era where people tended to be a lot more loyal to a certain company. And there was more the idea that you find a good company to work for and you might spend your whole career there. So whenever he wanted a promotion or had the opportunity for a promotion, we typically had to move. So this story is going to sound a little crazy because we moved a lot.And people often thought that we were like a military family, that we were military brats. And we used to say, no, we're not military, we're meatpacking. And of course, people didn't have any idea what we're talking about, but another just little inside joke we had. So I want to talk a little bit as we trace this and think about house size, but also mortgage rates. Because as we talk about housing availability today, especially for sale housing, we're really stuck on the conversation about house size and about mortgage rates. Well, I think it's interesting to look at the trajectory that my parents went through and something very similar to millions of people in that generation today. Went through as they started to move on. So I think it was aboutMortgage Rates in Historical Context1966 or so that we moved to Omaha. Uh, and I went back and I just did some historical, uh, tracking of, uh, mortgage, typical mortgage rates in 1966, the typical mortgage rate was about 6%. So that's really not very far off from where we are today. Uh, depending on what you're looking at today, A lot of the standard kind of 30-year mortgage rates are around 6.5%. It fluctuates from week to week, month to month, but we've kind of been in that zone now for two or three years. And the conversation is very much about how high the mortgage rates are. Um, because we had such a sustained period of very low mortgage rates, such that people like myself, when, uh, we purchased and we, when ultimately refinanced our house in 2021, I think our mortgages, our rate is like 2.75%. So we had millions and millions of mortgages at like 3% or under. And then obviously the rates, uh, went up dramatically.Uh, they went up very, very quickly. Some of the quickest in history. And they've more or less settled into where they are the last two or three years, which is about 6.5%. But again, if you look back historically, one of the stories you can tell is that 6.5% is not like an unusually high mortgage rate. It's just not. You know, I know nobody wants to pay more than, you know... And so why don't I track here, just by way of example, some of the moves my family made. 1966, that more average mortgage rate was about 6%. In 1970, we moved from Omaha to Dell City, Oklahoma, which is a suburb of Oklahoma City. And the average mortgage rates then were closer to 8%. In 1972, we moved to Oklahoma City itself, and the rates came down a little bit, about 7.4%. In and around 1973, then we moved to Overland Park, Kansas, and mortgage rates had gone up again, a little bit more, closer to 8%.In 1975-ish, maybe 76, we moved to Albert Lee, Minnesota, where there was a meatpacking plant that my dad became the superintendent for. So this started an era where mortgage rates were really rough. So in 75, the average rate was about 9%. It went up from there. You know, in 1980, it was over, in 1980, it was almost 14%. 1984, my parents were able to, my dad was able to get a job in Marshall, Missouri. So we left Albert Lee and moved to Marshall. 84, it was still 13.88% average mortgage rate. And then by the end of that decade, 1990 had come down to about 10 and a quarter percent. And then 94, my parents, right around that period where my parents, um, Bought their final house in Lenexa, Kansas in their retirement. They weren't quite retired yet. That's a different story. But in 94, it was about 8%. And so there was a little blip again in 95 or so is about when I bought my first house.That was about eight and a half percent was a typical rate. And then it kind of went on a straight line down more or less from 1995 till about 2021 down to about that three percent rate. And so, again, this is kind of, you know, it's a bit of a long story. But if you can trace these things historically, you can see that the expectation of paying a six, six and a half, seven percent interest rate is just historically not that high. Now, I know historic doesn't matter when you're trying to buy a house today and they're not as much churn in the housing market. But I mean, that's just part of the reality that many, many families paid much higher mortgage rates. Now, what about the houses themselves? Well, this is also interesting. When we lived in Omaha, That's where I was born in 1969. Our house was a three bedroom, one bath ranch with a basement. Um, uh, sort of like a basement playroom.Uh, that was very typical for that era. So there were six of us living in a three bedroom, one bath house. When we moved to Oklahoma, the first house we had was three bedrooms, one and a half baths. And then when we moved to Oklahoma city, again, sort of within the same Metro at that point was our first four bedroom house. So here we are early seventies. Uh, my parents at that point had been married, uh, For 15 years, they had four kids at home. The oldest was now in high school or about high school age. And that was our first four bedroom house. And I think we had two and a half baths in that one. When we moved back to the Kansas City area in 73-ish, we also had a four-bedroom house. So that was a more comfortable kind of a split-level house at that point. And we're getting to the point there where almost all of us had our own bedrooms, but not all of us.I shared a bedroom with my brother in that house. I shared a bedroom with my brother for quite a long time. And when we moved to Minnesota in the mid-70s and then lived there for about eight years, we had a ranch house in Albert Lea. Housing costs everything. I will say this was my parents' experience of living in Minnesota was everything was a lot more expensive than they were used to. You couldn't, in their opinion, couldn't get as much house for your money. The taxes were a lot higher in Minnesota than in other states. The utility costs were higher. And so we had a ranch house that I think had three bedrooms and then it had a finished basement that we finished. And We put a bedroom in the finished basement that would not meet code today. It did not have the proper exiting. But that was something we did. And it was to the point where Minnesota, the winters could be pretty harsh.And so we would commonly close off the family room for the winter in Minnesota and just not use it. We had another room that had a TV where we spent the winter with But again, this is just kind of indicative of the frugal mindset that my parents had. AndLifestyle and FrugalityI want to say that because I think it's important when you're thinking about lifestyle differences in their generation versus today. And I'm not here to pass judgment on anybody necessarily necessarily. But that frugal lifestyle that they lived for many, many years enabled them to have the things that they wanted to have and do the things that they wanted to do. So what are some examples of that? Well, we almost never ate out. So I can barely even remember times as a kid that we would go out to a restaurant. My mom bought generic brands of food. She used coupons regularly. When we took vacations as a family, they were typically driving vacations. And my mom would pack a cooler full of food and we would stop at highway rest areas and eat our meals there. And we stayed in very cheap motels. Sometimes there was camping, not a lot. My mom did not like camping. But...And I'm here to tell you my memories of those trips were great. As a kid, I loved those trips. We would start, you know, for example, in Minnesota and we would drive all the way to the West Coast and we would go to the national parks in Washington State and Oregon and, you know, went to Redwoods National Park in Northern California. Or we would start in Minnesota and we would drive all the way to Disney World and we would hit sites along the way. And to me, those trips were magical and wonderful and a lot of fun. And I think for my parents, they were really great trips as well. But we did things on the cheap. And we just did not waste a lot of money on things. But it didn't stop my parents from Seeing the things they wanted to see and enjoying the things that they wanted to enjoy in life.And today, the term that we have for kind of that approach, because we have to have a term for everything, is FIRE or FI, Financial Independence or Financial Independence Retire Early. And so that's become kind of a thing that quite a number of people have latched onto. Which is terrific. And I'm a big fan of a lot of people in that world. It's also true that that was just kind of the way life was for an awful lot of people of a previous era. And that was just life. I remember my dad telling me one time that they never saved any money or weren't able to save any money until he was about 50 years old. And he had, you know, by the time he was 50 years old, at that point, he'd had decent jobs. And my mom started, she worked when she could in between raising four kids.And so as the kids started becoming more self-sufficient, she was able to work different jobs and bring in some extra money. But yeah, he had told me they really were almost never able to save money until, frankly, we moved back to Marshall, Missouri, and he had a better job. And things were cheaper. They felt like they got a big pay increase when they left Minnesota and moved to Missouri. And so not long after that, then when they were able to retire, even in retirement, even at that point when they had Enough retirement income to rely on. My mom still could never, she just did not have it in her to like overspend for anything. And she still kind of questioned every purchase that she made. But they were also really happy people. It's funny how we have often such a consumerist mindset that we feel like if we're not consuming a lot of things, that means you're not happy.My parents were very social. They had a ton of friends. They stayed in touch with their families, an extended family. And they were just very active, fun, social people. So not being able to spend a ton of money just didn't stop them from doing things. By the time that I was in high school, my siblings were all out of the house. My oldest sister was already married. Teresa was well on her way in her education and career. Dean was also already well on his way in his college education and then later working after college. But I was actually the first one that they were even able to help with a little bit of money for going to college, which of course my siblings gave me a lot of crap about. And would call me spoiled. But that was just the first time that my parents had had enough little extra money to even be able to help any of their kids at that stage.What This Means TodaySo it's just really, to me, a story of living what at that time was a pretty patently kind of common or normal life, which was you buy a small place. Maybe you start in not the greatest part of town. And then eventually you start making more money and you work your way up until you can buy bigger places and nicer places. And I think this is a story we just don't talk about very much. As your family grows, as you grow in your career, you can afford more of a house. I think there's this sometimes doom-pilling that that's just not possible today. I wanted to test this a little bit, and I just did a little bit of playing around on Zillow. Looking at what houses were available that were anything similar to what my parents might have bought as their first couple of houses.Lo and behold, in some areas that are not the nicest, newest, greatest part of town, but not bad areas, you can find those small two and three bedroom houses, at least in my metro area here in Kansas City. For $250,000 to $300,000. And there's nothing wrong with these houses. They're smaller than normal. They're not a big four-bedroom, four-bath house. But they're perfectly livable homes in decent areas. If you want to go to even less fashionable places, you can find that same house. And houses that have been remodeled for under $200,000. So, you know, yeah, you're probably going to deal with higher crime. Maybe the schools aren't, it's not the school district you want to be in, but these are livable houses that are there. And they're also the kind of places like they're not, they're not horrid places to live.Like if you got some of your friends and you all convinced each other to all move to that part of a town, you could, you could make it better by buying these properties, uh, and real estate, um, And, you know, we don't like to talk about this very much as Americans, but the truth is by like global standards, any of these houses are very luxurious. We're all very lucky to live in a place where we could live, where you could own like a two bedroom, one bath house that is modern and nice with great appliances and everything else and complain about it, that you really wish you had more. So anyway, here's a few of the numbers. Just out of curiosity, if you're wondering, if you take like a $250,000 house, if you put 5% down on it, that's $12,500. And if you have a mortgage rate at 6.65%, that's about $2,000 a month with taxes and insurance.So I'm here to tell you that $2,000 a month is cheaper than almost all of the brand new, quote unquote, luxury apartments. That are all over my city that are renting with no problem. And I know they've got a pool and they've got a fitness center, but you're also paying somebody else to live there. You're not building any kind of wealth or equity for yourself. That's the sort of thing, that's the sort of a house that you can easily do on a salary of $80,000 a year, whether it's one person or combined. And by the way, I just, I was curious about this. The average 25 year old in my metro area makes 40,000 bucks a year. So you put two 25 year old salaries together, average ones, that's 80 a year. You can buy that house. And then you can start on that process that is similar to what my parents were on.And so again, I, you know, If you were to tell me, I'm not here today to argue that there aren't changes that need to be made in our cities with our regulatory apparatus or any of that. If you've listened to this podcast at all over the last few years, you know how passionate I am about all of that. I am very much in the camp that the administrative and regulatory apparatus that we created in the 20th century for our cities has failed by every measure. That doesn't mean the people in them are necessarily bad people or dumb or anything like that. It just means that we have, we created systems that just do not work and do not produce good outcomes. And any rational person or group should be able to say, we need to junk that and start over and rethink what we're doing.And so I'm very much in that camp that there's an awful lot of what we created in the 19-teens and 20s in terms of the city planning apparatus and zoning that has been a complete failure. And we need to start over, rethink all that. It's not working. So, you know, I have that as a baseline, but I just don't think so many I don't think especially young people should be so black-pilled on everything or doom-pilled on everything. The opportunities that previous generations had are still available. Now, are they going to be available everywhere in every market for every career path? No. I mean, I get it if you live in really high-cost markets like San Francisco, New York, Seattle, LA, wherever. I have no doubt it's a lot harder. I do think there probably are less fashionable places that people overlook. That would probably be just fine.I have no doubt that that's the case in every city in the country, every region in the country. There are perfectly nice houses, but they're not the newest, most fashionable, cool location. And, and we have had such a lifestyle inflation. We don't want to necessarily go there. I get that. But the truth, the question is, do you want to get there or not? Do you want to start on that path or not? And the other thing I would tie into that is like I've mentioned on multiple podcasts here, let's say that you don't want to do that two bedroom, one bath house. You want something a little bigger. Well, you could also combine it with the house hacking approach, which I have done in my lifetime, multiple times. The first house I bought was actually built as a single family house in the 19 teens. But by the time I bought it, it was actually a triplex. It was one unit per floor.And I lived on one floor and rented out the other two. It was not in great condition. I got it pretty cheap. It was not in the best neighborhood at the time, but I got a good deal on it. I put a lot of sweat equity and work into improving it and was eventually able to sell it for a good profit and move on to the next house, which was much nicer and where I also house hacked. In that case, I had an apartment over the garage, what we call an ADU today, that I finished out as an apartment and I rented that out. And helped offset the mortgage. So there are plenty of ways that you can get creative. You could buy a three-bedroom house and rent a room out to a friend or a family member or somebody else. There are ways that you can leverage house hacking to get into the house that you might want sooner. But the main message I would have is that those things are still possible.Practical AdviceThe basics that enabled previous generations to live a good life in this country are still here. If you have a strong sense of family, if you get educated or have a trade or a skill that is tangible, that is marketable, for example, try not to enter a field of work that is overly academic or philosophical in nature. You need to have a real skill. If you have a good work ethic, If you do get married, stay married. Again, I'm not going to moralize on any of that, but the data is super clear that people who get married and stay married almost always end up in the middle class or better in this country. Make yourself valuable to others, you know, from family to neighbors. Get involved in your community in some fashion, you know, in the real world and Be frugal. Save your money. Don't waste it until you can afford to waste it.And if you have any sense of frugality when you're a younger person and you can put money away in your 20s and 30s, you will get older. And by the time you hit your 40s, 50s, or 60s, you're going to find you're going to have maybe some money, more disposable income, At that point that you can really enjoy and you're still young enough to enjoy it. And health care these days is so good and health science is so good that you should be able to stay healthy for a much longer period of time. Buy a small house, take care of it, and then either add to it or sell it and buy a bigger one when you can. That is part of the process that we just don't talk very much about today. So I think in general, I would suggest let's stay away from, try not to lean too much into doomerism.Regardless of your own personal feelings, you know, how you see the world today or not, focus on yourself, what you can control, and what's possible. And figure out how to create your own life trajectory that is valuable and great for you.What's NextI'm going to tackle a couple other subjects in future episodes. I want to talk a little bit more about how I think the... The administrative and regulatory processes we created over 100 years ago have failed us and what's to be done about that, like what's a different idea or path. And then I also want to touch on a little bit, there's a whole other subject. There's a big part of what we call the housing crisis that is really driven by a series of policy choices we've made for the last 50 years or so. That have really benefited a small number of cities and the professional class in those cities. And it's really hard to uncouple these realities that we have what a lot of people have described elite overproduction today. We have been emphasizing for 50 years to tell everybody to go to college and get a degree, any degree. And I understand why we did that at the time.I went to college and I think going to college to get a degree. To go for higher education and get a really great skill is a great thing to do. But we have a lot of people who went to college and don't really have still very marketable skills or degrees. And they're all kind of following a path that I think they were told to follow by parents and grandparents and counselors, which was go to college, go move to one of these really great cities where there's a lot of jobs for college graduates. And starting your path and what you end up with is you have too many people chasing housing and jobs in too few cities.That has led to a lot of what we talk about as the housing crisis, but there's the flip side of that we don't talk very much about, which I'll also delve into in a future episode, which, in my opinion, is the true housing crisis, and that is that we have too many places in our country that have been in terminal decline for decades. They often are well located neighborhoods. Or well-located communities, but they have been dying. And this proliferation of dying and derelict communities and neighborhoods is really at the heart of a terrible, terrible problem where people are just more bent on trying to figure out survival. Because there's not an economy to attach themselves to that gives hope for the future. So we've got two sides of the same coin with very different concerns.One is we have an awful lot of people chasing a certain lifestyle in a very small number of places that is driving price increases in those places. And then we have actually a much larger number of places that have basically been abandoned. Some that could really have hope for the future and others that there are not great answers for, at least today. And that's a subject that I'll try to tackle a little bit more for a future day. So at any rate, I hope this has been interesting for you. If you've listened to this podcast at all since I've been doing it, you know I actually really enjoy talking about my family and talking with my family members. And I've had my brother and one of my sisters on here before. And I'll be having my brother on again very soon because he's got a new book out that I think you'll be actually very interested in. So that's all for today.I hope everybody's having a good summer and we're dealing with the full breadth of the Midwest heat at the moment, but it'll be over soon and then fall is right around the corner and on into another year. Thanks so much for listening. As always, if you enjoy it, please hit like, leave a review, follow, whatever it is. I am terrible about marketing this podcast since it's something that is basically a hobby for me. But if you enjoy it, please help me out and help spread the word. Thanks so much. Bye. Farewell, farewell with a friend, farewell. Farewell, farewell with a friend, farewell. Farewell, farewell with a friend, farewell. Farewell, farewell with a friend, farewell. Get full access to The Messy City at kevinklinkenberg.substack.com/subscribe
Finding the Right Home Starts with Your Lifestyle When most people begin searching for a home, they immediately start filtering listings by price, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, or square footage. While those details certainly matter, they don't answer one of the most important questions you'll face during your home search: How do you actually want to live? At Boston Connect Real Estate, we believe the best home isn't necessarily the biggest or the newest, it's the one that complements your daily routine, your future goals, and the life you want to create. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing for a growing family, or rightsizing for your next chapter, choosing a home based on your lifestyle will lead to a happier purchase for years to come. Start With Your Daily Routine Before scheduling your first showing, take a step back and think about what your typical week looks like. Ask yourself questions like: How long am I willing to commute? Do I work remotely? How often do I entertain family and friends? Do I spend weekends working in the yard or would I rather not? How important is being close to shopping, restaurants, or recreation? Do I travel often? How much time do I want to spend maintaining my home? These answers will help shape your home search far more effectively than simply checking boxes on a listing website. Your Commute Matters More Than You Think One of the biggest lifestyle factors is your daily commute. It's easy to look at a map and think a home is "close enough" to work, but real-life driving tells a different story. Consider: How long does it take just to reach the highway? Will you be driving with or against traffic? Is public transportation important? How often do you travel through Logan Airport? Are you willing to trade a longer commute for a larger home? Sometimes two homes that look identical on paper can offer completely different lifestyles simply because of their location. Define Your Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves Every buyer should create two lists before touring homes. Must-Haves These are the features you truly cannot live without. Examples include: First-floor primary bedroom Home office Two-car garage Fenced yard Central air conditioning Specific number of bedrooms Fireplace School district Accessibility features Nice-to-Haves These are features you'd love but could live without if everything else is right. Some examples include: Finished basement Walk-in pantry Three-season room Hardwood flooring Outdoor kitchen Pool Vaulted ceilings Large front porch Separating wants from needs helps buyers stay focused and make confident decisions when inventory is limited. Think Beyond Today One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is purchasing only for today's lifestyle. Instead, think about where you'll be five or even ten years from now. Ask yourself: Will your family grow? Will children eventually move out? Will aging parents need to live with you? Could you eventually work from home? Will stairs become more difficult over time? Is this your forever home or simply your next home? Planning ahead today can prevent another move sooner than expected. Every Lifestyle Calls for a Different Home There isn't one perfect house for everyone. Instead, the right home depends on how you live. Busy Professionals Low-maintenance homes often make the most sense for buyers with demanding careers. Many professionals prefer: Condominiums Townhomes Smaller lots Short commutes Newer construction Minimal exterior maintenance Less time maintaining a home means more time enjoying it. Growing Families Families often prioritize space and functionality over finishes. Important considerations may include: Additional bedrooms Yard space Nearby parks School systems Storage Flexible living areas Finished basements Neighborhoods with sidewalks or recreational opportunities A home should grow alongside your family. Empty Nesters and Rightsizers Many homeowners reach a stage where maintaining a large property simply no longer fits their lifestyle. For many, priorities shift toward: First-floor living Less maintenance Smaller homes Active adult communities Condominiums Being closer to family Lock-and-leave convenience for travel Rightsizing isn't about settling it's about finding a home that better fits your current lifestyle. Remote Workers Working from home has changed what buyers prioritize. Today's home office needs include: Reliable high-speed internet Strong cell service Quiet workspaces Flexible floor plans Rooms that can serve multiple purposes Comfortable Zoom backgrounds Sometimes an old formal dining room becomes the perfect home office. Don't Overlook the Details Some of the most important features aren't listed in the MLS. Ask questions like: How is the cell phone reception? How reliable is the internet? Are there HOA fees? What's included in those fees? Is there enough storage? Can the yard accommodate future plans? Is there room for an addition or accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? How close are hospitals, shopping, and major highways? These everyday details often have a bigger impact than upgraded countertops or trendy finishes. HOA Living Isn't for Everyone And That's Okay Some buyers love the convenience of condominium living. Others prefer complete independence. Living in an HOA often means: Snow removal Landscaping Exterior maintenance Shared amenities Less personal responsibility While HOA fees can seem high, many homeowners appreciate the convenience and peace of mind they provide. The key is deciding which lifestyle fits you best. A Home Is an Investment, But It's Also Where Life Happens Every home purchase is a financial investment. But it's also where birthdays are celebrated, holidays are hosted, children are raised, careers evolve, and memories are made. That's why buying based solely on finishes or square footage rarely tells the whole story. The goal isn't simply to buy a house. It's to find the place that feels like home. Partner With a Local Expert Finding the right home involves much more than browsing online listings. An experienced REALTOR® helps you think through the questions you may not have considered from commute times and neighborhood lifestyles to long-term planning and future resale value. At Boston Connect Real Estate, we take the time to understand your goals before recommending properties because every buyer's lifestyle is different. Whether you're searching for your first home, your forever home, or something in between, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to find the home that truly fits your lifestyle? Contact Boston Connect Real Estate today and let our experienced agents help you find more than just a house, we'll help you find the right place to call home. Watch our live video on Youtube!
What if your tenants paid for your wedding? Alex and Ashley bought their first home in Apple Valley, California with a plan built in: set up two rentable spaces, list them on Furnished Finder, and let the income do the work. Within 18 months, rental income paid off their construction loan. Now that same income is funding the backyard wedding they're throwing in May 2027.In this episode of Landlord Diaries, we sit down with Alex and Ashley, night shift workers, first time homeowners, and first time landlords who turned an in-law suite and a converted RV garage into two private monthly rentals. They walk through how they financed the build, price unique spaces, share laundry with tenants without losing privacy, and how they screen for the right monthly midterm rental tenants.What you'll learn in this episode:How to turn unconventional spaces into rentable unitsHow to use a construction loan and rental income to fund home upgradesHow to price monthly rentals using local comps and Market InsightsHow to screen midterm tenants for peace of mind at your primary residenceWhy midterm rentals are different from short term rentals for owner occupied propertiesThis one is for new landlords, house hackers, real estate investors weighing STR vs MTR, and anyone who wants rental income to fund the life they actually want, not just cover a mortgage. Alex and Ashley prove you don't need a massive portfolio to build financial freedom. Two well set up units on one property can pay off loans, fund weddings, and open the door to bigger goals.List Your Property on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyUse code LLD10 for $10 off new listings.Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to Landlord Diaries0:35 How Furnished Finder is funding their wedding1:50 Their portfolio: 2 rentals at their primary home3:00 Tenant types: travel nurses and a college athlete4:10 Why family and friends were skeptical at first4:40 First time buyers with an investor mindset5:55 Building private units with a construction loan8:00 Sharing laundry with a weekly tenant schedule9:40 Pricing unique rentals and studio units13:25 The goal: upgrade the home, add income streams15:10 Alex tells Daily Press "don't be afraid"16:00 Katie: rental income means saying yes more often17:35 Their rental process for peace of mind20:40 STR vs MTR and typical midterm tenant types21:50 How rentals made a backyard wedding possible24:45 What's next in their real estate journey27:20 Advice for landlords on the fence about MTR29:30 Rapid Fire: surprises, best tenant, wedding adviceAlex & Ashley's Listings:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?id=75497b1-48f2-aee-a03-09d81eTrending Monthly Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResourcesTopics covered: midterm rentals, monthly rentals, Furnished Finder, house hacking, ADU rentals, RV garage conversion, in-law suite rental, travel nurse housing, construction loan strategy, first time landlord, room rental pricing, tenant screening, financial freedom through rentals, Apple Valley California real estate, side hustle for homeowners. The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.
On today’s 7.24.26 show Chidi joined us for Chidi’s tweets, one ADU in the Bay has sparked a rent debate, one woman says she cannot date men with roommates, Kim K’s new energy drink, Destiny’s Child is coming back with more music, we played our Chug Wheel game, Lebron has made his decision on the team he’ll be joining and more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One of the biggest mistakes new investors make is analyzing rental properties for the best-case scenario. Today's guest does the opposite. He plans for the worst, and it's the reason his deals consistently outperform others. In this episode, he's sharing his secret for getting maximum cash flow with the least work possible! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Luke Frizzell went from owning a primary residence that was draining his bank account, to converting his garage into an ADU and getting a 25% cash-on-cash return. But then, he did an “about face” and pivoted into residential assisted living, where he generates $3,000 in monthly cash flow, per property, without ever dealing with operations! Tune in to learn how Luke uses the military “SMEAC” framework to turn every deal into a planned mission, why the best next investment might be the property you already own, and how the lease-to-operator model makes assisted living one of the most “hands-free” cash flow strategies available today. If you've been chasing unit count and wondering why the effort never matches the returns, Luke's story is your permission to think differently. In This Episode We Cover How to make more cash flow with the residential assisted living strategy How to create extra income streams on the property you already own How Luke generated a 25% cash-on-cash return with his first ADU The SMEAC framework—what it is and how to apply it to real estate How to make your investment more “hands-free” with the lease-to-operator model Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-747. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kyle Kargis sits down with Kinil Doshi and Varsha Shah to talk about their path through the Gator, Owners Club, and SubTo communities and how those relationships shaped their investing strategy. They break down a Phoenix single-family flip that started with borrowed private money, a trusted partner who walked away, and several exit strategies that did not work on paper. Instead of reacting too quickly, they used a HELOC, community feedback, and a co-living conversion to turn the property into positive cash flow, with plans to add an ADU and refinance. The conversation also covers the importance of due diligence, lending processes, and the types of co-living, RV park, and mobile home park opportunities they are pursuing next. ► Join The SubTo Community & Learn Creative Finance Directly from Pace Morby: https://subto.sjv.io/X42Y94 ► Learn How to Make Money on Other People's Deals - Join the FREE Live Training: https://gator.sjv.io/n4WL6o ► Turn Real Estate Transactions Into a Real Career. Learn How to Become a Top Tier Transaction Coordinator - Start Here: https://toptiertc.pxf.io/OYyrdz
People think you need a dozen rental properties to achieve financial freedom. You don't. Buy the right property in the right location, and it may only take one. Just ask Hana and Easton Jones, whose tiny back unit pays their entire mortgage and then some—allowing Hana to quit her W-2 job and live out her dream of being a stay-at-home mom! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Hana and Easton were a couple of 25-year-olds with regular jobs. How could they possibly afford real estate around Los Angeles? Driven by the dream of homeownership, they sacrificed, they saved, and when the time came, they bought the house no one wanted. It wasn't perfect. It needed work. But it also had its own hidden income stream—a small ADU (accessory dwelling unit) that now covers their $3,300 mortgage each month! In this episode, they break down their exact savings strategy, what it looks like to house hack an Airbnb, and how Hana was able to buy back time with her kids. Whether you live in an expensive city or want a way out from your nine-to-five, this story delivers the inspiration you need to take the next step in your real estate journey! In This Episode We Cover: The ADU (accessory dwelling unit) that makes $3,000-$5,000+ per month How to save aggressively for a down payment (even on a normal salary) Why Hana and Easton chose to put more money down on their house hack The “overlooked” property that allowed Hana to step away from her W-2 job How this frugal couple got creative on a $30,000 renovation budget And So Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Episode 310 of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, co-host David Prejeant sits down with Kat Gordienko, Co-founder and CEO of Builty, to explore one of the most overlooked and underutilized data sources in insurance: building permits. What began as a personal home improvement project during the pandemic ultimately sparked the creation of a company focused on transforming fragmented permit records into actionable intelligence for insurers. Kat shares her journey from analyzing streaming data at Netflix to tackling the complex world of permit data, where information is scattered across more than 20,000 jurisdictions, filled with inconsistencies, abbreviations, and unstructured records. She explains how Builty uses AI and proprietary data models to normalize this information and turn it into meaningful risk insights for underwriting, claims, and property intelligence. The conversation explores how permit data can reveal information that traditional property data sources often miss, including electrical upgrades, plumbing improvements, fire protection systems, and commercial property modifications. Kat also discusses how Builty is working with insurers, leveraging NVIDIA's Inception program, and uncovering new ways permit data can help carriers better understand future risks before they appear in claims history. Along the way, David and Kat dive into some of the most unusual building permits ever filed, including catios, residential helipads, falconries, and fur storage facilities, proving that permit data can be both insightful and entertaining. Key Highlights [07:00] Meet Kat Gordienko and Builty Kat shares her background in data analytics at Netflix and explains how building an ADU project during the pandemic led her to discover the untapped value hidden inside building permit records. [09:00] The Discovery That Started It All After completing a major property improvement project, Kat realized her insurance coverage had not automatically reflected the changes, revealing a gap that ultimately inspired Builty. [11:00] Why Permit Data Is So Difficult A deep dive into the challenges of working with permit records across thousands of jurisdictions, each with different formats, terminology, and standards. [12:00] Teaching AI to Understand Permits Kat explains why off the shelf AI models struggle with permit data and how Builty built specialized systems capable of understanding permit specific language and context. [14:00] Learning Insurance from Scratch How Kat and her co-founder immersed themselves in the insurance ecosystem through carrier conversations, customer feedback, and industry accelerator programs. [15:00] Turning Data Into Risk Scores Why clean data is only the starting point and how Builty transforms permit records into practical risk scores for insurers. [16:00] Unexpected Commercial Insurance Applications How insurers are using permit data to uncover insights about commercial properties, fire protection systems, and other hidden characteristics. [17:00] The Fire Protection Data Gap Why information about sprinklers, fire doors, and other mitigation systems is often difficult to find and how permit records help close that gap. [18:00] Looking Beyond Aerial Imagery While aerial imagery can assess roofs and exterior conditions, permit data reveals what's happening inside a property's electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. [19:00] Building AI Before the AI Boom Kat discusses Builty's early investment in custom language models and how recent advances in AI have accelerated their ability to process permit data at scale. [22:00] The Wildest Permits Ever Filed From catios and private helipads to falconries and fur storage facilities, Kat shares some of the most memorable permits her team has uncovered. [24:00] What Underwriters Might Be Missing How permit data can reveal commercial kitchens, specialty structures, and other risk factors that may not appear in underwriting applications. [26:00] Accelerating With NVIDIA Kat explains how participation in NVIDIA's Inception program is helping Builty improve speed, efficiency, and scalability across its AI models. [28:00] Expanding Across Insurance A look at Builty's growing carrier relationships and the potential applications of permit intelligence across underwriting, claims, and reinsurance. [29:00] Predicting Tomorrow's Risks Today Kat shares research exploring whether homes located near data centers experience increased HVAC replacement rates, highlighting the predictive potential of permit data. [ [32:00] The Future of Property Intelligence Why Kat believes permit data should become a standard component of insurance and real estate decision making, helping identify risks before losses occur. [35:00] Advice for InsurTech Founders Kat shares lessons learned from building Builty, including the importance of finding one meaningful problem, proving value quickly, and earning trust inside the insurance industry. [36:00] Go Narrow, Then Go Deep The story of Builty's evolution from an ADU marketplace concept into a permit intelligence platform, and why narrowing the focus ultimately created a bigger opportunity.
Send us Fan MailYour marketing can be modern and still miss the point. We're talking with Chad Nall, Director of Sales and Marketing at Pine View Buildings, about why the shed industry is getting louder online while the real winners keep tightening the basics on the ground: lot presentation, consistent follow-up, and a culture that treats dealers like partners instead of accounts.We get into the big shifts Chad has seen in just a couple years, from AI-generated ads to the nonstop fight for better leads and better close rates. Then we pivot to what too many businesses forget while chasing the next digital tool: your lot is a silent salesman, and if it turns into scenery, you're donating sales to anyone who simply shows up. We also talk regional demand in the Carolinas, the reality of permitting, and how softening ADU rules can create opportunity for companies willing to step up product and process.The deeper thread is differentiation. Anyone can copy a shed style or run a discount, but not everyone builds trust through clear communication, integrity behind the scenes, and standards that hold up in slow seasons. We also compare portable buildings to self-storage, why self-storage is winning on convenience and systems, and how our industry can win back customers by telling a better ownership story.If you care about shed sales, dealer performance, portable building marketing, and sustainable growth, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a dealer who needs a reset, and leave a review with one standard you're raising this month.For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.Would you like to receive our weekly newsletter? Sign up on our website: shedgeek.comFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.This episodes Sponsors:Studio Sponsor: Shed Geek MarketingShed Sales SummitCALStryker Hunting Blinds
Send us Fan MailThis week we've got just the headlines.We've got tons of news coming your way, from Gilpin's preliminary discussions of a "de-Brucing" ballot measure that would remove the county's TABOR restricted budget cap, to Nederland's $325,000 contract with a brokerage firm assisting with the Eldora acquisition. Listen in to hear this week's top stories from the Peak to Peak.AlsoNederland lands $1 million grant for ADU, downtown accessibilityRemembering artist and former Gilpin resident Ramblin' Roy SmithFado music: Sounds of LisbonRead senior reporter Mindy Leary's obituary for Roy Smith here: themtnear.com/stories/story-of-roy-smith-racism-gilpin-county,77519?Our theme song is courtesy of singer-songwriter Brittney Wagner. Stream her record Better off Dead here. Support the showThank you for listening to The Mountain-Ear Podcast, featuring news and culture from peak to peak! Additional pages are linked below.If you want to be involved in the podcast or paper, contact:Barbara Hardt, our editor-in-chief, at info@themountainear.comTyler Hickman, multimedia producer, at tyler@themountainear.comJamie Lammers, podcast host, at media@themountainear.comGeneral inquiries: frontdesk@themountainear.comHead to our website for all of the latest news. Subscribe to The Mountain-Ear in print and online.Submit local events to promote them in the paper and on our website.Find us on Facebook @mtnear and Instagram @mtn.earListen and watch on YouTube today.Share this podcast by scrolling to the bottom of our website home page or by heading to our main hub on Buzzsprout.Thank you for listening!
The Sacramento County Planning Commission meeting held on July 13, 2026, focused primarily on a zoning appeal for 6548 Sutter Avenue, alongside discussions regarding a deck legalization at Kikub Court and improvements to the county's design review process. 6548 Sutter Avenue Zoning Appeal The central item was a continued hearing from May 11, 2026, regarding a parcel map request and an appeal by neighbors. Staff addressed three specific concerns raised at the previous meeting: Road Maintenance Agreement (RMA): Staff clarified that if neighbors cannot agree on a new RMA, California Civil Code section 845 provides a framework where maintenance costs are shared proportionally. The Sacramento Metro Fire District (SFMD) will enforce road access but not cost-sharing, which remains a civil matter. Construction Staging: While a special condition for on-site construction staging was drafted to prevent blocking the private road, the Commission ultimately decided not to include it, noting that blocking emergency access is already prohibited by existing law. Semi-Rural Character: Staff determined the project is consistent with the Carmichael Action Plan's semi-rural residential definition, as the resulting parcels exceed minimum lot area requirements and allow for open space. Public Testimony and Deliberation: Appellants expressed concerns over increased traffic, the validity of existing private agreements, and unresolved code violations, specifically a recently erected six-foot solid fence. The applicant, Mr. Wong, testified that he has worked to remedy weed abatement issues and applied for a permit for the fence after neighbor complaints. The Commission also discussed a requirement that the applicant either construct an ADU to establish a primary use for the existing pool or remove the pool entirely to comply with zoning codes. Outcome: The Commission voted to deny the appeal and uphold the project approval. The motion included a new condition requiring the applicant to fix the fence violation and amended language for the fire access agreement. Other Meeting Items 3610 Kikub Court Deck: The Commission reviewed a request to legalize an existing deck and gazebo located within a 20-foot erosion zone setback. Staff noted that removing the structure would be a significant financial and structural burden and that similar encroachments exist on neighboring lots. Design Review Streamlining: Staff proposed changes to the Design Review Administrator (DRA) process to reduce duplicative efforts and increase efficiency. The Commission supported these changes, viewing them as a way to reduce bureaucracy and help meet "shot clock" requirements for housing projects. The item passed with a 4-0 vote. Announcements: The Planning Director announced that the next scheduled meeting would be cancelled.
Everyone is talking about Trump's new housing law, but the biggest headlines may be the least important part of the bill.In this episode, Jeb Smith and Josh Lewis break down what the new housing legislation actually does, what was removed before it passed, and whether it will have any meaningful impact on first-time homebuyers.While much of the attention has focused on limiting large institutional investors from buying more starter homes, those investors own a much smaller percentage of the housing market than many headlines suggest. The bill also does not require them to sell the homes they already own, which means buyers should not expect a sudden flood of affordable inventory.The more important provisions may be the ones receiving far less attention. These include a new HUD pilot program designed to make mortgages under $100,000 more accessible, a permanent process allowing buyers to challenge low appraisals, potential savings on manufactured housing, higher financing limits, and expanded options for accessory dwelling units.Jeb and Josh explain who may benefit from these changes, why the effects will vary dramatically by market, and why buyers should not wait for Washington to solve affordability, inventory, or interest rates.✅ Are you Ready To Become A Homeowner: https://www.buyrightborrowsmart.com/quiz.✅ Start your stress-free journey today: https://www.theeducatedhomebuyer.com/start..Topics DiscussedWhat Trump's new housing law actually changesWhy institutional investors are not being forced to sellHow many homes large corporate investors really ownWhy the investor restrictions may have little immediate impactThe new small-mortgage pilot programGrants for down payments, closing costs, appraisals, and title insuranceWhat buyers can do when an appraisal comes in lowChanges affecting manufactured homes and ADU financingWhy government policy will not fix housing affordability overnightHow to determine whether you are actually ready to buyTimestamps00:00 Trump's new housing law and the misleading headlines01:50 Why the bill received overwhelming bipartisan support02:40 What happened to the proposed corporate investor selloff04:45 Why corporations started buying single-family homes06:35 Market-based solutions versus government restrictions08:03 How much of the housing market institutional investors actually own09:01 The two provisions that could help first-time buyers09:43 The new mortgage program for loans under $100,00012:28 What happens when an appraisal comes in low13:03 Reconsideration of value and appraisal challenges14:50 Manufactured housing changes and potential cost savings15:23 Higher FHA limits, ADU financing, and chattel loans16:20 Why the law will not transform housing overnight17:10 The political reality behind major housing legislation17:37 How buyers should decide whether now is the right time18:25 The two-minute homebuyer readiness quiz19:16 The financial and lifestyle factors that matter mostThe Educated HomeBuyer helps buyers understand the housing market, mortgage process, and financial decisions involved in purchasing a home. Subscribe for straightforward conversations designed to help you buy right, borrow smart, and build wealth.
Most agents think leaving a listing appointment without a signed agreement is a failure. That belief is costing you more deals than you know. Real estate agent emotional intelligence is not about being nice. It is about having the judgment to tell a seller the truth even when the truth is "don't list right now", and understanding that move builds more trust than any closing script ever will.I walked into a situation where a husband came to me wanting to sell. His wife had stage 4 cancer and did not want to move. They had an ADU sitting empty. Most agents would have tried to work the deal anyway. I told him the most probable outcome was simple: rent out the ADU, bring in $3,000 a month, let his wife stop working and stay in the home she loves. He agreed. No listing. No commission. And now he trusts me completely.Here is what that conversation taught me about telling sellers the truth and why being fully unattached to the outcome is the highest-leverage thing you can do as a listing agent:✅ Why seller trust evaporates the moment they sense you need the deal more than they do✅ The difference between real estate agent good judgment and just running a script at an appointment✅ How probability thinking changes the way you read every seller situation you walk into✅ Why some sellers will never list until they hit rock bottom, and why that is not your job to fix✅ The four skills you actually need to list property at high volume, and which one nobody is coachingThis is what listing agent mindset looks like in the real world. Not theory. Not a role play. A real conversation about a real situation where the right call was to walk away.If you have ever lost a seller you thought was close and had no idea why, this one is for you.
Sky has a college student renting out her ADU currently. Usually when she goes on vacation or leaves for an extended amount of time, she let's Sky know. Well this time she didn't and Sky wants to know what she should to to see if her tenant is ok...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode, we chat with Samantha Lauritzen, a new real estate agent in Washington State, about her journey, innovative ADU opportunities, and social media strategies to grow her business. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paul Dashevsky. Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes:
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paul Dashevsky. Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes:
What happens when a legendary New Jersey comedian sits down with two completely unfiltered gay hosts over Armenian coffee? Pure comedy chaos. This week we welcomed comedian Mike Marino to Undressed with Pol' and Patrik while we were in New York City, and from the second he walked in, we couldn't stop laughing. Between Mike's quick wit, our nonstop banter, and SnowWhite90210 stealing the spotlight as always, this episode felt like old friends sitting around the kitchen table. We talked about Mike's incredible 35-year career, spending a decade performing sketch comedy on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, touring the world, opening for legendary performers, and why comedians don't make their money from television specials—they make it on the road. Mike also gave us a behind-the-scenes look at his brand-new Amazon Prime comedy special, Back to School with Mike Marino, filmed inside the very high school where his stand-up journey began at just sixteen years old. We loved hearing how the local drama students helped build the set and how every ticket sold benefited the school's drama department. Of course, we couldn't resist talking Hollywood. We swapped stories about Jay Leno, Jon Voight, Jamie Kennedy, Tom Arnold, Frank Stallone, Robert Davi, Dino Martin, Martin Short, Comics Unleashed, the Beverly Hills Film Festival, and even our unforgettable evening sitting next to Jon Voight, Dyan Cannon, and Fran Drescher. Mike also shared hilarious stories about being the "plant" in Jay Leno's audience and how sometimes Jay depended on Mike to rescue jokes live on television. The conversation quickly turned into a comedy masterclass as Mike explained that the funniest material always comes from real life. Family, relationships, getting older, and everyday experiences connect with audiences far more than memorized punchlines. His advice to us? Our timing, chemistry and playful banter could easily become a comedy act of its own! Then it was time for Pol's famous Armenian Coffee Reading. The coffee revealed a beautiful new chapter ahead for Mike. Pol saw a man entering the most authentic and rewarding period of his career, predicting that success would come from embracing who he is today instead of the "New Jersey Bad Boy" persona that first made him famous. The reading also highlighted the deep peace Mike has finally found with his fiancée Heather, along with an unexpected future opportunity that's even bigger than anything he's already accomplished. Naturally, things went completely off the rails as we volunteered to become Mike's "gaybers," debated building an ADU in his backyard, joked about Only Thumbs, and nearly moved ourselves into the house next door in New Jersey. It was heartfelt, hilarious, inspiring and exactly the kind of unfiltered conversation we love sharing with all of you. BEST QUOTE: "I used to be the New Jersey Bad Boy. Now I'm just happy." Subscribe to our audio:linktr.ee/undressedpod Follow Pol Atteu:Instagram: @polatteuTikTok: @polatteuTwitter: @polatteuwww.polatteu.com Follow Patrik Simpson:Instagram: @patriksimpsonTikTok: @patriksimpsonwww.patriksimpson.com Follow SnowWhite90210:Instagram: @snowwhite90210Twitter: @SnowWhite9010www.snowwhite90210.com Watch Gown and Out in Beverly Hills on Prime Video.www.gownandoutinbeverlyhills.com #UndressedPodcast #ArmenianCoffeeReading #SnowWhite90210 Armenian Coffee Reading SnowWhite90210 SnowBubu is a Perfect gift! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At 31, James sat down at a kitchen table with his wife Aida, ran the numbers on the next 30 years, and didn't like what he saw—$200,000 in student loans and a retirement plan neither of them believed in. So they stopped waiting for a change, and built something instead. Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Our guest, James Doren, and wife, Aida, didn't have a trust fund or an obvious path forward. They had a spreadsheet, a private money lender, and an empty space above their garage. This accessory dwelling unit (ADU) solution added 50% value on their equity, wiped out their student loans, and set them on a path that most investors never consider: intentionally shrinking their portfolio from 10 doors to 4. But the deal that surprised them most didn't come from an agent or Zillow. It came from a tenant who knocked on their door with a problem the bank couldn't solve! James breaks down the house hack that started it all, how he convinced a private money lender to fund the build, and the rent-to-own agreement he structured for his tenant that gave both sides exactly what they needed. If you've ever sat at your own kitchen table and wondered if there's a better way…James's story is your proof that there is! In This Episode We Cover How James and Aida used weekly money dates to align on their financial goals and take their first step into real estate The ADU build that created $160K in equity How to approach a private money lender and handle the tough questions Why James intentionally sold 6 properties and why owning fewer doors actually made him more money! The rent-to-own agreement a tenant brought to them: how it works, what an option fee is, and why it removed all their risk And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-734. Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paul Dashevsky. Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes:
Leander Sharlockens joins us to discuss his new book about the US Men's National Team, The Long Game: U.S. Men's Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts, and we trace the uneven history of the U.S. men's national team, from its early struggles and the 1950 win over England through the long period when the programme was underfunded and disorganised to today's hopes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Patreon members get extra time: 15 more minutes, in which you get to see behind the scenes and find out how the book was written. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/15MinuteBookClubBuy The Long Game: U.S. Men's Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts at our Bookshop.org shop. Support authors, indie bookshops and us!US Link: https://bookshop.org/a/118682/9780593653876UK Amazon Link: https://amzn.eu/d/0el47ixpVisit our Bookshop with books from all of our guests via the links below:(UK) https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/15MinuteBookClub(US) https://bookshop.org/shop/15MinuteBookClub0:00 Introduction to U.S. Soccer3:17 Title IX's Soccer Boom6:19 From Glory to Collapse7:34 Team America Disaster10:28 Youth Soccer and Dropout11:51 A Country, Not a Nation13:53 Europe Beckons American Players16:33 Adu's Rise and Fall17:56 Choosing the Book's Profiles19:45 The Berhalter Debate21:24 World Cup ExpectationsPatreon members get extra time: 15 more minutes, in which you get to see behind the scenes and find out how the book was written. You can subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/15MinuteBookClubWatch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/@15MinuteBook_ClubBuy [INSERT BOOK TITLE] at our Bookshop.org shop. Support authors, indie bookshops and us!UK Link: US Link: Visit our Bookshop with books from all of our guests via the links below:(UK) https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/15MinuteBookClub(US) https://bookshop.org/shop/15MinuteBookClub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Using AI to track symptoms, weigh medication options, and advocate. Not a cure, a toolkit. An honest, careful path without handing over the wheel. Summary Health Hats reviewed Melissa Reynolds' book on pregnancy in 2019, and they bonded over the fact that a man had blurbed it. Now she's on to something new: she’s been figuring out how to use AI to manage a body that’s been hard to live in for two decades. The turning point came in a diagnostic unit, alone in the dark with no idea what would happen next. She opened Claude and asked what the odds were. The answer was enough to let her breathe. What follows is one of the more grounded conversations you’ll hear about patients and AI. She tracks her symptoms in a spreadsheet and asks AI to surface what she’s missing, which is how she learned that her fatigue flares two days before her gut does. She brings research to her GP, who welcomes it and smiles. She nods at the gastroenterologist, who warns her off “that ChatGPT thing.” She’s careful about the politics, careful about the safeguards, and clear that this is for driving your own care, not replacing your clinicians. Her advice for anyone curious is refreshingly un-hyped: know what state you’re in, get a buddy if you’re vulnerable, and tell the tool what you actually need. She calls it a powerful toy, used well. Click here to view the printable newsletter. More readable than a transcript. Contents Podcast episode on YouTube Episode Proem Melissa Reynolds and I bonded when she invited me to review her book on pregnancy, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome in 2019. That still makes us both laugh: a man had written one of the blurbs on the back cover. I thought it was a riot. Melissa thought it made perfect sense because the people who most need to understand what a pregnant body is going through are often the ones standing next to it, trying to help but not quite getting there. Although we follow each other and frequently comment on each other’s posts, our last real conversation was in 2020 about a yoga program she was starting. A few small things from that conversation are still part of my every-other-day stretching and balance routine. I’m drawn to Melissa because she accepts what is, including that hard-to-live-with body, and creates and shares tools for those of us with the same or different diagnoses but similar lived experiences. All for best health. Our friendship has grown virtually, so we can pick up where we left off. This time, I reached out to Melissa after seeing her posts about her exploration of AI. Alone in the dark with a question Health Hats: What lessons are you learning as you use AI? Melissa: It’s funny to say you use AI because it’s hard not to use it now. But I’ve started exploring how AI can support me on my health journey. For a while, I was using it for bits and pieces. Then this gut issue came up. I don’t know if you’ve seen much of the journey, but I suddenly developed severe gut issues. They sent me for stool tests, which I’d never done before, and the results came back abnormally, astronomically high, so they sent me to the hospital. Melissa: They ran all sorts of tests. They rushed me through a colonoscopy, and then I was sitting there on my own in the dark in this hospital room. It’s an ADU unit, so it’s for diagnostic purposes. It’s not a ward. There was no TV, hardly anyone around, and I was quite alone, with no idea what could happen next. Melissa: So, I went into Claude and explained what had happened, and I said I needed to know, statistically, what was likely going on. It talked me through what it could be. That was enough for me to relax and go, okay, that’s cool. Health Hats: Where does it stand now? Melissa: Until a week ago, it looked very likely it was going to be one of those irritable bowel diseases. But right now, we’re completely unclear. I’ve got more specialists to see. But I realized the applications, so I started researching. Deciding to use every tool Melissa: Look, I’ve been sick for 20 years. I’ve been mistreated more than I’ve been well treated, and I’ve lost half my life. A lot of the doctors I saw were, meh. In the last 10 years, I’ve improved my life dramatically, but what upsets me is that I’m still nowhere near normal. That means I was very sick, and most of the doctors I saw were like, meh, even though there were concrete things to treat. They were misdiagnosing me. They were not treating me. Melissa: So I thought I was going to use every tool I had available. I actually told Claude, “Okay, you know my history. We’ve been chatting for a while. Tell me how I can use what you can do better.” The fatigue was signaling two days early Melissa: I do a lot of data analysis in my part-time job, so I thought, let’s get serious about my data analysis. I moved my symptom tracking from a physical book to a spreadsheet. Then I created a prompt where I upload it once a month and say, “Here’s my data. Tell me what you’re noticing that I’m not.” It notices things I don’t. Health Hats: Like what? Melissa: It was the post-exertion malaise flares that I wasn’t quite understanding. Health Hats: Post-exertion malaise. That’s the blowback from overdoing it, the hallmark of ME/CFS and other energy-limiting conditions? Melissa: Yes. It also picked up that when I was having my gut flares, my fatigue would signal a couple of days beforehand. Every time I had a gut flare, my fatigue would worsen beforehand. So, it’s now pretty clear that whatever’s going on with my gut is systemic. It’s part of a larger situation, not just related to my gut. Melissa: The data analysis and the research have been so helpful. I say, do some deep research, and I want you to talk to me about this topic, and it does. But you have to be very clear about what you want it to do. There’s a lot to learn about prompting. It’s very nuanced. Smiling, nodding, and using it anyway Health Hats: How do the clinicians you’re partnering with respond? Are they curious or suspicious? There must be a range of responses. Melissa: It depends. My gastroenterologist keeps saying, “Oh, I hope you’re not using that,” and they always say ChatGPT when they mean AI. So I’m smiling and nodding, but obviously I was. My GP, though, is fantastic. She loves it when I bring her research. She’s engaged. If you’re comfortable with people googling, then AI is just the next step. It’s more efficient than googling. Melissa: And I never go to her and say, “I’ve self-diagnosed myself with this.” It’s more like, “I’ve done some research.” Here’s a practical example. The gastroenterologist suggested a medication, and I don’t feel comfortable taking it. Even though they downplay the interaction with another medication I’m on, I don’t feel comfortable with the overall risk, especially when you’re playing with heart rate and blood pressure. I have low blood pressure and heart rate issues. Melissa: The wonderful thing about AI, compared to what I can do on a hard day, is that it can pull things together. We were talking about this medicine, and it found an alternative, a lower-risk medicine that also supports this other thing. The one thing I don’t want is to end up on loads of medicines and not be sure what’s working. A doctor is surely happy to have me as an informed participant in my care, especially when chronic conditions require patient buy-in. Where the records actually live Health Hats: You’re in New Zealand. I always wonder how the culture and politics around medicine and these tools differ from those here, where it’s a bit of a free-for-all and the guardrails are thin. Melissa: We’re in a very different situation. For a start, we’re a public system, but it’s crumbling. You have the people reliant on it, the people failed by it, and the few who can afford private insurance, which mostly just means you see the same people without being gatekept. We’re very segregated. Each specialty focuses on a single organ. As far as I know, we have one multidisciplinary clinic for long COVID, and it’s in the South Island, so I have no access to it, even though my ME/CFS came on after a viral illness and I’d benefit from exactly that. Melissa: What we do have is one public record that’s stayed with me, and a recent change that allows patients to request any information an organization holds about them. That’s actually how a lot of things changed for me. I got access to my patient portal at 32, and that’s how I found out I’d been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. No one had told me. They’d just written it in there. Health Hats: As opposed to all the times you were misdiagnosed, with both false positives and false negatives. And pulling it all together is the trick. I have a four-pound box of paper from one office, 500 pages, and 291 pages of PDF from another for three months of visits, all out of order and wildly redundant. So much of it is wrong. You start to realize that, at best, it’s grade-D information, and what I put in my journals and spreadsheets is probably the most accurate, which a doctor would never agree to. Melissa: It’s the same here. The onus is still on the patient to gather it all and then use it. That’s a whole other thing, and it’s something I’ve always struggled with. A very powerful toy Health Hats: What words of wisdom do you have for people who are using these tools? Do you want to encourage them or caution them? Melissa: First, think about what state you’re in. If you’re a bit vulnerable, don’t feel confident with technology, or are unsure about any of it, then seek guidance. Have a buddy or a mentor to do it with. Melissa: If you’re like me, data-oriented and logical, deep research is great. But if you’re someone who needs minimal information and more would fry your nervous system, then either don’t do it, ask someone to do it for you, or tell the AI, “I don’t need lots of detail; give me the three key points I can take away.” You can always guide it. Many people use it like they’re talking to someone, which can be useful when you’re working through things. But if you can prompt it well, you’ll get what you need. Melissa: That’s why I’m writing a series of articles. I want to guide people so they can focus on one thing, like how to use their data to get good analysis, because it’s a lot. First, you’ve got to learn how to prompt, then what to put in, then how it works. My articles are trying to make it more accessible. It’s always us, the people who are chronically ill, who are least able to jump on opportunities and make the most of them, and we’re the ones who need it most. But if you’re worried about it or opposed to it, leave it. Health Hats: I’m not a black-and-white person; I’m more nuanced. It helps with some things but not others. One thing I’m struggling with is that it gives me too much to share, and I want to share all that depth. Maybe it’s useful for me, but not for other people. So, I’m learning to set limits. My audience has three minutes or 500 words. Then I can ask more questions. It’s amazing. It’s a toy, in a way. A very powerful toy. Melissa: Thank you so much. I can’t believe it’s been so long. Health Hats: I know. Do we need to make an appointment for another four years? Melissa: No, let’s do six months. Health Hats: Sounds good. See you around the block. Reflection Neither of us is going to be cured, whatever that word even means. But I am living a good life. I am playing music, traveling, and in love. My grandson just turned eighteen and is graduating from high school. Life is good. That is the whole point, really. The point was never the technology. I know my enthusiasm for using Claude turns some people off. A number of you seriously distrust anything with AI in it, and I don’t dismiss that. I’m uneasy too, less about the tool in my hands than about the AI-industrial complex behind it, the money, power, and momentum, something like splitting the atom: enormous force, no guarantee of where it gets pointed. And yet here I am, using Claude and Claude Cowork to cut the forty to sixty hours I spend on each episode down to about twenty. I’ll share how in future episodes. I hold the worry and use the tools anyway. The point is deciding to drive our own train and being glad to have one more tool in the cab. A tool, a toy used best by someone who knows their own mind and keeps both hands on the wheel. Referenced in episode Melissa’s Substack Melissa’s book on pregnancy, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome Melissa’s yoga program Melissa’s book: Fibromyalgia Won’t Win: Learning, Loving and Living with Chronic Pain and Fatigue (Melissa vs Fibromyalgia The Collection), New Zealand’s Right to Records. Please comment and ask questions: at the comment section at the bottom of the show notes on LinkedIn via email YouTube channel DM on Instagram, TikTok to @healthhats Substack Patreon Production Team Kayla Nelson: Web and Social Media Coach, Dissemination, Help Desk Leon van Leeuwen: editing and site management Oscar van Leeuwen: video editing Julia Higgins: Digit marketing therapy Steve Heatherington: Help Desk and podcast production counseling Joey van Leeuwen, Drummer, Composer, and Arranger, provided the music for the intro, outro, proem, and reflection Claude, Perplexity, Auphonic, Descript, Grammarly, DaVinci Inspired by and Grateful to: Photo Credits Related episodes from Health Hats https://health-hats.com/fibromyalgia-managing-pain-doing-the-work/ https://health-hats.com/fibro-mama-book-review/ https://health-hats.com/accessible-yoga-honor-your-body/ Artificial Intelligence in Podcast Production Health Hats, the Podcast, utilizes AI tools for production tasks such as editing, transcription, and content suggestions. While AI assists with various aspects, including image creation, most AI suggestions are modified. All creative decisions remain my own, with AI sources referenced as usual. Questions are welcome. Creative Commons Licensing CC BY-NC-SA This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms. CC BY-NC-SA includes the following elements: BY: credit must be given to the creator. NC: Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted. SA: Adaptations must be shared under the same terms. Please let me know. dannyhealthhats@gmail.com Material on this site created by others is theirs, and use follows their guidelines. Disclaimer The views and opinions presented in this podcast and publication are solely my responsibility and do not necessarily represent the views of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute® (PCORI®), its Board of Governors, or Methodology Committee. Danny van Leeuwen (Health Hats)
“To be an entrepreneur, you have to be inherently lazy.” RJ Adler joins Start Here to give us the update on WheelPad, a manufacturer of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) based in Wilmington, Vermont. Aside from building ADU's for families around the country, RJ talks about his experience coming from a large family of entrepreneurs, his early ventures as a student at Middlebury College, and why WheelPad is choosing to grow in Vermont. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
California's housing crisis has pushed families, investors, and homeowners to rethink what housing can look like.In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie Goar sits down with Whitney Hill, co-founder and CEO of SnapADU, to explore how accessory dwelling units, better known as ADUs, are changing the housing landscape across San Diego and beyond.Whitney shares how SnapADU launched during the 2020 shutdown, why California's regulatory changes created a massive opportunity, and how her company has now completed more than 100 detached ADU builds.The conversation covers:• The real drivers behind ADU demand• Why families are embracing multi-generational living• How homeowners are using ADUs for wealth building• The biggest bottlenecks slowing housing development• Why permitting and utility regulations remain a challenge• The future of affordable housing in California• What most people misunderstand about ADUsWhitney also explains why the most successful ADU projects focus on quality of life, thoughtful design, and long-term planning instead of simply maximizing density.If you're interested in affordable housing, real estate investing, urban development, entrepreneurship, or the future of housing policy, this episode delivers practical insight into one of the fastest-growing housing trends in America.Subscribe for more conversations with leaders creating real-world solutions in housing, healthcare, business, and community development.Topics Covered / What You'll LearnWhat an ADU actually isWhy California changed ADU lawsHow Snap ADU grew during COVIDThe economics behind ADU investingWhy multi-generational housing is growingThe biggest construction and permitting bottlenecksHow homeowners use ADUs to offset mortgage costsThe future of housing density in CaliforniaWhy San Diego became a hotspot for ADUsHow thoughtful housing design improves quality of lifeThe hidden complexity behind “simple” ADU buildsHow Whitney Hill built a niche construction companyTimestamps00:00 Intro00:12 Meet Whitney Hill of Snap ADU01:00 How California's ADU law changes created opportunity02:40 The story behind the name Snap ADU03:30 Why San Diego became an ADU hotspot05:10 Who is building ADUs today?06:30 Community concerns around density and parking08:25 Housing demand and city capacity09:45 Why California has embraced ADUs11:00 ADUs as a wealth-building tool12:15 Multi-generational living success stories14:20 The realities of running an ADU construction company16:20 The biggest bottlenecks slowing housing growth17:45 ADU design trends and creative layouts19:15 Whitney Hill on leadership and entrepreneurship21:00 Yale, NYU, and finding her professional niche22:40 Snap ADU's future growth strategy24:30 Can ADUs help affordable housing?26:20 Closing thoughts
Chicago may be one of the best real estate investing markets in the country…But if you don't understand building permits, zoning, ADUs, city inspections, and violations, your project can go sideways FAST.In this episode, we dive into one of the most important conversations for Chicago real estate investors—especially those working on:
Send us Fan MailA customer walks onto your site dreaming about an ADU or tiny home, then leaves because the process feels unclear, risky, or impossible to price. We want to fix that gap. From Metropolis, Illinois, we're joined by Till Buch, co-founder of Tiny Easy in Auckland, New Zealand, to talk about what happens when sheds, tiny homes, park models, and modular homes start competing for the same buyer attention and the same backyard.We dig into how a 3D configurator changes the sales conversation. Till breaks down why tiny home shoppers need a guided experience instead of unlimited design freedom: pre-designed models that stay buildable, options that don't overwhelm, and a step-by-step flow that mirrors a real consultative sales process. We also cover the practical outputs builders need to move a deal forward: realistic renders, walkthroughs, proposal documents, PDF plans, and material takeoffs that make it easier to hand off the concept to drafting, engineering, and local code requirements.Then we zoom out to the tiny home movement itself. Till explains the three big demand drivers he sees across markets: first-time buyers priced out of traditional housing, older homeowners downsizing, and short-term rental operators chasing higher ROI with micro-resort style stays. We close with what's trending in the US right now, especially park models and ADUs, and how shed businesses can add a second product line without losing focus on the core.If you get value from these industry deep dives, subscribe to the Shed Geek Podcast, share this with a builder friend, and leave a review so more shed and portable building pros can find the show.For more information or to know more about the Shed Geek Podcast visit us at our website.Would you like to receive our weekly newsletter? Sign up on our website: shedgeek.comFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube at the handle @shedgeekpodcast.To be a guest on the Shed Geek Podcast visit our website and fill out the "Contact Us" form.To suggest show topics or ask questions you want answered email us at info@shedgeek.com.This episodes Sponsors:Studio Sponsor: Shed Geek MarketingCardinal LeasingIFABIdentigrow
In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius explores why most project budgets are inaccurate and how to create realistic estimates for construction projects, especially in Southern California. He emphasizes the importance of scope clarity, understanding cost layers, and early planning to avoid costly mistakes.He breaks down:Why most project budgets are inaccurateThe importance of scope clarity in budgetingUnderstanding the layers of construction costsThe role of soft costs and contingencyHow to define your project scope effectivelyIf you're planning a kitchen remodel, addition, ADU, or small commercial tenant improvement in Southern California, this episode provides foundational insight to help you develop your project budget.Before You Build Guidebook DownloadLYNESIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reserved
Episode 131 - Winter Storms - Avoiding Contractor Fraud with Jon Grishpul Co-CEO of Maxable, an industry-leading ADU design, build and management platform guiding homeowners through their projects from start to finish.Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only. The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees. We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.
Three years into a Denver luxury redevelopment, Paul DeSalvo knows what real estate development mistakes actually cost. Paul, a Denver real estate investor and broker, is back to walk through every one of them. In this episode, Paul returns to update host Chris Lopez on a sweeping redevelopment in Berkeley, Denver — a 1902 Victorian transformed into a 5,500 sq ft, 6 bed/6 bath luxury home with an 850 sq ft ADU and 3-car garage. He shares what went well, what hit hard, and what every investor should know before breaking ground on a project like this. The budget surprises alone tell the story. A foundation that needed a full rebuild added $75,000 to the project. An asbestos mass spill ran $30,000. Denver’s Affordable Housing fee — charged on any addition over 400 sq ft — came in at $25,000, a cost neither Paul nor his GC had flagged. A new water line tap added another $12,000. Combined with items left off the original budget entirely and inflation across lumber, drywall, and appliances, the project pushed well past the original estimate. The contractor selection story is the most instructive of all the real estate development mistakes covered in this episode. Paul and Val interviewed five or six GCs. Most bids came back between $1.8M and $2.1M. One came back at $1.2M. They went with the low bid. That contractor’s experience turned out to be primarily remodels and pop-tops — not ground-up luxury construction. By the time the project wrapped, costs had converged right where the other bids landed. Paul walks through exactly what he would look for differently and why verifying the type of experience matters as much as verifying the experience itself. In this Episode: Why the lowest GC bid on a luxury build is often the most expensive choice How to verify contractor experience by project type, not just project count The Denver Affordable Housing fee and how it catches smaller developers off guard What scope creep actually looks like on a high-end redevelopment and how to manage it Why architect and builder coordination failures cost more than either party’s mistakes alone What has gone well on the project and what Paul is genuinely proud of Paul’s honest take on whether he’d take on a project like this again If you are planning a luxury build or any ground-up construction project in Denver, this episode is a practical field guide from someone who has lived every one of these real estate development mistakes and made it to the other side. Watch the Youtube Video https://youtu.be/C0VvCr-O_7w Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and project recap — Paul returns to update on his Berkeley, Denver build 01:15 – Off-market acquisition — how a neighbor relationship led to buying the 1902 Victorian 03:26 – Full project scope — 5,500 sq ft total, 6 bed/6 bath, ADU, 3-car garage, five fireplaces 06:30 – GC selection process — interviewing five or six contractors and how they made the call 07:49 – The experience gap — why pop-top and remodel experience doesn’t carry over to ground-up luxury builds 12:02 – Budget blind spots — items left off entirely, inflation, and the real cost of scope creep 15:15 – Denver’s Affordable Housing fee — an unexpected $25,000 charge tied to additions over 400 sq ft 16:50 – Asbestos mass spill and foundation rebuild — $30,000 and $75,000 in back-to-back surprises 18:24– What has gone well — design outcome, ADU pace, and finishes staying on schedule 19:44 – Advice for luxury builds — why low bid outliers deserve the most scrutiny, not the least 23:40 – Architect and builder coordination — why cohesive team relationships are as important as individual credentials 24:46– Paul’s outlook on future development — honest take on whether he’d do it again Links in Podcast Connect with Paul DeSalvo firehousehomes@gmail.com Fire on FIRE Investing https://fireonfire.org/ Paul co-founded Fire on FIRE Investing alongside fellow firefighter Jamin to help first responders build financial security through real estate. The organization offers one-on-one consultations and education covering single-family rentals, house hacking, multifamily, 1031 exchanges, and passive investing opportunities.
Are ADUs the next real estate gold rush… or just another permit-powered headache? Accessory Dwelling Units are moving from California trend to national real estate play. Gil Vaisman of Go ADU breaks down why homeowners are turning garages, basements, and backyards into rental income, family housing, and long-term property value. But this is not just about tiny houses with cute countertops. It is about zoning laws, contractor cash flow, city delays, bad deposits, fair pricing, and why building anything still feels like wrestling a fax machine with a clipboard.
In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius highlights how one of the biggest mistakes owners make happens before they hire a contractor, define a budget, or submit plans: they don't fully understand what kind of project they're actually taking on. And that misunderstanding can dramatically impact cost, timeline, permitting, engineering, and overall project complexity.He breaks down the critical differences between:RenovationsRemodelsAdditionsADUsRebuilds…and explains why these categories are not interchangeable.Drawing from more than 20 years of experience, Dimitrius walks through the hidden structural, seismic, permitting, and systems implications that owners often overlook—especially when projects move beyond cosmetic updates into layout changes, structural modifications, or additions.If you're planning a kitchen remodel, addition, ADU, or small commercial tenant improvement in Southern California, this episode provides foundational clarity before you begin spending money or hiring a team.Before You Build Guidebook DownloadIf you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media.Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast websiteLYNES // Gābl MediaAll rights reserved
Seif El-Sahly walked away from a comfortable, six-figure engineering career working in -50 degree northern mines to start a construction and renovation business in Hamilton, Ontario. Today, New Fort Inc. generates multiple seven figures a year, and Seif is breaking ground on massive 22-unit developments after successfully partnering with Home Depot and shooting a pilot for HGTV.In this episode, Seif sits down with Ryan Atkinson to reveal how he transitioned from a mindset of "known variables" to mastering the unknown world of real estate investing and contracting. He breaks down his exact strategy for capitalizing on the booming ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and garage conversion market—a niche that is solving the modern housing affordability crisis while generating premium rental income for investors.Whether you're looking to buy your first investment property or scale a massive construction team, Seif delivers a masterclass on failing fast, taking action, and underwriting your deals the right way.
Connect with Kyle on Instagram: @theseybothteamRich sits down with Kyle Seyboth, founder and the man building a national ADU franchise, to break down why the ADU space might be one of the biggest real estate opportunities in the country over the next three years.They get into who the ADU is really built for, how to determine highest and best use on any lot, what the full A-to-Z build process looks like from permitting to certificate of occupancy, and why a 400 square foot investor special could be the most underrated cash flow play in real estate right now. If you've been sitting on a property with a big lot and wondering what to do with it, this one's for you. Let's get into it.Join our investor waitlist and stay in the know about our next investor opportunity with Somers Capital: www.somerscapital.com/invest.Want to join our Boutique Hotel Mastermind Community? Book a free strategy call with our team: www.hotelinvesting.com.If you're committed to scaling your personal brand and achieving 7-figure success, it's time to level up with the 7 Figure Creator Mastermind Community. Book your exclusive intro call today at www.the7figurecreator.com and gain access to the strategies that will accelerate your growth. Connect with Rich on Instagram: @rich_somersInterested in joining The 7 Figure Creator Mastermind? Visit www.the7figurecreator.com to book a free intro call.Interested in joining our Boutique Hotel Mastermind? Visit www.somerscapital.com/mastermind to book a free call.