On today show we’re taking a look at how insurance is affecting choices in design.  Why are some insurers are exiting geographic areas entirely. What does this mean for owners of real estate in those locations? Insurance is both optional and essential depending on...

Real estate investors generally don’t care about short-term interest rates. The short term rates affect the cost of capital for bridge financing where those loans are indexed to the secure overnight funds rate. Short term debt can be replaced with permanent financing....

Aesops Fables are classics credited to Aesop, a slave in ancient Greece. The stories date back to a time between 620 and 540 BCE with each story containing a life lesson.  We are starting today’s episode with a fable called "The Ant and the Grasshopper.” ...

Josh Lessard is the research engine behind George Gammon and the Rebel Capitalist Show. On today's show we are talking about Josh's journey to becoming a central figure in the Rebel Capitalist team when he was just emerging from high school. To learn more...

Scott Smith is based in Austin Texas where his law practice specializes in asset protection and insurance litigation. On today's show we are talking about structures to protect assets and create resilience from the many threats to your wealth. To connect and to...

Robert asks - “Most successful people have mentors. Who are your mentors?” This is such a great question. In fact I’m struck by the fact that in five and a half years producing a daily show, this topic has not come up before now. I’ve had a number of mentors over the...

On today’s show we are examining the latest Federal Reserve announcement and trying to make sense out of it for real estate investors.  We’re looking at what was said, the underlying assumptions, and what the likely decision points will be.  When asked if a soft...

On today’s show we are looking at a new report on The Evolution of Work from Home published by three authors: Jose Maria Barrero, from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México Nicholas Bloom University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Hoover Institution...

On today's show we are talking about a new development project in Spokane. We believe it's important to design products that are differentiated in the market. We will be hosting a webinar on September 19 and would invite you to attend. To register for the...

On today’s show we are talking about buildings that are built so fast that they cannot possibly be structurally sound.  Guess what? They’re not. These buildings have been called Tofu Dreg buildings.  It’s not unusual in China to see 30 story buildings being erected in...

Kent Ritter is based in Indianapolis where he has built a portfolio of multifamily apartments. His firm Hudson investing is undertaking its first development project in a suburb or Indianapolis and on today's show we are talking about the transition to new...

Ben Fraser is based in Kansas City and is involved in multiple asset classes. On today's show we're talking about industrial and understanding some of the nuances of that segment. To connect with Ben and to learn more, visit aspenfunds.us -----------------...

On today’s show we are looking at a headline article in the WSJ.  The topic is banking. Think about it. Every bank’s risk management department would have stress tested the existing loan portfolio. They would have looked at the maturity dates of each loan, and...

 On today’s show, we are talking about some of the dynamics that are showing up in the small investor segment of the real estate market. We are starting to see anecdotal boots on the ground evidence of properties being offered for sale that in my opinion are...

On today's show we are going to talk about the world of exempt market securities. But before we do, then let me make it clear. I am not a lawyer, nor am I a securities lawyer. The purpose of today’s show is not to provide legal advice, but merely to arm you with...

On today’s show we are talking about the difference between two types of inflation. Economists have terminology for inflation that is used to describe the nature of the inflation. The first is cyclical inflation. This type of inflation is caused by a short term...

On today's show we’re taking a look at the big picture of the housing market in both the United States and Canada and asking the simple question. Is this a healthy housing market? If so, then why and if not, why not? -------------- Host: Victor Menasce email:...

Ross Hamilton is the founder of Connected Investor, which was sold to First American Title a little over a year ago. On today's show we are talking about some of the technology innovations that are coming to the world of real estate transactions. To connect with...

Scott Carson is based in Austin Texas where he specializes in purchasing and repairing distressed loans from banks and commercial lenders. Scott is a real experr in the field and he shares some insights as to what is happening in the market today. To learn more or to...

With tax deadlines coming up and only a few months remaining in the year, we are getting a lot of tax related questions at our development company Y Street Capital. These questions are often coming from prospective investors who are looking at our investment...

Today's question comes from David who writes: Thank you for all the education you provide daily! It’s clear and concise and relevant and much appreciated. In talking with a Canadian associate this weekend I was informed that Canada doesn’t offer 30 year fixed...

On today’s show, we are putting some of the global financial risks on your radar that is not getting any air play in the news. If you have been a listener to this podcast for a while, it should be clear that we are in the throes of a global economic downturn. However,...

This question comes from Ravi who writes:   I have been a long time listener of your prodcast. In fact I won a signed book a few years ago. I have a lot of respect for you and was hoping to get your opinion regarding the build to rent investment thesis. I have...

Today is another AMA episode (Ask Me Anything) Jay writes: I recently bought a lot in a subdivision. Where do I find out what the developer has agreed to do exactly for the infrastructure?  I already discovered a public access walk path that is graveled and the plot...

Angie Stauffer is based in Gilbert Arizona where she is a senior executive with YRefy. The company helps student loan borrowers in distress with loan modifications. These loans cannot be forgiven through personal bankruptcy. By lowering the interest rate and extending...

Robby Butler recently joined our real estate development team. On today's show you're going to get a chance to meet him for the first time. You can reach him directly at robby.butler@ystreetcapital.com ------------- Host: Victor Menasce email:...

In his book "Building an Elite Organization", Don Wenner, the CEO of DLP Real Estate Capital, documents some of the principles that he has used to grow his company and has earned the honor of being on the Inc 5000 fastest growing company list for 8 years...

Today is another AMA episide (Ask Me Anything). Michael writes: "Hey Victor, I have been investing in multifamily properties for over a decade, mostly in smaller deals but a few in the $1M to $2M range.  I've been encouraged to do cost seg studies many times over...

Today's question comes from Robert who askes: What is your criteria for selecting guests who appear on the weekend edition?  How do you vet podcast guests for your show? ------------------ Host: Victor Menasce email:...

On today’s show we are talking about what is happening in the economy. There is a narrative of bumpy landing, to a soft landing, and now more recently, no landing. It seems as if the market is convinced that the US economy is strong and is going to emerge from this...

Today's question comes from Tracy who writes: I am a developer/builder in Eastern Washington State. I have been in talks for months with a regional bank for a new apartment building. We have satisfied all the preliminary requirements to be pre-approved. Recently,...

Scott Choppin is based in Southern California. His company specializes in purpose built urban townhouses for rent. On today's show we are talking about the challenges and merits of building in California. He publishes a weekly article on Substack called "The Real...

Tom Milazzo is based in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where he is the founder and CEO of StackSource. The company focuses on driving transparency into the borrowing process for commercial real estate borrowers. To find out more, visit stacksource.com --------------- Host:...

Today is another AMA episode (Ask Me Anything). Rueben asks: Can you suggest a good program for helping me build out my budget for a new single family 1500 sq. ft. construction? ------------ Host: Victor Menasce email:...

On today’s show we’re talking about demographics and policy. In Canada, our fertility rate is 1.48. We’re not making enough babies to maintain population. Like most western economies, fertility rates are below the 2.1 required to maintain population constant.  The US...

 Today’s question comes from Paul, who asks: I have a multi family apartment project that is currently up for renewal of its insurance policy. I have a quote for new insurance, but I’m having a difficult time, assessing whether the insurance being quoted is going to...

On today’s show we are taking a look at the economy in China. China is the world’s second largest economy and it is the most systemically important from a consumer perspective. China is the factory of the world, at least for now.  As China’s industrial sector boomed...

As many of you are aware, the real estate development company that I’m a partner in is building several projects. On today’s show, I’m going to give you an update on the Norris Ranch project in Colorado Springs. It’s been about ten months since we closed on the...

Ken Gee is based in Cleveland Ohio and he invests in multi-family assets. On today's show we are talking about the merits of a fund model versus syndicating individual deals. To connect with Ken and to learn more, visit kripartners.com ------------ Host: Victor...

Kevin Amolsh is based in Denver Colorado where he runs The Pine Financial Group. They're a private lender with $130M in assets under management. To connect or to learn more, visit https://pinefinancialgroup.com/ or visit https://thepinereport.com/ to get a copy...

The mainstream media continue to push the narrative that the US and Canadian economies are strong. Unemployment is low and the service sector of the economy is doing great.  This is what is driving the soft landing hypothesis.  But what is being overlooked is the...

On today’s show we are talking about the process for getting properties rezoned. The subject of today’s show is a three parcel land assembly in my home city of Ottawa Canada.  At the start of the planning committee meeting there were no less than six projects being...

Allan Asks: Hi Victor, Thank you again for your excellent content and insight. There is so much of a “punch” packed into a small amount just like an espresso. Hopefully this isn’t an obvious question and worth your time to answer but how do you stay up to date finding...

On today’s show we are taking a look at what can happen when politicians print too much money. The US, Japan, Canada, the UK, and Europe, China and many others are all at risk of becoming financially unstable.  Argentina has a history of being fiscally irresponsible....

Today’s question is actually two listener questions, both of whom have described very similar situations.  JR got plat approval and paid a contractor called straight edge for the horizontal development.  That work consists of the road paving, and the infrastructure...

Susan King is based in Chicago where she works with HED, a major national architectural design firm. On today's show we are talking about architecture and how it applies to design of affordable housing. To connect with Susan, visit HED.design or connect with her...

We hear about all of the risks in the current market environment. But we rarely hear ideas on what you can do to find opportunity in the current conditions. Today's talk was recorded at the 2023 Investor Summit. ---------------- Host: Victor Menasce email:...

One of the goals of this show is to help you connect the dots on what is happening in the economy. Today’s show is not strictly about real estate. However, we have seen central banks in the US, Canada, Europe, and the UK all raising interest rates to combat inflation....

Last week Fitch downgraded the sovereign debt rating for the United States. And late Monday, Moody’s downgraded the ratings of several US banks. Moody’s took action on 27 banks, including downgrading the credit ratings of 10 and putting others under review or giving...

If you're currently an accredited investor, then you definitely want to pay attention because I believe that in a year from now you may not be accredited any longer. And if you are not an accredited investor, then I've got some good news for you, because...

On today’s show we are talking about water. Water is one of those life sustaining commodities. Water is seemingly everywhere, and scarce at the same time. 3/4 of our planet’s surface is water. Our human bodies are about 65% water.  In many parts of the country if you...

On today’s show, we are looking at a human phenomenon called bias. We would like to think that the professional, economists and decision makers in government, or making objective decisions using hard data. However, we see the exact opposite and play in numerous facets...

Arielle Evan comes to us from Israel where she is CEO of Compera. The company is focused on managing affiliate relationships for property managers and tenants across multiple domains. By offering preferred services to tenants, the landlord provides a valuable service...

On today's show we are talking about how to use cost segregation to take advantage of tax savings. Joseph dispels some myths around cost segregation that could result in major savings even for smaller properties. Another area of major savings is energy. There are...

Today’s question comes from Steve in Salt Lake City I have noticed living in the greater Salt Lake area that the styling of new multi family buildings has become very cold and austere it’s almost like the same template is being used.    What factors do you use and...

On today’s show we are talking about how the forecast bloodbath in hospitality is just getting started. Last month we saw two of San Francisco’s large hotels handing the keys back to the lender. The owner of the San Francisco Hilton and the Park 55 Hotel announced in...

On today’s show we are talking about industrial and what can happen when investors move en masse toward the same target. The folks at Marcus & Millichap issued a wave of mid year updates on the industrial sector for almost all of the major markets across the US. ...

In his groundbreaking book "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion," renowned social psychologist and marketing expert Robert Cialdini. He delves into the world of human behavior and unravels the secrets behind the art of persuasion. Cialdini came from the world of...

Today’s question comes from Chris who writes.  What are your thoughts on diversification? I keep hearing about how diversification is important to mitigate risk. How would you diversify your real estate investments? I’m not even clear on what would be considered to be...

Kenny Rose is based in Chicago Illinois where he is the principal at Franshares a company that specializes in fractionalizing share ownership in franchises across the USA. Franchises come in all shapes and sizes. They range from food and beverage, to fitness, to waste...

Travis Godon is based in Ely Nevada where he specializes in land development for large utility scale solar farms. On today's show we are talking about the criteria that make for a suitable solar farm. To learn more or to connect with Travis, seek him out on...

On today’s show we are taking a snapshot look at how one state is trying to address housing affordability.  Home pricing follows the laws of supply and demand. Sellers put their home on the market and buyers place an offer. That price might be low than asking price,...

On today’s show we are taking a look at interest rates. Yesterday the Federal Reserve increased the Federal Funds rate to a range between 5.25%-5.5%.  This clearly sets the stage for short term interest rates to increase. The yield on the 10 year treasury decreased...

On today’s show we are not talking about real estate, but instead about a major shift that is taking place in society.  We have an unstated assumption in our world that more is better. We want more money, a bigger house, a faster car, a bigger boat.  As investors we...

Tenants can hardly be blamed for being confused. Many have never owned a home and they have no idea what it costs to own and maintain a property.  With the rise in interest rates, home affordability has become even more expensive. Inflation has affected many of the...

On today’s show we are looking at a fundamental economic concept, called the law of supply and demand. I have been a huge believer in the law of supply and demand as one of those fundamentals that must be respected. I treat it like a law of physics similar to...

Shawn Moore is based in Park City Utah where he specializes in short term rentals. On today's show we are talking about the state of the short term rental market and how it is changing and "growing up". To learn more or to connect with Shawn, visit...

Sara Martin is an architect and project manager with HED specializing in design of data centers for high capacity computing installations. On today's show we are talking about the data center industry and the characteristics of a modern data center. To learn more...

On today’s show, we are looking at different types of money printing to understand the impact that money supply has on consumer price inflation. Have you wondered why we don’t have hyperinflation with the tens of trillions of dollars that are loaned into existence...

Today’s show is another AMA episode (Ask Me Anything) Allan asks: I have been listening to your show for about two years now and love the depth and variety of what you share. I’m amazed at how much you can pack into just a few minutes. My question is, what are your...

On today’s show we are talking about how maturing cities handle growth and development.  There are two costs associated with growth. There is the initial cost, and then there is the lifecycle cost.  Buildings and neighbourhoods go through cycles of development,...

On today's show we are announcing the contest winners. Chris De Celle David Ortiz Emilio Tucker Emails have been sent to each of you to get your mailing details. Congratulations to our winners.   On today show, we are talking about an impending surge in...

On today’s show we are looking at one of the most convincing economic indicators in advance of next week’s Federal Reserve meeting. We hear politicians talking about how the economy is strong and how unemployment is near record lows. Inflation is coming down, but core...

Jmi Pfeifer is the founder of Left Field Investing an online investment club with about 1,800 members. On today's show we are talking about how the community operates. To connect or to learn more, visit leftfieldinvesting,com -------------------- Host: Victor...

Leandro and Arturo are principals at Primestor, a Culver City development company specializing in building in some difficult parts of South Los Angeles. ---------------- Host: Victor Menasce...

On today’s show we are talking about how to evaluate a proposal from a consultant. We are going to look at two proposals from different geotechnical engineers. These two proposals differ significantly in both price and scope. One proposal is nearly double the price of...

On today’s show we are talking about some of the tricks that bureaucrats use to manipulate the inflation metrics that are being used to decide monetary policy. The cost of money affects the cost of virtually everything we buy. So the power to manipulate the economy...

On today’s show we are taking a look at a looming problem that threatens the functioning of the entire legal system in North America. Justice delayed is justice denied. The rule of law depends upon having a functioning legal system. In the absence of a working legal...

This question comes from Elizabeth who asks: I’m looking at a property which borders on an environmentally protected wetland area. Of the acreage, about 80% is outside the environmentally protected zone. So I should be able to develop on the part that is not...

On today’s show we are taking a look at the weeks ahead. We are expecting a number of announcements including the upcoming interest rate policy when the federal reserve meets near the end of July. The latest numbers coming out of Washington suggest a robust economy....

Vikas Gupta is based in Pasadena California with a software startup called Azibo. Azibo is a software company that specializes in serving smaller independent landlords with a property management system that is highly integrated, but still easy for smaller landlords to...

Calvin Roberts might be the youngest insurance brokerage principal I've ever met. But he is clearly one of the most knowledgeable. On today's show we are talking about the massive increases in insurance premiums and explaining the underlying factors. To...

On today’s show we are talking about the architecture of the future. We are all accustomed to seeing the usual rectangular buildings with the vertical walls and 90 degree angles everywhere. Architects made them more interesting by articulating the facade with...

Today is a milestone for the Real Estate Espresso Podcast. This is the 2000th episode of the podcast. It seems like yesterday that the podcast was a concept, an idea. I had been experimenting with various ways of communicating and had been a guest on numerous shows....

Today’s question comes from Matt who asks: I have a property that we are considering buying that is in a hot neighborhood. The rents in the area are $2,500 a month for a 2BR apartment which is strong for the city as a whole. The city is a rustbelt city that has seen a...

On today show, we are looking at the market for construction workers. With the rising interest rates, there has been a significant reduction in the number of construction jobs underway compared with the same period Last year. It’s no secret that there is a shortage of...

On this podcast we keep trying to make sense out of this economy. It is confusing and there are numerous contradictory signals.  On today’s show we are taking a look at why there appears to be a labor shortage. We keep hearing about the so-called labor shortage and...

Stewart Heath is based in the Huntsville market where he invests in stabilized commercial assets that have a customer facing component. On today's show we are talking about the opportunity that is coming in the world of commercial real estate, as well as some of...

Our book this month is The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential, by Wim Hof. Wim is famous. He has broken more than 26 world records. Some people call him the Ice Man.  In this book, Wim takes the reader through his personal life journey of accidental...

On today’s show we’re talking about household formation and why some adult children are living at home for so much longer than in generations past. It’s not secret that home affordability is a problem for many who are newly independent young adults. There are a few...

On today’s show we are talking about a project that so far has gone nowhere. It’s not a large project, and we did not have anything invested in it besides some time. The subject property was part of a development in the province of Quebec.   The owners of the land had...

Norway raised their interest rates by 50 basis points and announced another raise in August. Switzerland raise their benchmark rate by 25 basis points. The UK raised it’s benchmark rate by 50 basis points up to 5%. China lowered its rate because they see ahead what is...

On today’s show we are taking a look at what is happening in the world of travel and tourism. These changes could have an impact on the world of hospitality as a result, and I believe an impact to where you might choose to invest.   The so-called revenge travel wave...

On today show we’re taking a look at a major shift in the rental housing market. This change is a direct result of the rapid increase in interest rates. A lot has been written in recent months about the so-called lock in effect. I recently attended a talk by Dr. Doug...

Ken McElroy is based in Scottsdale Arizona. I caught up with Ken and his sons in Belize this month where we were speaking at the Investor Summit on Sand. On today's show we are talking about the key constraints in the current environment. To connect with Ken,...

Alan Stewart is based in Grapevine Texas where he has built a sizeable portfolio of rental apartments. On today's show we are talking about making improvements that don't necessarily have to cost extra. To learn more or to connect with Alan, visit his...

Investing is not easy. It is an active business that requires continuous improvement of systems and processes. It also comes with risks that you need to understand and quantify On today’s show we are talking about one of the biggest risks to a short term rental...

On today's show we are taking a look at what is happening in the world of softwood lumber and lumber futures. The entire construction industry for new homes and for many multifamily apartment developments is heavily influenced by lumber futures pricing....

On today’s show we are looking at crypto currencies. It should come as no surprise that governments the world over are not enthusiastic about having a grass roots competitor to official currency of the nation.  Since most of the world exists in the realm of fiat...

On today’s show we are talking about demographics and how this affects real estate on a global basis. Most western economies have declining birth rates. The population of the world is growing.  On today's show we are looking at whether investing strategy is...