Amenities like reliable high-speed Internet, more space and soundproofing have become more important to apartment tenants. Bendix Anderson | Feb 01, 2022 | Source: WealthManagement.com As many renters continue to work from home, they want different things out of their apartment communities. “You see this substantial increase in the amount of renters who say they telework ‘most days’ or ‘every day,’” says Sarah Yaussi, vice president of business strategy for NMHC. Related: Multifamily Developers Try to Keep Pace with Demand These renters are more likely to move because they want more space ..read more

     In 2021, one prominent trend facing multifamily owners will be continuous rent reduction requests made by tenants.  In a market besieged by high vacancies and an oversupply of apartments, renters recognize this unique opportunity to pressure landlords to reduce rents – some agreeing to temporary reductions, while others push for more permanent ones.  Its critical for landlords to understand the weight of these decisions; any reduction – short-term or long-term – can and will greatly impact cash-flow and overall value of your building, so distinguishing between th ..read more

Will tenants pay rent?  Since April 1st, this angst-driven question has weighed heavily on every multifamily landlord in the Bay Area and beyond.  While local and national reports indicate a strong, steady range between 86-95% of on-time payments – either at full or partial payment – most apartment owners have maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook, while paying special attention to the latest trends. For owners in Oakland’s most desired submarkets – Adams Point, Lakeshore, Grand Lake, Piedmont Ave, Rockridge, Cleveland Heights and more – rents have been minimally impacted.  ..read more

  As we currently live through this unprecedented pandemic known as COVID-19, I want to use this global pause to constructively reevaluate my why – my purpose, my cause – in terms of how I invest my time as a multifamily strategist.  My typical day consists of monitoring transactions; connecting with current and prospective clients; evaluating the market; analyzing properties; and what I consider my most meaningful act – creating original content (this blog) for those invested in local multifamily real estate.  In full admission, I get swept up in the busyness of this business ..read more

Q&A with Teresa Fluegel: Executive Vice President of Chicago Deferred Exchange Co. & the Bay Area’s trusted Certified Exchange Specialist®   In today’s market, East Bay landlords are exploring whether to buy, sell and/or leverage. Because of this trend, it seems like the perfect time to share our Q&A with Teresa Fluegel, Executive Vice President at Chicago Deferred Exchange Company (CDEC) & one of the most dynamic Certified Exchange Specialists® in the San Francisco Bay Area. On a personal note, Teresa and I have known each other since my first year in real estate (2005 ..read more

For multifamily owners in restrictive, rent-controlled markets like Oakland, vacancies are commonly viewed as opportunities to bring depressed, underpriced units up to market rent.  It’s the chance to capture higher rental rates; maximize annual cash flow and profitability; and increase overall value of an asset.  This was exceptionally true between 2011 and 2017, when Oakland’s unprecedented demand created a market imbalance favoring landlords.  Units were absorbed in record breaking time; rents rose dramatically; and vacancy rates dropped – especially the well-maintained prop ..read more

2019 was an exciting year for East Bay Real Estate & the LOH SISTERS Team. We hope you have enjoyed our monthly updates, and we look forward to sharing more with you in 2020! In the spirit of the holiday season, we are pleased to share our 2019 Annual East Bay Multifamily Real Estate Report created specifically for Oakland owners of apartment assets. Download free report   We hope this information is useful as you navigate the opportunities and trends in the coming year and beyond. Warm holiday wishes to you & your family,   ..read more

Strong tenancies are the driving force of value for multifamily investments. A strong tenancy is the difference between reliably receiving rents on time vs. filing unlawful detainers; the occasional request vs. multiple trips to the rent board; normal wear and tear vs. thousands of dollars of damage.  Without strong tenancies, landlords are vulnerable to a host of problems and immeasurable loss of time and money – all of which directly threaten an investor’s cash flow and financial security.  In today’s rental market, competition is at an all-time high for strong tenancies backed by ..read more

For several weeks, owners and prospective investors have contacted us to express a range of emotions relating to two of the latest real estate developments: California’s statewide rent control initiative (AB1482) and the estimated 10,000 new units entering Oakland’s rental market.  While both claim to address the lack of affordable housing and homelessness, these narratives have incited uneasiness and frustration in some, and excitement for future opportunities in others.     This month, we explore four ways AB1482 and new construction enhance Oakland’s long-term potential ..read more

Multifamily real estate has been historically proven as one of the most stable investment vehicles for investors establishing multi-generational wealth. Over the years – as both Oakland landlords and local property managers – we found this to be true, particularly for those who acquired properties in the 80s, 90s and early 2000s in submarkets like Grand Lake, Rockridge, Lakeshore, Adams Point, Cleveland Heights and more.  With decades-long patience paying off in spades, coupled with unprecedented demand for East Bay real estate and historically low interest rates, Oakland’s establis ..read more