Home Depot As An Economic Indicator

Home Depot As An Economic IndicatorBy: Nicholas A. Dunlap, CPMHome Depot reported that its profits rose over 72% in the 4th Quarter of 2010. This significant increase means more than just padding to Home Depot’s bottom line. Historically, Home Depots profits have shown increased activity in the rehab and upgrade of residential properties, construction of … Continue reading Home Depot As An Economic Indicator →

What To Look For

What To Look ForBy: Nicholas A. Dunlap, CPM One of the questions I get asked the most with regard to investing in real estate is: what rate of return do you look for in order to proceed with an acquisition? The answer, though complex in nature, is quite simple. You see, Real Estate requires more … Continue reading What To Look For →

Due Diligence. Done.

Due Diligence. Done. By: Nicholas A. Dunlap, CPMThe title should read “Smart”, not “Rich”. Of course, the smart are not always rich and the rich are not always smart. This in response to the Wall Street Journal article headline reading “Rich Investors Trust Bankers More Than Press”. While reporters are writers or journalists, Bankers work … Continue reading Due Diligence. Done. →

When Investing, It’s Better to Waste Your Time Than Waste Your Money

When Investing, It’s Better to Waste Your Time Than Waste Your Money By: Nicholas A. Dunlap, CPM Underwriting a potential investment takes time, attention to detail, research and expertise. With that, we look at two potential investment opportunities available: one in Texas, the other in Southern California. Essentially it takes the same amount of work … Continue reading When Investing, It’s Better to Waste Your Time Than Waste Your Money →

From "Extend & Pretend" to "Re-fi & Buy"

From “Extend & Pretend” to “Re-fi & Buy”By: Nicholas A. Dunlap, CPMIf late 2009 through 2010 marked the “Extend & Pretend” era of commercial real estate financing, then 2011 marks the dawning of a new era. As I see it, 2011 marks the beginning of the “Re-fi & Buy” era of commercial real estate. Veteran … Continue reading From "Extend & Pretend" to "Re-fi & Buy" →

The Seven for 2011

The following text is taken from an article I wrote for both Apartment News Magazine February 2011 & the forthcoming Institute of Real Estate Management Los Angeles Digital Magazine-1st Quarter 2011. Continue reading below...The Seven For 2011By: Nicholas A. Dunlap, CPM2011 is upon us and for property owners, it’s back to business as usual. As … Continue reading The Seven for 2011 →

Just What Is That Rate Increase Comprised Of?

Just What Is That Rate Increase Comprised Of? By: Nicholas A. Dunlap, CPM It's a question we have learned to ask in recent years. Public agencies or committees, their boards and decision-makers voting to increase rates exponentially in order to increase their pensions and benefits. In turn, they lobby politicians to support their cause or … Continue reading Just What Is That Rate Increase Comprised Of? →

Stocks & Bonds Vs. Real Estate

Stocks & Bonds Vs. Real EstateBy: Nicholas A. Dunlap, CPMStock & Bond guys love to dog Real Estate. They see it as non-liquid and labor intensive. They see it as one headache after another, from roof leaks to angry tenants. What’s more, they lack the expertise to locate, identify and acquire real estate investments. In … Continue reading Stocks & Bonds Vs. Real Estate →

Chasing My Tale Thanks to Chase Bank

Chasing My Tail Thanks to Chase BankBy: Nicholas A. Dunlap, CPMThroughout the 90s on until 2008 when it became Chase, Washington Mutual or WAMU was a great source of financing for both residential and commercial properties. Service was good, selection varied and loan costs were inexpensive. Now, in their somewhat recent merge with Chase which … Continue reading Chasing My Tale Thanks to Chase Bank →

Why the Estate Tax Sucks

Why the Estate Tax SucksBy: Nicholas A. Dunlap, CPMIf you think it’s bad now, just wait until 2013. When Obama signed H.R. 4853 last month, he agreed to increase the Estate Tax from 0 to 35% in less than two years on individuals with an estate value of $5 million and couples with an estate … Continue reading Why the Estate Tax Sucks →