Episodes
In this podcast episode, Charles Dobens shares a mix of insightful real estate industry updates and humorous anecdotes. From discussing Blackstone's significant investment in multifamily properties to the challenges landlords face in New York City and beyond, Charles offers a candid look at the current landscape. He also delves into the complexities of office-to-residential conversions and reflects on the pitfalls encountered by syndicator Kenny Wolf. Throughout, Charles injects his trademark...
Published 04/12/24
In today's episode, the Multifamily Attorney, Charles Dobens, delves into the often overlooked but crucial process of transitioning into property ownership. Charles outlines ten indispensable steps that every new owner-operator must take to smoothly navigate this transition. From communicating changes to residents and vendors to ensuring seamless utility transfers, Charles provides invaluable insights gained from years of experience in the multifamily real estate industry. Discover why...
Published 04/10/24
Charles Dobens shares his journey of how he got started in the multifamily real estate business. He talks about his dissatisfaction with his previous career and his burning desire to own apartments. He shares his experience of attending a guru's boot camp and making his first offer on a 40-unit property. He also discusses the challenges he faced with property management and the lessons he learned from his mistakes. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of doing the business the right way...
Published 04/05/24
Join host Charles Dobens in this riveting episode as he delves into the murky waters of real estate coaching and mentoring. With over a decade of experience in the multifamily industry, Charles sheds light on the darker aspects of some coaching programs and shares cautionary tales that every aspiring investor should heed. Tune in to discover the importance of due diligence in selecting a coaching program, and how to identify red flags before signing on the dotted line. Whether you're new to...
Published 04/03/24
Join the Multifamily Attorney, Charles Dobens, as he delves into the intricacies of property management, asset optimization, and navigating contractual challenges in the multifamily real estate arena. In this engaging episode, Charles shares invaluable insights and strategies to empower property owners and investors alike. From maximizing revenue streams to mitigating expenses and understanding the pivotal role of asset management, this episode offers practical advice and real-world...
Published 03/29/24
Join Charles Dobens as he delves into the intricate world of multifamily financial statements in this captivating episode. Drawing from years of experience and a passion for empowering investors, Charles shares invaluable insights on understanding financial statements better than your accountant. From unraveling the mysteries of trailing 12 financial statements to deciphering crucial trends and categories, Charles equips listeners with practical tips to navigate the multifamily investment...
Published 03/27/24
Delve into the complexities of real estate financing as Charles Dobens explore the intricacies of recourse and non-recourse loans in our latest podcast episode. Join Charles in navigating the nuanced terrain of bad boy provisions and shed light on when non-recourse truly means non-recourse. Don't miss out on invaluable insights to safeguard your investments and make informed decisions in the dynamic world of real estate finance. Tune in now!
Published 03/22/24
Discover the transformative power of submetering in multifamily properties as we unravel its complexities and benefits. Please tune in for practical tips and expert advice to optimize utility management and enhance tenant relationships, only on our latest podcast episode. Subscribe now to stay updated on essential topics for multifamily investors!
Published 03/20/24
Join our host, Charles Dobens, in this enlightening episode as he delves into the intricacies of real estate purchase and sale agreements. Drawing from his vast experience, Charles breaks down crucial contract elements designed to protect investors from potential pitfalls. From escape clauses to effective dates, each provision serves to shield investors from unnecessary risks and ensure smoother transactions. Through vivid anecdotes and detailed explanations, Charles empowers listeners with...
Published 03/13/24
Join us as we unravel the intricacies of legal aspects related to real estate, injecting life into the subject for a clearer understanding of the game. I'm your host, Charles Dobens, and in each episode, we'll dissect real cases, providing insights and lessons vital for those navigating the real estate landscape. In this week's session, we embark on a journey through a landmark case - 'JKS Realty versus the City of Nashville.' This case, touching my personal history, delves into eminent...
Published 03/08/24
Join Charles Dobens and Alexandra Alvarado on a captivating exploration of how the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA) has revolutionized the real estate industry. Discover the evolution of AAOA from its foundation as a for-profit organization to becoming a leading resource hub for landlords and property managers nationwide. Explore AAOA's latest venture into buying and selling properties and their exclusive platform for showcasing investment properties. Gain insights into finding...
Published 03/06/24
Join Charles Dobens in this insightful episode where he breaks down the intricacies of letters of intent (LOIs) in the multifamily real estate business. Learn why LOIs are crucial in negotiations, the elements they should contain, and the different types of LOIs. Charles shares real-world examples, cautionary tales, and expert advice on navigating the legal aspects, including dealing with assumptions and protecting yourself in complex transactions. This episode provides valuable insights into...
Published 03/01/24
Welcome to our podcast where we share a unique perspective on the exciting world of converting hotels to apartments. Join us, Charles Dobens and David Peters, as we discuss our unconventional approach and the essential insights you need, whether you're an experienced investor or a newcomer. Stay tuned as we share the top 10 topics on hotel-to-apartment conversions in 2024. In this episode, we focus on preferred returns, financial benchmarks, and the unique opportunities we identify in...
Published 02/28/24
In this podcast episode, Charles Dobens delves into the contentious topic of passive investing, asserting that it might be a scam. He explores three compelling reasons to support his viewpoint. Firstly, he draws parallels between passive investments and pyramid schemes, arguing that only those at the top of the hierarchy benefit substantially. Secondly, he highlights the growing trend of cash calls in passive investments, suggesting that this contradicts the essence of true passivity. Lastly,...
Published 02/23/24
Join us in this episode as Charles Dobens discusses a critical issue in multifamily ownership – escalating problems in the insurance field. Focused on empowering property owners, he explores challenges with insurance renewals and their potential impact on businesses. This episode explores strategies for risk management, including increasing deductibles and implementing programs like the Waiver Program, a groundbreaking solution to involve tenants in insurance costs. He introduces innovative...
Published 02/21/24
In this informative discussion, Charles Dobens shares his insights and experiences in the real estate investment industry. He highlights the importance of timing and strategy when it comes to celebrating success in real estate deals. By debunking the misconception of celebrating at the time of property acquisition, Charles emphasizes the significance of realizing profits and achieving successful conversions. Join Charles as he discusses his approach to hotel-to-apartment conversions and the...
Published 02/16/24
In this episode, Charles Dobens emphasizes the importance of grasping the difference between legal and equitable remedies, cautioning against potential pitfalls in auction contracts that may lead to unforeseen liabilities. Additionally, this episode highlights a specific case where a property had a demolition order, underscoring the need for careful consideration before entering into auction agreements. The overall message encourages individuals to be cautious and informed when dealing with...
Published 02/14/24
Join Charles Dobens in a revealing exploration of the high-stakes world of rescue capital funds. Uncover the backstory of ambitious investors engaging in seemingly lucrative deals, only to find themselves facing the harsh reality of financial strain. Charles shares his keen observations on how these players, faced with impending troubles, are turning to a controversial solution—raising more money under the guise of "rescue capital." Drawing on his experience, Charles urges caution and...
Published 02/09/24
Charles Dobens, the multifamily attorney and founder of the Multifamily Investing Academy, introduces his guest, Cristen Martinez, a seasoned attorney from Tampa, Florida with 14 years of experience in real estate law. The discussion covers working with contractors in multifamily projects, highlighting key provisions to include in contracts. There is a lighthearted banter between Charles and Cristen, with a focus on practical application of property law in real-life scenarios. The...
Published 02/07/24
In this engaging discussion on multifamily due diligence, Charles Dobens, an experienced speaker in the field, shares insights into the three vital documents essential for successful property evaluation. Drawing from his extensive experience, including teaching a comprehensive class on the subject, Charles discusses the significance of these documents. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the multifamily due diligence process, emphasizing the pivotal role of bank statements,...
Published 02/02/24
In this episode, Charles delves into the crucial strategies for success in multifamily investing. Inspired by a thought-provoking episode from Alex Ramosi's podcast, "The Game," Charles explores the concept of time horizons and its impact on two predominant multifamily investment models: the Warren Buffett model and the syndication model. Charles breaks down the differences between rich people who sell and wealthy people who hold, emphasizing the importance of understanding time horizons in...
Published 02/02/24
Charles Dobens delves into the critical aspects of partnerships in the business world, particularly focusing on real estate and limited liability companies. He emphasizes the importance of planning for potential issues before entering into partnerships, sharing practical advice from his own experiences. From tough conversations about roles and abilities to the significance of drafting a non-binding memorandum of understanding, this episode provides valuable insights for anyone considering or...
Published 01/26/24
In today's episode, join Charles Dobens as he dissects the mysteries surrounding construction productivity. Charles talks about a Freakonomics podcast episode titled "Why is it so hard and expensive to build anything in America?" Charles discusses how construction productivity in the U.S. has flatlined since the 1960s, leading to increased costs. The factors contributing to this include regulations, lack of incentives, internal and external factors, and the absence of mass production in the...
Published 01/24/24
Embark on a deep dive into the multifaceted world of multifamily real estate investing. Your host Charles Dobens shares invaluable insights into negotiating seller financing, offering three pivotal tips that can significantly impact the success of your deals. From the nuanced art of strategic questioning to safeguarding your control throughout the deal, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for navigating the complexities of multifamily business. Whether you're a seasoned investor or...
Published 01/19/24