The Real Estate Espresso Podcast

Today’s show is an unusual show in that we are quoting national statistics. As you know, I don’t love national numbers because they reflect averages and the average often doesn’t apply in specific areas. When we look at demand for homes, and for rentals, there are historic norms that are based on demographics and employment that most market analysts use to predict demand for housing. This feeds into well understood models for household formation, the age at which people start having children, and the time when they purchase their first home. Recent studies are showing that the high cost of housing, combined with higher interest rates rates are reducing the number of new homes being sold to first time buyers across the US. The Mortgage Bankers Association published a new report earlier this week that outlines some startling statistics for single family home sales. We’re going to look at these numbers and then infer what the implications might be for property investors, specifically in the apartment space and in the built to rent segment. Historically, first time home buyers have accounted for an average of 36% of home purchase transactions over the past 20 years. For 2024, this proportion fell to an all time low of 24% of purchases. First homes are being purchased nearly a decade later than historic norms. All of the major national home builders are reporting a slowdown in home sales and an acute slowdown in first time home buyers. Pulte homes, the nation’s third largest home builder reported an 11% decline in first time home sales. -------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

 On today show we’re talking about what is happening in the world of energy. This is a Real Estate podcast. The only reason to be talking about energy is that energy is the economy. For every unit of economic output there is an equivalent unit of energy consume somewhere in the world. These two track one another with razor like Precision.To start with we need to acknowledge that there is no universe in which you can have US energy dominance and low oil prices at the same time. These are mutually exclusive. The cost of shale oil production is so much higher than conventional oil and the capital markets are much more intelligent than they were back in 2009 at the start of the shale oil revolution. There are a handful of oil analysts who I follow. They truly understand, energy markets. In my experience, the mainstream media take a very simplistic view and completely misreport if not outright misrepresent what’s happening in the world of energy.-------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

On today’s show we are talking about the tax reform that was tabled in the US Congress Ways and Means Committee. This new tax bill, ambitiously titled the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" by House Republicans, is poised to introduce a cascade of changes that could reshape the landscape for real estate investors. While still navigating the legislative process, the bill's provisions target substantial tax alterations designed to invigorate various sectors, with real estate emerging as a notable beneficiary.------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

On today’s show we are talking about small bay industrial. This is a segment that offers incredible flexibility. It doubles as office space, as a gym, as last mile inventory for e-commerce. It can even be used as a man-cave for exotic vehicle collections. The past few years have seen a lot of large bay industrial capacity added to the market. In fact, I think there has been so much new supply added, that in some markets, there is excess supply. Amazon overbuilt by nearly 33M SF in 2022 alone. Of course they’re just one supply chain. Adaptability is one of the primary advantages of small-bay facilities. It allows properties to be easily reconfigured to suit different operational needs, allowing landlords to benefit from higher occupancy rates, reduced downtime between tenants, and the ability to cater to shifting market demands. Low competition from new small-bay development enhances the landlord-friendly aspect of small-bay facilities and allows for consistent rent appreciation. We have seen rents in many major cities rise from $8 per SF NNN to over $14 per SF NNN. This represents a significant opportunity to buy existing properties and push rents higher. -------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

On today's show we are looking at China's global leadership in automotive. This is something that will ultimately affect US design an manufacturing, which in turn affects real estate. -----------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

Kelley Brine is based in NYC where she is President of Rose Valley Management, managing a portfolio of more than 10,000 units. On today's show we are talking about the investment mandate and how it has changed. ------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

Kris Reid is based in Valencia in Spain from where he is active in US real estate investing. On today's show we are talking about how to use a podcast as a relationship building platform as a source for new business and referrals. To connect with Kris, visit iconsofrealestate.com----------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

On today’s show we are talking about life changing new habits. I’m going to share how I am using artificial intelligence on a daily basis. I have an AI assistant perpetually open on my phone and on my computer’s desktop. If you are like most people, you probably  experience decision fatigue at a certain point. I know that I certainly do. So one of the ways in which I use AI routinely today is to save mental calories. So if I want to come up with an idea, I will often ask an AI tool to brainstorm 10 ideas on a very specific topic. It takes less energy to review a list of 10 ideas snd use that to stimulate my own thinking than coming up with something from a blank page. -------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

I’m astounded at the frequency with which I see absolute fantasy in proposed commercial projects. The discussion involves the development of a luxury mid-rise building in a tertiary market. Where these smaller tertiary markets have an advantage, is that they have less infrastructure at the municipal level. They won’t have a multi-billion dollar subway system to build and maintain. They don’t have a massive social assistance program. The extent of their utilities is much more contained and therefore the impact fees charged to developers are much lower. So that has the effect of lowering the land cost. Generally speaking, the land cost will be lower compared with the competitive environment of the big city.This past week I looked at a project that has taken investor capital from some pretty savvy people. Yet somehow in a matter of about 3 minutes I was able to spot the flaws in the investment thesis by this so-called developer. -------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

On today’s show we are looking at an event in financial markets that could represent a tipping point. These events have occurred with regularity over the years. Think of the Greek Sovereign debt crisis in 2012 that threatened to topple the entire European banking system. Think of Lehman Brothers in 2008. There was the bank failures in the US in 2023. These events often expose the counter party risk that is inherent in our globally interconnected financial system. The problem is showing up in the latest spike in US Treasury yields. It happened very rapidly between May 1 and May 2 of last week. Now we have become accustomed to very high volatility in US Treasury yields. Most of that is routinely blamed on the unpredictable nature of the White House.But this one was different. There was no news from the White House that fundamentally would affect Treasury yields. The threat to impose tariffs on foreign movies is not enough to move the needle. So who is dumping US Treasuries? What happened at the same time as the spike in US Treasury yields was a precipitous drop in the Taiwanese dollar against the US dollar. So who in Taiwan is dumping Treasuries? It turns out that Taiwanese life insurance companies had loaded up on US Treasuries and failed to purchase a hedge against interest rate volatility.  Why did they not buy insurance? They thought the insurance was too expensive. The liberation day announcement from Donald Trump had been pending for weeks. It was making front page headlines around the world, and still the risk managers at these Taiwanese insurance companies thought that they would take the risk and not buy the insurance. The high price of the insurance was a reflection of the elevated risk.---------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)