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Location Is a Lever: How Rental Property Investors Can Use (and Not Abuse) “Hot Market” Lists
Markets don’t make decisions—investors do. The location of the market you invest in is one of the few levers you control. by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer® Financial Planning With rental properties, there are things you control—and things you don’t. You can choose a fixed interest rate . You can model conservative rent and expense assumptions. You can decide how much leverage you’re willing to carry. What you can’t control is when interest rates re

Rich Arzaga
6 days ago5 min read


Zombie Malls: From Decline to Community Renaissance
NewPark Mall, Newark, CA conceptual rendering. By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ® Financial Planning When I first shared the initial article in this series on Zombie Malls, I didn’t anticipate it evolving into a miniseries. Yet here we are, exploring one of the most compelling examples of revitalizing a declining property type: transforming dead shopping malls into vibrant multifamily developments. This trend addresses a critical housing shortage and ad

Rich Arzaga
Feb 222 min read


A Landlord’s Survival Guide: What to Do When a Tenant Passes Away
By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer® Financial Planning As a landlord, you understand that your role goes beyond collecting rent and maintaining the property. You handle everything from repairs and late payments to tenant disputes and evictions. However, one situation that many landlords may not prepare for is a tenant's death. While this may be an unfortunate and challenging experience, knowing how to navigate this sensitive issue legally and emotionally i

Rich Arzaga
Feb 204 min read


Renting vs. Owning: Finding the Right Answer for You
by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ® Financial Planning Questions about buying a first home often spark concern, especially for Millennials and Gen Z. Charts like the above can amplify this uncertainty. The Good News There is a correct answer to the rent vs. own question for each household, and it lies in understanding your financial priorities, resources, cash flow, and long-term goals. As a financial planner, I’ve helped many navigate this decision by b

Rich Arzaga
Jan 202 min read


The Office Building Conundrum: Insights from a Notable Transaction
Recently sold at an approximately 80% discount from the previous sale: The Offices at Public Market Class-A Building, 6001 Shellmound St,...

Rich Arzaga
Jan 132 min read
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