Post Brothers’ Post

Transforming Urban Spaces: The Case for ADUs In bustling urban environments, space is at a premium. Enter ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units—an innovative solution to modern housing challenges. Here’s why ADUs might just be the answer cities are looking for: Economic Utility: ADUs can provide homeowners with a steady income stream, easing financial burdens and increasing property value. Affordability & Equity: By enhancing housing supply, ADUs offer more accessible options for diverse populations, from first-time buyers to those looking to downsize. Community Resilience: More units mean more eyes on the street, fostering safer and more connected neighborhoods. Environmental Impact: Building up rather than out minimizes urban sprawl and preserves green spaces. How do you see ADUs fitting into the future of urban development? Let’s discuss! REALBoston.org

Building and Climbing. Learning and Sharing. The first article that I co-authored with colleagues at Brookings was published today. Please see link below about our work to help more people of color own commercial property in Baltimore, Cleveland and Detroit. #WeOwnThis

The ongoing argument of building out, or building up? https://lnkd.in/gZNqpHgP #blackthorn #thestar #planning #bild #wilkes #blackthorndevelopment

Everett has become a housing boomtown in the past decade. I decided to take a closer look to see what's driving that growth. Proximity to Boston, large swaths of industrial land coming up for sale, or favorable city policies? Turns out, it's all three. But there is a downside: Most of the new housing isn't affordable for Everett residents. And then there's all that traffic! https://lnkd.in/eH_NvgT7

"Contrary to popular belief, manufactured homes offer ample opportunities for customization and personalization. Modern manufactured homes boast a wide range of features and design options, allowing residents to tailor their homes to suit their individual preferences and lifestyle. From floor plans and finishes to appliances and fixtures, homeowners have the freedom to create a space that reflects their unique taste and personality." 🏡 (Get the scoop on the hottest news and trends in Manufactured Housing – Read and subscribe to my daily newsletter!) 👇 https://lnkd.in/eCS4WQRV #mobilehomepark #manufacturedhousing #technlogy #news #manufacturedhousingcommunities #realestate #investment #homebuyer #mobilehomeinvesting #buildcommunity #helpcommunity #investor #realestateinvestors #sustainability #affordability #housingmarketupdates #communityliving #housing #TheRealEstateSolutionist

Great article! Zoning has been an impediment to developing afforable housing, where people want it, for a long time. I believe KC is correct in that we are in the beginning stages of a major trend toward little to no R1 zoning in primary and secondary metros. I believe this trend will sweep across these metros over the next few quarters. This zoning trend combined with Fanny's 5% down for multifamily purchases up to 4 units will be a boon for small multifamily development in late 2024-2025.

Affordable Housing solutions require tackling rezoning issues and NIMBY-ism. "One city has been at the forefront of these conversations: Minneapolis. That's because Minneapolis was ahead of the pack as it made a series of changes to its zoning rules in recent years: allowing more density downtown and along transit corridors, getting rid of parking requirements, permitting construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary dwellings on the same lot. And one change in particular made national news: The city ended single-family zoning, allowing two- and three-unit homes to be built in every neighborhood." #cre #ccim #sior #naiop #trepp #zoning #commercialrealestate #affordablehousing https://lnkd.in/gG8kvJze

🏡 Let's Talk Housing! 🏡 So, we all know the U.S. is facing a housing crisis, right? The thing is, zoning rules play a big part in this. They can either help or hinder the availability of affordable housing. A recent article from NPR shed light on how zoning reform efforts in different cities and states are making a difference. Thanks KC for sharing a great article! The article highlighted how outdated zoning rules have often led to exclusionary practices, limiting housing options for many. But there's hope! Efforts to reform zoning regulations, like getting rid of parking requirements and promoting mixed-income housing, are making a real impact. Just look at the Sundial Building in Minneapolis! Learning from successful zoning reform efforts and advocating for more housing options is key. It's clear that addressing the nitty-gritty details of zoning regulations is vital in producing more housing in the U.S. In a nutshell, the misconception between density and affordable housing can be tackled through thoughtful zoning reform that's all about inclusivity and accessibility. Let's keep the conversation going on how zoning reform can create a more inclusive and accessible housing landscape. #housingcrisis #ZoningReform #AffordableHousing #Inclusivity #Accessibility

With SB-684 nearly here, I thought it might be a good time to start posting projects that demonstrate the potential of the new bill. SB-684 provides ministerial review for the creation of a subdivision for 10 units or less. This will decrease time and cost for developers. It also means that units can be sold fee simple, which will increase their value. All of this will encourage development, and development will increase density. Density helps bring down the cost of housing and benefits the community, all while creating highly livable spaces and returning a profit for the developer. These 8 units were part of a mini-lot subdivision and ultimately built on their own individual fee simple lot. They replaced an abandoned church that was deemed a safety hazard. The project was completed with one of our earliest clients, Dogtown Development. Together we built hundreds of units, many of them in mini-lot subdivisions like this. Lots could be as small as 1000sf. (Under SB-684 they can be as small as 600sf. In aggregate small developers like Dogtown changed the early Oakland landscape, helping to add housing and drive down costs. I’m hoping to see more of this across California as SB-684 takes hold. These homes were done in thoughtful ways that did not sacrifice livability. Density doesn’t mean you have to give up light, air, and outdoor space. It was also profitable. Back when these were built the owner builder self performed for around 250/ft. With the basis and soft cost, these (8) 1100sf, 2br, 2.5ba homes would have cost ~3M to build (~375k each). At the time they would have sold for at least 500k each, 4M total. The developer chose to hold and manage this property. They are currently valued at ~800k each and renting at ~3000 / month.

Our current land development regulations promote building low density further away from urban service areas. These same regulation often prevent the creation of new “Places”, new neighborhoods, new towns. Its a philosophy that enforces the belief that only the towns/cities that existed in the 1980’s are the only towns/cities that should ever exist in perpetuity, a philosophy that believes we should destroy our small towns and mid sized towns rather than create new ones. This idea of strict adherence to Euclidian and single use zoning, where long range Comprehensive Plans determine future land uses based upon the desires and beliefs of a few select individuals, where lower and lower density is promoted, is proving to be a design for failure.