The Self Storage University Podcast

It’s not uncommon for a self-storage facility owner to manipulate their numbers in hope of deceiving you into paying a higher price that is not justified by the current net income. In this Self-Storage University podcast w

Many self-storage buyers look for direction from real estate brokers. But in today’s market, that can often lead to bad investment choices. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review some of the untruths that the brokerage community is telling buyers as well as what you really need to know.

Given the current lending upheaval with storage facilities, obtaining seller debt is a welcome change from traditional banks. But there are some minimum thresholds regarding seller note construction that you need to be aware of. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the science behind these minimum standards.

Around 30% of all self-storage CMBS properties are on a “watch list” for default, and while the industry has fared well overall, there has been a change in attitude away from a standard practice called “extend and pretend”. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore what this lender action is and what it means for the self-storage industry going forward.

Some Self-Storage deals have securitized “conduit” debt on them, which can create complications due to a requirement called “defeasance”. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review what this is exactly and strategies to minimize or eliminate it.

Forging a good deal in today’s climate requires creativity. And common tools to make the numbers fit – and ensure performance – are “escrows” and “earn - outs”. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review how to use these concepts when crafting a deal.

Most every self-storage facility as someone who acts as the manager, and their attitude and aggressiveness plays a key part in the asset’s success or failure. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review some concrete methods to motivate your manager to maximize your net income.

Any first offer that fails to elicit a counter-offer is deemed a failure. Despite this fact, too many buyers do not put enough thought or strategy in coming up with that price. In this Self-Storage University podcast we're going to explore the methodology behind making a successful first offer.

Elvis Presley did not produce many quotes but the few he had are worthy of introspection. In this Self-Storage University podcast we're going to review Elvis' thoughts on ego and why he was completely correct on the damaging side effects.

Some people describe any new investor in self-storage as a "newbie" – a term that I find offensive and irrelevant. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the many reasons why the word "newbie" should never be used.

Self-Storage has had the second worst performance in U.S. commercial real estate, with the average property down 22% in value since 2021 – exceeded only by office buildings, which are down 35%. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review how some storage properties and owners got things so wrong and the lessons learned from their failure.

Just when the interest rate environment had started to stabilize, the war in Iran has thrown a monkey wrench into that smooth trajectory. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review the potential impact to U.S. interest rates from the current turbulent markets.

Tackling Tough Negotiators While most sellers are good-natured and fair, there are also ones that are nearly impossible to work with. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the proactive steps to disarming even the toughest negotiators.

Every smart self-storage facility owner strives to be properly protected from risk by carrying the correct insurance. But do you have every base covered? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review some of the risks you may not have considered.

Sometimes overkilling is a good business strategy. In this Self - Storage University podcast we’re going to explore how to take a lesson from World War I and use it as a success roadmap.

Every self - storage facility needs a manager – but you’ll make more money if you choose a great one. But to select a good candidate you must first think through what attributes they would possess. In this Self - Storage University podcast we’re going to explore what characteristics all great managers share.

Warren’s Buffett’s Big Weakness While Warren Buffett became the most successful stock investor of all time, he did have one big weakness that needs to be addressed. In this Self - Storage University podcast we’re going to explore Buffett’s one big flaw and how to avoid making the same mistake.

What if you could combine two well-established methods to find self-storage properties to buy and create one unified system to improve your odds greater than each component individually? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the one-two punch method to improve your deal flow.

There are methods of reducing taxes for self-storage owners, but they come with great risks that are rarely discussed. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the often misunderstood subject of tax deferral methods and their potentially harmful implications.

When you are looking at a self-storage facility to buy, sometimes comments are made by sellers, or their brokers, that have hidden meanings. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to unlock what the simple expressions that many sellers and brokers use on a regular basis really mean.

Unless you can do everything yourself, you will have to hire contractors to perform certain services at your storage facility. But are you paying too much for them? In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore some strategies to get you the lowest cost from vendors.

Creating a sense of urgency for your self-storage facility seller can often be difficult. But when you’ve been waiting for a while for them to sign a contract, you realize that you have to take some proactive action. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to review some of the most effective ways to build a fire under sellers.

Self-storage properties recently made the #1 position on the lists that nobody wants to be on: 1) fastest declining same-store occupancy and 2) fastest declining same-store rents. But with every storm cloud there is a silver lining for those who stay on top of the trends and make their plans accordingly.

For many storage buyers, seller financing is an important component to that transaction. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore some of the methods you can use to enhance your ability to obtain seller carry.

There is an art to renegotiation based on the science of what’s worked in the past. In this Self-Storage University podcast we’re going to explore the best methods to get what you want when renegotiating a contract.