Invest With Those You Trust

You’re an investor, and you’ve tried traditional investments, but you’re ready for more. You want something that gives you better, more consistent returns with less headache to achieve your investing goals more quickly. You know that most of the millionaires and billionaires in the US have improved their financial situation through investing in real estate and you want to invest with someone you can trust, while avoiding the hassle and learning curve that goes along with doing it yourself. A great way to invest in real estate is through passive investment in multifamily properties. Multifamily is a particularly good asset class because people need a place to live, so it is more insulated to economic conditions than some other commercial sectors. Many organizations offer the opportunity to passively invest in multifamily properties, but it is important to understand that as an investor, who you do business with is just as important as the business itself. We’re here to help you ask the right questions to make sure your multifamily investment is profitable and managed by people you can trust.

Take the time to get to know the manager or group managing your money on an intimate level. Treat your investment like a job interview. Make sure you hire someone that is going to be a good steward of your money and a loyal partner along the way. Dig into their track record, get to know their team, and learn about their approach when it comes to investing.

Do their investing goals align with your goals?

Real estate can be a great investment for a variety of reasons including value creation, cash flow and tax advantages. It is important that you be honest with yourself on your goals for investing in real estate so that you can invest with a group that undertakes projects consistent with your objectives. Is current cash flow your primary objective or are you using this vehicle primarily to accumulate net worth and provide a better future for yourself and your family? Real estate is a much less liquid investment than stocks, so it is important to think through your time horizon. While everyone would love to make as much money as possible as quickly as possible, being clear about when you are likely to need the funds you are investing back in your hands will help you make a better choice on what project to invest in. You should ask if they are focused on current cash flow or capital gain, when distributions are likely to start and how long the property is expected to be held.

What level of information and transparency will be provided to you?

Are they providing information on their track record and where they are in any currently owned projects? How often do they provide updates on the property performance and what information is provided in those updates? Are you able to schedule visits to the properties you are invested in to see them with your own eyes? Do they offer an online portal to allow you to review the financials of an investment 24 hours a day?

Learn about the team that will be handling your money.

Ask about their story. Learn about who they are, what they believe in, and how they do

business. How much experience do they have in multifamily investments? Does the team contain people with strong financial, property management and/or asset management backgrounds? Do they understand the fiduciary role that they are taking on when investing your money, do they feel personally accountable for the results you experience? Are the residents and team members that work on their sites a means to an end or is benefitting the residents and team members part of the overall goal? Do they give back to their communities?

If possible, meet the team and get to know who’s on the other side of that phone call or email

you just sent. Is someone available to answer any questions you may have along the way? Know who you’re dealing with, and who will play what part in your investment. You should understand the heartbeat of the company and feel confident in doing business with them. Look for the manager that will step into your shoes, someone that will take ownership of the destiny of your money.

How are they paid for their work on the project?

Do they take acquisition fees when the property is purchased? While this is not uncommon, if the acquisition fee exceeds what they invest in the project they are getting paid for closing the investment even if the investment doesn’t perform. Does any of your original investment get reallocated up front or are allocations to sponsors only from the profits on the project? Reallocation is a less common scenario, but one that should be clearly understood. There is really no harm as long as all goes well; however, if at the end of the day the property sells at a break even, that reallocation could mean that the sponsor made money when you did not get a full return of your investment. You should ask how the sponsor will be paid. What fees does the sponsor take throughout the project? Ask the sponsor how their fee structures are aligned with the performance of your investment. The more aligned the sponsor is with the investors, the better chance that the sponsor is continually making decisions that are in your best interest.

How do they add value as compared to their competitors?

Are they able to provide more detailed oversight through in-house management? What systems and processes have they developed that make them more efficient or effective than their peers? Are they cost effective in their upgrade programs by handling things in house, strong vendor relationships and bulk sourcing of their materials either domestically or internationally?

What do their investors say about them?

This tells a lot about the character of the manager. Most people will paint themselves positively but be sure and measure their honesty in this question. It’s a test of self-awareness and an honest appraisal of how other investors see them, not just how they see themselves. Ask for references and speak with investors who are invested currently and particularly ones who have seen a project go full circle and have received a return upon sale.

Again, who you do business with is just as important as the business itself. Don’t leave these questions unanswered. Click here to interview us today. We’d love the opportunity to earn your trust and investment.

 

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EXPONENTIAL PROPERTY MGMT. DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Lisa Harris

Lisa Harris is the Director of Operations for Exponential Property Management. In this capacity, she is responsible for driving property performance, monitoring market performance, and providing leadership oversight to a growing team of regional and property managers. 

Lisa has over three decades of experience in multifamily operations and property management. Prior to joining Exponential Property Management, Lisa served as a Regional Director for W3 Luxury Living. In this capacity, she provided directional leadership supporting the businesses property management efforts. She has also held significant regional leadership roles with Monogram Residential Trust, Behringer Harvard, and Lincoln Property Company. 

Lisa studied Advertising and Public Relations at Texas Christian University. She is also a Certified Apartment Manager via the National Apartment Association, as well as a Certified Property Manager via the Institute of Real Estate Management. Lisa is an active member of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas. 

DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION

Stan DeMille

Stan DeMille is the Director of Construction and Development for Exponential Property Group. In this capacity, he provides strategic leadership and direct oversight to the construction aspects of the firm’s ground-up development and value-add renovation projects.

Stan has nearly three decades of architectural and construction management experience. Prior to joining Exponential Property Group, Stan was a Senior Project Manager for Jones Lange LaSalle where he was directly responsible for managing the ground-up development and redevelopment of Chick-fil-A’s throughout the Southwest. In this capacity, he handled all aspects of development from managing relationships with municipalities, architects, civil engineers, and vendors to ensure timely project completion. He also held various construction and development leadership roles with Bar Louie Restaurants, Lact Call Operating, and Consolidated Development Services. 

Stan holds his Bachelors of Science in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. Stan spends most of his free time with his wife and twin boys. He is actively involved in his sons’ extracurricular activities including theater, rock climbing, and baseball.

VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE AND ACQUISITIONS

Sterling Worth

Sterling Worth is the Vice President of Finance and Acquisitions for Exponential Property Group. In this capacity, Sterling leads all investment sourcing and analysis efforts for the firm, as well as debt and equity raising, and asset management. 

Sterling has nearly two decades of institutional commercial real estate investment experience where he has a multi-billion dollar track record of successful capital placement spanning all commercial real estate asset classes. Before joining Exponential, he spent over a decade with Invesco Real Estate, and several years with Clarion Partners.

Sterling holds his Bachelors of Business Administration from Texas A&M University. Most of his free time is spent with his wife Natalie, his daughter Lily, and son Turner. 

EXIST MULTIFAMILY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Francis Murphy

Francis Murphy is the Director of Operations for Exist Multifamily. In this capacity, he leads a team of operations, sales, and business development professionals for the materials and graphics businesses, respectively. 

Prior to joining Exist Multifamily, Francis owned and operated a Junior Soccer Club in the United Kingdom. His passion for teamwork, development, sports, and giving back to the community fueled his leadership and propelled his success for over a decade in the profession. Prior to this, Francis was an Operations Manager for one of the United Kingdom’s largest pharmaceutical companies where he managed a large team of professionals and maintained direct responsibility for all supply chain operations. 

When Francis isn’t building the materials and graphics businesses at Exist, you can find him spending time making close friends laugh over a competitive game of Texas Hold’em Poker or traveling. 

DIRECTOR OF INVESTOR SERVICES

Amanda Schwarz

Amanda Schwarz is the Director of Investor Services for Exponential Property Group. In this capacity, she oversees all aspects of capital raises, investor communications, and database management for our Investor Services team.

Prior to joining Exponential, Amanda spent over two decades in various client and office management capacities. She brings extensive management and interpersonal skills alongside her multifamily real estate experience, making her uniquely qualified to lead in her current role. 

Amanda holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. When she isn’t spending time making sure Exponential investors have a top-tier client experience, she loves spending time with her family. She also enjoys hiking with her husband and traveling.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Heather Goodell

Heather Goodell is the Chief Financial Officer for Exponential Property Group and it’s affiliated companies. In this capacity, she is responsible for leading and growing a team that oversees all Accounting and Financial statement reporting, Federal and State tax reporting, Treasury Management services and other supporting areas for the firm’s various lines of business.

Prior to joining Exponential, Heather served as CFO for RealManage where she supported all Finance and Accounting activities, including deep involvement with middle-market M&A activity for the firm.

Heather is a licensed CPA and holds her Masters of Accountancy from Auburn University Harbert College of Business as well as her Bachelors of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. She loves to spend her free time with her family, friends, and reading a good book.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Natasha Austin

Natasha Austin is the Chief Operating Officer for Exponential Property Group and Exponential Property Management. In this capacity, she acts as the strategic leader over all property management operations and value-add renovation strategy for the company. 

Natasha has deep domain expertise having spent over two decades in multifamily property management and operations. Prior to joining Exponential Property Group as the Director of Operation in 2015, she led property management efforts in various capacities with DD Fire, Pegasus Residential, Guardian Real Estate Services, and United Apartment Group. 

When Natasha is not leading her team of over 100 professionals at Exponential, you can find her with her husband traveling with her kids who are avid baseball players. She also acts as the Executive Director of the Martha’s Ranch Foundation, a 501c3 created to provide a source of fun and support tailored for families with autistic children.

PRINCIPAL CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Matthew Bays

Matthew Bays is the Managing Principal and Chief Development Officer for Exponential Property Group as well as the Chief Executive Officer for Exist Multifamily, Exponentials materials and graphics company. Matt oversees the identification and execution of new property development opportunities for the firm, as well as leading and growing the multi-million dollar materials and graphics company.

Prior to joining Exponential in 2017, Matt oversaw all U.S. operations for Renew Sleep Solutions where he led all aspects of operations, business development, new site development, and design/implementation of workflow technologies. He also held senior level roles with Davita, Varsity Shoppe, Iron Mountain, Pinogy Corp, and Dell Corporation. 

Matt holds his MBA from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business as well as his Bachelors of Science from the University of Texas at Austin. When he is not creating new business ideas, or developing new technology, his efforts are directed towards his role as Chairman of the Board for the Martha’s Ranch Foundation, a 501c3 he created alongside his wife to provide a source of fun and support tailored for families with autistic children. When not working, you can find Matt spending time with his wife Kim, son, Jett, or twin step-sons James and Nathan. Matt is an avid traveler and scuba diver.