ADU Real Estate

Hosted by Stephanie Gutierrez

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Steph's Podcast is a place where we will share all things real estate, specifically ADUs & Multifamily. From past client's sharing their experiences to local businesses, entrepreneurship , & mindset. A look into perspectives within the real estate space to collectively educate and impact our communities. I hope that these shared stories & perspective's on this podcast resonates with many of you. Most importantly we're here to have fun so let’s go! Follow me on Instagram @stephsellsadus @the_ADU_play @gg_Investments_ Check out my website: www.adugginvestments.org

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 20, 2026Episode 9732 min

EP 97: The ADU Mistakes That Can Cost Homeowners Thousands

In Episode 97, I sit down with Yvette Hitchens, California real estate broker, educator, entrepreneur, founder of The Hitchens Team, and creator of The MH Trainer, to talk about both sides of ADU ownership: the opportunities ADUs can create and the costly mistakes homeowners need to avoid. With nearly three decades of experience in real estate, Yvette has worked with buyers, sellers, landlords, veterans, manufactured housing clients, and property owners. In this conversation, we get into the realities of using real estate and ADUs to create additional income, but also why choosing the right contractors, tenants, and professionals can make or break your investment. We dive into: • How Yvette’s son used an ADU to offset his mortgage • Why ADUs can create a path toward homeownership and long-term flexibility • Using Section 8 as an ADU rental strategy • Why tenant screening should always be treated like a business decision • The danger of making emotional decisions when renting to friends or family • How fake documents and pay stubs are making tenant screening more complicated • The contractor red flags every ADU homeowner should know • Why you should always verify licenses, bonds, reviews, and payment schedules • How Yvette’s sister lost tens of thousands of dollars to an unlicensed ADU contractor • Why large upfront construction payments should be a major red flag • How homeowners can better protect themselves before beginning an ADU project • Why working with experienced professionals can save you from extremely expensive mistakes ADUs can be an incredible tool for creating income, offsetting a mortgage, housing family members, and building long-term wealth, but only when the project and property are managed correctly. The opportunity is real, but so are the risks. If you're considering building an ADU, hiring a contractor, becoming a landlord, or using rental income to make homeownership more affordable, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. @stephsellsADUs adugginvestments.org

August 13, 2026Episode 9633 min

EP 96: SB 79, AB 1033 & the Next Big Real Estate Opportunity

In this episode, I sit down with David Simmons, founder of StrataX Development and Silverback Capital, to break down how California’s changing housing laws are creating entirely new opportunities for homeowners, investors, and developers. David specializes in California infill development and approaches real estate through what we call the “density lens”: instead of simply looking for the next flip or ground-up development, understanding the highest and best use of a property and using California housing legislation to unlock its potential. We dive into: • Why investors should start looking at properties through a “density lens” • How SB 9 is creating opportunities for homeowners and investors • Why AB 1033 could completely change the way we value and sell ADUs • The San Jose AB 1033 project that sold for nearly $1.6 million • How SB 79 creates new development opportunities near public transit • Why David is combining SB 79 with SB 330 • How re-entitlement alone can create significant value before construction begins • Why bill stacking is becoming an important skill for California developers • How financing fits into successful density and development strategies • What makes a property ideal for future ADU condo sales • Why corner lots and alley access can create better development opportunities • How “quiet density” can add housing without completely changing neighborhood character This conversation goes beyond simply building an ADU. It’s about understanding legislation, financing, entitlements, design, construction, and exit strategy, and learning how all of those pieces work together to create value. California’s housing laws are changing quickly, and for investors who understand how to implement them, those changes are creating opportunities that didn’t exist before. If you're serious about ADUs, infill development, SB 79, AB 1033, lot splits, entitlement strategies, or creating more value from California real estate, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. @stephsellsADUs adugginvestments.org

August 4, 2026Episode 9551 min

EP 95: The Co-Living Play: How PadSplit Turns a 3-Bed Into $14K/Month

In this episode, I sit down with Tony Amigleo, US Market Advisor at PadSplit and a real estate investor of more than 10 years, to talk about co-living, the rent-by-the-room model, and why it's becoming one of the highest-yielding strategies for single family and ADU owners. We dive into the realities of operating a co-living property, including room conversions, screening and collections, occupancy rates, management fees, member retention, and how the model compares to short-term and midterm rentals in today's regulatory climate. Tony shares firsthand insight from his path through lending, short-term rental operations in Austin, and now advising investors across Orange County and San Diego, including why the STR market contracted, what property types actually convert well, and how ADUs fit into the rent-by-the-room strategy. We dive into: What PadSplit actually is and how the two-sided marketplace works Why short-term rentals contracted — regulation, saturation, and slower travel The conversion math behind turning a 3/2 or 4/2 into six or seven private rooms Minimum square footage, egress, and building rooms to code Real room rates in Austin, LA, and San Diego, and how pricing is set What the 8% management fee actually covers Screening, collection rates, and how problem members get handled Who the 14 million single-resident occupants really are Average tenure, occupancy rates, and what drives retention Why ADUs and co-living work so well together The costs owners still carry — utilities, furnishing, and conversion This conversation goes beyond just cash flow — it's a deep dive into affordable housing, the workforce that can't afford to live where it works, and how investors can solve for both returns and real housing need at the same time. If you're interested in co-living, ADUs, rent-by-the-room strategy, midterm rentals, or repositioning a property that no longer pencils out, this episode is packed with valuable insight. @stephsellsADUs adugginvestments.org padsplit.com

June 4, 2026Episode 9439 min

EP 94: The Hidden ADU Cost Most Homeowners Miss

In this episode, I sit down with Yusuf Mohammed — Chief Design Officer and Co-Founder of Plumis, creator of the award-winning Automist smart fire suppression system — to discuss one of the most overlooked costs in ADU development: fire protection requirements. While most homeowners focus on design, permits, and construction costs, many are surprised to discover that fire sprinkler requirements, water meter upgrades, and utility infrastructure can add thousands of dollars to an ADU project. Yusuf shares how his team developed a new approach to fire suppression that helps address some of the infrastructure challenges homeowners, builders, and developers face when building ADUs and tiny homes. We dive into: • Why fire protection requirements can dramatically impact ADU budgets • The hidden costs behind water meter and utility upgrades • How fire sprinkler requirements vary by jurisdiction • The difference between traditional sprinkler systems and targeted water mist technology • Why infrastructure becomes a major challenge as housing density increases • How tiny homes and ADUs are helping address housing shortages worldwide • What homeowners should understand before starting an ADU project • How modern technology is changing building safety and construction costs • The role fire protection plays in future housing development This episode offers a unique perspective on a topic that doesn't get enough attention in the ADU world but can have a significant impact on project feasibility, costs, and long-term safety. If you're considering an ADU, tiny home, garage conversion, or development project, this conversation will help you better understand one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of the building process. @stephsellsADUs adugginvestments.org

May 21, 2026Episode 9346 min

EP 93: California vs Colorado ADUs: What Investors Need to Know

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Moore, third-generation builder, design-build expert, and founder of Prospect 38 Construction, to talk about the evolving ADU market in Colorado and how it compares to what we’re seeing in California. We dive into the realities of building ADUs outside of California, including zoning changes, construction costs, political pushback, lending challenges, insurance concerns, and the growing demand for multi-generational living. Chris shares firsthand insight from years of building custom homes, additions, and ADUs throughout the Denver metro area and mountain communities, including what types of ADUs are actually working in today’s market and why long-term appreciation may matter more than short-term cash flow. We dive into: • The biggest differences between ADUs in California vs Colorado • How Colorado’s ADU laws and zoning regulations are changing • Why some cities are pushing back on density • The real construction costs behind detached ADUs and garage conversions • Why multi-generational living is becoming one of the biggest drivers for ADUs • The ROI conversation most investors overlook • How lending, insurance, and utility infrastructure impact ADU projects • Why small ADUs don’t always mean lower costs • The challenges of balancing housing density with neighborhood character • What investors should actually look for when evaluating ADU opportunities This conversation goes beyond just ADU design and construction — it’s a deep dive into the future of housing, density, affordability, and how different states are approaching the housing crisis in completely different ways. If you're interested in ADUs, real estate investing, zoning strategy, multi-generational housing, or understanding where the future of development is headed, this episode is packed with valuable insight. @stephsellsADUs adugginvestments.org

February 26, 2026Episode 9257 min

EP 92: SB1123, ADU Stacking & the Future of Scalable Middle Housing with Jared Jones

In this episode, I sit down with Jared Jones — real estate investor, developer, and co-owner of Power of 2 Realty and Middle Housing Partners — to break down what’s really happening in small-lot development, middle housing, and scalable density in today’s market. With over 1,200 transactions, 450+ flips, 600+ developed doors, and more than $200M in managed real estate assets, Jared shares what it actually takes to build at scale — and why new housing legislation like SB1123 is changing the game for investors and developers. We dive into: • Why investors are excited about starter-home and build-to-rent micro developments • SB1123 explained — small-lot subdivisions, sellability, and market impact • How to stack ADU laws and housing bills to unlock density • Utility delays, TA letters, and real-world legislative bottlenecks • Why passive investors often outperform active operators • Compressing development timelines to unlock massive value • How Jared is building AI systems to automate real estate development • Why defining your “why” matters before you scale This episode is a masterclass on modern development strategy — blending policy, systems, financing, and technology to create scalable middle housing in a market that desperately needs it. If you're serious about ADUs, small-lot subdivisions, build-to-rent, or long-term development plays, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. @stephsellsADUs adugginvestments.org

February 2, 2026Episode 9148 min

EP 91: Building Through Cycles: Lessons From a Developer Who’s Seen It All

In this episode, I sit down with Rob Wilson , a seasoned real estate investor, developer, and lending professional with over 30 years of experience navigating multiple market cycles. Rob has seen it all booms, busts, stalled projects, rising interest rates, and deals that only worked because they were structured the right way . We go beyond spreadsheets and pro formas to talk about what actually determines success in real estate: resilience, smart financing, strong partnerships, and understanding risk before it shows up. We dive into: How real estate cycles really work and how to invest through them Common mistakes investors and developers make when structuring deals The developer-lender mindset and why financing strategy matters more than ever Lessons learned the hard way that can save you time, money, and stress How to think long-term in an uncertain market Whether you’re investing in ADUs, multifamily, development, or value-add projects , this episode is packed with real-world insight you won’t find in a textbook. @stephsellsADUs adugginvestments.org

January 14, 2026Episode 9029 min

EP 90 How to Finance SB9 & ADU Projects with Nancy Kenny

In this episode, Steph sits down with Nancy Kenny , a construction-focused loan officer with over 40 years of lending experience, to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in California real estate: how ADUs and SB9 projects are actually financed. Many homeowners and investors assume there’s a special “ADU loan” or “SB9 loan” that exists behind the scenes. The truth? These projects are financed using traditional and non-traditional construction, renovation, and investor loan programs and knowing how to structure them correctly makes all the difference. Nancy shares: Why there is no ADU-specific loan (and what lenders really use instead) How renovation HELOCs, construction loans, and investor programs fund ADUs How appraisers determine after-repair value (ARV) for ADU properties Why SB9 projects are often easier to finance and appraise than traditional ADUs Real-world examples showing how ADUs can turn a single-family home into a cash-flowing asset What lenders look for when evaluating ADU and SB9 feasibility Why ADUs and lot splits are becoming essential to making California real estate pencil We also discuss what’s coming next including potential Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac updates, upcoming educational events and why building the right ADU-focused team is critical for success. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to add income, or an investor exploring ADUs and SB9 strategies for 2026 and beyond, this episode delivers practical insights you can actually use. Connect with Nancy: Website: https://vintagelending.com/ Email: nancy@vintagelending.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/nancykennyloans/ Connect with me: 📧 stephanie@adugginvestments.org Website: www.adugginvestments.org Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU Instagram: @StephSellsADUs

December 5, 2025Episode 8935 min

EP 89 Zoning Expert ➡️ ADU Strategist | Joshua's Take with Joshua Bennett

In Episode 89 of the Steph Sells ADUs podcast, Steph sits down with Joshua Bennett - U.S. Army veteran, land use planner, and founder of ADU Wizard to unpack what’s really working in the ADU world right now. Joshua shares his journey from government planner to national ADU strategist, where he reviewed zoning, land use, environmental regulations, and critical areas for residential projects. That hands-on experience revealed a massive knowledge gap for homeowners looking to build ADUs which ultimately led him to start his own consulting business and later partner with LuxMod Homes to expand scalable, panelized housing solutions across the U.S. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why so many homeowners get stalled by zoning and conditional use permits How ADUs are shaping the future of housing nationwide Why panelized and steel-frame builds are gaining momentum How boomers can leverage ADUs for downsizing and rental income The growing labor gap in the construction trades Why California is setting the national standard for ADU development Joshua also discusses how prefabricated and modular ADUs can reduce build time, labor costs, and long-term maintenance while still achieving top-tier property values. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, builder, or housing advocate, this episode is packed with insight on how ADUs can solve housing challenges and unlock long-term wealth. 🎧 Tune in now to hear Joshua’s take on the future of housing, zoning and scalable ADU development. Connect with Joshua: Website: https://www.theaduwizard.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaduwizard/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADUWizardofficial Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-bennett-aduwizard/ Connect with me: 📧 stephanie@adugginvestments.org Website: www.adugginvestments.org Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU Instagram: @StephSellsADUs

October 31, 2025Episode 8846 min

EP 88 - How to ADU with Ryan O'Connell

In this power-packed episode, I sit down with Ryan O’Connell , founder of How To ADU and one of California’s leading voices in housing reform. Ryan manages a 200K+ member community helping homeowners, investors and professionals navigate the ever-changing world of ADUs and SB 9 development. Together, I and Ryan break down the newest California housing bills , from SB 1211 and AB 253 to SB 489 and explain how they reshape the ADU landscape for 2026 and beyond. They dive deep into: 🏗️ How the new third-party plan check law empowers homeowners to bypass city delays 🏠 Why ADUs and JADUs are finally gaining parity under state law ⚡ How to leverage SB 9, AB 1033 and other middle-housing bills for more units and higher ROI 📜 The growing role of HCD oversight and what it means for local cities 💡 Why transparency and accountability are the biggest wins for investors this year Whether you’re a homeowner planning your first backyard home, a multifamily investor scaling your portfolio or an ADU consultant navigating new policies, this episode is your roadmap to staying ahead of the curve. 🎧 Tune in, geek out and learn how to ADU smarter not harder. Connect with Ryan: Website: https://www.how-to-adu.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/ryanohousing/ ===== Connect with me: Connect with me: 📧 stephanie@adugginvestments.org Website: www.adugginvestments.org Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU Instagram: @StephSellsADUs