In this episode of the Collective Clicks podcast, host Brandon Vitman welcomes Chris Prefontaine, a specialist in creative finance, to discuss innovative strategies in real estate investing. Chris shares insights from his 33-year career in the industry, including his experiences through the real estate crash of 2008, which prompted him to pivot towards creative financing methods.
Chris emphasizes the importance of moving away from traditional transactional approaches in real estate, advocating for a model that focuses on long-term relationships and recurring revenue. He introduces the concept of "three paydays," a unique framework that allows investors to benefit from multiple streams of income from a single deal. These paydays consist of an upfront payment from the buyer, the spread between payments on existing loans and what is collected from the buyer, and the eventual cash-out from the sale of the property, including principal paydown.
Chris highlights the current demand for creative real estate strategies, especially in light of rising interest rates and affordability issues in the market. He stresses that many investors overlook opportunities by not utilizing creative financing techniques, which can help capture leads that would otherwise be discarded.
Throughout the conversation, Chris outlines specific strategies such as owner financing, purchasing properties "subject to" existing loans, and lease purchase agreements. He explains how these methods can provide significant advantages in today's market, enabling investors to work with buyers who may not qualify for traditional financing. By focusing on creative solutions, investors can navigate fluctuating market conditions and maximize their opportunities in real estate.
Ultimately, Chris aims to empower his audience by teaching them to become "transaction engineers," adept at adapting to changing circumstances and leveraging creative finance to achieve their goals in real estate.