In this emotional and strategy-packed episode, I sit down with RJ Jaramillo - a seasoned mortgage expert and fellow ADU trailblazer who joins us live from his own backyard JADU in San Diego. 💥

We dive into:

• How one 80-year-old used his backyard to create a caregiver unit for his wife with dementia 💔➡️❤️
• The 3 “empty nester” options every homeowner should consider before retirement
• How RJ built a modular ADU + JADU on his San Diego lot before the pandemic hit then rented his main house to a military family 💰
• What a reverse second mortgage is and why it's a game-changer for boomers looking to build without touching their low-interest-rate first mortgage
• Why Clever Tiny Homes and modular units with fixed costs are changing the financing game for aging homeowners, millennials, and fire-displaced families alike

This episode isn’t just about financing, it’s about future-proofing your family and investing in care, community, and flexibility. 🏡✨

🔁 Know a parent, client, or neighbor who’s sitting on equity? Share this episode with them. It could change their life.

🎧 Hit subscribe for more stories like this, and don’t forget to leave a review if you loved it!

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Connect with RJ Jaramillo:

 📞 (619) 807-0287 

IG:https://www.instagram.com/richard.rj.jaramillo/

Connect with me:
📧 [email protected]
Website: www.adugginvestments.org
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU
Instagram: @StephSellsADUs

In this episode, I sit down with Felipe Hernandez, an ADU designer, permit consultant, and former building plan checker for the City of LA. Felipe brings the real insider knowledge because he used to be the one reviewing and approving your ADU plans. 👷🏽‍♂️📐

We dive deep into:

• His transition from working at LADBS to launching his firm, LA Lots
• The most common (and costly) ADU mistakes homeowners and investors make
• Why AB 2533 is a game-changer for unpermitted garage conversions 🔓
• Real talk on serving our Latino community with transparent design guidance
• How to build legally, ethically, and profitably without getting stuck in city hall red tape

Whether you're an investor looking to build income units or a homeowner trying to do things right this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Stay tuned ‘til the end for a quick breakdown in Spanish for our comunidad 🙌🏽

Connect with Felipe:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Instagram: @lalotplans
🌐 Website: https://www.la-lot.com/

Connect with me:
📧 [email protected]
Website: www.adugginvestments.org
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU
Instagram: @StephSellsADUs

En esta segunda parte de la conversación con Felipe Hernandez, diseñador y consultor de permisos, hablamos 100% en español sobre lo que más se preguntan los dueños de casa latinos:
👉🏽 ¿Cuánto cuesta convertir un garaje en un ADU?

Felipe comparte:

• El costo real de planos y permisos para una conversión típica 🧾
• Qué factores pueden aumentar el precio (zonas montañosas, terrenos irregulares, etc.)
• Por qué un ADU sigue siendo más accesible que comprar un condominio o una casa
• Cómo la nueva ley AB 2533 permite legalizar unidades sin permisos sin reconstruir desde cero 🏘️
• Casos reales de familias latinas que están usando ADUs para vivienda multigeneracional y estabilidad financiera 💸👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Si estás pensando en construir o legalizar tu unidad ya existente, este episodio es para ti.

 📲 Conecta con Felipe Hernandez:

 📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Instagram: @lalotplans
🌐 Website: https://www.la-lot.com/

Connect with me:
📧 [email protected]
Website: www.adugginvestments.org
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU
Instagram: @StephSellsADUs

Welcome back to Steph’s Podcast, your go-to show for all things ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and real estate investing in California! In Episode 82, I sit down with Babak Mortazavi, founder of LADU.co, for a high-impact conversation about the state of the ADU market, new California legislation, and the most effective multifamily development strategies for homeowners and investors in 2025 and beyond.

💡 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ The latest updates on California ADU legislation — including AB 2533 & SB 1211
✅ How LADU is helping homeowners navigate ADU permitting, design, and construction
✅ The "bus stop" model: Why flexible, modular services empower ADU builders
✅ Why education is the single most important tool in your ADU journey
✅ The opportunity behind unpermitted units & how to legalize them under AB 2533
✅ How to leverage equity for your next ADU build — even with zero cash upfront
✅ Creative financing options: HELOCs, FHA 203k loans, renovation loans, and home equity investments
✅ Why multifamily is HOT in 2024 — and how to find properties that qualify for 8+ units under new laws
✅ Tips for realtors & investors: how to do proper due diligence before buying a potential ADU property
✅ The impact of SB 1211 on density, value-add investing, and long-term ROI

🔥 Whether you're a homeowner looking to build your first ADU, a seasoned investor, or an agent looking for value-add opportunities for clients, this episode is PACKED with actionable insights.

👷‍♀️ Free Site Visit Offer from LADU!
If you’re in LA County, Babak’s team at LADU offers FREE site visits to assess your ADU potential — no strings attached. Visit 👉 https://www.ladu.co to schedule yours.

📲 Follow Babak on Instagram for more education & case studies: @ladulaofficial

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Connect with me:
📧 [email protected]
Website: www.adugginvestments.org
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU
Instagram: @StephSellsADUs

In this episode, I’m sitting down with my soul sister and absolute powerhouse, Vianey Garay, to unpack one of the most overlooked keys to real estate success: management.

Vianney’s story is inspiring — what started as a summer side hustle quickly turned into managing 75+ units, running 8 midterm/short-term rentals in Hermosa Beach, and now scaling toward boutique hotels.

We break down:
 ✨ How to build & lead a boots-on-the-ground team
 ✨ The secrets behind creating 5-star guest experiences
 ✨ Budgeting + design strategies that boost returns
 ✨ Why efficient management is the backbone of real estate investing

Whether you’re an investor, ADU builder, or dreaming of your first short-term rental — this episode will get you fired up and ready to scale.

🎧 Tune in now and get an inside look at what it really takes to run a thriving midterm/short-term rental business!

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Connect with Vianey:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/vianeyjgaray/

Connect with me:
📧 [email protected]
Website: www.adugginvestments.org
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU
Instagram: @StephSellsADUs

In this milestone 80th episode, I sit down with Richard Xiong, VP of ALI GCUS, a leading design-build company specializing in ADUs, construction, and real estate development across Southern California and NorCal.

We cover:
 ✅ How to scale an ADU design-build firm from 60 to 200+ projects a year
 ✅ Insider tips for navigating city planning & permitting (and what most people miss)
 ✅ How design-build firms can save time, money, and headaches compared to hiring separately
 ✅ The critical role of collaboration between architects, contractors, lenders & investors
 ✅ Supporting fire-affected homeowners with free consultations, rebuilding resources & ADU solutions
 ✅ Trends in ADU development—from affordable rentals to luxury wellness spaces

We also talk about our upcoming in-person ADU workshop for homeowners, investors, and real estate professionals!

🎧 Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or real estate pro, this episode is packed with insights on how ADUs can unlock flexibility, affordability, and long-term wealth.

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Connect with Richard Xiong:
Website: https://www.aligcus.com/
Instagram:@aligcus
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedxiong/

Connect with me:
📧 [email protected]
Website: www.adugginvestments.org
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU
Instagram: @StephSellsADUs

In this powerhouse episode, Stephanie (@stephsellsadus) sits down with Dr. Sharon Barnes—a former attorney turned California Realtor, ADU author, speaker, and all-around trailblazer in the accessory dwelling unit world. Dr. Sharon breaks down how homeowners and real estate pros can tap into the ADU movement to build wealth, serve their communities, and navigate the legal landscape with confidence.

From her books "Unveiling Accessory Dwelling Units" and "The Realtor’s ADU Revolution," to her consulting work with ADU Advantage, Sharon is on a mission to empower through knowledge. Whether you're an investor, a first-time homeowner, or a Realtor curious about getting in on the ADU game—this convo is packed with 🔥 gems you don't want to miss.

💻 Connect with Dr. Sharon:
🔗 www.adu-advantage.com
🌐 www.sharonbarnesrealestate.com
🌐 www.sharviy.com
📺 YouTube: @ADUValueExperts

Connect with me:
📧 [email protected]
Website: www.adugginvestments.org
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU
Instagram: @StephSellsADUs

In this episode of Steph’s Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Maria Rogers—a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, franchise expert, funding broker, and ADU specialist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. 🇺🇸✨

Maria shares how she built Stillwater’s Tiny Homes, a family-run ADU + tiny home company that’s helping homeowners unlock the power of their properties. We talk about:

🔨 How ADUs are evolving across the country
 💰 Creative funding strategies (beyond just HELOCs!)
 🧱 Why construction + design alignment is crucial
 🚫 Red flags to avoid when hiring contractors
 🌍 What it’s like advocating for ADUs in different states

Whether you're an investor, homeowner, or just ADU-curious, this convo is packed with value, wisdom, and real-life strategy from two markets—California and North Carolina.

We also touch on franchising, business ownership, and how Maria is helping people fund their dreams through Stone Funding Solutions and FranMent. 👏🏼

Want to explore your equity, build smarter, or connect with Maria?
Check out 👉 stillwaterstinyhomes.com
📧 [email protected]
Website: www.FranMent.com
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourfranchisementor/

Connect with me:
📧 [email protected]
Website: www.adugginvestments.org
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU
Instagram: @StephSellsADUs

In this episode, I’m joined by Daria, an interior designer, architect, and real estate investor who brings a fresh perspective to the world of ADUs. We dive into innovative building solutions, including fire-resistant and energy-efficient alternatives to traditional construction, and why the U.S. (especially California) should be rethinking its approach.

Daria shares insights from her European background, her journey into real estate investing, and how strategic design can increase both property value and livability—whether you're building for long-term tenants, mid-term rentals, or short-term stays. We also get into the challenges of finding reliable contractors, the importance of networking, and how ADUs can shape the future of affordable housing.

Plus, we discuss:
✅ How alternative construction methods like the SABS system can improve durability & efficiency
✅ The key design differences between short-term, mid-term, and long-term rentals
✅ Lessons from Daria’s real estate investments in Spain vs. the U.S.
✅ How to find trustworthy professionals for your ADU projects

If you're an investor, homeowner, or just someone interested in smart design and real estate, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Connect with Daria:

📧 [email protected]

Website: https://bonnedesigns.com/

Tech Newsletter: https://dariasstartupnewsletter.beehiiv.com/

Instagram: @bonne.designs | @daria.kulachek

Connect with me:

📧 [email protected]

Website: https://stephsellsadu.com/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@stephsellADU

Instagram: @stephsellsadus

In this episode of Steps Podcast: All Things ADU, we sit down with Danny Johnson, of ADU Resource Center, to explore the game-changing impact of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in California’s housing market.

With over 500+ ADUs designed and built across Southern California, Danny shares insider knowledge on how ADUs are transforming homeownership—whether for multigenerational living, rental income, or wealth building. We break down the latest ADU legislation, discuss financing options (even for those with credit challenges), and highlight the growing role of ADUs in disaster recovery following the recent California wildfires.

🔥 Key Topics We Cover:
✔️ How ADUs are helping families stay together across generations
✔️ The 3 biggest reasons homeowners are building ADUs today
✔️ How California’s changing ADU laws are unlocking new opportunities
✔️ The financial benefits of ADUs—from passive income to long-term wealth
✔️ Why now is the best time to start your ADU project before costs skyrocket

If you’re a homeowner, investor, or ADU advocate, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you make the most of your property.

🎧 Tune in now!

📌 Learn more about ADU Resource Center: https://aduresourcecenter.com/
📞 Contact Danny Johnson: [email protected] | (818) 855-5844


📞 Connect with me:
IG: @stephsellsadu
Website: https://stephsellsadu.com/