Effective large scale marketing campaigns

As Russ Sees It

Are You Talking to Me? BY RUSSELL the front door left open, I will say, just a CARROLL little too sternly, ‘Who left the door open?’

When I first Then I slam it shut for all to hear. All to read the guidelines hear? I live alone! for Shelter in Place, Nearly every night, I help myself pick I thought, wow, I’ve out a TV program. Often, during the probeen doing this for gram we picked out, I’ll run the idea by years! You see, when you’re broke and live myself of getting a big bowl of popcorn alone, which I’ve been doing for about or perhaps some ice cream. The practical seven years now, it all sounds, looks, and guy I live with says, ‘I thought you were feels like Shelter in Place. At some point, going to give that crap up.’ So, I start to the feeling of isolation started to become negotiate. ‘How about a small bowl and real and then… things got weird. then I’ll have none tomorrow night?’

I started to talk to myself. Now, I ‘Sure,’ I reply, knowing that tomorrow don’t mean thinking, oh boy, am I hunnight I can talk myself into another small gry, as I pull a single steak off my George bowl. Foreman Solo Grill. No, I’m talking about: ‘Hey, do I have a Dr. appointment ‘So, how do you want your steak cooked?’ tomorrow,’ I ask. ‘I don’t know. Why don’t and answering, ‘Medium rare.’ ‘Well, I’ll do you write this stuff down on the calenmy best, but you know I always over cook dar? How many times have I told you, your steak.’ write it on the calendar!’ I walk around

Yep, I have full-on conversations. my little place talking to myself like a MaWhen I walk into the living room to find fia Don trying to stay out of prison. ‘If I’ve

A nationwide boom in accessory dwelling units (ADUs)— also known as garage apartments, casitas, granny flats, carriage houses or in-law suites — has turned many American homeowners into developers and landlords.

A study released July 2020 by mortgage giant Freddie Mac says there are at least 1.4 million accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, in the United States.

Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, says the trend is especially strong in pricey metro areas. For homeowners struggling to afford ever-appreciating homes, rental income from ADUs helps pay the mortgage. In cities with little new construction, granny flats add much-needed housing stock, one backyard apartment at a time.

“Clearly we’ve got a supply problem that’s not going to be fixed anytime soon,” Khater says. “ADUs can be a small part of the solution.” One of the most appealing things about an ADU is the income potential. Some people build an ADU with the intention of renting it out to others, while others consider building an ADU to live in themselves while renting out their main house as a way to both downsize and provide a steady source of income. ADUs offer a very appealing option for many renters. Think newlyweds, single professionals, or even empty nesters as prime renter candidates. Homeowners who rent out their ADU, whether longterm or to short-term vacationers, add an income stream to cover some or all of their housing costs. It’s a strategy known as House Hacking — finding a way to reduce/eliminate your housing costs by having someone else pay them. ADUs are great for aging parents. “People are looking for alternatives to assisted living,” says Kol Peterson, author of “Backdoor Revolution,” a book about said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: who left the toilet seat up?’

Things can get a little tense when I go for that last popsicle and find it gone. ‘Who ate my popsicle?’ I cry. ‘Not me.’ ‘Well, I know there was one left because I remember saving it for tonight. I hid it behind that half gallon of ice cream you had to have and now my popsicle is gone.’ In my just-a-bit-bored voice I reply, ‘I did not touch your stupid popsicle. How old are you anyway?’ I hate it when I get like that.

Most of the interaction I have with myself is mundane, your basic banter, probably remarkably like what you have at home with your significant other. However, things can get sketchy when you are your own significant other. I threatened to move out once. You know, the classic, ‘It’s not you, it’s me’ approach. It escalated quickly and I said some things

Backyard Apartments

How ADUs Can Provide Additional Income

| AUGUST 2020 | OURCOMMUNITYFOCUS.COM

I regret. I let my emotions get the best of ADUs. Assisted living facilities can be more expensive than an ADU alternative without the benefit of being in a family environment. Additionally, the coronavirus contagion has spurred investment in housing, and the pandemic has only increased interest in ADUs, real estate me. But I have that ability to push all my buttons. I tried to talk myself through it but I wouldn’t listen. I tried to apologize but I would have none of it. Frustrated, I thought it best just to sleep on the couch.

Living with me is not all that bad. It probably depends on who you ask. If you ask me, it is all good! That’s because I get me. I am the Yin to my Yang, my soulmate. Although I have spent time with others, I always come back to me. One thing is for sure, I’m grateful we like the same sports teams, otherwise things could get ugly around here. But…that’s just how I see it.

To my friends, the publishers of the Community Focus, congratulations on the 11-year anniversary of your first edition. Thank you for all you have done for our community.

Russ Carroll can be reached at russcarrollemail@gmail.com.

experts say. COVID-19’s fatal spread in nursing homes means some homeowners would rather keep older relatives at home.

To learn more about the benefits of adding an ADU to your property, contact ADU 4 You at Sales@ADU4You.com.