Episode Description:
In this episode of the podcast, Luzy interviews Cristina Villanueva, a commercial real estate investor, financial consultant, and co-founder of Negozee. Cristina shares how she got started in commercial real estate, the challenges she overcame as a first-generation college graduate, and the importance of diversifying investments for long-term wealth building. Whether you’re new to real estate or looking to expand your investments, this episode is packed with expert advice on building wealth through commercial property.
Detailed Episode Breakdown:
[00:00:00] Introduction to Cristina Villanueva’s Journey
The episode kicks off with host Lucy welcoming Cristina Villanueva, a successful Latina entrepreneur and co-founder of Ngozi. Cristina introduces herself as the owner of Ambus Financial, a business that helps clients with accounting, taxes, and financial advice. She shares her story of how she transitioned into commercial real estate investing while managing multiple roles as a wife, mother, and business owner. Cristina explains that her passion for building generational wealth was a driving factor behind her decision to invest in real estate, especially commercial properties.
She encourages listeners to stay tuned and take notes because the episode is filled with actionable advice on how to enter the commercial real estate market.
[00:02:00] Why Commercial Real Estate Over Residential?
Cristina chose to invest in commercial real estate over residential properties due to the potential for higher returns and the opportunity to diversify her investment portfolio. She explains that many first-time investors shy away from commercial real estate because it can seem intimidating, but she encourages everyone to face their fears and move forward. Cristina emphasizes that owning commercial real estate, despite being challenging at first, offers more long-term stability and income potential than residential properties.
She also shares her personal experience of purchasing her first commercial property, which was an old cake shop. While the property needed significant renovations, it eventually became a source of both pride and income for her business.
[00:04:00] Overcoming the Fear of Investing in Commercial Real Estate
Cristina speaks candidly about the fears she faced when entering the commercial real estate market. She relates how her background as an undocumented student from Guadalajara and later achieving her residency and college degree shaped her resilience. Fear, Cristina says, is often the biggest obstacle standing in the way of success, especially for women who are juggling multiple responsibilities. Her message to listeners is clear: take risks, learn from mistakes, and don’t let fear of failure hold you back.
Join Our Weekly Newsletter!
Cash Libre
Thursday’s dinero and mindset tips directly to your inbox con cultura!
Templates, Trackers, Plans, Resources +Investing & Mortgage calculators and more!
[00:06:00] The Wealthy Five: Key Professionals You Need for Success
One of the standout sections of the episode is when Luzy introduces her framework of the Wealthy Five—the five professionals that every busy mujer should have on their team. These professionals will not only guide you through the process of buying property but also ensure that your investments are secure and profitable in the long run. Cristina also breaks down the roles of the five key players she spends time with as a commercial real estate investor.
- Accountant – Essential for tracking numbers and ensuring profitability.
- Financial Advisor – Helps plan for future investments and retirement.
- Banker – Builds a strong relationship for future lending opportunities.
- Business Lawyer – Ensures that all contracts and legal requirements are handled properly.
- Insurance Agent – Makes sure your properties are adequately covered against risks.
Cristina stresses the importance of building relationships with these professionals early in the investment process, as they will form the backbone of your real estate ventures.
[00:09:00] Types of Commercial Real Estate and What to Look For
Not all commercial properties are the same, and Cristina provides a breakdown of the different types of commercial real estate, including:
- Multi-unit apartment buildings (four units or more)
- Mixed-use properties (businesses on the ground floor, apartments or offices above)
- Office buildings
- Retail spaces
She advises aspiring investors to do their research on local markets before making any decisions. Understanding what type of property works best in a specific location can make a huge difference in long-term profitability.
[00:12:00] Generating Income and Tax Benefits with Commercial Real Estate
Cristina moves on to explain how commercial real estate can generate income more effectively than residential properties. Whether through renting office spaces or leasing land to established businesses, commercial real estate offers flexible ways to make money. She also touches on the tax benefits, like depreciation and cost segregation, which can help minimize taxable income and improve cash flow.
[00:14:00] Importance of Vulnerability and Asking Questions
Cristina opens up about how important it is to ask questions and seek help from experts when stepping into unfamiliar territory. She explains how a mindset of curiosity and vulnerability helped her learn and grow as a real estate investor. One of her key messages is not to be afraid to admit what you don’t know—it’s the only way to learn and succeed.
[00:20:00] Building Strong Tenant Relationships
Cristina provides practical tips for building and maintaining positive relationships with tenants. From regular communication to addressing issues promptly, she believes that creating a positive environment benefits both the tenant and the property owner. This section is filled with valuable advice for anyone interested in managing their own commercial real estate properties.
[00:23:00] Negotiation Tactics and the Power of Pausing
One of the most valuable insights Cristina shares is her approach to negotiation. She advises listeners not to rush into offering a number or making decisions. Instead, she highlights the power of silence during negotiations, explaining that pauses can often work in your favor. Cristina shares a personal story about how she negotiated the purchase of one of her buildings, proving that patience and preparation can lead to substantial savings.
Quotes From The Show:
“Commercial real estate is one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth—it’s about taking calculated risks and having the right team by your side.” – Cristina Villanueva
“Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The first number you hear is rarely the final one—there’s always room for a better deal in commercial real estate.” – Cristina Villanueva
“The ‘Wealthy Five’ are the key people you need when becoming a first-generation wealth builder. You don’t have to do it alone.” – Luzy King
Invitation
Ready to dive into the world of commercial real estate? Start by building your Wealthy Five team and get your financial foundations set. Apply to join the Say Hola Wealth Academy, a six-month coaching program for Latinas looking to build wealth. Support the podcast by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or support our work here.
