Category: Top National News

Bloomberg, Dec. 18, 2017–Lauren Coleman-Lochner, Matthew TownsendToys “R” Us Inc., which filed for bankruptcy in September, is considering closing at least 100 U.S. stores in the face of weak holiday sales.

Offices of the Mortgage Bankers Association will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 2 for the holidays. MBA Commercial/Multifamily NewsLink will not publish on Thursday, Dec. 28 but will resume publishing on Thursday, Jan. 4.
On behalf of MBA officers and staff, have a safe and happy holiday.

Los Angeles Times, Dec. 12, 2017–Jim Puzzanghera Westfield Corp., operator of upscale shopping malls in Los Angeles and dozens of other U.S. locations, is being sold to French commercial real estate giant Unibail-Rodamco in a $16 billion deal, the two companies announced Tuesday.

Wall Street Journal, Dec. 11, 2017–Keiko Morris (subscription)Fifth Avenue came in second behind California’s Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park, recording an average asking rent of $116.04 a square foot, and top asking rents as high as $185 a square foot, according to JLL’s 2017 Most Expensive Streets. Sand Hill Road’s average asking rent reached $119.38 a square foot.

Commercial Property Executive, Dec. 6, 2017–IvyLee RosarioThe commercial real estate industry has had an evolving year. From sustainability and increases in interest rates to the effects of a changing administration, the market has experienced a mix of positive and negative moments.

National Mortgage News, Dec. 6, 2017–Rob Blackwell, Ian McKendry (subscription)House Financial Services Committee Jeb Hensarling shifted tactics on housing finance reform Wednesday, acknowledging that a bill he’s pushed for years to virtually eliminate the government’s role in the mortgage market lacks the support to become law.

National Real Estate Investor, Dec. 12, 2017–Bendix AndersonApartment property owners still look to the lending programs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac when they need permanent financing.

Scotsman Guide, Dec. 12, 2017–Victor WhitmanCommercial mortgage debt rose across all major investor classes to $3.11 trillion in the third quarter, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported.

Mortgage Professional America, Dec. 13, 2017–Steve Randall The third quarter saw a resurgence of commercial/multifamily mortgage debt outstanding with a $45.4 billion increase to $3.11 trillion, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported.

Wall Street Journal, Dec. 4, 2017–Kate Davidson, Joshua Jamerson (subscription)Republican senators inserted last-minute changes into their tax overhaul bill early Saturday morning, including ones aimed at helping oil and gas companies, cruise-ship operators, auto dealers, universities and mortgage bankers.