How Startups Are Forcing Change In Commercial Real Estate

Forbes, Apr. 28, 2016, McGraw, Tanner
Startup business may be a bit of an enigma to many CRE brokers, but there’s a lot of upside potential: repeat business as companies grow, a community for referrals and the competitive edge that comes from gaining expertise in an underserved sector.

Office Buildings Continue on Their Roll…

Commercial Observer, Apr. 27, 2016–Knakal, Robert
The dynamics in the broader New York City investment sales market for the last six months have looked like the quintessential beginning of a market correction. What has been surprising this time around is the relative strength of the office sector.

Fed Signals No Rush to Raise Rates as Pace of U.S. Recovery Moderates

Reuters, Apr. 27, 2016–Dunsmuir, Lindsay; Lange, Jason
The Federal Reserve held interest rates unchanged on Wednesday and while it left the door open to a hike in June, its statement implied that it was in no hurry to follow on from its December rate rise.

The Rent Is Still Too Damn High

National Mortgage Professional, May 3, 2016–Hall, Phil
The challenges facing renters remained considerable, according to a pair of new data reports.

Higher Capital Requirements Could Be Coming for CRE-Heavy Lenders

National Mortgage News, May 3, 2016–Reosti, John
At least one banker has gone public with expectations that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will force his institution to hold more capital. More could soon follow.

To Rebuild a Neighborhood, Philadelphia Goes Beyond Housing

New York Times, May 3, 2016–Hurdle, Jon
Seeking to do more than provide basic homes for its residents, Philadelphia’s public housing agency is taking a new approach to neighborhood revitalization. In its latest project, it is adding commercial and educational development to its main role of home building, aiming to address the underlying causes of urban distress.

Freddie Mac Posts $354 Million Quarterly Loss

Scotsman Guide, May 3, 2016–Whitman, Victor
Freddie Mac reported a loss in the first quarter driven by lower interest rates and widening spreads on mortgage securities. Mortgage Bankers Association President David Stevens said Freddie’s loss underscored the need for Congress to embark on GSE reform.

Affordability Remains a Serious Issue for Renters

Consumer Affairs, May 4, 2016–Huffman, Mark
Home buyers aren’t the only consumers paying more to put roofs over their heads. Rents have been rising just as fast, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association–faster in some cases.

Mortgage REITs are Enjoying a Renaissance

MarketWatch, Apr. 26, 2016–Riquier, Andrea
As the housing market recovers, investors are taking another look at some of the investments derived from bets on mortgage credit. Real estate investment trusts that buy mortgage-backed securities and other income-producers may be ready for their moment.