Commercial Real Estate Investing In Challenging Times

Forbes, July 27, 2020–Ryan SwehlaOne area of the economy that is seen as especially vulnerable in the wake of pandemic-related upheaval is commercial real estate. In fact, even before Covid-19 …

MISMO Releases Proposed Commercial Appraisal Data Standards

MISMO®, the mortgage industry standards organization, released new proposed data standards for commercial property appraisals. The new dataset will facilitate efficient exchange of appraisal information across the commercial real estate finance industry.

MBA Chart of the Week: Ratio of Unemployed Workers Per Job Opening

This week’s MBA Chart of the Week uses data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to look at the ratio of the number of unemployed workers to job openings to highlight how the current recession is different than the recession in 2007-2009.

Trump Advisers Still Touting ‘V-Shaped’ Economic Recovery

Wall Street Journal, July 26, 2020–William Mauldin (subscription)President Trump’s top economic advisers say they still expect a rapid economic recovery despite surges in new coronavirus infections that have rattled consumers …

Owner of Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant Files for Bankruptcy

New York Times, July 23, 2020–Gillian Friedman Sapna MaheshwariAscena Retail is the latest retailer to fall during the pandemic. The disappearance of 1,600 of its 2,800 stores is a fresh …

S&P: Retail REITs Could Face Distress Until At Least 2021

S&P Global Ratings, New York, said retail real estate investment trusts, already buffeted by the coronavirus pandemic and dwindling brick-and-mortar revenues, could see an increase in downgrades in coming quarters with little chance of recovery before next year.