Global Property Sales Soar in First Half of 2010 as U.S. Deals Rebound
A new report on global commercial property transactions shows that sales of major properties valued at $10 million or more surged in the first half by 75% compared with the same period in 2009. ...
Mortgage Bankers are Moving
The Mortgage Bankers Association is moving its headquarters in Washington, D.C., says CEO John Courson....
Political Hot Potato
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are propping up the multifamily mortgage market, but pressure is mounting for reform....
Better Times Ahead for Apartments
Though the apartment market is seeing signs of financial stabilization, and the longer-term outlook for apartments remains good, in the short run the...
Private Equity Groups, Regulators, Testify on Proposed Capital Markets Reform
The CEOs and chairmen of investment groups representing some of the biggest players in commercial real estate testified today at a Congressional committee hearing on proposed reforms to strengthen the nation’s capital markets and protect investors. ...
Furious Appraisers Charge Conflict of Interest with Lender-Related Companies
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Seasoned residential property appraisers are outraged over current industry practices that they claim allow conflicts of interest by major lenders and their affiliated appraisal management companies, and the appraisers warn that problems could spill over into commercial real estate valuations....
Federal Conservator of Freddie, Fannie Hopes to Avoid ‘Folly’ of Past Lending Practices
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The director of the federal agency serving as conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac says multifamily housing remains an important priority for the enterprises, and he has been meeting weekly with their CEOs as regulators chart a different future for the troubled mortgage insurers....
Wechsler: Why REITs Are Ahead of the Recovery Curve
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The recapitalization and recovery of the nation’s commercial real estate industry promises to be a “difficult and painful journey” over the next few years, but major steps taken by publicly traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) provide a potential roadmap to renewed financial health....
Administration Reforms Housing Policy, Promotes Renting Along with Home Ownership
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the federal government seeks to stabilize the nation’s capital markets, it has embarked on a sweeping reform of U.S. housing policy and is changing a long-standing emphasis on home ownership to also promote the value of renting, says the Obama administration’s top housing official....
TALF Program Hits Headwinds
Can Fed's efforts stabilize pricing and jump-start the commercial securities market by year's end?...
Wall Street on the Potomac
With federal scrutiny and funding for big banks at a peak, has the financial capital shifted to Washington?...
Running Into A Wall
Shortage of tax-credit investors threatens low-income housing development...
Mark-to-Market Rule Will be Hot Topic in Washington This Week
A congressional subcommittee has scheduled a hearing Thursday on the federal government’s mark-to-market accounting rule, which has become a flashpoint for many commercial real estate investors....
DC Office Vacancies on the Rise
Thanks to some 21 million sq. ft. of new office construction underway, the Washington, D.C. market will see higher vacancies in the months ahead, according to a newly released ...
New Study Slams Proposed Tax Hike
The latest assault in the heated battle over legislation that could double taxes on real estate partnerships and private equity firms comes in the form...
