Michael Berman: CWCapital to Grow Platform, Enact 'Whole New Vision'

In a wide-ranging interview, Michael Berman, president and CEO of CWCapital, discusses his company's acquisition by Fortress Investment Group, the state of the multifamily market, and his work in helping to shape our nation's future housing finance system as chairman-elect of the Mortgage Bankers...

The 2010 Readers' Choice Green Finalists

In Some Markets, It's Now Cheaper to Build Than Buy

The acquisition market in some high-barrier metros has grown so heated that in many cases it's now more cost-effective to build.

Four Creative Ways to Increase the Bottom Line

Some multifamily firms have been able to creatively wrestle new dollars, while cutting expenses, by uncovering latent opportunities throughout the downturn.

Multifamily Developers Make Moves to Round Out Their Business Models

Throughout the recession, many multifamily builders diversified to survive, positioning themselves for long-term stability.

Sizing Up the FHA's Recent and Proposed Changes

Some of the FHA's multifamily programs haven't seen changes in more than 40 years. So, in announcing new leverage and debt service levels, the FHA took the opportunity to enact a slew of other changes, and propose a few more.

CWCapital Sold to Fortress Investment Group

Fortress Investment Group has acquired CWCapital in the third major acquisition of a special servicer this year.

Timing the Materials Market

As the price of materials such as lumber and concrete continue to fall, many developers are employing an "as-needed" approach to purchasing at the end of the second quarter.

Multifamily Acquisition Market Heats Up as Cap Rates Fall

The acquisition market has been gathering steam in the second quarter, with cap rates declining nationally and the gap between buyers and sellers narrowing. The bidding on high-quality assets has become so frenzied that many long-term holders are beginning to wonder if now is a good time to sell...

Lenders, Investors Struggle to Define Value and Market Metrics

While the transaction market is slowly starting to pick up, multifamily financiers continue to struggle to define value and get a handle on the strength of local markets.

Economists Say Outlook for Apartment Finance Sector is Mixed

Call it cautious optimism. Unclear but not dire. Choppy. Mixed. Whatever you call it, the economic outlook is, at best, uncertain. So concluded a panel of powerhouse economists at the 2010 Apartment Finance Today Conference in Fort Lauderdale yesterday.

Tom Bozzuto Offers Lessons for Recession Survival

Tom Bozzuto, the chairman of Greenbelt, Md.-based The Bozzuto Group, is also a real estate veteran, with 40 years of experience under his belt. So the recession survival guide he offered a group of apartment finance professionals this week at the 2010 Apartment Finance Today Conference in Fort...

Freddie Mac Plans More Emphasis on Multifamily

Freddie Mac's CEO Ed Haldeman says "we want to bring more emphasis to the multifamily business," as the company revamps internal systems and seeks to close the competitive gap with Fannie Mae.

Developers Diversify to Stay Recession-Proof

Some developers are surviving, and even thriving, in today's market by re-engineering thier business plans and turning thier focus to recession-resistant sectors such as the receivership business, student housing, and historic renovations. The overriding trend is to diversify.

Fannie, Freddie 2009 Production Numbers Point to 2010 Trends

The GSEs released thier 2009 volume numbers, and the steep declines in production mirror an industry that continues to bounce around the bottom. Still, the figures indicate what strategies each GSE will employ in 2010.

What Recession? Young Developer Delivers First Project Despite the Odds.

Fewer units are coming online these days, but one development newcomer in Southern California is determined to defy the odds. The 27-year-old just completed his first mixed-use deal and has begun work on a second.

Q&A Brent Little on Expanding Buckingham's Student Housing Business

Brent Little, who led the student housing development division of Place Properties, has joined Buckingham Cos. as vice president of higher education to help the company "build into the down market" and become a bigger student housing player.

The Big (Un)Easy: Lafitte Steps Forward

On Aug. 27, ceremonial shovels hit the dirt at Lafitte Street in New Orleans, as the redevelopment of the Lafitte public housing complex got under way.

Notebook

California Fix-It Law, truss labeling law, Canadian softwood prices, smoke detector placement, Business Tune-Up