Archive for August 2008
The Industry Prefers Status Quo for Fannie, Freddie
By Keat Foong, Executive EditorIn the past week, press reports seem to be intensifying in regards to the need for a government bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Financial conditions at the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE), it is reported, are continuing to worsen; their stock prices have fallen by a chunk so far this…
Read MoreMulti-Housing Executives Update: MBA Appoints Jay Brinkmann as Chief Economist, and Other Moves
By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorWashington, D.C.–The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) recently named Jay Brinkmann (picturedleft) as chief economist and senior vice president for research and economics. Brinkmann has been with the MBA since 2001 and has served as the organization’s vice president of research for most of that period.”When the position first became vacant…
Read MoreTODAY’S DEALS: HFF Arranges Debt, Equity Totaling $46.5M for Mixed-Use Development, and other Transactions
By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorEncinitas, Calif.–HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP) recently arranged a $36.5-million construction loan and $10 million in joint venture equity for the development of Pacific Station, a mixed-use project in Encinitas, Calif.HFF placed the 60-month construction permanent loan with La Jolla Bank and secured the joint venture equity with Fidelity Real…
Read MoreNWP Services Acquires ViaStar Energy
Irvine, Calif.–NWP Services Corp. (NWP) recently acquired ViaStar Energy Inc., an Indianapolis-based provider of utility billing and meter installation and maintenance services to multifamily communities, manufactured housing communities, condominiums and retail properties. This acquisition helps NWP add a strong presence in the Midwest. ViaStar’s management, including customer liaison and technical support, will continue to serve…
Read MoreTODAY’S DEALS: Class A Rental Property Bought for $36.5M, and Other Transactions
By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorSacramento, Calif.–GMH Capital Partners recently arranged the sale of The Verge, a 288-unit, Class A, three-story apartment complex in Sacramento, Calif., for $36,500,000. The Verge (pictured) comprises 18 three-story apartment buildings, and one single-story clubhouse/leasing office. The property features 288 units with 792 beds, totaling 264,366 sq. ft. of net…
Read MoreQ&A with Ted Patch: The Multifamily Trend Is to Exit Equity, Remain in Mezzanine Business
Ted Patch (pictured), senior vice president and chief production officer, is responsible for originating new loan production from Green Park Financial’s corporate headquarters in Bethesda, Md. In 2005, Patch originated in excess of $200 million in new loan production. He has over 17 years experience in commercial and residential real estate. Patch joined Green Park…
Read MoreRealPage’s Velocity Launches Online Access to Convergent Billing
By Erika Schnitzer, Associate EditorCarrollton, Texas–Velocity, a RealPage solution that provides resident utility billing and invoice processing services, has announced that its convergent billing services will now be available for online review and payment.With this service and CrossFire Living, residents will be able to review and pay their rent, utilities, service fees, amenity fees and…
Read MoreCapital Properties Introduces Extended Stay Units in Rincon Residential Towers
By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorSan Francisco–Capital Properties recently introduced 85 flexible-stay units within its 320-unit Rincon Residential Towers, located at 88 Howard St. in San Francisco. The studios, one- and two-bedroom units offer short- and long-term rental options with a minimum stay of 30 days and four-star services.The property is located one block from…
Read MoreFalling Prices in Select Markets Increase Condo, Co-op Sales by 3.4 Percent in July
By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorWashington, D.C.–Existing condominium and co-op sales increased 3.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 610,000 units in July from 590,000 units in June, according to the latest study conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). These sales figues are, however, 18.6 percent below the 749,000-unit pace in…
Read MoreFifteen Minutes into the Future by Kevin Henry
“Good morning Kevin” comes a disembodied voice. “You’re up early today…did you sleep well?” “Just fine Kitchen…I have an early morning meeting at the office…so I’m in a hurry”. “Coffee or Cappuccino?” comes the voice…”Coffee” says I…”Cereal or eggs?” “Just toast this morning” I answer…”CNN or Sponge Bob” as the screen on the refrigerator comes…
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