Jessica Fiur is the editor-in-chief at Multi-Housing News and Commercial Property Executive and writes the award-winning blog What Renters Want.
Jessica has been with the company since 2011 and previously was with Weekly Reader and IQPC. Contact Jessica at jessica.fiur@cpe-mhn.com, on Twitter @jfiur or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicafiur/.
“Capital Insights” with Jack Kern
I’m Going With Mickey on This One… There are a lot of economists and frequently quoted business commentators who are out there forecasting the recession, or their view that we’re not in one yet… Even venerated Sam Zell, senior scion and master of the multifamily industry commented recently that he thought we might slip into a recession next year. Jack Welch, former General Electric chief is saying he thinks we’re headed for a deep recession with the first quarter of 2009 being the toughest. The President said without the bailout package, we’re going to suffer. This just in on the…
“Capital Insights” with Jack Kern
Sooner or later everyone comes to Rick’s Place… Woman: What makes saloonkeepers so snobbish? Banker: Perhaps if you told him I ran the second largest banking house in Amsterdam. Carl: Second largest? That wouldn’t impress Rick. The leading banker in Amsterdam is now the pastry chef in our kitchen. Banker: We have something to look forward to. (c) Casablanca – 1942— The Federal Government is about the embark, one way or another on one of the largest taxpayer led bailouts of the century. I was going to wait to really comment on this until the dust settled because as of…
“Capital Insights” with Jack Kern
The Taxman is Hungry For a long time now, commercial properties, especially apartment owners have had a peaceful relationship with most taxing authorities. The cities recognized that apartments were good housing for their residents and wanted to appear to have a balanced housing policy. Apartment developers obliged by adding units and taking advantage of local subsidies or other incentives. It appears that all bets are off. Acccording to a recent report by the National League of Cities detailing "City Fiscal Conditions," home price declines, increasing expenses at the municipal level and decreasing assessments have wrought havoc with city budgets. In…
Conclusion: Do Not Sell
By Keat Foong Speakers at a panel at the Multi-Housing World 2008 Conference and Exhibition held in Denver came down squarely against placing apartment properties on the market. The session was titled Apartment Investment Cycle: Is it Time to Sell, Hold or Buy? "Do not sell unless you have to," said Ronald Brock, president and CEO, Pierce Eislen Inc. "This is not the time to be selling." "Do not sell. This is not the time to be a seller," said Keith Rosenthal, co-founder and president of Phoenix Realty Group, echoing Eislen. Brock, a market researcher, said rental apartment conditions are…
“CAPITAL INSIGHTS” with Jack Kern
Beware the Ides of September? What a difference a couple years can make. Between Bear Stearns becoming a term of art, as in "he got Bears Stearned," and now the news being overrun with banks failing (as many as 20 with more on the way), it just got more interesting. In the interest of full disclosure, I used to work someplace that was taken over by Lehman Brothers Holdings, so no, I’m not bitter. (Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, oops, I mean, gee what a shame…) It’s important to remain neutral, so I’m going to share something that might surprise some…
THE ESSENTIAL KITCHEN by Kevin M Henry
Among the great chefs of the world, it is widely believed that the success of a meal depends on the color of its ingredients. I have always believed, as well, that color is the essential ingredient to create the ideal kitchen, a playground to experiment with your tastes, your senses and your personal style without restriction. Color provides sensation, mood and personality. The colors we choose for our kitchen reflects the way we look at life. From the passionate feelings created by a ruby-red to the soothing qualities of powder-blue, from the crispness of an acid-green to the exhilaration of…
Eye on the Economy with Adam Perrotta
While the economy has continued to show signs of weakness as of late, the federal government’s bailout of beleaguered mortgage agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac came as a welcome relief to many, although it is unclear at this point just how much of an effect the plan will have on the housing market and the economy overall. After weeks of speculation, the government took over the struggling agencies on Sunday. The rescue plan will extend as much as $200 billon in support to Fannie and Freddie and places the agencies under a conservatorship to be overseen by the Federal…
“CAPITAL INSIGHTS” with Jack Kern
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime… The unemployment numbers came out today and the magic number finally hit above 6 percent for the first time in about 5 years. Over 600,000 jobs have been lost since the start of this year, when subject to a lot of fanfare, pundits said the early part of 2008 was going to be slow, with a recovery in the last half of the year. I think the pundits are all hiding right now. The villagers have taken their torches and are rushing through the forest trying to find the lost jobs. You’ll likely…
“CAPITAL INSIGHTS” with Jack Kern
Now is the best time to – well, wait. You’ve probably seen the ads from the realtors talking about how now is a fabulous time to invest in real estate and it never rains on a real estate investment and gosh golly, buying a home is a great experience. Maybe they see something I don’t because according to recently released data from their own research department at the National Association of Realtors, through July, 2008, on a year over year basis, the median price of a single family home declined 7.7%, and the median price of a condo/co-op declined 2.7%….
Fifteen 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 to life…and so my day begins. Science Fiction…no…just a glimpse of things to come… In Italy your dishwasher may call you at work to let you know that it has sprang a leak…but not to worry, it has already informed the service company and they…