National
Economy Watch: Consumers a Bit More Grumpy in January
The Reuter’s/University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index came in at 80.4 at mid-month January, which was a drop of 2.1 points from the end of December, though still an improvement from 75.1 at the end of November and 72.0 at mid-month November.
Humphrey’s & Partners Sees a Strong Pipeline, Increase in High-Rise Projects
In spite of all the recent construction activity, the apartment market is still supply constrained and should post another year of strong fundamentals, according to panelists on the ‘2014 Kick-Off Webinar for Apartment Development’ hosted by Humphreys & Partners Architects.
Economy Watch: Housing Starts Drop in December, Gain for ’13
The Census Bureau reported on Friday that U.S. housing starts were at an annualized rate of 999,000 units, a drop of 9.8 percent from the November rate, which was 1.107 million units.
Economy Watch: Building Confidence Ticks Down
Homebuilders are still fairly confident about their industry, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.
TODAY’S DEALS: Queens Apartment Commands $47.3M
TIAA-CREF sells an Astoria apartment asset; Pathfinder Partners acquires an 18-unit condo in Denver; and CMC arranges a pair of multifamily loans.
Economy Watch: Beige Book Strikes More Optimistic Tone
The Fed’s Beige Book paints a positive picture for most districts and the World Bank remains hopeful for continued economic growth.
TODAY’S DEALS: Azure Partners Buys Newark Towers
HFF brokers a high-rise sale in Newark; Venture West Funding refinances six California apartment buildings; and NorthMarq Capital arranges a $10.7 million Freddie Mac refinancing.
Economy Watch: Federal Government Records Surplus in December
The U.S. Department of Treasury reports the first December surplus ($53.2 billion) since 2007, while the ICSC presents a 3.4 percent gain in chain-store comparable sales for December year-over-year.
MBA Survey: Multifamily Lending Volume Expected to Increase in 2014
A majority of respondents expect loans for CMBS, commercial banks, life companies, and pension funds to increase this year, while loans for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA will decrease.
TODAY’S DEALS: Fairfield Residential Acquires Baker Chocolate Factory in Boston
Beacon Communities sells a 133-unit asset in Boston to an affiliate of Fairfield Residential; Levin Realty completes a 559-unit acquisition in Greenville, S.C.; and a 12-unit Manhattan loft building trades for $12 million.