National
Economy Watch: Home Prices Up in Most MSAs
The National Association of Realtors reported on Monday that existing single-family home prices rose in 133 out of 152 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas, based on closings in the fourth quarter compared with same quarter in 2011, while 19 areas had price declines.
TODAY’S DEALS: Brookfield Acquires 19-Property Portfolio
Brookfield completes a $414 million portfolio buy; MG Properties Group acquires a 736-unit asset in Ontario, Calif.; and NorthMarq Capital arranges $20.2 million in combined acquisition mortgages from a bank.
SPECIAL REPORT: Fannie Mae Stresses Loan Quality, Risk-Sharing and Profitability for U.S. Taxpayers
Fannie Mae’s priority in 2013 will be to continue focusing on loan quality, said Jeffrey Hayward, senior vice president, head of the Multifamily Mortgage Business, Fannie Mae.
Economy Watch: Trade Numbers Point to 4Q Growth
The U.S. Department of Commerce reported on Friday that the U.S. trade deficit dropped from $48.6 billion in November to $38.5 billion, both as the result of rising exports and dropping imports.
SPECIAL REPORT: MBA Predicts Multifamily Funding Market Share May Fall Slightly in 2013
Mortgage originations for commercial properties will increase by 11 percent in 2013, the Mortgage Bankers Association forecasted. Multifamily financing may tick down this year as capital supply to the other commercial real estate sectors make a comeback.
TODAY’S DEALS: Inland Enters into Student Housing Development Partnership
Inland American Communities enters an Oregon-based partnership/development; a development site in Queens, N.Y., hits the markets for $21 million; and NorthMarq Capital arranges $22.6 million in an interest-only mortgage via life insurance lender.
Economy Watch: Homebuilders More Optimistic About 55+ Housing
The National Association of Home Builders reported that builder confidence in the 55+ housing market improved during the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with the same quarter a year earlier.
TODAY’S DEALS: Insight Breaks Ground on 310-Unit Maryland Asset
Insight Property Group begins its Silver Spring development; Beech Street closes $32.5 million for a four-property acquisition; and CBRE HMF originates its first two loans under HUD’s LIHC pilot program.
SPECIAL REPORT: Liquidity Returns to Commercial Real Estate
The commercial real estate financing industry cautiously greeted the rapid return of liquidity into the sector during the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) 2013 Commercial Real Estate Finance/Multifamily Housing Convention & Expo.
Builder Confidence in the 55+ Housing Market Ends Year on a Positive Note
Builder confidence in the 55+ housing market for single-family homes showed continued improvement in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the same period a year ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ latest 55+ Housing Market Index.