Archives - Page 8 of 66 - Viewpoints - Coldwell Banker Commercial

Sep 12, 2023

Student Housing ... A Beacon of Hope in CRE?

Numerous office buildings remain largely vacant. The once rapid growth of apartment rent has decelerated and is even declining in certain areas. However, within the struggling commercial real estate industry, there is a rare positive aspect seen in housing aimed at college students attending popular universities.The rental rates for student housing are anticipated to increase due to limited availability and substantial demand at various colleges, particularly those prestigious research universities and schools affiliated with the top five highest-earning athletic conferences in U.S. college football. Nonetheless, as overall college enrollment experiences a decline, there are heightened risks for student housing, particularly in smaller colleges with less renown and diminishing enrollment, as highlighted by The Wall Street Journal.Despite the increase in mortgage rates over the past year, sales of student housing properties reached an all-time high of $22.9 billion in 2022. In contrast, the growth in multifamily rents is showing signs of cooling down from the double-digit surges observed in the previous year, with an increase of 2.3% over the 12 months ending in May 2023, as reported by RealPage. Meanwhile, student housing rents are experiencing growth at a rate of approximately 9%, according to RealPage.The COVID-19 pandemic served as a unique test for the resilience of student housing in challenging markets. Despite expectations of a downturn in 2020, occupancy rates remained stable, even during the peak of online learning. Students displayed a desire to move closer to their college campuses, even when attending classes virtually, instead of staying with their parents. The uncertainty surrounding the return to on-campus learning had a dampening effect on rental rates until the latter half of 2021, at which point they began to rise again. The combination of bustling campuses and increasing rental rates contributed to the record sales observed last year.It is predicted that sales of student housing properties this year will likely not reach the levels seen in 2022, partly due to the pent-up demand that drove sales in the previous year. While the values of student housing properties, like other commercial real estate types, have been affected by higher borrowing costs, the decline in value has been comparatively moderate. This is attributed to the robust growth in rent and sustained occupancy rates. Industry experts, including Blackstone, have expressed confidence in the enduring strength of this sector, stating that it has proven resilient over time and is likely to remain a positive prospect in the future. Blackstone backed this up by acquiring American Campus Communities for $12.8 billion. While the market is challenging right now, it’s interesting to note the steadiness and success of student housing despite the market’s current volatility. Additionally, supply constraints resulting from a lack of available sites at certain schools will further empower landlords to continue raising rental rates.

Sep 12, 2023

CBC MidYear Outlook with Dan Spiegel

On this episode with Dan Spiegel, Managing Director of Coldwell Banker Commercial, we discuss that even though there are concerns over the economy and differences in pricing expectations, CRE activity is still happening, while we dig into CBC’s newly published Midyear Outlook.

Sep 8, 2023

In Case You Missed It: August Recap

On this August ICYMI episode, we recognize some of our top professionals both for production as well as their engagement across social media. We highlight a new firm that has joined CBC, share information on upcoming CRE industry events, discuss new product updates and much more!

Sep 5, 2023

August Rental Activity Highlights

With soaring home prices and the peak rental season in full swing, renting has emerged as the contemporary alternative to buying. However, among the cities experiencing heightened listing activity, which ones are drawing the greatest attention from apartment seekers? According to research by RentCafe, Arlington, VA, retained its position as the most coveted city among renters for the month of August, maintaining its dominance from the previous month. Climbing three places from its July ranking of No. 5, Kansas City, MO, secures second spot. Minneapolis and Cincinnati, both situated in the Midwest, secure the third and fourth positions, respectively. Meanwhile, Denver secures the fifth position, marking a significant jump of six places since the previous month. The apartment listings in these cities garnered the highest engagement on RentCafe.com this month. This heightened engagement can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a substantial number of rental properties being saved to favorites, personalized search activity, limited unit availability, and a notably high volume of listing views overall.The Midwest significantly asserts its influence by securing ten out of the top 30 cities with the highest rental activity in August. A significant number of individuals are gravitating toward the Midwest, attracted by its affordable cost of living, expansive open spaces, and relaxed pace of life. The region is known for its friendly residents, economical land prices, and a tranquil lifestyle distinct from other parts of the United States, which has enticed a range of people to trade life on either Coast for the Midwest. The South follows closely with nine cities on the list. Concurrently, as the peak rental season unfolds, renters are shifting their apartment search focus towards suburban localities that provide convenient access to urban amenities. This shift has propelled Phoenix suburbs—Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria—into the ranking as the freshest and most sought-after rental locations. Consequently, this month showcases the inclusion of seven Western cities in the roster of the nation's most desired renting destinations.However, the appeal of core urban living remains strong. In a remarkable advancement, New York City's Bronx ascends three places to occupy the No. 6 spot, edging ever closer to the top. Not to be overshadowed, Queens, the largest borough of NYC, follows suit, securing the No. 13 position this month—an impressive climb of six places from the prior month. Similarly, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Houston continue their sustained presence among the nation's premier cities for rental activity.Staying informed about the cities in the highest demand for renters is a crucial undertaking for investors. This knowledge empowers investors to make well-informed decisions that align with current market trends and capitalize on lucrative opportunities.

Aug 30, 2023

2023 MIDYEAR OUTLOOK: Prices Still Too High; Cash and Seller Financing Key to CRE Activity in 2023

While the overall economy has proven to be resilient to interest rate increases, the gap between buyers and sellers on cap rates is still pretty significant, which has resulted in lower transaction volumes compared to the prior year. In conversations with Coldwell Banker Commercial professionals across the country, only a few markets are seeing sellers come down on pricing to meet buyers’ expectations and create deal terms that make sense in a higher interest rate environment. The majority of property owners prefer to hold on to their assets hoping for increased valuations over last year. Buyers are trying to put deals together but believe pricing should be 10-15% less than what sellers are asking for. Properties will move only if priced right, and even then, deals are slower to close (which is an improvement from the “no-decision” days of last year). While real estate is still a desired asset class, nervousness about timing is holding buyers back. A slowing domestic economy, rising interest rates with an uncertain end and the war in Ukraine has led many investors to park their money in risk-free bonds while they wait for values to come down. Cap rate spread over 10-year US treasury yields are below historic average spreads across all property types.

Aug 29, 2023

Achieving Exceptional Results through Servicing & Leadership with Kate Conquest

On this episode, we are joined by Kate Conquest, National VP of Affiliate Servicing for Coldwell Banker and Coldwell Banker Commercial. She is determined and committed to helping her affiliates achieve exceptional results using a well-developed market intelligence based approach. Growth is one of her passions and she is driven by being a part of something bigger than herself. She has been an advocate for NAR and why being involved at that level is pivotal for one’s business as well as the industry as a whole. Hearing the excitement for the real estate industry from this leader is sure to inspire.

Aug 22, 2023

Best Places for Renters to Live in 2023

The primary contributor to the increasing cost of living for Americans are expenses associated with rent and mortgages, making it important to consider which cities offer the powerful combination of affordability and quality of life in 2023. It’s important to factor in a city’s apartment quality; local economy; employment opportunities, living expenses, traffic; schools, air quality, and natural amenities when making the difficult decision to plant roots in a new place. New data by RentCafe highlights where people living in the U.S. can get the most out of their renting experience in 2023. According to RentCafe, Southern states are the premier region for renters, claiming an impressive 36 out of the top 50 spots. This includes renowned rental hotspots like Miami and Orlando, FL, as well as lesser-known markets such as Plano, TX; Asheville, NC; and Birmingham, AL. Renters in this region have the luxury of choosing between the vibrant ambiance of a major city or the enchantment of a charming small town. Charleston, SC takes the No. 1 spot for Best Places to Live in 2023Charleston, South Carolina, the largest and oldest city in the state, secures the top spot in this year's ranking of the best cities for renters. This accolade is attributed to its optimal combination of apartment quality and cost of living, which ranks as the third-best in the country. Additionally, Charleston earns a commendable score in the local economy category. Notably, the city has gained recognition as a burgeoning tech hub with over 250 tech companies, positioning it fifth in terms of the local economy.Renters in Charleston can enjoy a suburban feel that offers the advantages of residing in a major city without compromising on factors like air quality or access to natural amenities. The data reveals that nearly half of the households in Charleston are occupied by renters. Furthermore, the average size of apartments in Charleston is significantly larger than the national average, measuring approximately 967 square feet. With a robust job growth rate of 5.9%, it is no surprise that Charleston claims the title of the best city for renters in 2023.Plano, Texas rises to the top in 2nd place Claiming the second spot on RentCafe’s list, Plano has recently gained recognition as the "City of Excellence." It garners high rankings in two key areas: the local economy, where it secures the second position, and quality of life, where it ranks sixth. Plano's distinguished reputation for fostering academic success makes it an ideal destination for families seeking a city with exceptional public schools. Furthermore, the city boasts excellent air quality and a significant proportion of high-end apartments, accounting for 78.2% of the housing stock. Additionally, Plano serves as the headquarters for several major corporations, including Bank of America, Hewlett Packard, FedEx, JCPenney, and Pepsi. Consequently, it exhibits one of the highest job growth rates nationwide, further enhancing its appeal.The Top 10 Places to Live in 2023 For commercial real estate investors, understanding the dynamics of the rental market and the best cities for renters in 2023 is crucial. With the rising cost of living, particularly in terms of rent and mortgages, it becomes essential to identify cities that offer a compelling blend of affordability and quality of life. As RentCafe's data shows, Southern states have emerged as the premier region for renters, occupying the majority of the top 50 spots. This presents a compelling case study for commercial real estate investors looking to tap into rental markets with strong potential.

Aug 17, 2023

Atlanta's Jelani Linder Honored As Top Commercial Agent by National Association of Real Estate Brokers

ATLANTA (Aug, 17, 2023) – Coldwell Banker Commercial is pleased to congratulate Jelani Linder, a broker affiliated with Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers in Atlanta, for being named “Top Commercial Agent” by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) on its inaugural Top 100 Awards list. Linder was one of 16 Coldwell Banker agents and managers celebrated for their contributions to the real estate industry at NAREB’s 75th annual convention in Houston. Together, these recognized professionals contributed to a staggering $1.8 billion-plus in transactions in 2022. Linder specializes in land brokerage and investment sales and has been working to shape the future of urban development in the Metro Atlanta Region. He is licensed in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. With nearly a decade of real estate experience, Linder has been the top producer at Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers since 2019, following his consistent placement in the top 10% in preceding years. In both 2021 and 2022, Linder ranked among the top 2% nationally for production at Coldwell Banker Commercial. He holds a master's degree in urban planning from the University of Georgia and serves on the planning and zoning committee for the City of Stone Mountain. Additionally, Linder co-chairs a non-profit organization focused on driving economic development in Stone Mountain Village. He is an esteemed member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors, the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) organization, and the Urban Land Institute. NAREB is dedicated to enhancing the business conditions of it NAREB® Realtist® members by strengthening the consumer capacity of Black, minority, and emerging target market segments that Realtists® serve. Coldwell Banker is the first sponsor to curate courses for NAREB members to bolster the organization’s career development programs. “It was an honor to attend the 75th annual NAREB conference, where I was able to connect with so many members and learn from their expertise. NAREB is at the forefront of driving diversity and fair housing in real estate. Our many affiliated agents recognized in their Top 100 Awards should be very proud of their achievements as industry champions and outstanding real estate experts. Coldwell Banker is a proud sponsor of this organization and we look forward to expanding our relationship with them,” said Liz Gehringer, president and CEO of Anywhere Franchise Brands, and acting president of affiliate business and COO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. About Coldwell Banker Commercial AffiliatesColdwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers, an affiliate of Coldwell Banker Commercial®, provides commercial real estate solutions serving the needs of owners and occupiers in the leasing, acquisition and disposition of all property types. With a collaborative network of independently owned and operated affiliates, the Coldwell Banker Commercial organization comprises almost 200 companies and more than 3,000 professionals throughout the U.S. and internationally. For additional information, visit www.cbcworldwide.com. Media Contact: Kevin Guhlkevin.guhl@cbhomeoffice.com  973-407-5916

Aug 15, 2023

From Farm to Byte: The Convergence of Technology and Agriculture Real Estate

Late last year, the New York Times reported farmland values hit record highs. In 2022, cropland values increased by 12.4% nationwide, and Farmers National Company set a new record sales volume of $766 million, exceeding the previous record in 2021 of $750 million. While many asset classes in commercial real estate have weakened amidst the current economic instability, agriculture acreage is rising in demand among investors. And due to its finite availability, returns are expected to grow rapidly.In tandem with the post-pandemic economic conditions, the advent of new technologies shifted the way many farmers manage their land, in turn impacting the commercial real estate sector.Rise of Precision TechnologyOne of the most significant developments in recent years has been the use of precision agriculture technology. The global precision agriculture market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.40% between 2023-2028. This technology involves the use of sensors and other tools to collect data on soil, weather, and other factors that affect crop growth. Farmers can use this information to make more informed decisions about planting, fertilizing, and watering their crops. The result is more efficient and effective farming practices, leading to higher crop yields and greater profits.The use of precision agriculture technology has also led to changes in the way farmers manage their land. By collecting detailed data on soil quality, for example, farmers can identify areas of their fields that require more nutrients or water. This enables them to use these resources more efficiently, reducing the amount of land needed to produce the same amount of food – which can have major implications for land values and real estate activity.Use of DronesAnother significant development in agriculture technology is the use of drones, which are rising in use across commercial and small family-owned farms. Farmers can use drones with cameras and other sensors to monitor crop growth and identify areas needing attention. This technology allows farmers to identify problems early, such as pests or diseases, before they can spread and cause damage. It also enables farmers to assess the health of their crops more quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of crop loss.The use of drones has also had an impact on the real estate industry. With the ability to monitor crop growth more effectively, farmers can identify areas of their land that are not producing as well as they should be. This information can be used to make more informed decisions about whether to sell or lease the land, potentially leading to higher profits for the farmer and increased demand for real estate in the area.Artificial Intelligence’s ImpactThe use of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture is another area poised to significantly impact the industry. AI can be used to analyze vast amounts of data, including weather patterns, soil quality, and crop yields, to make predictions about future crop growth. This information can be used by farmers to make more informed decisions about planting and harvesting, reducing the risk of crop loss and increasing yields. Other possible applications of the technology may include the optimization of labor, early detection of pests and diseases, and better compliance with irrigation and fertilization regulations, per Forbes.The use of AI in agriculture also has the potential to lead to changes in the real estate industry. By providing more accurate predictions about crop yields and weather patterns, farmers can make better-informed decisions about land use. This could lead to an increase in demand for land that is suitable for certain types of crops, potentially leading to higher prices for real estate in these areas.Agriculture has been a critical sector of the economy for centuries, providing food and resources for human populations worldwide. Recent advancements in AgTech are significantly impacting the industry and demand for farmland, which experts believe isn’t changing anytime soon. According to Bloomberg, the rising values are believed to be part of “a decade-long trend.”

Aug 14, 2023

Coldwell Banker Commercial Evergreen Olympic Realty Welcomes Terry Wilson and Spencer Ingrim

Olympia, Washington: Coldwell Banker Commercial Evergreen Olympic Realty, Inc, is pleased to welcome two exceptional and experienced commercial real estate brokers to its team - Terry Wilson and Spencer Ingrim. Each has a long history of expertly guiding clients to the most successful outcomes with their commercial real estate needs, including sales, purchases, and leasing of office, industrial, retail, and multifamily properties. Terry Wilson has a unique background that has provided him with a solid balanced perspective of business challenges and needs. In addition to many years as a real estate broker, he has been a business owner, a VP at a publicly traded company, and a state government employee. Terry understands that business people want timely, accurate communication and they want information and data that is precise and professionally presented. Spencer Ingrim has a diverse background in commercial real estate having worked at two regional brokerages on the west coast. His experience overseeing and managing property operations of 11 retail shopping centers totaling 2.8 million square feet in California has provided him with unique and critical insights into the needs of both tenants and property owners. More recently, Spencer has focused on the commercial retail market in the Puget Sound region, specializing in real estate development, redevelopment, project management, budgeting, and commercial management of retail shopping centers. They join a group of some of the most experienced brokers in Thurston County, including Debbie Draper-Aikins, who herself has decades of experience expertly advising clients with their commercial real estate. The addition of Terry and Spencer further strengthens the firm’s collaborative service offerings to its many clients and the area’s business and property owners. About Coldwell Banker Commercial Evergreen Olympic Realty, Inc. This Olympia, Washington-based real estate company is the county’s longest-established, locally-owned real estate firm. The firm was established in 1968 and has been a market leader in both commercial and residential sales across the region. A second-generation, family-run business, everyone at the firm prides themselves on a client-first approach that starts with the best local knowledge and deepest understanding of the real estate sales and leasing processes.