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Sep 27, 2023

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  • Retail

    Retail Shops Shine as a Prominent Player in Commercial Real Estate

    Sep 26, 2023

    Retailers in the United States are defying historic lows in retail space availability by planning to launch 1,000 new stores this year, underscoring the sector's resilience amid commercial real estate challenges. Despite factors like inflation, elevated interest rates, and the closure of businesses such as Bed Bath & Beyond and Christmas Tree Shops, landlords are reporting unwavering demand for retail spaces, highlighted by The Wall Street Journal. This resilience can be attributed to the reduced retail construction since the 2008-09 financial crisis, allowing the oversaturated sector to absorb its existing real estate. Moreover, retailers are using online sales data and analytics to pinpoint ideal locations for successful stores. Contrary to predictions of online retail dominance, digital-native companies are now establishing physical storefronts after reaching their online customer acquisition limits. Shoppers are returning to stores and restaurants as pandemic restrictions ease, alleviating earlier concerns. Additionally, Commerce Department data from earlier this summer reveals that retail sales increased by a seasonally adjusted 0.7% in July compared to the prior month. American spending has risen for four consecutive months and seems to be outpacing inflation.This retail revival stands in stark contrast to the office market, which is grappling with a 30-year high in office vacancy rates of 18.2%, primarily due to the rise of hybrid work schedules. A whitepaper by Placer.ai highlights the success of Walmart, Target, and Costco amid economic challenges such as inflation and high gas prices. Despite the evolving retail landscape, these retailers serve as prime examples of how challenges can transform into opportunities. Placer.ai's Q2 2023 data suggests that shifting consumer trends are favoring superstores.In fact, both Costco and Target outperformed the broader retail sector in year-over-year (YoY) performance, with visit growth rates of 1.2% and 3.1% in the first half of 2023, compared to the overall retail sector's 0.3% decline. Conversely, Walmart seemed to be more affected by inflation, possibly due to its visitors having a lower median household income compared to Costco and Target shoppers, experiencing a 0.9% decrease in foot traffic compared to H1 2022. However, recent weekly visit data indicates a potential Walmart rebound. Between June 19th and July 24th, the chain recorded year-over-year weekly visit growth, suggesting a positive trajectory and hinting at year-over-year growth in the second half of the year.For commercial real estate investors, staying attuned to retail trends is of paramount importance. The ability to anticipate and respond to these trends can make the difference between a successful investment and a poor decision. Understanding which retailers are thriving and why, as well as grasping the nuances of changing consumer behavior, can inform strategic decisions regarding property acquisitions, leases, and developments. Incorporating these insights into investment strategies can help commercial real estate investors identify prime locations, optimize property portfolios, and ultimately maximize returns on their investments. 

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  • Multifamily

    Challenges in the Affordable Housing Space: What to Know

    Sep 19, 2023

    The U.S. is facing a potential loss of nearly 200,000 affordable housing units in the next five years as government protections expire for hundreds of rental properties, allowing landlords to set their own rents, highlighted by The Wall Street Journal. The main program used by the federal government to encourage developers to build affordable housing is a 30-year tax credit. However, specific agreements that assisted low-income renters are set to end, giving landlords the option to charge market rates for their units instead of continuing with the government program. Due to a period of high rent growth, many landlords are expected to raise rents significantly. Between early 2021 and the summer of 2022, asking rents for market-rate units increased by 25%, according to Apartment List, a rentals website. By 2027, up to 188,000 low-cost rental apartments funded by the government tax credit could convert to market rate, as reported by Moody's Analytics. Certain cities, such as Dallas, Chicago, and Houston, are at risk of losing a significant portion of their affordable housing. During the pandemic, a considerable number of affordable housing units vanished, with a decline of 400,000 apartments and rental homes for families in poverty between 2019 and 2021, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which analyzed U.S. census data. Some of this loss was attributed to the expiration of tax credits, as mentioned by Moody's Analytics.Without longer affordability agreements or new subsidies, approximately 100,000 units of tax-credit housing could expire annually by 2033, according to Peter Lawrence, director of public policy and government. Rent increases following expiration can be substantial, as affordable housing rents are typically 38% below market rates on average, but after expiration, they rise to about the same level as market-rate properties of comparable quality and location, according to a study by Freddie Mac.This situation has left some long-term renters in difficult situations. The Wall Street Journal article shares the story of an 85-year-old renter in California who lives on a monthly income of $1,000 and has experienced minimal rent increases for nearly three decades. However, in 2021, the landlord opted out of the federal tax credit program, causing the rent to more than double, going up to as much as $1,300. Landlords have been major supporters of the tax credit program, and many have built large businesses by operating affordable housing. But without new subsidies or incentives, building owners will likely take advantage of the recent hot market and raise rents to meet the rising costs of maintenance, insurance, and property taxes. The solutions to this looming challenge will require cities and government agencies to work with landlords and developers to encourage investment into affordable housing projects, while simultaneously creating the incentives to do so. It is a complex situation that won’t easily be solved but without collaboration to address the need, it is clear that fewer options will be available. That doesn’t bode well for the future of many who are in desperate need and could end up without a safe and secure place to live.

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  • CRE with CBCworldwide, The Coldwell Banker Commercial Podcast.
    Podcasts

    Beyond the Brick & Mortar: Relationship Focus from CBC Board of Advisors Member, Bob Fredrickson

    Sep 19, 2023

    The second in our "Beyond the Bricks and Mortar" series with our Board of Advisors. We are joined by Bob Fredrickson, President of CBC Danforth in Washington State. Bob digs deep into the idea that Simplicity is genius in CRE. He talks about his approach to the business, how a new agent can find success early, and how seasoned agents can earn more business. Focusing on relatinonships and shifting your focus from what you have always done, to where the opportunity will be 2 years from now. A true professional in the field, tune in to hear Bob's wisdom and tactics to grow your business and skill.

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  • CRE with CBCworldwide, The Coldwell Banker Commercial Podcast.
    Podcasts

    Board of Advisors Series - Bob Fredrickson

    Sep 19, 2023

    The second in our "Beyond the Bricks and Mortar" series with our Board of Advisors. We are joined by Bob Fredrickson, President of CBC Danforth in Washington State. Bob digs deep into the idea that Simplicity is genius in CRE. He talks about his approach to the business, how a new agent can find success early, and how seasoned agents can earn more business. Focusing on relatinonships and shifting your focus from what you have always done, to where the opportunity will be 2 years from now. A true professional in the field, tune in to hear Bob's wisdom and tactics to grow your business and skill.

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  • CRE with CBCworldwide, The Coldwell Banker Commercial Podcast.
    News

    Coldwell Banker Commercial Danforth Finalizes $14.7M Sale of Industrial Park in Washington

    Sep 13, 2023

    EVERETT, WASH. (Sept. 13, 2023) – Coldwell Banker Commercial Danforth recently completed the $14.7 million sale of an industrial park in Everett, Wash. The brokerage represented buyer Mina Properties VIII, one of its long-term investor clients. The seller was BFS Operations LLC.Occupying 31.6 acres at 3200 35th Ave. NE, the park consists of four buildings totaling 94,000 square feet. With easy access to both I-5 and SR 529, the location provides easy access to ports, cities, and towns along the I-5 corridor, only nine minutes from downtown Everett and 38 miles from Seattle.Broker Michael Fear said that Mina Properties VIII intends to maintain the property as a multi-tenant investment. The seller was BFS Operations LLC.“This property went into contract quickly after listing, with multiple local and national prospective buyers,” said Fear. “The size and proximity to a strong industrial market with highway, port, and railroad access made this property desirable.”For further information, contact commercial broker Michael Fear at mikef@medwardscre.com | 206-755-8856, or Bob Fredrickson, CCIM, president of Coldwell Banker Commercial Danforth, at bfredrickson@cbcworldwide.com | 206-595-7232.About Coldwell Banker Commercial AffiliatesColdwell Banker Commercial Danforth, 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 GuhlEmail: kevin.guhl@cbhomeoffice.comPhone: 973-407-5916 

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  • CRE with CBCworldwide, The Coldwell Banker Commercial Podcast.
    Multifamily

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

    Sep 12, 2023

    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.

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Latest CBC Podcasts

CRE with CBCworldwide, The Coldwell Banker Commercial Podcast.

Listen and learn from the Coldwell Banker Commercial brand on this commercial real estate focused podcast.

  • CRE with CBCworldwide, The Coldwell Banker Commercial Podcast.
    Sep 19, 2023

    Beyond the Brick & Mortar: Relationship Focus from CBC Board of Advisors Member, Bob Fredrickson

    The second in our "Beyond the Bricks and Mortar" series with our Board of Advisors. We are joined by Bob Fredrickson, President of CBC Danforth in Washington State. Bob digs deep into the idea that Simplicity is genius in CRE. He talks about his approach to the business, how a new agent can find success early, and how seasoned agents can earn more business. Focusing on relatinonships and shifting your focus from what you have always done, to where the opportunity will be 2 years from now. A true professional in the field, tune in to hear Bob's wisdom and tactics to grow your business and skill.

  • CRE with CBCworldwide, The Coldwell Banker Commercial Podcast.
    Sep 19, 2023

    Board of Advisors Series - Bob Fredrickson

    The second in our "Beyond the Bricks and Mortar" series with our Board of Advisors. We are joined by Bob Fredrickson, President of CBC Danforth in Washington State. Bob digs deep into the idea that Simplicity is genius in CRE. He talks about his approach to the business, how a new agent can find success early, and how seasoned agents can earn more business. Focusing on relatinonships and shifting your focus from what you have always done, to where the opportunity will be 2 years from now. A true professional in the field, tune in to hear Bob's wisdom and tactics to grow your business and skill.

  • CRE with CBCworldwide, The Coldwell Banker Commercial Podcast.
    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.

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