Commercial Real Estate Developers Exlpore EB-5 Possibilites

Commercial real estate developers and economic development officials will gather in Orlanda, Florida, for the National Commercial Real Estate EB-5 Finance and Investment Forum on September 30. There, they will explore alternative sources of funding for many real estate investment projects across the country.

Fannie and Freddie: Plan to Restructure

The multi-family industry has taken a hit recently with the restructuring of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Owners and developers of apartment complexes will feel the impact of any change in the two government-owned lenders. Three years ago, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac accounted for 70 to 80 percent of the finacning for multi-family housing  but with current plans to restructure, there's no doubt any change will keep the apartment industry on edge.
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Mortgage Shake-Up Proposed

Last Thursday, a California Republican and a Michigan Democrat unveiled legislation to replace Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with at least five private companies that would issue mortgage-backed securities with explicit federal guarantees. Conservative Republicans want to advance bills to build a mostly private mortgage-finance system while Democrats say the government shouldn't walk away from the mortgage market, so this bill is seen as a compromise between the two. What do you think? Is the bill on the right track or is this really a terrible idea?

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SEC Probe Examines Bank-Loan Practices

The SEC claims to be examining the bank practices of “extend and pretend” and “amend and pretend”….well about time. It is shocking that government oversight has played a blind eye for so long. Statements from banks saying that “loan accounting is and has been appropriate” is mind boggling when you see what is plainly evident.

We and many other investors and have tried in vain to work with banks and special servicers to help restructure and buy loans with some success but mostly frustration. The financial system is gleaning massive fees by delaying and stifling the Commercial Real Estate industry.

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Senate easily approves tax plan, sends it to House

The extension of the tax law takes the pressure off having to close transactions by year end. The lower capital gains tax is obviously a welcomed delay.

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