Industry News

May 26, 2021 12:30 PM

IRS Rejects Developer-led Attempts to Expand 8,700 Opportunity Zone Boundaries

Despite developer efforts to have boundaries expanded for nearly 8,700 opportunity zones, the IRS said the zones are established and not subject to change, The Real Deal reported May 17. Both developers and investors sought to expand the areas where opportunity zone investments — and tax breaks — could be claimed after Census Bureau maps were updated.

Oct 06, 2020 12:30 PM

Retail, Office and Industrial Cap Rates at New Lows: Report

Cap rates in the single-tenant, net lease retail, office and industrial sectors reached record lows during the third quarter, down 19, 10 and 11 basis points, respectively, from the second quarter, real estate firm The Boulder Group reported Oct. 2 in its Q3 Net Lease Market Report. The drop is mainly due to the Fed’s announcement that interest rates will remain near zero at least through 2023.

Aug 05, 2020 12:30 PM

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Update Appraisal Guidance FAQ

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on July 29 released an updated FAQ document that provides temporary guidance to appraisers on several policy areas in response to the COVID-19 national emergency. The document updates guidance on the use of photos in reports for exterior-only appraisals and provides new guidance on UCC-1 financing statements and waivers for exterior-only or desktop appraisals.

Jul 29, 2020 12:30 PM

Commercial Appraisal Data Standards Released for Comment

The Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization, known as MISMO, on July 24 released for comment its proposed commercial appraisal data standards. The standards are intended to facilitate the exchange of commercial appraisal information, which is critical for underwriting and loss mitigation, between multiple industry participants. Comments are due Sept. 21.

Jul 29, 2020 12:30 PM

Economic Recovery Ending, Another Slowdown Expected: JLL

The U.S. economy expanded in May and June, but by some measures it already is slowing down, according to data released July 20 by real estate firm JLL. Advance retail sales rose 7.5% between May and June, and industrial production jumped 5.4% during the same period, but consumer sentiment declined in July over fears of increasing COVID-19 cases.

Jul 29, 2020 12:30 PM

Office Net Absorption in Q2 Sees Largest Decline in 11 Years: Cushman & Wakefield

Office net absorption during the second quarter turned negative, falling from 5.2 million square feet during the first quarter to negative 22.8 million square feet during the second quarter, real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield reported July 23 in its U.S. Office MarketBeat report. The report noted that it was the largest quarterly decline since the Great Recession.

Jul 21, 2020 12:30 PM

AI Urges Swift Passage of Appraisal Portal Legislation

The Appraisal Institute on July 9 sent a letter to Reps. David Kustoff, R-Tenn., and Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo., urging swift passage of HR 7688, the Portal for Appraisal Licensing Act of 2020. The legislation would amend the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to establish a portal for appraisal credentialing and appraisal management company registration information.

Jul 21, 2020 12:30 PM

Federal Reserve Expects Recession Despite Initial Optimism

Following initial optimism that the COVID-19 slump would be over after the second quarter, Fed policymakers are now preparing for a longer recession due to high unemployment and increased risk of corporate bankruptcies, Forbes reported July 14. A greater chance for a second wave of infections also is contributing to the Fed’s new stance.

Jul 21, 2020 12:30 PM

Big Banks Have Set Aside $28 Billion to Cover Pandemic-related Losses, Data Shows

JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Wells Fargo have so far collectively set aside $28 billion to cover an expected wave of consumer and business loan defaults, Morningstar reported July 15. The banks increased the amount they had previously set aside due to growing concerns about the length and severity of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jul 14, 2020 12:30 PM

Net Lease Cap Rates Vary During Q2: The Boulder Group

Net lease cap rates increased for the retail sector during the second quarter, but held steady for the office sector and dropped for the industrial sector, according to commercial real estate firm The Boulder Group, MBA NewsLink reported July 2. The firm reported that higher cap rates are anticipated in most sectors by the end of the year.