Dec 30, 2021
The Pandemic Might Have Redesigned Cities Forever
Changes small and large—parklets, outdoor restaurants, bike lanes—could remake our relationship to cities (and help fix climate change).
Industry News
Dec 22, 2021
Changes Coming to Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
Commercial real estate (CRE) professionals are well aware that a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is required when acquiring commercial property. Originally intended to demonstrate that the buyer had undertaken “All Appropriate Inquiries”...
Dec 15, 2021
Real estate is drunk on ESG. But what’s in the cocktail?
ESG is all the rage in real estate. But what goes into a rating is unclear. This year, real estate awoke to its status as the quiet villain of climate change.
Dec 02, 2021
Federal PFAS Cleanup Regulation on the Horizon
Federal regulators recently picked up the pace in controlling the class of persistent environmental toxins known as PFAS, as the nation’s eyes increasingly focus on this problem.
Nov 17, 2021
The New Phase I ESA Standard is Here – ASTM E1527-21
Here's what CRE transaction parties need to know about the Phase I ESA standard changes.
Nov 16, 2021
Climate Change, ESG Moves Into CRE Underwriting
Global climate change negotiators from almost 200 governments over the past two weeks have put commercial real estate solidly in place to play a role in addressing carbon emissions.
Nov 15, 2021
Urban Is Coming Back Strong… And Better Than Ever Before
During the pandemic, the media obsessed over urbanites fleeing the cities for more freedom and less dense places to live, which definitely happened to a certain extent. But, just like every other cycle of pandemic or urban fall out, this one will end...
Nov 03, 2021
The New Phase I ESA Standard, and What You Need to Know
Over the next few weeks and months, you’ll likely be hearing much discussion about the imminent revised and updated ASTM E1527 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA) standard.
Oct 27, 2021
Chicago Is Already A Champ In Adaptive Reuse, And More Projects Are On The Way
Chicago’s apartment market took a hit during the coronavirus pandemic, with the amount of new development falling below most other major U.S. cities, but the good times may have returned.
Oct 25, 2021
An Environmental Primer for Lenders
Given the current demand for downtown properties, borrowers are acquiring contaminated properties like never before.
Oct 21, 2021
With Caps Raised, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Are Poised to Lend More
Investors will be able to get more loans for apartment properties from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in 2022. They may also get even lower interest rates on loans to many properties with affordable apartments.
Oct 21, 2021
More Awareness Than Preparedness: CRE Falls Behind On Flood Resiliency As Risk Rises
Acknowledgment of climate change and the risks it poses for property owners and investors, especially through flooding, is growing, and through a major new Federal Emergency Management Agency policy change involving flood insurance, the federal government is adding to that awareness.
Oct 06, 2021
Covid Spells The End For Office Buildings Already On Their Last Legs
The coronavirus pandemic brought New York City’s office market to a screeching halt, and even as the crisis subsides and a semblance of normality returns, many buildings are facing an uncertain future.
Sep 27, 2021
The suburban office park rises from the dead
Across the country, old office parks are being turned into vibrant, mixed-use spaces.
Sep 20, 2021
CRE Braces for the Climate Disclosures Regs Coming from the SEC
When SEC chair Gary Gensler testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs recently, he was clear, if not detailed, that disclosures about climate risk, as well as human capital and cybersecurity, were on the short list.
Sep 17, 2021
Nearly Half Of Companies Want To Downsize Their Office Spaces Post-Pandemic: Report
Roughly 43.5% of companies want to downsize their office footprint after the coronavirus pandemic ends, a recent survey found.
Sep 03, 2021
14 Important Factors Impacting Commercial Real Estate In 2021 And Beyond
Like nearly every industry, the Covid-19 pandemic has rattled the commercial real estate (CRE) sector. As businesses reopen, owners are being forced to make tough decisions, such as whether or not they should continue to rent office space.
Aug 22, 2021
Needless Construction And Architectural Arrogance: Climate Crisis And The Future Of Work
The shift to hybrid work has the potential to have a huge impact on the battle against climate change — if the real estate industry can change its idea about the best way to make a profit, and corporate occupiers change their view on what constitutes an environmentally friendly building.
Aug 20, 2021
The Oil Spill Is Hurting Gulf Coast Real Estate
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has left behind more than environmental damage. Florida's already-ravaged real estate market took another knock after oil began to seep onto its beaches.
Aug 18, 2021
Why Urban Commercial Real Estate is Here to Stay
Despite some predictions to the contrary, the walkable, urban lifestyle is very much alive. Even though COVID-19 presented many challenges to cities, these markets are incredibly resilient and always seem to rebound after a crisis.