July | August | 2016 CCIM.com
environment off ers signifi cant refi nancing
opportunities.
Protecting Investments
With the possibility of a rate increase on
the horizon, disciplined investors set them-
selves up for long-term success, by increas-
ing the equity they hold in projects. In this
way, owners and managers are better pre-
pared to absorb the impact of rate changes
and fl uctuations in vacancy rates.
An added benefi t of holding greater equity
in individual projects can be greater control
over the decision making process. Investors
want to look at the depth of each market and
the total supply coming in. A question for
investors to ask:
• Should the project be delivered at the same
time as everyone else in any given mar-
ket? Probably not. By keeping an eye on
development trends locally, investors can
maximize their return on investment on a
project-by-project basis.
Searching for Market
Demand
While many developers have focused on
the luxury market, which according to
RedFin rebounded in the fourth quar-
ter of 2015, investors will fi nd abundant
opportunities in aff ordable and workforce
housing. Particularly as gentrifi cation has
aff ected local communities and displaced
some residents, the need for low and mid-
dle income developments is rising. As the
future for luxury housing becomes less cer-
tain and some regional markets appear to
have overbuilt, aff ordable housing consti-
tutes a bright spot for real estate investors.
In general, looking for geographies that
have or are anticipating population or job
growth are where investors will want to
focus their eff orts. In the Southeast, cities
such as Charlotte, N.C., and Charleston,
S.C., combine good economic policies at
the state level with a relatively aff ordable
cost of living. ese areas are attractive
for both companies and their prospec-
tive employees, and contribute to the
need for affordable and middle income
multifamily development.
Attracting Millennial
Renters
Lastly, investors should consider gauging
the long-term potential of certain cities
based on their walkability. A 2015 report
from the National Association of Realtors,
found that millennials, more than earlier
generations, place a premium on their abil-
ity to walk rather than drive to work, to
shop, and to entertainment. Investing in
developments in communities near trans-
portation hubs off ers a good opportunity to
tap into early-stage growth markets.
Gregg Gerken is the executive vice president
and head of Commercial Real Estate at TD
Bank Group in New York City. He can be
reached at gregg.gerken@td.com.
THE NEW
FindaCCIM.com
Easy to use on any device.
Have you updated your profile yet?
Visit your outdated profile before 50,000 potential clients do. Log in to CCIM.com to
update your profile.