Navigating 2017

By Suzann D. Silverman, Editorial Director

Editorial Director Suzann D. Silverman

We entered 2017 in a climate of uncertainty. From the mature economic cycle to the December interest rate hike to the change in presidency, there is plenty to make real estate investors, developers and operators just a bit nervous. Is the multifamily development market peaking? Are primary cities oversupplied with hotel space? Will policy changes benefit real estate? What kind of yield potential can be achieved in the primary U.S. markets?

At the same time, the economy is still growing—if at a slower pace—and the U.S. is the closest it’s been in a while to full employment. Plus, real estate fundamentals remain fairly sound. It’s no longer the best of times, but it’s far from the worst—and is probably a good deal more stable than the heady market of 2007 proved to be. Depending on the outcome of all the uncertainties, of course.

To help you better navigate these murky waters, this year’s Annual Guide brings together three brands—MultiHousing News, Commercial Property Executive and Yardi Matrix—to offer industry outlooks, strategic insights, policy evaluations, market analysis and plenty of data.

Drawing on the strength of Yardi Matrix data and analysis, we take you market by market through 20 of the biggest metro areas we track, offering for each one a summary of key trends and activity, along with charts detailing rent growth, total sales and completions. Of course, information on plenty of additional markets is available online, along with more extensive reports on each of those featured in the Guide.

You may also find interesting the story behind TruAmerica Multifamily’s expansion, as CEO Bob Hart takes the West Coast investment firm to the Eastern Seaboard. The company currently owns or manages $6.7 billion worth of assets, including more than 32,000 units, and that number is sure to continue growing.

Developers can gain insights from a series of case studies from around the country, including two of the tallest buildings in the U.S., a neighborhood revitalization in Detroit and the recreation of an old Sears distribution site in Memphis into a mixed-use property with a focus on health care, education and the arts. These projects represent a range of uses, innovations and business decisions.

On the operational side, Yardi Energy Regional Director Margaret Carey evaluates advances in energy procurement and data measurement, while apartment property managers look at the next wave in concierge services designed to win over new and existing residents.

We’ve aimed to provide something for everyone to make this a valuable and lasting guide for the industry in the new year. Enjoy!

Originally appearing in the CPE-MHN Guide to 2017.