Archives

November

• 11-03-11

  The Food Revolution and Its Impact on Real Estate

  “The Food Revolution and Its Impact on Real Estate”—a session at ULI’s recent 2011 Fall Meeting—showcased three different examples of how food is becoming an increasingly important part of not just our diets, but also our developments. Read more to learn how this panel provided food for thought on the role of food as a real estate amenity, a community builder, and a project differentiator.

October

• 10-31-11

  Beyond HOPE 6: HUD Offers New Initiatives for Low-Income Housing, Neighborhood Revitalization

  At a ULI 2011 Fall Meeting session titled “HUD Catalysts for Repositioning Neighborhood Markets,” a yet-unauthorized new HUD program called Rental Assistance Demonstration was described that would allow Section 9 public housing and several other HUD housing programs to convert to Section 8. Read more to learn how this program is just one part of HUD’s larger strategy to preserve rental housing.

• 10-31-11

  Re-Thinking the Office Market: Office Sector Realities and Strategies

  “We don’t need any more office space.” This is the takeaway quote from a session titled “Rethinking the Office Market” at ULI’s 2011 Fall Meeting in Los Angeles. Though this pronouncement may seem extreme, the five panelists in attendance gave their insights into what has changed in the office market over the course of the Great Recession—and what can be expected in coming years.

• 10-31-11

  Public/Private Partnerships: Wide Ranging Views and Successful Approaches

  It was pretty much business as usual at a panel discussion entitled “Public/Private Partnerships: Solutions for the Next Generation” at ULI’s 2011 Fall Meeting in Los Angeles—master plans, local politicians decrying their tight budgets, pay-as-you-go infrastructure takedowns. Business as usual, that is, until a veteran developer veered wildly off script and divulged some home truths, followed by advice for best approaching these partnerships and ensuring success.

• 10-31-11

  BofA Has Plan to Buy, Lease REO

  The much-maligned Bank of America is working “hard” on a short sale-to-lease program for distressed borrowers who don’t qualify for government-backed refinance programs, says BofA executive Ron Sturzenegger to a session on capital markets at ULI’s 2011 Fall Meeting in Los Angeles. Read more to learn the details of how the bank expects to tackle today’s huge inventory of foreclosed properties.

• 10-28-11

  Reports of the Death of GSEs May Be Greatly Exaggerated

  In light of predictions of the death of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), panelists at ULI’s Fall Meeting were asked to predict what they thought might replace the business currently handled by GSEs like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and what impact that shift might have for the market. Read more to learn what industry insiders expect to see happen with the GSEs over the next two to five years.

• 10-28-11

  Recovery in the U.S. economy is well underway—but continued unemployment and the European debt crisis are leaving a “global stagnation cloud”

  At the ULI 2011 Fall Meeting, a panel of real estate experts reported some good news: The U.S. economy has rebounded, and there are few signs at present of a double-dip recession. Nonetheless, there are clear signs of stagnation and underperformance, growth has been uneven, and the European debt crisis and the politically uncertain environment still threaten the economic recovery.

• 10-28-11

  You Say You Want a (Food) Revolution—Count Me In

  Local food is a hot topic. From community gardens that provide healthy food and a place for neighbors to meet, to resorts and tourist attractions that feature regular farmers markets and restaurants with farm-to-table dinners, the popularity of food and its source is driving real estate development in not-so-subtle ways. Read more to learn what some developers are doing to capitalize on this trend.

• 10-26-11

  ULI’s “What’s Next?” Report: Real Estate in the New Economy

  A new ULI report, “What’s Next? Real Estate in the New Economy,” highlights a number of trends poised to alter urban planning, design, and development through 2020. The report covers six major categories—Work, Live, Connect, Renew, Move, and Invest—and reflects the input, insight, and participation of ULI trustees, members, and staff.

• 10-26-11

  Slow, Long Climb Out, Says ULI’s Annual Emerging Trends Outlook

  In the 33rd edition of Emerging Trends, one of the most highly regarded industry outlook reports published, the opinions of 950 investors, developers, lenders, consultants, and property company representatives point to a rather glum outlook for 2012: the climb out of the real estate depression will be a long and slow one for all but one market sector. Read more to learn why and to learn how cities have improved over a year ago.