Sacrificing space: Why are U.S. renters downsizing?

 

In today’s housing market, future homeowners must compromise to save for a down payment. One way to put aside money for a first home? Give up a little space.

In fact, RentCafe found that renters who dream of transitioning to homeownership could save an average of $3,735 per year by simply downsizing by just one bedroom — a sacrifice many renters are jumping on. Nearly 4,000 RentCafe website visitors revealed that 36% of renters were willing to use this method in order to afford their first home.

So where in the nation can renters save up the fastest for a down payment by surrendering one bedroom in their current rental? Well, Chicago secured the No. 4 spot on the Top 50 list, despite having some of the smallest apartments nationwide.

Not only is Chicago the third-largest city in the U.S., it’s also a hot spot for young people. Renters here could save $8,916 per year if able to adjust to one less bedroom, meaning they’d be able to afford a down payment for a starter home in just over two years. The median price of homes is much higher than the preceding three locations on RentCafe’s list, but the higher income earned by Chicagoans makes saving for a down payment almost as achievable as it is in Jackson, MS. Can you guess which city landed at No. 1 on RentCafe’s list? Hint: It’s also in the Midwest. Yep. Renters in Dayton, Ohio are the closest to ownership. The median price of starter homes, $57,652, combined with the yearly savings derived from downsizing a rental, $3,168, would make it possible for a renter to afford a down payment in a little over a year and a half, based on the report. And contrary to Chicago, Dayton is also one of the places with the most apartment space per person, which makes downsizing less of a challenge. Other Midwest locations to make the Top 20 on RentCafe’s list include Lansing, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; and Columbia, Missouri.

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Source: Sacrificing space: Why are U.S. renters downsizing?

https://www.creconsult.net/market-trends/sacrificing-space-why-are-u-s-renters-downsizing/

Rent Growth Diverging Across Office and Multifamily

 

Analysts call the aberration a “great divergence.”

Rent growth across the office and multifamily sectors are no longer in lockstep, disrupting a lengthy period in which the sectors typically followed the same trend, according to a new analysis from Moody’s Analytics.

Last year marked the only time that rents for office and multifamily actually went in opposite directions, analysts say, calling the aberration a “great divergence.”

 

“Companies haven’t fully reopened offices, but households come back to cities anyway,” they say. “Further, in a rebuff of the historic link – it wasn’t just suburban apartment markets feeling the positive demand shock, dense urban areas bounced back, with many having apartment rent levels that have now fully rebounded.”

Office market performance in cities like New York, Tampa, Orange County, Charleston, and Greenville also trended below the US average, with asking rents ticking up 0.8% from 2021 to 2022, but multifamily rents in the same markets “skyrocketed.”  And in Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Columbus, all of which experienced office markets that were above average last year, the apartment market is performing far below the national average.

 

“If people choose where to live based on their office locations, this divergence should not be as evident,” the analysts say. Lifestyle must play a very critical role in this divergence, though the single-family market, zoning regulation, industry types, and other factors affect it as well.”

San Francisco, Jersey City, Manhattan, Philadelphia, and Boston saw the sharpest spikes in lease applications from Gen Z renters in the past year, with increases of up to 101%, according to a recent RentCafe survey. Zoomers also account for more than one-quarter of active renters in the past year in San Diego, Los Angeles, Manhattan, and Philadelphia.

But Moody’s also said it would be “premature” to say that remote work has no negative impact on urban apartment markets.

 

“It is likely that as households age into child rearing, the typical pull of suburban/exurban life could become stronger in an era of hybrid and fully remote office work,” they say. “But it is also true that a particular lifestyle only exists in dense urban areas.”

Ultimately, whether this shift is temporary or permanent remains to be seen: If the prevailing trend of modern life had been households following work, we may now be entering an era where work is following households,” the analysis states.

“At a minimum, the link between office and multifamily performance has dramatically weakened over the past year,” they write. “The US economy is based heavily in the production of knowledge, and the main resource in the process is skilled labor.  If firms still believe there is value in the office, even in a hybrid capacity, they will look to locate within striking distance of those workers.  The link may not be permanently broken after all, but instead, economic strength may be diversifying and shifting towards where people want to be. Time will tell how this dynamic between office and apartment property types plays out.”

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Source: Rent Growth Diverging Across Office and Multifamily

https://www.creconsult.net/market-trends/rent-growth-diverging-across-office-and-multifamily/

Guide To Commercial Multifamily Real Estate Loans

 

Multifamily commercial real estate loans give investors capital that can be used for acquiring, repairing, or improving multifamily residential properties.

Loans are available for virtually all types of multifamily housing, and many loan programs have specific features that make them well-suited for certain types of housing.

If you need capital for a property, make sure you choose whichever multifamily loan is best suited for your property and the intended purpose.

Get a Free Commercial Real Estate Loan Quote

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What is a Multifamily Property?

Multifamily properties are defined as any residential property with at least two units. Duplexes are the smallest, and there’s no limit to how large an apartment complex can be. Triplexes, quadplexes, bungalow courts, garden apartments, multistorey apartment buildings, townhouses, and high-rise condominiums and apartments are some examples of what multifamily properties can be.

In addition to being categorized by size and layout, multifamily properties can also be classified according to the demographic they serve. Standard housing, senior housing, student housing, assisted living, housing cooperatives, manufactured housing, and affordable/low-income housing are among the most common classifications used by lenders.

Mixed-use properties that combine residential units with commercial spaces can also qualify for select multifamily financing products.

Multifamily vs. Single Family

While multifamily properties technically are any properties that have two or more units, a somewhat different definition is commonly used when discussing multifamily loans.

Multifamily commercial real estate loans are generally limited to properties that have five or more units. Many of the aforementioned properties would qualify for multifamily financing, including most bungalow courts, apartments, high-rises, housing cooperatives, townhouses, and similar properties.

Duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes might still need multifamily financing, but these properties normally don’t qualify for commercial multifamily loans. Instead, loans for properties that have 2-4 units can be obtained from personal real estate lenders. A lender or loan officer who primarily focuses on home mortgages should be able to assist with financing for these properties.

The most classic single-family property is the freestanding house. Owner-owned manufactured homes, townhouses, and condominiums are often also treated as single for the purposes of financing.

Almost all loans listed below are commercial real estate loans for properties with at least five units.

Multifamily Commercial Real Estate Loan Options

FHA Loans

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD is tasked with making housing affordable and equitable, and it partly does so by offering multifamily commercial real estate loans through the FHA.

FHA loans (also HUD loans) have some of the most generous terms for various affordable housing properties. In general, these loans are known for high allowed leverage rates, low-interest rates, and available long terms. Properties must meet strict criteria to qualify, but the borrower qualification requirements are lower than many other financing options.

There are several different FHA loan programs available, each of which has its own qualification requirements and benefits:

• FHA 223(f) Loans offer fixed-rate and long-term financing for existing multifamily properties. Properties must be at least 3 years old, without any significant renovations within the past 3 years. Investors may use the FHA 223(f) program as long-term primary financing on properties that will be owned for years.
• FHA 223(a)(7) Loans offer refinancing options for existing debt that multifamily properties have. Properties must currently be financed through another FHA program to qualify. Investors may use the FHA 223(a)(7) program to restructure loan terms and/or take advantage of lower interest rates.
• FHA 221(d)(4) Loans offer some of the most leveraged loan terms available for multifamily properties. Maximum terms include 90% LTV, 40-year amortization, and a 3-year interest-only introductory period. The interest-only introductory period and other terms make FHA 221(d)(4) program a good option for new multifamily construction.
• FHA 241(a) Loans offer supplemental financing for major improvements. These loans can be used to install energy-efficient infrastructure, safety features, or expand properties (in special cases).
• FHA 232/223(a)(7) Loans offer financing for senior and assisted living multifamily properties. The FHA 223 program is primarily used for primary financing, and the FHA 223(a)(7) program is for refinancing FHA 223 loans.
• FHA 242 Loans offer specialized financing for hospitals and healthcare facilities (other than assisted living facilities).

Fannie Mae Loans

Fannie Mae provides financing for low-income housing that might not otherwise qualify for commercial real estate financing.

Income requirements for Fannie Mae's commercial real estate loans are quite strict. Properties must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have 20% of units rented to families that earn less than 50% of the area median income (AMI)
• Have 40% of units rented to families that earn less than 60% of the AMI
• Have 20% of units rented through project-based housing assistance (i.e. Section 8)

Most properties that already participate in housing assistance payment (HAP), low-income housing tax credits (LITHC) or Section 8 can qualify.

For qualifying properties, Fannie Mae’s loan terms are competitive with what other lenders currently offer. Fannie Mae’s terms are especially attractive if traditional financing is unavailable, or difficult to secure.

Freddie Mac Loans

Freddie Mac underwrites real estate loans for both single-unit and multi-unit residential properties. Commercial financing for multifamily properties requires at least five units.

For multifamily properties with at least five units, Freddie Mac offers several different loan programs that afford flexibility. The agency’s programs include:

• Freddie Mac Fixed-Rate Loans offer flexible primary loan financing. The loans are available for both standard and affordable housing, and the balance, term, and leverage allowances have relatively wide ranges within which they can be adjusted. Investors may use Freddie Mac Fixed-Rate Financing as a primary mortgage on properties they intend to hold.
• Freddie Mac Floating-Rate Loans offer similarly flexible primary loan financing, but with a variable interest rate rather than a fixed interest rate. Most of these loans have terms of 10 years or less because of the variable rate, whereas fixed-rate loans sometimes go as long as 30 years. Investors may use Freddie Mac Floating-Rate Financing as a primary mortgage when interest rates are low, or for properties that will be held for a few years but not longer.
• Freddie Mac Fixed-to-Floating Loans combine a short-term variable interest rate with a longer-term fixed one, while still maintaining fairly flexible terms. These loans usually have a 9-year term (2 variable /7 fixed) but are otherwise fairly flexible. Investors might use Freddie Mac Fixed-to-Floating Financing when interest rates are low, or if they want to have more capital available for construction or rehab.
• Freddie Mac Student Housing Loans offer specialized financing for medium and large student housing apartments or townhouses.
• Freddie Mac Senior Housing Loans offer specialized financing for independent living, skilled nursing, assisted living, age-in-place, and memory care facilities.
• Freddie Mac Manufactured Housing Loans offer specialized financing for medium and large mobile home parks, or other manufactured housing communities.
• Freddie Mac Green Advantage Loans offer specialized financing for energy-efficient improvements. Investors must demonstrate that an improvement will result in a direct and substantial green improvement, and they must also commit to reducing water usage by 25%. Freddie Mac Green Advantage Financing is acquired in addition to a primary loan, and the program allows for a 5% higher LTV.
• Freddie Mac Supplemental Loans offer financing for unexpected expenses, such as major improvements or repairs.
• Freddie Mac Small Balance Loans are available for smaller multi-unit properties, including duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes.

CMBS Loans

Commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) loans are resold as an investment. Investors use them for fixed-rate returns that have low downside risk.

CMBS loans are among the most common non-government loans for commercial real estate, as they have more lenient requirements than some other private loan programs. They may be used for multifamily properties that can’t be financed via Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and commercial, industrial, and mixed-use properties also qualify. Loan amounts can range from as little as $1 million to as much as $1 billion.

Bridge Loans

Bridge loans provide short-term financing that “bridges” a gap. The loans are frequently used when acquiring properties or completing renovations, and almost all property types can be financed.

Most ridge loans have terms of 3-6 months. Underwriting may consider as-is value, as-stabilized value, or value-add plans. Revenues tend to be less important for these loans, as the loans are designed for purposes other than long-term financing. Buildings might not even be occupied for the entire duration of a bridge loan.

Investors may use bridge loans to finance acquisitions and renovations, or they might be used for immediate short-term flips. The latter is a somewhat uncommon use, though, because the flip must be completed within 6 months. Bridge loans have to be refinanced with another loan program whenever a property is held for longer than the loan term.

Conventional Loans

Conventional loans are a multifamily financing option if government-backed and CMBS loans aren’t available. These loans aren’t a suitable alternative for bridge loans, although banks directly underwrite both bridge and conventional loans.

Because banks directly underwrite conventional commercial real estate loans, banks themselves can determine what the lending requirements and loan terms are. Lending requirements aren’t necessarily any more relaxed than government-backed programs, and they can be slightly stricter because there isn’t a government guarantee.

The flexible terms make these loans available for virtually all multifamily properties, however, including distressed ones that might not be financed any other way.

Specific requirements and features depend on what a lender offers, and some lenders have multiple conventional financing options.

How to Get a Multifamily Loan

Financing a multifamily investment property requires evaluating all available programs, including both their eligibility requirements and loan features. Which multifamily commercial real estate loan program is best for a particular property depends on the property details, borrower qualifications, loan eligibility requirements, intended use of funds, and other details.

You can sort through all available loan options manually, or you can do so with an online multifamily loan tool.

Manually Find Multifamily Commercial Loans

While you can sort through loan options yourself, doing so is time-intensive. Only investors who are already familiar with multifamily financing tend to go this route. For instance, you might manually check loans if you already have a lender and loan program you want to use.

In rare cases, manual loan comparison might be necessary for multifamily properties with highly unique considerations.

Using an Online Loan Comparison Tool

For a more streamlined loan comparison process, use the CommLoan commercial loan finder. Simply follow the guided process, and the tool will take you through the complete process of getting quotes. At the end of the process, you’ll receive several loan quotes that can be compared. Check their eligibility requirements and terms, and apply for whichever one best suits your property and purpose.

Once you’ve chosen a quote, a lender will guide you through the remainder of the loan application process. They can help you not only apply to their institution but also apply for any government program that you’re using.

Prepare for Your Loan Application

If you haven’t already compiled these documents and figures, it’ll be helpful to know your property’s basic details, current value, expected value, building costs (if new construction or renovation), occupancy rates, and other relevant details. Additional details may be needed for specific government programs.

Lenders will also likely ask for information about your multifamily real estate investing activity. They may want to know your portfolio’s value, total outstanding loans, property revenues and expenses, ownership structure, and some other information. Your application will be considered based on the property and your current position.

Get Quotes for Multifamily Commercial Real Estate Loans

If you have an upcoming multifamily property acquisition, improvement, renovation, repair, or debt restructuring, begin the process of comparing loan options today. Some loan programs (especially government-backed ones) have longer processing time frames, so financing isn’t something you should delay. Get quotes now for multifamily commercial real estate loans, and ensure that you have enough time to obtain the best possible financing for your property.

Get a Free Commercial Real Estate Loan Quote

Fill out the form below for expert assistance from our team of Loan Consultants.

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https://www.creconsult.net/market-trends/guide-to-commercial-multifamily-real-estate-loans/

Apartments.com Publishes July 2022 Rent Growth Report

 

National Year-Over-Year Multifamily Rent Growth at 8.4%, Down from 9.4% in June

WASHINGTON – Today, Apartments.com – a CoStar Group company – released an in-depth report of multifamily rent growth trends for July 2022 backed by analyst observations.

“Throughout the month of July, while multifamily yearly rents continued to perform well above historical averages, the deceleration of rent growth quickened at a time when markets typically post their best results,” said Jay Lybik, National Director of Multifamily Analytics, CoStar Group. “The deteriorating rent situation highlights a significant collapse of demand in the sector when new unit deliveries are projected to hit 230,000 in the second half of 2022.”

SUNBELT MARKETS REMAIN IN TOP 10, START SEEING DRAMATIC PULLBACK

According to Apartments.com, Sunbelt cities dominated the top 10 rent growth markets in July with eight out of 10 located within the region. Florida continued boasting seemingly strong demand with four of the five top markets located in the state, including Orlando, Fla.; Miami, Fla.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Palm Beach, Fla.

However, the markets with the fastest growing rent in 2021 are now experiencing the quickest pullback. For example, Palm Beach has seen a dramatic slowing of growth with year-over-year asking rents decreasing from 30.6% in Q4 2021 to 12.7% at the end of July 2022. Tampa and Las Vegas have also seen rents retreat by over double digits so far this year. BAY AREA MARKETS BUCK DOWNWARD TREND On the flip side, the San Francisco and East Bay markets challenged the downward rent growth trend. San Francisco’s average asking rents are now just $18 below their all-time peak of $3,116 in Q2 2019 as rents rose 40 basis points over the past 30 days to 5.0%. The East Bay also held strong at 5.5% throughout the month of July. MONTH OVER MONTH DATA PAINTS A DETERIORATING RENTAL MARKET PICTURE Analysts have found that looking sequentially, 12 markets saw absolute asking rents decline over the past month, the first occurrence since 2020. Miami led the charge with average asking rents down $11 during July, in addition to five markets that reported no change in rents over the last 30 days.

The stark reversal for Sunbelt markets can be seen vividly in the month-over-month chart. Markets that saw negative or flat rent growth in July are dominated by Sunbelt locations, including Fort Lauderdale, Austin, Orlando, Charlotte, and Tampa, amongst others. With the spring/summer leasing season appearing to be significantly lacking demand, the risk of rents falling below CoStar’s current year-end forecast of 6.3% is growing. Over the next few months, analysts will be watching the state of the multifamily market and keeping a close eye on Sunbelt markets that are taking a turn.

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Source: Apartments.com Publishes July 2022 Rent Growth Report

https://www.creconsult.net/market-trends/apartments-com-publishes-july-2022-rent-growth-report/

MULTIPLE REAL ESTATE SECTORS POISED TO BENEFIT FROM JULY INFLATION SLOWDOWN

 

Inflation trend may be turning the corner. The headline Consumer Price Index in July was up 8.5 percent compared to a year prior, a deceleration from the 9.1 percent year-over-year jump recorded in June. This slowdown was driven predominantly by a month-over-month decline in energy prices, led by a 7.7 percent drop in the gas price component of the index. The costs of other items, most notably food, continued to rise, however. Setting aside energy and food, core CPI advanced 5.9 percent year-over-year in July, matching the pace set in June but below the 6.4 percent, year-over-year increase reported in March. Stability in the core index paired with a smaller rise in the headline rate suggests that inflation may have peaked, likely a reflection of less impeded supply chains and tightening monetary policy.

Supply chains factor into inflation, and industrial space demand. While the collective 225-basis-point increase in the federal funds rate so far this year is weighing on borrowing activity, it is not the only factor contributing to decelerating inflation. Supply chains are also showing improvement. The transit time between shipping goods from China to the U.S. has declined from a pandemic peak of 83 days to 63. While still above the pre-2020 norm of 48 days, this shift is nevertheless helping supply better meet demand, softening upward pricing pressure. Adapting to these challenges has translated into a robust uptake in industrial space. Absorption has been elevated since mid-2021, driving the national vacancy rate down 120 basis points year-over-year in June to 3.7 percent, its lowest level since at least 2000. Record construction should help stabilize availability this year, with competition by tenants propelling asking rents up by double-digit percentages.

Additional quantitative tightening is still on the docket. While slowing, inflation is still high, which will likely prompt the Federal Reserve to raise the overnight lending rate again in September. Next month the Fed will also double its level of balance sheet reductions to $95 billion in monthly volume. Long-term interest rates, such as the 10-year Treasury, will likely feel upward pressure as a result. The combination of elevated inflation and climbing interest rates will be a challenge for investors, however, the market has already begun to recalibrate. In some cases, prices are being adjusted or buyers are reducing leverage. Investors may also be considering new locations or asset types. Overall, the market is liquid, with investors holding favorable long-term outlooks.

Additional CRE Trends:

Multifamily outlook is largely unfazed. The impact of high inflation and rising interest rates is so far not having a substantial impact on the underlying need for housing. Demand for apartments surged in 2021, with net absorption eclipsing 650,000 units, nearly double the previous peak. That metric has been more tempered in the first half of 2022, due in part to delayed eviction proceedings, as well as limited options for prospective tenants. June’s 3.2 percent national vacancy rate was a three-decade-plus low for that time of year. Tight availability aids rent growth in the near term, while a structural housing shortage also lends strength to the outlook for the next three to seven years.

Lower fuel costs boost hospitality outlook for rest of year. The energy component of CPI, which was up 43.5 percent year-over-year in June, took a notable step down last month, with prices falling across oil, gasoline, and natural gas. This shift bodes especially well for travel. Hotels have already seen increased bookings throughout the year, despite higher fuel costs. June occupancy was just above 70 percent, a pandemic-era first, even with an average daily room rate more than 15 percent above the same point in 2019, which helped compensate for higher costs. The ability to reprice rooms on a daily basis can also appeal to investors concerned about short-term cash flow during elevated inflation.

0.0%	8.5%
Change in CPI from June 2022 to July 2022	Year-over-Year change in CPI as of July 2022

 

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* CPI as of July, 10-year Treasury as of August 10 Sources: Marcus & Millichap Research Services; Bureau of Labor Statistics; CoStar Group, Inc.; RealPage, Inc.; Federal Reserve

  Source: MULTIPLE REAL ESTATE SECTORS POISED TO BENEFIT FROM JULY INFLATION SLOWDOWN

https://www.creconsult.net/market-trends/multiple-real-estate-sectors-poised-to-benefit-from-july-inflation-slowdown/

Five Predictions That Could Revolutionize The Multifamily Housing Industry

 

Look around. If you're a multifamily housing investor, you've seen a steady increase in the number of condos and apartment complexes popping up everywhere. Currently, 35% of the U.S. population is renters, and that figure is rising. However, for owners and operators of multifamily communities, attracting and retaining residents will depend on the ability to integrate amenities and services that meet the expectations of today's (and tomorrow's) increasingly savvy residents. The emergence and adoption of cutting-edge technologies is just the ticket for meeting that challenge.

Here are five predictions that I believe will gain momentum and revolutionize the work and leisure lifestyles for residents as well as optimize investments for owners and operators.

1. Prepare to experience a virtual living space beyond your imagination.

Virtual and augmented reality technologies are reinventing the leasing process for both agents and residents. The savings in time, effort, and costs for leasing agents are substantial. Donning lightweight AR headsets, prospective residents can tour multifamily communities online and enter a virtual world where realistic avatars walk them through floor plans and community amenities.

Digital layouts can allow renters to visualize how their existing furnishings will fit, experiencing how it would feel to actually live there. This virtual staging can eliminate on-site staging and photography costs, reducing the time, staff, and office space needed to maintain property portfolios. Strategic planning and problem-solving for properties can be done directly from the office. VR can be effective for employee training, and AR glasses in the field can enable maintenance staff to collaborate with the central office for issues and repairs. Virtual application possibilities are endless and can enhance the experience for both operators and potential residents.

2. Retire your leather billfold for a crypto wallet.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are gaining wider understanding, acceptance, and use across many industries. There has been a steady climb in consumer interest and investment, particularly among Millennials.

A form of potential online digital payment for goods and services, crypto relies on blockchain technology that tracks and records each transaction in a decentralized manner through a distributed ledger. Its secure data sharing and strong privacy can eliminate attempts at data manipulation. With tight security, transparent record-keeping, instant transfers, and no government controls or "middleman" fees, cryptocurrency may become an attractive option for multifamily operators as well as residents.

Some forward-thinking multifamily operators are already accepting Bitcoin for rental payments as well as offering Bitcoin rewards for positive resident behaviors and referrals. As Forbes notes: "Blockchain can make MLS property data more centralized and accessible, [with] title records easier to track and transfer." Multifamily operators would be wise to keep a watchful eye on this rising currency movement and consider the many benefits and applications. 3. Kick the traditional parking garage to the curb. Instead of vast underground lots with space(s) designated for every unit, multifamily parking in the future may look quite different. Owners might partner with car share companies for residents to use the services of electric cars only as needed. Dedicated pickup and drop-off zones would allow for the convenient use of autonomous vehicles and rideshare services. Residents with a focus on "green" initiatives already rely on public transportation and walkability factors. Bike storage, rental amenities, and other reward incentives for carless residents should attract rental applicants to properties offering these features. With less dedicated parking, multifamily owners can use the reclaimed space for amenities like halls for community activities or even shared VR rooms. 4. The knock at the door could be your bot buddy. Consumers have developed high expectations for service delivery, and technological innovations are rising to meet these demands. What once seemed like science fiction is fast becoming reality. For example, Amazon has patented blimp warehouses where AI-based drones will fly back and forth to pick up packages and deliver them to drop zones below. By early 2022, Wing—Alphabet's drone service—had already made 200,000 deliveries. In the very near future, multifamily communities could provide myriad drone and bot services to benefit residents and improve the bottom line as they deliver right to your door. With NASA working on urban air mobility maps of metro air spaces, this futuristic image of autonomous drones above and robots below is no longer far-fetched. 5. Net-zero emission designs will bring sunny days for multifamily units. The promise of lower utility bills can be a major incentive in choosing a unit. Multifamily operators are capitalizing on the benefits of cheap, clean, and renewable energy sources. According to the Net Zero Energy Coalition's latest report, multifamily living now accounts for 58% of all net-zero carbon units in the U.S. that are under construction, newly completed, or in the design phase. In California, all new multifamily housing construction must have solar panels for dwellings up to three stories.

Communities sharing solar arrays, energy allocations, and credits will be distributed across multiple user accounts. Common areas converted to solar could save thousands or millions each year, and revenue from the sale of excess energy can lead to a quick ROI and future revenue growth. Most importantly, many residents should be attracted to units with cost-saving amenities and "green" initiatives.

Embrace transformation for the new multifamily paradigm. There's no crystal ball to affirm my predictions, but I'm certain these and other transformative technologies will reshape our work and leisure lifestyles—not to mention the multifamily living experience—in ways we can't even begin to imagine. Multifamily owners and operators should plan now for the future and integrate these trends in some manner over the next three to five years. Those who make the leap should gain a competitive edge. Start building community into your properties while providing the kind of cutting-edge advancements and amenities that residents are seeking. Happy long-term residents (and a healthy bottom line) should be your reward.  

 

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Source: Five Predictions That Could Revolutionize The Multifamily Housing Industry

https://www.creconsult.net/market-trends/five-predictions-that-could-revolutionize-the-multifamily-housing-industry/

eXp World Holdings Reports Record Second Quarter 2022 Revenue of $1.4 Billion

Q2 2022 Revenue Increased 42% Year over Year to $1.4 Billion With Agent Growth of 42% Company Declares Cash Dividend for Q3 2022 of $0.045 per Share of Common Stock Repurchases $50 Million of Common Stock During the Second Quarter BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Aug. 3, 2022 — eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), (or the “Company”), the holding company for eXp Realty^®, Virbela and SUCCESS^® Enterprises, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022.

Second Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights as Compared to the Same Year-Ago Quarter:

• Revenue increased 42% to $1.4 billion.
• Gross profit increased 34% to $107.3 million.
• Net income of $9.4 million, compared to net income of $37.0 million in the year-ago quarter. Year over year tax expense increased $22.3 million due to one-time VA allowance release in 2021 and reduction in excess stock-based compensation tax benefit. Earnings per diluted share of $0.06, compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.24 in the year-ago quarter.
• Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) of $26.9 million.
• As of June 30, 2022, cash and cash equivalents totaled $134.9 million, compared to $107.4 million as of June 30, 2021. The Company repurchased approximately $50 million of common stock during the second quarter of 2022.
• The Company paid a cash dividend for the second quarter of 2022 of $0.04 per share of common stock on May 31, 2022. On July 29, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.045 per share of common stock for the third quarter of 2022, a 13% increase, expected to be paid on Aug. 29, 2022, to shareholders of record on Aug. 12, 2022.

Management Commentary “During the second quarter, eXp continued to increase its market share and revenue to record levels, reinforcing that our model was built for all market conditions and that our agent value proposition resonates around the world,” said Glenn Sanford, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of eXp World Holdings. “We are focused on strengthening our platform to provide even better support to our agents through technology, operations, training, coaching, and community. In the third quarter, we acquired Zoocasa, providing an exponential boost to Canadian agents that we expect to expand to a broader group of agents and real estate customers. We also further strengthened our management team with world-class hires focused on affiliated services and innovation of our proprietary technologies. We are leveraging our core strengths of agent satisfaction and innovation as we continue to redefine the real estate industry.” “eXp delivered another record quarter with 42% revenue growth and solid profitability while returning a record $56 million to our shareholders through share repurchases and dividends,” said Jeff Whiteside, CFO and Chief Collaboration Officer of eXp World Holdings. “Looking ahead, we expect our agile model to result in ongoing market share gains as we navigate more challenging market conditions. We expect our focus on affiliated services and technology will further strengthen our agent and customer value proposition. Simultaneously, we will focus on increasing operating efficiencies for our business and our agents’ businesses. We remain confident in our ability to deliver profitable, sustainable growth over the long term.” Second Quarter 2022 Operational Highlights as Compared to the Same Year-Ago Quarter:

• eXp World Holdings and eXp Realty strengthened the leadership team with Shoeb Ansari, Chief Information Officer; Leo Pareja, President of Affiliated Services
• Patrick O’Neill appointed Chief Operating Officer, eXp Realty beginning Aug. 4, 2022. Patrick brings more than 25 years of experience and a proven track record of building and optimizing high-growth technology businesses. More details to come.
• Agents and brokers on the eXp Realty platform increased 42% to 82,856 as of June 30, 2022.
• Real estate transactions closed increased 30% to 150,032.
• Real estate transaction volume increased 44% to $57.9 billion.
• eXp Realty expanded into New Zealand in the second quarter of 2022.
• eXp Realty ended the second quarter of 2022 with a global Net Promoter Score of 68, a measure of agent satisfaction as part of the Company’s intense focus on improving the agent experience.

Second Quarter 2022 Results – Virtual Fireside Chat The Company will hold a virtual fireside chat and investor Q&A on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022 at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET with:

• Glenn Sanford, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, eXp World Holdings
• Jeff Whiteside, CFO, and Chief Collaboration Officer, eXp World Holdings
• Shoeb Ansari, Chief Information Officer, eXp World Holdings
• Leo Pareja, President of Affiliated Services, eXp Realty

The discussion will be moderated by Justin Ages, Equity Research Analyst at Berenberg Capital Markets. The investor Q&A is open to investors, current shareholders, and anyone interested in learning more about eXp World Holdings and its companies. Date: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022 Time: 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET Location: EXPI Campus. Join at https://expworldholdings.com/contact/download/ Livestream: expworldholdings.com/events About eXp World Holdings, Inc. eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) is the holding company for eXp Realty^®, Virbela, and SUCCESS^® Enterprises. eXp Realty is the fastest-growing real estate company in the world with more than 83,000 agents in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India, Mexico, Portugal, France, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy, Hong Kong, Colombia, Spain, Israel, Panama, Germany, Dominican Republic, Greece and New Zealand and continues to scale internationally. As a publicly traded company, eXp World Holdings provides real estate professionals the unique opportunity to earn equity awards for production goals and contributions to overall company growth. eXp World Holdings and its businesses offer a full suite of brokerage and real estate tech solutions, including its innovative residential and commercial brokerage model, professional services, collaborative tools and personal development. The cloud-based brokerage is powered by Virbela, an immersive 3D platform that is deeply social and collaborative, enabling agents to be more connected and productive. SUCCESS^® Enterprises, anchored by SUCCESS^® magazine and its related media properties, was established in 1897 and is a leading personal and professional development brand and publication. For more information, visit https://expworldholdings.com. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, this press release includes references to Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure and may be different than similarly titled measures used by other companies. It is presented to enhance investors’ overall understanding of the company’s financial performance and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The company’s Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information about financial performance, enhances the overall understanding of past performance and future prospects, and allows for greater transparency with respect to a key metric used by management for financial and operational decision-making. Adjusted EBITDA helps identify underlying trends in the business that otherwise could be masked by the effect of the expenses that are excluded in Adjusted EBITDA. In particular, the company believes the exclusion of stock and stock option expenses provides a useful supplemental measure in evaluating the performance of operations and provides better transparency into results of operations. The company defines the non-U.S. GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDA to mean net income (loss), excluding other income (expense), income tax benefit (expense), depreciation,  amortization, impairment charges, stock-based compensation expense, and stock option expense. Adjusted EBITDA may assist investors in seeing financial performance through the eyes of management, and may provide an additional tool for investors to use in comparing core financial performance over multiple periods with other companies in the industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. There are a number of limitations related to the use of Adjusted EBITDA compared to Net Income (Loss), the closest comparable U.S. GAAP measure. Some of these limitations are that:

• Adjusted EBITDA excludes stock-based compensation expense and stock option expense, which have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, significant recurring expenses in the business and an important part of the compensation strategy; and
• Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain recurring, non-cash charges such as depreciation of fixed assets, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and impairment charges related to these long-lived assets, and, although these are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future.

Safe Harbor Statement The statements contained herein may include statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update them. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the continued growth of our agent and broker base; expansion of our residential real estate brokerage business into foreign markets; and revenue growth and financial performance. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in forward-looking statements include changes in business or other market conditions; the difficulty of keeping expense growth at modest levels while increasing revenues; and other risks detailed from time to time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K. Media Relations Contact: eXp World Holdings, Inc. [email protected] Investor Relations Contact: Denise Garcia Managing Partner, Hayflower Partners [email protected]

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Source: eXp World Holdings Reports Record Second Quarter 2022 Revenue of $1.4 Billion https://www.creconsult.net/market-trends/exp-world-holdings-reports-record-second-quarter-2022-revenue-of-1-4-billion/