2025 Year in Review: Bob Horvath, Horvath & Tremblay

Looking back at 2025, what deal, project, or key moment best reflected the direction of the New England CRE market this year? We saw a significant uptick in market activity this year, coinciding with the first of the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts. While the entire year has shown a strong trend of growing volumes, the initiation of rate cuts served as confirmation for investors and market players to expect a stabilizing market. Lenders’ renewed appetite for CRE throughout 2025 has complemented the market’s positive sentiments and allowed for continued activity dually benefiting from more attractive financing costs.

What accomplishment or milestone stood out for you or your firm in 2025? 2025 has been an exciting year for the firm with notable milestones throughout. We launched two new divisions, Capital Markets and Appraisals, expanding our Investment Real Estate Service offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the industry. The firm opened its 16^th office in Oak Brook, IL; we continue to expand our national footprint with new offices planned across the country with experienced brokers leading the way. 2025 will be the firm’s best year since inception and we are fortunate to have exceptional people and strong client relationships.

As you look ahead to 2026, which emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or your market sector? AI has already made waves across many industries and its broad integration across CRE will be a major driver of opportunity and efficiency going into 2026. All aspects of deal flow stand to benefit, with advanced analytics improving deal sourcing, underwriting speed, and pricing accuracy, while AI-powered marketing and CRM tools will enhance targeting and client engagement. In the hands of knowledgeable and competent professionals, AI will serve as a powerful tool that we expect to make a continuously growing impact for both our firm and the market as a whole.