NH CIBOR January 2026 president’s message - by Brian Dano

I am humbled to be before you as president of NH Commercial Investment Board of Realtors (NH CIBOR) for 2026 and want to thank Kathy DeMello on her hard work and dedication over the past year as president. I have big shoes to fill. Additionally, i would be remiss to not thank, Allison Ropes as her hard work makes her the backbone of this organization year after year. 

 NH CIBOR as a board truly is a culmination of hours of hard work by many individuals who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. I’d like to take the time to highlight our committee chairs and ask you as a reader get involved if a committee resonates with you:

Affiliates & Special Events – Scott Kingsley at Primary Bank

Education Committee – Peter Metsch at KW and Bill Jean at  Fulcrum Construction

Grievance Committee – Gerry O’Connell at KW and Matt Bacon at Anagnost Development

NHCIBOR Cares – Laura Nesmith at Colliers

Membership – Bill Jean at  Fulcrum Construction

Orientation – Mari Bodie at  McNabb Properties

Public Policy/ Government Affairs – Ralph Valentine at  The Valentine Group and Dave Garvey at KW 

Professional Standards – Andy Smith at Badger Peabody & Smith  and Matt Bacon at Anagnost Development

RPAC-IMF Committee – Ethan Ash at KW

Sponsorship Committee – Jeff Boufford at Boufford Insurance and Joe Robinson at NAI Norwood

My goal for the year with NH CIBOR:
• Increase Value for Members by:
• More events, networking & collaboration with other organizations such as NEREJ, Bisnow, CCIM, SIOR, CREW and other NH real estate boards. 
• More CE Credit classes 
• Continuing to work on a solution for New England Commercial Property Exchange platform. 
• Communicating & executing on NHCIBORs Strategic Plan

2026 Predictions

Live now; the past is gone, the future is uncertain, and only the present is within your control. - Unknown

Uncertainty is our new certainty- Businesses will get used to factoring in larger fluctuation of acceptable parameters when doing projects i.e. tariffs are on then off, supply chains are still messed up. A factor such as inflation is a double-edged sword, it’s good for CRE, as tangible assets values increase. However, it does also apply pressures on operating costs.   The Fed is predicted to drop rates in 2026, and I predict unemployment to continue to take a back seat, to facilitate said cutting. Ultimately, big changes in geopolitics will cause opportunities for investors who can exploit the inefficiencies in the market. Creating opportunities for brokers and our clients in 2026.

Data Centers – My take on this asset class is one of neutrality… New England has substantial challenges, with energy costs, though we do have water availability for cooling. Site selection in New England is difficult given our density. My understanding is the ability to get traditional power from the grid is the main requirement; so just because you have a big empty building doesn’t mean it could work as a data center. Ultimately, do the deals if you can but I don’t see New England reaping a lot of the benefits on this asset class.

Private Equity Flavor of the Week - We have seen consolidation in most industries as of late. Whether I’m at the dentist, doctor or getting my car repaired Private Equity is buying up companies and merging them with others “rolling them up”. I’m seeing a ton of movement in blue collar industries: plumbing, HVAC, electrical, garage doors etc., as well as white collar ones: dental, primary care, dermatology.

This will affect real estate by consolidating fragmented industries shifting demand to specific real estate product. I can’t think of a better time to be a business broker, but what do I know?

Industrial High Bay Inefficiency - Right now in Hillsborough County NH (my backyard) High Bay (20 ft. + Clear) has more supply than demand. Rte. 3 Corridor is struggling to fill these big new warehouses. There are two driving factors, cost of construction makes these landlords need to charge high rent, and over supply puts downward pressure on rent rates making it worse. However, it is starting to fill as new projects aren’t getting built in this area. The rest of NH doesn’t have this problem, Rockingham & Strafford Counties have more demand than supply. There are a multitude of projects approved but not built, which is good for built to suit deals, but still doesn’t help those looking to buy. 

The opinions expressed are of myself alone and don’t reflect the opinions of NH CIBOR or SVN The Masiello group. To learn more about NH CIBOR or SVN The Masiello Group please reach out to me via email brian.danoat svn.com

Brian Dano is the 2026 president of the N.H. Commercial Investment Board of Realtors, Bedford and is a managing director of SVN/The Masiello Group, Bedford, N.H.