REFA Update - Real Estate Finance Association wraps up 2012

The Real Estate Finance Association wrapped up its programming for 2012 with several events in the past month. On November 28th REFA held its 4th Quarter Education panel, which centered on the next wave of development in the Fenway area. On December 4th, REFA held a members-only luncheon with a panel discussion on the outlook for equity investing in 2013. That same night, members of the REFA community congregated at Brandy Pete's Boston for a holiday gathering and toy drive benefitting Heading Home. On December 12th, REFA held its last Fundamentals program of the year, which focused on three tax credits - Historic Rehab, Low Income Housing and New Markets - that can help finance real estate transactions. With over 30 programs, and 2,400 attendees throughout the year, REFA brought together many real estate finance professionals to exchange ideas through education, network with colleagues, and give back to the community. In addition, over 70 speakers donated their time to lead and participate in discussions and panels. To recognize them for their efforts, REFA will be making a donation to HomeStart, a charity focused on relieving homelessness in the greater Boston area in all of their names. REFA would like to thank its president, Jim Lerner of Goulston & Storrs, as well as this year's board of directors for providing the necessary leadership for the growth and success of this prominent business association. REFA would also like to thank its membership base and the dedicated committee members, who are the driving force behind the valuable programs that are offered throughout the year. Finally, REFA would like to thank their corporate sponsors for 2012 - REFA would not be able to fulfill its mission without their generous support throughout the year. REFA looks forward to growing their membership base by continuing its valuable programming in 2013. The annual members-only forecasting luncheon on January 16th at Bingham McCutchen LLP will kick off REFA programming for the year. The most popular members-only event of the year, the forecasting luncheon gives members an economic outlook for the year, highlighting possible opportunities for real estate investment. For more information about REFA and to get involved, please visit www.refa.org.