Financial Digest

Appraisal modernization and appraisal trends - by William Pastuszek

Appraisals, appraisers, and the appraisal process have received much scrutiny over the past couple of years. This is particularly so in the residential sector, where the appraisal community has entertained much attention from housing and anti-discrimination advocates. This movement includes questions and concerns about the structure and regulation of the appraisal industry.

Challenges of the appraisal profession - by John Nitz

Over the years, it is no secret that real estate appraisers have faced many challenges within their profession. In this article, I will discuss some of my own professional challenges over the past 37 years. Some of these challenges include completing the educational requirements, submitting appraisal reports on time, finding qualified help, appraising complex property types, and collecting fees from clients.

Pinning down development variables: Increasingly impossible? - Daniel Calano

I was talking to a mid-size company developer client recently, and asked what I thought was a routine question: What was his next project? Instead of the usual description, he said there was none. He was retiring. The variables in development were too many and too unclear. The risks were simply too high.

2023 promises a lot - by Brett Pelletier

What that is, exactly, I’m not sure. I don’t make predictions and I don’t do forecasts. I leave that to the economists and the fortune tellers.

The Real Estate Finance Association teams up with Breaktime and FamilyAid Boston

Boston, MA The Real Estate Finance Association has selected Breaktime and FamilyAid Boston has their charitable partners for a three-year partnership! Breaktime and FamilyAid will be the designated charities of REFA’s signature events, including the Charitable Golf & Tennis Tournament, Gala, Programs, and community service activities.

MassHousing closes $31 million affordable housing financing to CSI Support & Development Services

Charlestown, MA MassHousing has closed on $31 million in affordable housing financing to CSI Support & Development Services for the refinancing, renovation and extension of affordability of City Square Elderly Housing.

Seven tax essentials that every commercial property owner should know in 2023 - by Bill Cusato

With year-end comes the pleasure of tax preparation, but every year the rules are certain to change. Will you have enough losses to cover your tax liability, or heaven forbid, will you be writing a large check? Commercial property owners have a number of extremely lucrative tools at their disposal - would any of the seven following strategies work for you?

Cornerstone Realty Capital arranges $74.3 million in financing for two properties

Boston, MA Cornerstone Realty Capital arranged $15.8 million for the refinance of a 47-unit apartment property located in the Fenway neighborhood of the city.  The property consists of a single, four-story apartment building and contains a mix of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units.

Sherin and Lodgen reps. Cambridge Savings Bank in $32 million financing of six solar sites in MA & RI

Boston, MA According to law firm Sherin and Lodgen LLP, its renewable energy practice group represented lender Cambridge Savings Bank in a $32 million loan facility to affiliates of Kearsarge Energy for construction and permanent financing of six solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems

Coulombe of Fantini & Gorga completes $5.5 million permanent loan for a mixed-use Newbury St. property

Boston, MA Fantini & Gorga has completed the placement of a $5.5 million permanent loan for a mixed-use Newbury St. property.  Derek Coulombe, senior managing director at Fantini & Gorga structured and placed the financing with a regional bank