In 2024, LightBox published on average one blog every business day on diverse topics impacting commercial estate capital markets, lending and appraisals, environmental due diligence and location intelligence. As we close the door on 2024, we are looking back on the six blogs that drew the most attention by you the reader—offering a glimpse into the key themes and conversations driving the market this year and what we might expect as we move into 2025 (stay in the know!).
6. Early Assessment of Hurricane Helene’s Impact: Navigating the Aftermath
The impact of Hurricane Helene drove real estate stakeholders seeking answers about the potential impact of the storm’s aftermath. Using location intelligence and on-the-ground data, LightBox analyzed the hardest-hit regions, estimated damage costs, and outlined recovery timelines, while also examining the critical roles of property insurance and flood zone mapping in assessing risk. CRE stakeholders face significant challenges, from lost income and delayed insurance claims to rising costs, vacancies, and declining property values. The article emphasized the need to address environmental hazards, such as contamination and hazardous waste, to safeguard public health and minimize unexpected remediation costs. It also showcased how advanced geospatial tools empower businesses to navigate risks, secure accurate valuations, and guide relief efforts. As catastrophic weather events grow more frequent, managing risk remains a vital priority for the CRE industry.
Regulatory tightening in response to mortgage fraud concerns has placed a spotlight on government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which hold 22% of commercial/multifamily mortgages ($1.01 trillion), according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. With President-Elect Trump signaling interest in privatizing GSEs and reducing regulations, the future of these entities is uncertain. Any changes to lending rules could have significant ripple effects across the CRE lending market, making Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac key players to watch in 2025.
4. Top 5 Trends Impacting CRE Appraisers
Key forces shaping the appraisal profession in 2024 include the adoption of advanced technologies, evolving market dynamics, and the critical role of appraisers in a gradually recovering CRE dealmaking environment. Appraisers faced mounting challenges, such as competitive fees, tight turnaround demands, and limited transaction data impacting property value estimates. This landscape underscores the importance of insights for CRE professionals adapting to these rapid changes, making this content an essential guide for navigating the appraisal sector’s complexities.
3. USEPA Issues Expected Rule Designating PFAS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances
Environmental professionals took note as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) introduced a long-anticipated rule designating perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)—two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—as hazardous substances under CERCLA. This ruling significantly impacts how PFAS risk is addressed in Phase I environmental site assessments and how consultants manage clients’ liability concerns in property transactions. With its far-reaching implications, this topic remains critical as agency regulations and best practices continue to evolve.
2. LightBox CRE Monthly Commentary: Glass Half Full or Half Empty?
Our monthly commentary has consistently been a favorite among readers. In a year marked by fluctuating market conditions, a major election, and economic uncertainty, CRE professionals turned to this monthly blog for insights into current trends and challenges in the industry. The need to stay informed in a landscape where “the only certainty is uncertainty” propelled this series to #2 in our 2024 blog ranking.
1. How Much Will the Fed Rate Cut Help the Commercial Real Estate Market?
No doubt, the biggest news of the year in CRE circles was the long-awaited first interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. The cut was expected to happen earlier in the year, so the news came as a welcome pivot for CRE professionals as it rang in a new period of falling rates and lower borrowing costs. This monetary change breathed new life into a market weighed down since 2023, easing a major obstacle to dealmaking. As a result, the CRE landscape began to show positive momentum heading into 2025.
As we look back on 2024, these blogs underscore the diverse challenges and opportunities facing the industries LightBox serves. We remain committed to providing timely, actionable insights for our readers in 2025 and beyond. Stay tuned for more expert analysis in the new year!
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