News:
Finance
Posted: June 13, 2025
Real Estate Finance Association jumps into summer 2025
Boston, MA On May 28th, REFA attended a walking tour of Lyrik Back Bay followed by a networking reception at the citizenM hotel; A destination for work, play, and culture, and a new gateway to the city and a vibrant anchor for the Back Bay neighborhood. Thank you to Samuels & Associates for hosting and sharing insights on the design and development of the building.
REFA Events & Programs:
• Derivatives 101: Hedging Market Volatility Webinar: Tuesday, June 3rd, 12:00 - 1:00pm, on Zoom.
Amidst the recent interest rate volatility, the Kensington Capital Advisors team introduced members to interest rate hedging and derivative products. The webinar discussed the current underlying economic conditions that are creating the recent interest rate volatility and reviewed the derivative products available to actively manage that interest rate risk.
• CRE Industrial Insights: Wednesday, June 18th, 12:00 - 1:15pm, PwC; 101 Seaport Blvd., Boston.
Join REFA for CRE Industrial Insights, an in-depth look at the state of the industrial market in Boston and the Greater Boston area. Moderated by Robert Byrne, executive vice president – industrial at CBRE and 2025 CBA president, this timely discussion will explore key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industrial sector. Whether you’re actively working in the industrial space or looking to understand its growing role in the region’s commercial real estate landscape, this panel will deliver valuable insights from top market leaders. Register online at www.refa.org, events tab.
• Save the Date: Emerging Leaders Summer Panel & Reception: Wednesday, July 23rd, 4:00 – 7:00pm Location TBD.
Join the REFA Emerging Leaders for the 2025 Summer Panel on July 23rd, as we explore what distress really means in today’s commercial real estate market. From struggling office assets and loan sales to construction costs, workouts, and rising interest rates, this dynamic panel will examine the challenges and potential opportunities shaping the current landscape. Hear from industry experts as they share insights and strategies from across sectors in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Save the Date: The 2025 REFA Charitable Golf & Tennis Tournament: Monday, July 28th, 10:30am - 7:00pm, Nashawtuc Country Club; 1861 Sudbury Rd., Concord, Mass.
REFA will be teeing off at a new and exciting venue, the beautful, Nashawtuc Country Club! Golf Sponsorships will open soon. Tennis Registration is Open Now! Register online at www.REFAGolf.com.
Thank you to our Tournament Sponsor, Walker & Dunlop!
• Save the Date: REFA 26th Annual Gala: Monday, November 3rd, 5:30 – 9:00pm, Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport; 450 Summer St.
The REFA Gala is the largest gathering of the Real Estate Finance Association and brings together 500+ members of the real estate finance community to network with colleagues, reflect on the year, as well as honor their peer(s) with the Swain Distinguished Service Award. Learn more at www.annualrefagala.com.
To learn more about REFA, including membership, events, and ways to get involved, please visit us at www.refa.org. Follow REFA’s LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram @REFABoston.
Tags:
Finance
MORE FROM Finance
Eastern Bank donates $2 million to Lynn Public Schools
Lynn, MA The city of Lynn’s purchase of the former Eastern Bank headquarters at 195 Market St. is paying dividends in more ways than one. In issuing an RFP in the spring of 2024, the city was seeking to acquire multi-purpose space,
Quick Hits
.png)
Columns and Thought Leadership
It’s a confusing real estate world: Don’t you think? - by Daniel Calano
The news is full of “never before” pronouncements. Never before has there been a pandemic so impactful on real estate. Never before has technology allowed for remote business meetings on such a frequent basis. Never before would people so comfortably work from home as to vacate office buildings, at least on Fridays and Mondays.
Reverse exchanges and the challenges of a competitive real estate market - by Michele Fitzpatrick
Our current, highly competitive real estate market poses specific challenges for investors who are considering taking advantage of a tax-deferred 1031 exchange. In this market, investors will have no problem selling their current property if priced properly, but they may find it difficult to find a suitable replacement property
Real estate without good estate planning - a troublesome problem - by Daniel Calano
I spent the better part of a day this week working with attorneys on estate planning. I am clearly not an attorney, but I have learned much over the years while consulting on real estate, its potential, its future during the life of clients, as well as, shall we say, later.
The focus on price per s/f compared to the comparable sales used in the appraisal report - by Dennis Chanski
Over the past several weeks, I have completed appraisal assignments for private clients. Interestingly, after submitting these appraisals, I received several phone calls – not to question the value, content, or any incorrect information, but rather to discuss the price per s/f compared to the comparable sales used in the report.
