Miami, Florida Press Release
Commercial Real Estate Women Miami (CREW Miami), the Miami chapter of the global organization CREW Network, successfully hosted the educational event “Unraveling the Funding Puzzle: Master Commercial Real Estate Financing” on September 18th. The event’s timing was particularly pertinent, coinciding with the Federal Reserve‘s announcement of a significant half percentage point cut in interest rates—the first reduction in four years, with indications of further decreases by year’s end. This backdrop lent a timely gravitas to the event’s discussions, which centered on the evolving dynamics of capital markets and commercial real estate financing.
Event Recap:
The panel featured a lineup of esteemed industry experts, including Emily Jones, VP of Investments at Safehold, Jacqueline Cruz-Bustillo, Vice President of the Business Banking Division at U.S. Century Bank, and Luba Kim-Reynolds, Head of MF Investor Relations and ESG Initiatives at Freddie Mac, with moderation by Yvonne Nyakana, Commercial Credit Manager of Nonprofit South at TD Bank. The discussion spanned a range of critical topics, from the impact of governmental interventions to economic uncertainties, and strategies companies are adopting to navigate the shifting landscape.
Speaker Insights:
- Luba Kim-Reynolds emphasized Freddie Mac’s ongoing commitment to maintaining stability and affordability in housing, particularly during times of economic volatility. She highlighted the agency’s critical role in ensuring continued access to financing, even as acquisitions slow and the market adjusts to rising interest rates.
- Emily Jones discussed the challenges that ongoing market volatility poses for capitalizing assets, explaining how uncertainty around interest rates makes it difficult for real estate investors to make informed decisions. She noted that this period of instability is likely to continue, with creative financing solutions becoming increasingly essential.
- Jacqueline Cruz-Bustillo spoke about the impact of recent interest rate changes on community banking, including an increase in insurance waiver requests from clients. She also touched on the importance of preparing for upcoming changes to condominium reserve requirements, which are expected to create significant challenges for condo associations and lenders in the near future.
“In light of today’s Federal Reserve announcement, our discussions at ‘Unraveling the Funding Puzzle’ could not be more timely,” commented Yvonne Nyakana, Commercial Credit Manager of Nonprofit South at TD Bank. “We delved into how these economic changes affect commercial real estate financing, providing CREW Miami members and industry attendees with crucial insights for navigating these turbulent times. This event underscores our commitment to keeping industry leaders well-informed and prepared.”
A Look Ahead:
CREW Miami continues to foster professional development and networking opportunities with upcoming events:
- October 16, 2024: Trailblazing Real Estate: A Fireside Chat with Ellen Buckley – Dive into Miami’s transformation into a global investment hub over the past two decades, exploring significant milestones and future opportunities in the vibrant cityscape.
- November 1, 2024: 5th Annual Golf Tournament at Miami Shores Country Club – This signature event promises a day of golf, networking, and fun, with all proceeds benefiting the CREW Miami Scholarship and Leadership Development Award fund. Non-golfers are invited to participate in a Future Golfer Clinic followed by a social hour and dinner.
The “Unraveling the Funding Puzzle” event was generously sponsored by U.S. Century Bank, reflecting their commitment to the advancement of women and excellence in the commercial real estate industry.
About CREW Miami: CREW Miami is dedicated to advancing women in commercial real estate, encompassing a wide range of professions and backgrounds. Through networking events, educational workshops, and mentorship programs, CREW Miami provides members access to a global network of over 14,000 professionals. For more information, please visit Miami.CREWNetwork.org and follow us on social media at @CREWMiami.
