WEB REVIEW: The New American FactFinder
Winter 2011/2012, Vol. 36, No. 3 Abstract: As many who use U.S. Census data are aware, the website containing the latest data has been upgraded, or “improved,” or has it? In this review of the new American FactFinder (http://factfinder2.census.gov/main.html), CRE Mary C. Bujold gives her thoughts on how easy or difficult manipulating the data on this… Read more
Is Commercial Real Estate an Inflation Hedge?
Winter 2011/2012, Vol. 36, No. 3 features Abstract: Inflation is among the worst of nightmares depriving investors of peaceful sleep. It erodes the value of corporate earnings and roils stock investors; inflation favors borrowers as debt repayments are made in lower value dollars, and it pummels consumers— especially those on fixed incomes—by depressing the purchasing power… Read more
An Analysis of New Markets Tax Credits
Winter 2011/2012, Vol. 36, No. 3 Abstract: Conventional access to credit and investment capital for developing small businesses, creating and retaining jobs, and revitalizing neighborhoods is often limited in economically distressed communities or in communities with large low-income populations. This article takes a look at how the Federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) encourages investors to… Read more
The Evolution and Consequences of Kelo v. City of New London
Winter 2011/2012, Vol. 36, No. 3 Abstract: In the now infamous case of Kelo v City of New London, 125 S. Ct. 2655; 162 L. Ed. 2d 439 (2005), the United States Supreme Court ruled on a major eminent domain case that substantially broadened the power of the government to take private property. Prior to this… Read more
Investing in Emerging Markets: China, India and Brazil
Fall 2011, Vol. 36, No. 2 Abstract: Real estate in emerging markets, in general, can be characterized as “embryonic and growth oriented.” China, India and Brazil exhibit such characteristics as accelerating market growth, industry potential that substantially exceeds its current volume and a rapidly growing number of relatively unsophisticated real estate players. Entry into these markets… Read more
Global Property Outlook and Role of Real Estate in the European Financial Crisis
Fall 2011, Vol. 36, No. 2 Abstract: This article traces the relationship between real estate and the global financial crisis (GFC), and the failure of financial regulators and central bankers to understand the dangers of asset price bubbles. A skeptical note is introduced about the ability of Basel III on its own to reduce the likelihood of future financial crises. GFC Round One in Europe exposed the excessive lending to the commercial real... Read More