Chicago Multifamily Property Blog

Current market conditions have highlighted the fact that cap and interest rates are not highly correlated. Most folks believe this is the case, but it is not. Interest rate fluctuations generally predict the direction of cap rates but not the magnitude of those increases. Investment Sales in 2023? The cap rate versus interest rate relationship over the long term shows that the relationship is not highly correlated.

The average income of renters in Chicago isn’t quite enough to allow them to afford an entry-level home. And as long as interest rates stay high and inventory is low, that will likely remain the case.

For commercial real estate investors, having access to as many metrics as possible to provide insight and comparison opportunities is critical. Various metrics are available, including cash-on-cash return and internal rate of return, enabling investors to compare properties more closely when deciding which to choose for investment.

Estimating the value of real estate is necessary for a variety of endeavors, including financing, sales listing, investment analysis, property insurance, and taxation. But for most people, determining the asking or purchase price of a piece of real property is the most useful application of real estate valuation.

Realizing a preapproval and rate and term sheet are not set in stone will go a long way in the current lending environment. Lenders are changing underwriting criteria, not making as many or any exceptions to lending guidelines, and lowering loan-to-value midstream in the escrow process.