Market Trends

Rising home prices, rising mortgage rates and rising demand are colliding with a critical shortage of homes for sale. And all of that is slamming housing affordability.

While rallies in oil and metals—from aluminum to nickel—faltered during the week, big gains have spurred increased speculation that inflation will pick up.

Agency lenders are making more permanent loans than ever on apartment properties.

Investors keep looking for apartment buildings to buy at good prices. The search is leading them to smaller properties in smaller markets.

Despite tight inventory levels, overall home prices are accelerating at a subdued pace as buyers remain on the sidelines by not providing offers on marketed homes. Housing needs are then directed to apartments. Last year, more than 340,000 units were absorbed, the highest level since 2000.

Sizing up a potential real estate investment is no easy task and there are a number of things investors must consider before closing a deal. Two of the most critical factors are the cap rate and the IRR or internal rate of return. There are some similarities between the two but it’s important to understand exactly what they measure and why they’re important.