Where can I buy REO multifamily buildings?

Well, the first way is to contact the banks directly (learn how in Bulk REO Secrets). If you don’t want to go that route my next two favorite ways are auctions and HUD.

HUD
Visit the HUD Multifamily site every Wednesday to see the new listings. Some times there are just a few sometimes there are a lot.

You can also sign up to get on their email list to get email notifications of new multifamily REO’s.

Auction.com
This is a site that I was just introduced to by my friend Caryn. She bid on and won a couple of single family REO’s and I noticed they also list commercial REO’s here. It’s cool – you can go to the auctions in person OR you can bid online.

There you go, Palmerton. Now go get a deal!

* Constraints on commercial real estate lending eased during the first half of 2010, a trend that should continue as more lenders re-enter the securitization market and life insurance companies pursue a broader range of deals. Unlike a year ago, financing has become available for properties over $10 million, and some lenders have re-engaged higher-quality, lower-risk transactions in noncore markets. In addition to greater availability of financing across property types, price ranges and markets, lenders also have increased loan-to-values (LTVs) on new loans by an average of 5 percent from last year. Despite these positive developments, potential borrowers continue to face tight underwriting standards and stringent lender requirements compared to historical standards.

* While commercial mortgage originations during the first quarter remained depressed relative to figures reported from 2005 to 2007, conduits and life insurance companies drove up activity 12 percent from last year. During the first half of 2010, U.S. CMBS issuance reached $2.4 billion, approaching the 2009 total of $3 billion but still just a fraction of the $197 billion annual average reported from 2005 to 2007. Even when viewed against a less frothy period, such as 2000 to 2003, activity in the first half still pales by comparison. Recent CMBS issuance included multiple-borrower deals with subordinate tranches, a far cry from the ultra-safe, single-borrower transactions completed late last year, generating optimism the sector will soon offer increased liquidity.

* New CMBS loans price in the 6.0 percent to 6.5 percent range for five-year mortgages, with lenders targeting deals of $10 million or more. While these interest rates may be at the higher end of the spectrum, CMBS borrowers can often negotiate 30-year repayment schedules versus an average of 25 years for life insurance companies, offsetting the impact of interest rates on monthly payments. In addition, LTVs for CMBS loans can push into the low- to mid-70 percent range, versus 65 percent to 70 percent for life insurance companies, assuming the debt-service coverage ratio (DSCR) still falls between 1.25x and 1.35x.

* Next to the CMBS sector, life insurance companies made some of the most impressive headway over the past 12 months. This sector increased commercial mortgage originations by 131 percent during the year ending in the first quarter and recently began to compete more intensely for high-quality deals. While maintaining strict underwriting standards, life insurance companies have begun to actively pursue new business in major markets, increasing their scope to include nearly all price ranges and property types. This demonstrates a strategic shift from last year, when most life insurance companies focused on rewriting maturing loans already in their portfolios. As 2010 progresses, life insurance companies will increase lending as their commercial/multifamily portfolios outperform the broader marketplace; as of first quarter, this segment boasted a delinquency rate of just 0.31 percent.

* Despite the recent delisting of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from the NYSE and expectations for government-mandated changes in the quarters ahead, their multifamily lending arms should remain operational, benefiting apartment investors. New loan originations by the GSEs slipped in early 2010 and may continue at depressed levels this year, however, due to a paucity of deals within their target criteria.

* While commercial lending will increase this year, risks to this outlook remain. High and rising delinquency rates, particularly among commercial banks and within the CMBS sector, will drag on confidence. Maturities also pose significant challenges, as declining property values have turned many owners upside down on their mortgages, making it impossible to refinance without additional equity contributions. Approximately $535 billion of commercial mortgage debt will come due between 2010 and 2011, including $110 billion of CMBS. Of the CMBS loans slated for maturity during this period, more than 14.5 percent have DSCRs of 1.0x or less.

from Marcus and Millichap Research Services

Translation Please

That’s a lot of industry jargon but in a nutsell it means that insurance companies are looking for deals, LTV’s are slowly increasing, lenders are willing to negotiate on loan terms, government sponsored multifamily lending is safe for now and at least 14.5% of the loans coming due in the next year aren’t eligible for refinance without a significant cash injection from the owners. That means commercial foreclosures will increase and banks (and owner/sellers) will be looking to offload non-performing commercial deals.

If you’re looking at picking up commercial deals in the next year or so, god for you. I think it’s a smart move. BUT… don’t go in thinking you can get financing for an under-performing or non-performing asset. You’ll need private money and syndication training.

It’s Only a Buyer’s Market if You Actually Buy.

LOL!

So, I’m spreading the word about these multifamily listings that he’s put together. These are PDF’s you can download and if you’re interested in submitting a letter of intent contact Jeff at 813-376-8904.

Distressed Apartment Complexes – 10+ Units

Apartment Complexes – 25-50 units

Apartment Complexes – 50+ units