A Guide to Understanding CRE Loan Spreads

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Commercial real estate loan spreads represent the difference between the interest rate charged on CRE loans and a benchmark rate, typically Treasury securities or LIBOR. These spreads serve as a critical pricing mechanism that reflects perceived risk, market conditions, and lender competition in commercial real estate financing. CRE loan spreads have widened significantly in recent…

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What Is a CRE Strategic Default? A Complete Guide

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Commercial real estate markets face significant stress as property values drop and refinancing options shrink. When properties are underwater, more borrowers decide to walk away from their loans even if they can still make payments. A CRE strategic default happens when a borrower chooses to stop making mortgage payments on a commercial property, not because…

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Office Property Conversion: Solution to CRE Bond Distress?

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With office vacancy rates climbing in major cities, transforming underutilized commercial spaces into residential units offers a compelling solution for property owners and investors. Converting office buildings to residential housing costs approximately $685 per square foot and can revitalize struggling downtown areas while generating new revenue streams. Many cities are actively encouraging these transformations by…

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Maturity Wall CRE Loans and Surging Refinancing Challenges

A brick wall with vines, representing the maturity of commercial real estate loans

Commercial real estate investors and lenders are facing a significant challenge in the coming years. A substantial volume of CRE loans is set to mature, creating what industry experts refer to as a “maturity wall.” By 2024, approximately $210 billion of CRE debt will mature, with an additional $111 billion following in 2025. This impending…

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