Real Estate and Development

Home Builders Confident Despite Starts Drop

Though the number of homes being built are lat their lowest levels since 2015, home builders are confident about the future, according to a National Association of Home Builders report. Total housing starts dropped 30.2 percent in April to a… more

Q&A With … Mike Boehm, City of Lenexa

Mike Boehm is the major of the City of Lenexa, which has seen major construction growth over the the last few years. Q. Have you seen any delay in the construction of City Center as a result of COVID-19? A.… more

Mortgage Rates at a Record Low

The rate of a 30-year fixed mortgage just fell to 3.09 percent, due to a combination of factors happening in the economy, such as a steep decline in retail sales and other problems with the economy. Meanwhile, as of May… more

J. C. Penney Restructuring Plan Includes REIT

Retailer J. C. Penney, which filed for bankruptcy on Friday, is creating a real estate investment trust to spin off its real estate assets to pay off debt. "By entering this restructuring support agreement with our lenders, we expect to… more

Loews Delays Opening Until June 1

Loews Kansas City Hotel will now open on June 1, following original plans to open last month, due to concerns about COVID-19. “While our opening plans look a bit different than we had originally anticipated, there is no better time… more

GSEs Change Standards for Mortgage Borrowers

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are offering new deferral options for mortgage payments. The deferral option starts on July 1, reports the American Bankers Association. Borrowers will reportedly have a variety of mortgage-payment options, says the American Bankers Association. Read… more

KC CRE Investment Has Dropped Slightly

During the first quarter, investment activity in commercial real estate decreased by 2.6 percent, though that slide is expected to decrease. Capitalization rates have dropped 47 basis points year over year, and multifamily and office transactions accounted for more than… more

April Commercial Real Estate Price Index Falls

A price index for commercial real estate fell by 9.4 percent in April and is down by 10.4 percent below its peak from last year. Investment and research firm Green Street Advisors said that retail and hotel assets are doing… more

Multifamily Leasing Goes Virtual

Since there are social-distancing rules in several states and municipalities, signing a lease for an apartment can't be done in person. But people still have to move from one location to another. To combat that, some multifamily landlords have adopted… more

Malls Reopening This Week

Oak Park Mall, Independence Center, and other area malls are reopening this week, as stay-at-home orders are relaxed in several area municipalities. Oak Park, in Overland Park, is opening tomorrow, with 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. hours, while Independence Center… more