Up until this credit crunch hit there were a lot of highly-levered deals going on out there, some better than others. Harry Macklowe can tell you all about them. And sellers were willing to tolerate them because the returns were so high.
Now, of course, the cash buyers have the upper hand. Here's a great example. Unexciting office building, almost 30 years old, but in a great mid-Loop location (heard that before?) and with 94% occupancy, sells for $152/sf. Try to build that now. Even with any refurbishing you'll never get close to replacement value. And why did the deal happen? Cash, cash, cash.
Of course, most of us do not have pension funds or private equity at our fingertips. (Although you'd be surprised...sometimes it is a matter of introduction or connections and a good dirt person can be the local partner in a JV...seen that too many times to deny.) But it is a poignant reminder that money does indeed talk, especially when the lenders are speaking softly or even mute.
Now, of course, the cash buyers have the upper hand. Here's a great example. Unexciting office building, almost 30 years old, but in a great mid-Loop location (heard that before?) and with 94% occupancy, sells for $152/sf. Try to build that now. Even with any refurbishing you'll never get close to replacement value. And why did the deal happen? Cash, cash, cash.
Of course, most of us do not have pension funds or private equity at our fingertips. (Although you'd be surprised...sometimes it is a matter of introduction or connections and a good dirt person can be the local partner in a JV...seen that too many times to deny.) But it is a poignant reminder that money does indeed talk, especially when the lenders are speaking softly or even mute.
