A couple of months ago we noted that Shorenstein Properties was now a buyer. And they meant it. Yesterday the WSJ reported that Shorenstein is buying two of the properties DB took back from Harry Macklowe, and at a 20-30% discount from Macklowe's price. The story also reports that Paramount is buying a third building, presumably at the same discount.
Does this mean other buildings are going to tank similarly? Probably not. Most analysts were saying that Macklowe overpaid for his chunk of the old Zell/EOP empire, and the credit market agreed by not bailing Macklowe out when his loans came a-callin'. We need more empirical evidence -- meaning more deals -- before the real correction can be ascertained. The smart money has been on 15%, and I'm not inclined to disagree.
