HFO's Greg Frick and Charlie Kokernak of Gantry, Inc. discuss the Q1 2025 Oregon and SW Washington multifamily market lending landscape. Despite political uncertainties, the market is finding stability. There's a significant pent-up demand for equity, driven by reasons like default and depreciation. Underwriting standards remain consistent, and rates have dropped, but uncertainty remains. Insurance costs are a growing concern, particularly for older properties. Lenders are competitive, offering tight spreads and flexible terms. Deal flow is expected to increase, and pricing stability is anticipated.

Dive into this week’s Multifamily Marketwatch! Washington Governor Bob Ferguson tackles housing affordability challenges with zoning reforms and rent stabilization efforts. Seattle’s ambitious 20-year housing plan faces roadblocks that could delay new developments. Meanwhile, Portland’s vibrant market sees growth with key projects like Sellwood Bluff and Reed’s Crossing as rising insurance costs are putting multifamily property owners under pressure. Tune in for the latest market insights in Washington and Oregon!

Explore the latest legislative updates impacting multifamily housing investments in Oregon and Washington! In this episode, we cover Oregon's new mandates like air conditioning requirements (SB 54), changes to rent cap exemptions (SB 722), and Washington's push for innovative housing solutions such as commercial conversions and zoning reforms. Learn how these policies affect supply, affordability, and investment opportunities in the region. Stay informed to adapt your strategies in 2025 and beyond!

In this episode of HFO Multifamily Marketwatch, Greg Frick interviews Wayne Achen, Project Coordinator at Pacific Exteriors NW. They explore common exterior issues in multifamily buildings in the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing the significance of regular maintenance and early problem detection, such as water intrusion, failing windows, and improper deck installations. Wayne highlights that many issues arise from incorrect installations rather than product defects. The discussion touches on the typical lifespans of various components, the benefits of architectural roofing, building material availability, and the importance of preventative maintenance. Tune in to learn how to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs down the road!

In this episode of HFO Multifamily Marketwatch, we delve into the contentious debate surrounding the Portland Supportive Housing Services (SHS) tax, which funds homeless services and is set to expire in 2030. A proposed 20-year extension would lower the tax rate from 1% to 0.9%, yet concerns remain about the tax's high rate and its implications for attracting high-income residents. The discussion critiques the management of funds by Metro and its subcontracting with the City of Portland, alongside proposals for reallocating funds to cities and subsidized housing. The episode emphasizes the need for community engagement and accountability in addressing homelessness, suggesting alternative funding mechanisms like operating levies and property tax adjustments to enhance effectiveness in social welfare programs.

Explore Oregon's critical housing shortage as this episode examines low vacancy rates, rent burdens, and the influence of second homes. It dives into the contrasting legislative approaches between Republicans and Democrats on issues like homelessness and governance, while also discussing new requirements for cooling systems in multifamily housing and updates to Oregon's building code.