By Michael Stoler 3/27 1:00pm

Mortgage Observer

indepth

Many Lenders Offering Low Rates for Multifamily

It seems like the perfect storm: investors are paying record prices to acquire residential rental apartments in metropolitan areas. And at the same time, financial institutions—especially regional and local commercial and savings banks—are offering the lowest rates for long-term financing for this asset class. Ramping up the competition, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, insurance companies, CMBS and conduits are all offering borrowers low rates, with terms we have not experienced in decades. Read More

By Al Barbarino 3/19 7:30am

Sales Beat

bank_of_america

New Bank of America Building in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn Sells for $8.45 M.

A 4,000-square-foot Bank of America branch location under construction at 6601 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn has changed hands for $8.45 million, city records show.

The property sits on the corner of 66th Street and 18th Avenue, which is also known as Cristoforo Colombo Boulevard and is one of the neighborhood’s most heavily-trafficked thoroughfares.

Massey Knakal marketed the property, originally for $9.75 million, as offering “a high yield, management free investment opportunity in the heart of one of Brooklyn’s fastest growing middle-class neighborhoods.” Read More

By Billy Gray 1/03 12:40pm

Lease Beat

marsbar

Demolished Dive Mars Bar Could Return

A third wave of mourning for dear departed dive Mars Bar crested yesterday when news broke that TD Bank had signed a lease at the former site of the punk-drunk-artist-squatter-hanger on haunt whose closure and demolition in 2011 was seen by many as (yet another) nail in the once-scruffy East Village’s burnished coffin.

Now, a source familiar with the deal tells us that the lease includes a second retail space whose future tenant could assume the notorious Mars Bar’s trade name and liquor license. The development company BFC Partners reached an agreement with the Mars Bar crew that would allow the next commercial tenant to occupy a 4,456-square-foot basement and ground floor space under the proud, stubborn  and–who knew?–business-minded Mars Bar auspices. Read More

By Michael Ewing 10/22/12 8:00am

Lease Beat

Courtesy of Southern Savers

Pier One Imports Opens on Staten Island

Pier One Imports has inked a deal in Staten Island.

The retailer that specialized in imported him furnishings and decor has grabbed a 12,000-square-foot location at 2385 Richmond Avenue in Staten Island.

The location will be its sixth in the city, following locations at 1110 Third Avenue and 71 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and a Read More

By Dan Geiger 12/13/11 10:04am

Power Broker

444 Madison Avenue.

Too Small? Too Big? Just Right.

It may have been the kind of problem every tenant wishes it had, but for Wasserman Media Group it was a problem nonetheless.

Only a few months had elapsed since the firm had signed on at the start of the year to take roughly 7,000 square feet on the fourth floor of the midtown office tower 444 Madison Avenue, and already it was clear to Wasserman’s executives that they had significantly miscalculated the company’s needs. Read More