HFO Multifamily Marketwatch for Oregon and SW Washington

Charlie Kokernak of Gantry Inc. delivers a practical, forward-looking take on the multifamily lending environment heading into 2026. Touching on interest rates, debt yields, refinancing pain, and lender sentiment, Kokernak helps multifamily investors understand what to expect in both agency and private lending markets. With institutional sales slow and distress brewing in some segments, this conversation offers key insights on how to finance, refinance, and restructure deals in today's high-rate environment.

Today's episode explores vacancy taxes, a topic that several Portland City Council members are currently discussing. Some argue the proposal can help reduce vacant properties across the city. But is it really the solution to our housing crisis, or are they simply looking at a policy that sounds promising but falls short?

In this episode of Multifamily Marketwatch, Michael Pierce dives into Portland's multifamily market as it begins to stabilize after years of volatility. With vacancy rates trending down, absorption picking up, and construction slowing to a crawl, what does this mean for investors and developers? Tune in for a positive outlook on Portland's market and how strategic patience may be the key to success.

This episode features the latest Oregon wins and woes for landlords from the 2025 legislative session. Andor law co-founder Marcel Gesmundo discusses the recent Oregon legislative session. Discover the latest housing provider wins, including the defeat of several bills that would have had a negative impact on the industry. Additionally, Gesmundo discusses the ongoing efforts to promote housing production and streamline processes within the state. Marcel serves on the board of directors of the Government Affairs Committee for Multifamily NW.

Brad Kraus, a partner at Warren Allen, breaks down the latest legislative changes impacting rental housing providers in Washington State. Discover the new rent increase caps, mandatory forms, and service of process requirements that are now in effect. This episode is crucial for understanding how to navigate these updates and avoid costly management mistakes.

Seattle's affordable housing is unraveling—1,100 units for sale, rising costs, and legal battles. In Portland, a major nonprofit is selling 80 homes, hoping to turn renters into owners. Crisis or opportunity?

Bond yields are bouncing and lender sentiment is shifting. In this episode of HFO's Multifamily Marketwatch, Michael Pierce breaks down the recent Treasury market volatility, explains the role of credit spreads in loan pricing, and shares what multifamily owners and investors need to know to navigate today's cautious lending environment.

Seattle's apartment pipeline is drying up as construction permits plunge and housing costs drive record out-migration from Washington. In this episode, HFO's Michael Pierce breaks down the latest permitting data, rent trends, and policy debates every multifamily owner, investor, and developer needs to know.

Permitting across the Portland metro is plummeting, but Oregon's lawmakers are responding with bold new reforms to accelerate housing development. In this episode, HFO's Michael Pierce explores the latest permit trends, housing bills, and investment opportunities multifamily owners, developers, and investors need to track across Oregon's shifting real estate landscape.

Dive into the evolving world of property management with Michael Havlik, academic director of Portland State University's Real Estate Center. Havlik reveals how innovative undergraduate programs are bridging the gap between education and real-world property management, offering students unique insights into technology, ethics, and career opportunities. Learn about the critical skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field, from technical expertise to people skills, and how internships are shaping future industry leaders. Together with HFO Partner Greg Frick, they explore the exciting developments in real estate education and the promising future of property management from an insider's perspective.