Environmental due diligence plays a central role in commercial real estate and corporate transactions, particularly since federal and state laws can hold property owners responsible for contamination regardless of fault. For buyers, investors, and lenders, getting ahead of these risks is essential to protecting deal value and avoiding costly surprises.

In this episode, James O’Brien and Eric Greenberg are joined by Jon Bull to unpack the fundamentals of environmental due diligence, with a focus on Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, including what they cover, why they matter, and how to use them effectively in real estate transactions.

Read the full transcript here:

https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/The-Property-Line-Environmental-Due-Diligence.pdf

In Seyfarth’s 11th Annual Real Estate Market Sentiment Survey, commercial real estate stakeholders remain broadly optimistic about 2026, with 86% viewing it as a year of opportunity despite ongoing headwinds. Respondents highlight data centers as the most impactful trend, though investment appetite has moderated, and point to renewed interest in office-to-residential conversions even as physical constraints, zoning, and construction costs continue to pose challenges. At the same time, interest rates, rising construction costs, and geopolitical instability rank among the top concerns shaping the market outlook.

In this episode, Eric Greenberg is joined by James O’Brien and Christine Kim to break down key findings from the survey, including shifting asset allocation trends, expectations for rate cuts, and the growing role of AI in areas like due diligence and closing efficiency.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/The-Property-Line-Real-Estate-Survey-2026.pdf

A wave of upcoming CMBS and CRE CLO loan maturities is putting increased pressure on commercial real estate owners, particularly as higher interest rates, tighter lending standards, and shifting asset fundamentals complicate refinancing. Many borrowers are facing a difficult reality: loans originated in a low-rate environment may no longer pencil out, and extension options are becoming more limited as lenders take a more active and selective approach.

In this episode, Michael Cohen, managing partner at Brighton Capital Advisors, joins Dan Evans to discuss the evolving maturity landscape and where stress is building across the market.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/The-Property-Line_CMBS-CRE-CLO-Maturities-and-Current-Market-Stress.pdf

Warehouse operators and industrial property owners are facing increasing scrutiny from both federal and state regulators, as health and safety enforcement programs gain momentum. From OSHA’s National Emphasis Program targeting warehouse operations to evolving ergonomics standards in select states, operators must proactively manage risks across equipment, material handling, and multi-employer worksites.

In this episode, Brent Clark joins James O’Brien and Eric Greenberg to discuss key compliance developments, inspection best practices, and strategies for mitigating risk, helping property owners and operators stay ahead in an increasingly regulated environment.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/ThePropertyLine_WarehouseSafety.pdf

As AI continues to reshape day-to-day tasks across industries, commercial real estate teams and their attorneys are weighing both unprecedented opportunities and emerging risks. From tools that can streamline lease review and portfolio analysis to considerations around accuracy, confidentiality, and implementation, many are evaluating how best to integrate AI into complex, high-value projects.

In this episode, Justin Lischak Earley, vice president of strategic venture partnerships at First American, and Kevin Woolf join James O’Brien and Eric Greenberg to discuss practical applications for AI, the limits of today’s technology, how organizations are managing risk, and effective ways to train teams and optimize operations.

Read the full transcript here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/ThePropertyLine_AI-CRE-Transcript.pdf

Rising insurance costs have become a major challenge for real estate owners, investors, and developers, with some deals no longer penciling out as a result. Inflation, climate-related disasters, and broader market volatility have all contributed to premium increases and reduced coverage availability. At the same time, emerging factors such as social inflation and third-party litigation funding are adding further pressure to insurers and policyholders alike.

In The Property Line’s 75th episode, James O’Brien and Eric Greenberg are joined by Rebecca Woods, co-chair of Seyfarth’s Commercial Litigation practice, to discuss what’s driving today’s insurance market and how property owners can manage costs through stronger risk management, creative coverage structures, and careful lease negotiation.

Read the full transcript of the episode here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/ThePropertyLine_RethinkingRisk.pdf

Good Guy Guarantees are a longstanding feature of New York City leasing and are increasingly appearing in other markets. While designed to protect landlords against holdover risk, they are often misunderstood, particularly when it comes to the misconception that they provide tenants with an early termination right.

In this episode, Jason Polevoy, James O’Brien, and Eric Greenberg outline the fundamentals of Good Guy Guarantees, explore common pitfalls, and share practical drafting considerations for both landlords and tenants.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is reshaping the tax landscape for real estate and, if you’re a sponsor, developer, or investor, it’s changing how you may approach deals. The biggest headlines: 100% bonus depreciation is back and permanent, unlocking year-one deductions and making cost segregation essential again; interest deductibility is easier, reducing the need for elections that previously limited depreciation; and the Opportunity Zone program is now permanent, with a map refresh in 2027 and new perks for rural areas.

In this episode, Matt Peurach joins James O’Brien and Eric Greenberg to discuss how OBBBA is transforming the way real estate capital stacks are built and what sponsors should do in terms of re-underwriting current and pipeline projects, revisiting shelved deals, and preparing for the upcoming OZ redesign.

Read the full transcript of this episode here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/ThePropertyLinePodcast_TheBigBeautifulBillUnlockedTurningTaxLawintoEnhancedRealEstateDealFlow.pdf

In today’s dynamic commercial real estate environment, loan servicers are playing an increasingly strategic role in balancing complex deal structures and evolving borrower expectations, with a growing focus on innovation. From multifaceted private equity transactions to portfolio-level SASB deals, servicing professionals are leveraging both expertise and creativity to meet the demands of a more sophisticated market. At the same time, advancements in AI, automation, and managing cybersecurity are creating new opportunities to enhance efficiency, transparency, data and information safety, and the overall borrower experience.

In this episode, Jan Sternin, senior vice president and managing director at Berkadia, joins Katie Schwarting, chair of Seyfarth’s Servicing & Special Servicing practice, to discuss current market trends, the transformative role of technology in servicing, and more.

Read the full transcript of the episode here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/ThePropertyLine_Rethinking_Servicing_Balancing_Innovation_and_Experience.pdf

Cold storage facilities play a critical role in preserving perishable goods like food and pharmaceuticals, but they come with unique legal and operational challenges. From the widespread use of ammonia-based refrigeration systems to complex lien issues, lenders and investors need to understand the risks and complications at hand in this specialized market.

In this episode, Mike Delaney joins Jay Wardlaw to discuss key considerations for cold storage investments including evolving REIT ownership structures, collateral protection strategies, and the impact of aging infrastructure on facility valuation.

Read the full transcript of this episode here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/ThePropertyLine_FreezerBurn.pdf