From the Desk of CF Capital: October Investor Report
Hello Friends and Investors,
As we approach the cooler weather and earlier fall sunsets, we hope you and your family have been well. The new season reminds us that change is all around us—and not just in the weather. The economic and political landscape is undergoing significant shifts, as the Federal Reserve’s long-anticipated rate cuts have finally commenced. After an extended period of aggressive rate hikes, the first cut in September marked a potential turning point for capital markets and the economy at large. This change brings both challenges and opportunities, and we are keeping a close eye on how it impacts multifamily real estate.
Speaking of weather, Hurricane Helene's impact on our friends in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina South Carolina and Tennessee is immense and the rebuilding will be extensive to say the lease. Our hearts go out to the millions of people affected by this historic storm. Seeing the devastation in particular in Western North Carolina, a place near and dear to our hearts, has been heartbreaking. Knowing many people personally impacted by this catastrophe brings it close to home. Our prayers go out to all those affected.
In addition, the 2024 Presidential election is heating up, with less than a month until Election Day. The political climate is creating ripples throughout the economy, but we remain focused on long-term growth and stability in the face of uncertainty. Remember, it's more important than ever to make your voice heard as voters. While we navigate the noise, we're finding ways to position ourselves for success in any scenario.
Here’s a look at our current projects and market trends:
1. Portfolio Performance and Key Updates
Pending Acquisition Delayed: In September, we expected to close on Island Club, a 314-unit multifamily community in the Eagle Creek submarket of Indianapolis, IN. However, official loan assumption approval didn't come in until a couple of days ago (finally!), and we're now working through nuances with the seller on a recent insurance claim to ensure our partners interests are best represented ahead of closing. We’re now anticipating a closing this month, and are excited to begin the value-add process with renovations, which will enhance both tenant experience and property value. NOTE: We do have a few limited slots remaining available for investors if you'd like to get in on the action for this opportunity!
Financing Extension and Refinance: We are working through an agency refinance for one of our Louisville assets which is expected to close over the next 30-45 days. Our business plan of renovating 90% of the units has been completed and initial projected premiums have been out-paced significantly. We've also successfully completed 100% of the asset reposition, which included rebranding, a new playground, dog-park enhancements, new parking lot, new roofs throughout, renovated leasing office, a new mural, renovated common area hallways, new windows, dumpster corrals and more. We look forward to delivering further long-term stability to our investors and residents as a result of this successful refinance.
Operational Improvements: Our properties are generally seeing improved occupancy rates and stronger rent collections, even in a turbulent market where everyone is feeling the lingering impact of the historic inflation of the past few years. Proactive management strategies, enhanced by recent property upgrades, have paid off, and more projects are ongoing at several of our assets. We are especially pleased with the feedback from tenants, whose satisfaction is essential to our long-term success, a leading indicator to future renewal performance. There's always room for improvement, and we're continuing to focus on economic occupancy optimization, and expense ratio management as we move into Q4.
2. Market Trends, Insights & Opportunities
Economic Overview: The U.S. economy is in a moment of transition. The Fed's recent rate cuts signal a shift towards a more accommodative stance, and although inflationary pressures remain, we believe this opens new opportunities for real estate financing and growth. Multifamily real estate continues to be a resilient asset class, benefiting from strong rental demand across the country. Migration trends into our markets in the Midwest and Southeast remain steady and robust, which supports our long-term investment strategy.
Interest Rates & Financing: The reduction in federal funds rates offers some breathing room, but the bond markets remain volatile as the economic landscape adjusts. We are actively exploring opportunities to leverage this shift, particularly in sourcing debt for acquisitions and refinancing our existing portfolio. Loan assumptions with favorable terms, like our Island Club acquisition, are becoming a critical tool for navigating these financial conditions. Anecdotally, recently we've seen the acquisition market get a bit more agressive of late, with multiple pursuits being awarded to competitor investment groups putting down hard money day 1 and pursuing extremely aggressive purchase prices and compressed cap rates. Is this a sign of things to come? We will see. We continue to pursue smart growth through asymmetric risk/reward acquisitions through the inefficient market, and we will keep you informed of future opportunities. We are cautiously optimistic that we will be securing our next opportunity for your investment consideration by the end of this quarter.
Local Market Dynamics: Our targeted markets—Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee—are experiencing steady population growth and economic expansion, which continue to support rental demand and stable property values. The moderate pace of new development in these regions, coupled with ongoing economic development, makes them attractive areas for long-term multifamily investment. While more volatile Sunbelt markets experience challenges from excess supply, our approach remains steady and strategic.
3. Looking Ahead
The last few months of 2024 promise to be eventful, with both the election and the economy's shifting tides. We remain focused on identifying value in these transitional times and are poised to capitalize on opportunities that align with our strategy of slow, steady, and calculated growth. Stay tuned for opportunities for your participation. We remain patient yet persistent in continued expansion of our portfolio.
As always, we appreciate your continued trust and partnership. We are committed to navigating the road ahead with you and remain available for any questions or discussions about your investment goals.
Here’s to a great fall season and continued success!
In Partnership,
Bryan & Tyler
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