From the Desk of CF Capital: December Investor Report
Hello Friends and Investors,
The holiday season is officially upon us, and the federal reserve continues their march forward on their fight against inflation. Our team at CF Capital has been in the spirit of giving by committing time to serve in our community and we've been hyper-focused on up-leveling our asset & property management teams in an effort to optimize the fundamentals of our investments as we navigate this market cycle.
Ahead of the December FOMC meeting next week, markets anticipate another hike, yet in a slightly reduced capacity from the November and four preceding months’ counterparts (all of which saw a 75 BPS increase). Recent comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell noted that “Despite some promising developments, we have a long way to go in restoring price stability." He indicated that policy moves such as interest rate increases and the reduction of the Fed’s bond holdings generally take time to make their way through the system. “Thus, it makes sense to moderate the pace of our rate increases as we approach the level of restraint that will be sufficient to bring inflation down,” he added. “The time for moderating the pace of rate increases may come as soon as the December meeting.”
Interest rates and inflation have been the central theme of 2022, and they continue to have a tremendous impact on the multifamily real estate investment market, and most assets across the landscape for that matter. No one can truly predict where things are headed in 2023, but thus far, we've seen a seismic shift from a historic sellers market, to a market that is beginning to favor buyers. Still, we're seeing ROI expectations diminish as a result of higher costs of financing, but the few deals that are actually trading are trading for substantial discounts (in some cases 15%+ less than two quarters ago, an intriguing proposition in reduced going in basis for long term investors like us). We're anticipating some further runway in corrected values as we enter 2023, and are optimistic for the resulting acquisition opportunities on the horizon. Deals we're targeting are being projected as longer term holds (ie. 7-10 years) in an effort to optimize fixed rate debt and weather any impending economic storm. It's more important than ever to be prudent in underwriting and stress test our acquisitions, which is exactly what we're doing. To date, we've completed a deep-dive underwrite on 170 deals, and offered on 55 deals at where we feel returns are appropriate commensurate to the risk profile of the asset. We've closed 2 deals in an otherwise tumultuous macro environment in 2022, and are looking to acquire somewhere in the ballpark of 4-6 deals in 2023.
Aside from the acquisition trail, in asset management we have been focusing on the fundamentals of maximizing NOI in all of our assets through leasing, collections, and expense management. All the while our substantial renovation projects continued across the portfolio.
Outside of the blocking and tackling of the day-to-day business, we welcomed a new Executive Assistant in Rachael Chapman, a wonderful talent with a background in the Air Force and administration in the medical field. We also were able to lend a "day of service" the day before Thanksgiving supporting prep for a meal that fed approximately 600 homeless people in the Louisville area.
Lastly, some of our team had the pleasure of attending the annual March of Dimes Commercial Real Estate Achievement Award (REACH) Breakfast Banquet at Churchill Downs, supporting families of premature babies, a cause especially near and dear to Tyler and his family after their experience in the NICU earlier this year.
In summary, while the December month seems to get busier and busier each year, we would like to challenge everyone to take time to pause and remember the reason for the season. Express your gratitude for all the good things in your life. Take a moment to help out someone else in need. As we continue to forge greater prosperity in our lives as investors, it is our duty to pay it forward to others and make our world a better place. Instead of complaining that "they" aren't doing what you think should be done in the world, take it upon yourself to be that leader and the change that you'd like to see.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from all of us at CF Capital and thank you for being a part of our community!
In Partnership,
Tyler & Bryan
P.S. There's no higher compliment than you referring us to your friends, family, and colleagues. We'd be honored by the opportunity to become a part of their trusted networks. Share your experience investing with CF Capital & invite others to become an investor here.
