S.E.C. Real Estate Observer

These are the times that try men’s souls. —Thomas Paine, The American Crisis (1776) During my 45 years in the real estate business I, like many, have suffered the slings and arrows of difficult times and enjoyed the successes that have most often outweighed them. Reflecting on the world today, and on several recessionary periods […]

The Power of the Room Nick DeMarte, S.E.C. I often get asked, “Why do you travel all across the country to attend equity marketing meetings?” The answer is simple: “The Power of the Room.” The Society hosts 5 invitational meetings throughout the year.  We are considered the nation’s premier creative real estate marketing group.  The […]

Real-life 3-way exchange: Path to cash or down and out? Brandon has a former restaurant in Kansas he’s shopping with. Value is $1,200,000 with $500,000 debt. He liked it as an STNL over the last 7–8 years but doesn’t like the return near as much when it’s vacant. He’s learned real estate always has cash […]

Gravenhurst volunteer honoured nationally for dedication to Beaver Creek inmates
For more than 20 years, Darryl McCullough has dedicated his time to help rehabilitate offenders

I’d like to start by letting everyone know that I used facts and figures from several studies and articles written about the need and benefits of developing affordable housing. The need for affordable housing is more necessary than ever, not only for those relying on this housing, but for neighborhoods that need the community benefits […]

Here is a very likely conversation that could have happened to me this year: Me: I may need to understand the bankruptcy process. Attorney: OK, let’s talk. Me: I closed on land using debt without it being fully entitled to develop . . . About two years ago, I came close to purchasing a large […]

Any article focusing on the hotel industry in today’s world is a daunting task. So much is happening with lightning speed that to stop for a moment and explain what is going on in this tsunami of change is almost impossible. The hospitality industry is undergoing a significant evolutionary period on many fronts. The impetus […]

Turbulent times produce uncertainty and fear of the unknown. A cloudy crystal ball can not only fuel apprehension but also increase the potential for irrational decision making. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues
to upend the daily lives of people and wreaks havoc on business operations and financial markets around the world

Many of us have managed properties that involved investors we recruited to a project. Let’s face it: not every investment goes perfectly as planned. Problems arise, and enthusiasm dissolves. As the manager, it is always your responsibility to keep every investor fully informed on both good and bad news. I have learned these things in […]

In today’s session I will explore the reasons behind the increased attention in recent years to the potential of real estate gifts, and we will review the current state of the art in real estate giving. I will review the range of real estate gift structures, and the situations for which they are appropriate.