Mulit-Family Energy Savings-What Are You Currently Doing to Manage Your Energy Costs?

By: Glenn Pisani

In a recent survey of property owners in NJ, only 31% have made noticeable efforts to manage their energy costs.  Although there are many ways to control energy costs and lower usage, this article will focus on ideas that can be used immediately.  If you haven’t taken advantage of these energy savings ideas, please contact me to schedule a no obligation meeting to discuss your building.  We are your trusted energy advisor!
 
Did you know that according to Energy Star, utility costs represent the largest controllable cost in an apartment building- typically accounting for 25-35 percent?  Reducing energy use by 15 percent in a typical 250-unit master-metered community will increase net operating income and increase asset value by over $1 million (using a 6 percent capitalization rate). 

Lending Standards are Loosening & Capital is Pouring Back into Commerical Real Estate

By: Daniel Hilpert

Capital is pouring back into the most active commercial real estate investment markets as lenders are responding to improving property values and rising expectations of future income growth. Banks are loosening lending standards for the first time in close to five years despite a still volatile economic recovery and pending legislative changes.

Lenders and intermediaries alike are reporting a substantial increase of lending activity. Loan originations have increased substantially in 2011, albeit still substantially down from the $500 billion of commercial and multifamily loans closed in 2007. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, loan originations reached $108.8 billion in 2010, a 44% increase compared with the $82.3 billion of commercial and multifamily loans closed in 2009.

Are Increasing Electricity Prices Coming?

By: Glen Pisani, Great Eastern Energy

EPA regulations and their potential impact
Regulations proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could impact coal-fueled power plants and the cost of electricity over the next 10 years.

Many people support the EPA’s regulations to achieve long-term environmental benefits, protect customers and the economy and the reliability of the electric grid.  However, the cumulative impacts of the EPA’s current regulatory path have been questioned especially the cost projections and the potential increase of electricity costs throughout the economy.
More than 70% of all U.S. coal plants are already more than 30 years old, which was their original operating lifetime when designed.  One-third of these plants went online before 1970.  Some plant operators have announced that they will retire some old plants while others are planning to retrofit with modern pollution technology.  The electric power industry will need to invest approximately $505 billion in new generation from 2010 to 2030, in order to maintain a reliable supply of electricity.  This does not include any additional investment necessary to meet future federal climate change regulations.

Bed Bug Insurance...Really?

By Al Sica of The ALS Group 

The bed bug epidemic has now reached astronomical proportions.  Hotels, movie theaters, businesses, hospitals, dormitories, and apartments are all reporting infestations. According to a survey released by The National Pest Management Association, one out of every five Americans has had a bed bug problem or knows someone who has encountered an infestation in a residence or hotel. For a property owner, not only are these pests a nuisance, but can be very expensive and potentially a public relations nightmare. Two large insurers, Willis and Aon recently announced that they were offering specialized coverage to protect property owners, companies and individuals from losses.