Welcome to a special episode of ECMP, where we delve into the effects of elections on commercial real estate with insights from seasoned professionals. With over 50 years of combined experience in real estate development, investment, and shopping center management, our expert panel shares how presidential policies and local governance shape real estate markets.

In this live event, we explore:

• Election impacts on real estate in Atlanta, GA, and beyond.
• Commercial investment strategies from experts who thrived through past elections.
• How rising interest rates and policies influence the real estate market, from retail spaces to multifamily housing.
• The future of malls and the importance of mixed-use developments for long-term success.
• Learn how seasoned developers overcome challenges in the real estate sector using smart strategies and joint ventures.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Election implications on interest rates, local zoning, and tax benefits like 1031 exchanges.
• Understanding the housing shortage and its effects on Atlanta’s commercial landscape.
• Expert strategies for shopping center redevelopment and maximizing ROI.

📍 Panelists:

• John Sebrook: Real estate developer and investor with 25 years of experience in New York and Atlanta markets.
• Douglas Berkou: Co-owner of Timber Development Corporation, having developed over 43 shopping centers across 19 states.
• Amit Grover: Host and real estate expert guiding the conversation on commercial real estate strategies.

🏙 Why Atlanta?:

As a rapidly growing hub for commercial real estate, Atlanta offers unique opportunities, from affordable land to opportunity zones that attract developers. Hear why these experts believe the future of real estate lies in multi-use developments and suburban expansions.

🏙 Case Studies Mentioned:

• Kennesaw Mall: Transitioning to a mixed-use development to avoid further losses from the retail decline.
• Opportunity Zones in Atlanta: How tax incentives are attracting developers to revitalize underutilized areas.

📊 Key Statistics:

• 40% of U.S. adults are unemployed (beyond official statistics), influencing the commercial real estate sector.
• 20% vacancy rates in malls and shopping centers post-pandemic, leading to innovative redevelopment solutions.

🎯 Takeaways for Investors:

1. Protect your downside: Always buy properties below market value and prioritize securing financing before development.
2. Joint ventures: Collaborate with construction companies to reduce costs, especially in high-interest environments. This strategy is particularly effective in the Atlanta market.
3. Focus on suburban expansion: With downtown areas like Atlanta becoming saturated, opportunities lie in suburbs like Gwinnett and Kennesaw.

🎤 Key Questions Addressed:

1. What are the biggest concerns about the upcoming elections for commercial real estate?

• The experts discuss how election cycles bring uncertainty in policies affecting interest rates, zoning laws, and commercial investment. But one key takeaway is that local municipalities (not just federal government) have more influence on zoning and real estate approvals, which is critical for developers and investors.

2. How do interest rates and inflation impact commercial property development?

• Rising interest rates increase borrowing costs, making new developments more expensive. The experts advise focusing on multi-use developments to protect against downturns, especially in markets like Atlanta, where mixed-use properties with residential components are performing better than stand-alone commercial spaces.

3. What strategies should investors adopt post-election?

• Our panelists, John Sebrook and Douglas Berkou, stress the importance of hedging risks by diversifying into shopping centers in smaller markets and using joint ventures to reduce upfront costs. They also highlight the importance of opportunity zones, especially in growing cities like Atlanta where tax incentives are available.

4. What’s the future of shopping malls in a post-COVID world?

• Shopping centers need to evolve. The experts explain that adding multifamily housing to malls can help them survive, as online shopping has reduced the need for traditional retail-only spaces. They point to examples like Kennesaw Mall and Gwinnett Place Mall in Atlanta, where mixed-use developments are helping bring life back to these once-struggling properties.

📺 Watch Now for Actionable Insights:

This episode is packed with value for investors, developers, and anyone interested in understanding how elections, economic policies, and local regulations affect the real estate landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, these experts will help you stay ahead of the curve.