Landscape redesign, construction and installation comprised a substantial share of the comprehensive restoration of a 1970s-era

senior housing development. These before-and-after shots provide a feel for the scope of the project, which was overseen by Pike Development Co. of Paterson, New Jersey.

After a senior housing development in Pennsylvania sold, the new owner resolved to bring the 1970s-era community into the 21 century, architecturally – including the correction of numerous building code violations and providing overdue improvements for residents.

Landscape design played a big part in changing the atmosphere of the senior housing development, according to Pike Development Co., which oversaw the project and brought in a team including JRP Architects, Berks Ridge Construction,landscape architects and contractor Hidden Valley Nursery Inc., and project manager Solutions Advisors.

“Because of the fairly unremarkable architecture of the existing building, I was able to persuade the owners to invest significantly in landscaping as well,” said Andy Jubelt, Pike’s director of development. “People often don’t really devote much thought and care – or money – to making sure seniors have nice outdoor spaces. 

In an interview Wednesday, Jubelt praised the work of

Hidden Valley Landscape Architecture & Construction, a division of Hidden Valley Nursery, which is based in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, north of Philadelphia.

He said the award-winning firm’s recent work included a large project at the

New Jersey Governor’s Residence. Jubelt said Hidden Valley’s landscape design was a key part of the project’s success.

Revitalization of the residential community included replacement of roofs,

siding, windows and HVAC systems. Backup generators were installed in case

of power outages.

In addition to correcting the code deficiencies, a “Memory Care” unit was

added and the way common spaces were used was “reimagined,” according

to Pike Development – a division of Paterson, New Jersey-based Pike

Construction Co. LLC – explained in announcing completion of the project.

Straight rows of housing units with a narrow walkway in-between buildings

were replaced with a “Town Hall and Main Street” concept. The main

building, which housed activities and the library, was made one focal point and a new building was constructed at the other end of the square for dining, creating another focal point and sharing a Town Square for additional activities.

Seven different areas were included in the extensive exterior redesign and landscaping work, which included the addition of shady lanes with water features and

numerous places to sit and chat. A new and elegant entry was designed with covered

accessible drop-off along with a formal garden and pavilion covering an outdoor seating area. “Making a facility become alive and vibrant requires looking at spaces with the concept of designing places people want to be, want to share and interact,” said Jubelt. “This is no accident. It takes imagination and planning. “We feel we successfully changed a property with an outdated institutional feel into one that feels like a series of friendly neighborhoods.”

Andrew D. Jubelt

Andy joined the Pike companies in 2012 as the Director of Development and continues to serve inthat capacity. He has been involved in the real estate industry since 1976 and has extensive knowledge in the development and rehabilitation of commercial, residential, retail, hotel properties, and senior housing.

During his career, Andrew Jubelt has been a developer, owner and operator of commercial real estate including more than 10,000 multifamily and senior housing units. His experience includes financing, development, ground-up construction and property management of medium to large scale projects. Financing experience includes over $1,000,000,000 of both debt and equity funding from a variety of sources including traditional and private sources. Geographic experience has been national.

Educational achievements include a Bachelors of Arts degree from Upsala College, the Owners, Presidents Management Program from Harvard Business School, and has been a guest lecturer at a diverse number of professional and educational institutions. Andy is active in his community with various educational institutions and youth athletics.

Development Services

Beginning with site selection through project completion, Pike provides a wide range of services from its experienced development team. It is our mission to achieve the highest level of efficiency for each project including due diligence, approvals, design, cost and execution.
Our capabilities include:

• Site selection and acquisition
• Site plan development
• Project conceptualization
• Due diligence
• Approvals/Entitlements
• Coordinating architecture, engineering, and functionality
• Project cost review and budgeting
• Project finance and investment management

The Pike development team combines over a 100+ years of experience across a broad spectrum of property types including office, retail, multi-family and senior housing.

About Pike

For more than 58 years, the Pike Companies have completed every project on time and within budget. This impressive record has given Pike a position of prominence in the construction and development industry.

Project by project, Pike has built a proud reputation for integrity, reliability, and professional competence. Pike’s diversified experience includes commercial, industrial, hotels, office, multi-family housing, senior living, educational, institutional, and rehabilitation projects.
On the following pages and in person we invite you to explore the Pike Advantage.

#realestatedeveloper

One of the most frequently-forgotten things in real estate is that pieces of property are valuable, especially if they're in an active business district.

That, of course, is the problem. The larger a loan is, the more scrutiny any lending institution will require -- and if you aren't paying for the entire thing out of your own pocket, you'll have to limit yourself to the bank's pace as you process the paperwork. If someone else is also interested in the property, you could find yourself losing out simply because the paperwork takes so long to complete.

Bridge loans are the easiest and most effective way of overcoming this. At their core, bridge loans exist to cover the gap while long-term financing is arranged.

The Fast Facts

• Most bridge loans will last between two weeks and three years
• Paperwork for long-term financing can experience delays, so it's usually better to get a loan of several months more than you think you'll need
• Exact terms vary, but some bridge loans have no prepayment penalty, so you can easily dismiss it faster if things go well
• Due to their short-term nature, bridge loans have higher interest rates than standard loans

How Bridge Loans Can Affect Your Credit Score And Loan Amounts

Due to their short-term nature, bridge loans require significantly higher payments than other types of loans. If you have a solid amount of cash as a cushion, this can be excellent for your credit score, as consistently paying a high amount will help financial institutions regard you as more trustworthy.

In fact, the history of payments made under the terms of a bridge loan may allow you to qualify for a larger loan -- and with the prices of some types of commercial real estate, this can make the difference between getting the property you want and being forced to purchase a different location instead.

Why Bridge Loans Make Sense For Commercial Real Estate Transactions

Bridge loans have two major advantages over most other forms of money-lending: they're easy to get and they can be obtained quickly. As discussed in the introduction, this makes bridge loans ideal when you're trying to obtain a specific piece of property, especially if you have a narrow deadline for doing so.

It's also worth noting that bridge loans are often used to finance improvements to a given piece of property. For example, a bank may refuse to lend money to help purchase an old building with worn-out wiring, but once a thorough renovation has been performed and the building is no longer seen as unsafe, that same bank may be more than willing to extend an offer.

Which Types of Businesses Benefit Most from Bridge Loans?

As with all forms of lending, businesses that have a stable and reliable source of income are most likely to benefit from a bridge loans. Smaller businesses, or those with uncertain income levels, may have trouble meeting the large payments that bridge loans require.

However, this is only a general problem, and a solid business plan may be able to remove most of the disadvantages. It should not be forgotten that the main goal of a bridge loan is covering the gap between right now and when you can secure traditional, long-term financing -- and many banks will be happy to consider a business plan and work with you to create a mutually-agreeable loan agreement.

Where Can I Get A Business Loan?

Andrew Jubelt is a commercial real estate financing expert who can help you get a bridge loan for nearly any commercial real estate transaction. Contact him today at ajubelt@avant-capital.com, or call 212-231-9779 for more information. 

You know how dodgy things can get when you're trolling the New York City commercial real estate market for financing. One name that has always been trusted for connecting borrowers and lenders is Andrew Jubelt.

Andrew Jubelt can help you at every stage of the game, including helping to secure a bridge loan for your investment real estate project. He has decades of experience in real estate financing, including as a developer, owner and operator of commercial real estate,

Andrew Jubelt knows his way around a real estate investment project. Moreover, with his experience as a principal at Avant Capital Partners, Jubelt brings a definite gravitas to the table.

Oftentimes in real estate financing, there will be major holdups along the way. Administratively, things could be held up ... and yet practically speaking, you still have workers on-site who need to be paid. At the very least, you're looking at hefty fines and penalties for paperwork not being filed, taxes not being paid and fees being levied, all because financing you thought was adequately in place had actually fallen through.

Bridge loans are a great tool for anyone who finds themselves in such a situation. Maybe you're receiving your financing in stages, for instance, and find yourself in the situation of having to wait days -- or even weeks -- for the financing to clear and post to your account. This is a perfect example of a situation during which a bridge loan can come in handy. Depending on your circumstance and the bridge loan officer you're working with, you may even be able to obtain financing with low or absent points.

Another example: If you're in the predicament of wanting to close quickly on a property but find yourself waiting on the financing, a short-term bridge loan may be a good solution -- until you've retained more solid, long-term financing, of course.

Whatever your financing needs -- and whatever the length of your financing -- you should reach out to Andrew Jubelt at Avant Capital Financing. As unusual or non-standard as your circumstances may be, Andrew Jubelt has almost certainly dealt with a similar situation in the past, and he may be able to help you realize your investment real estate project goals.

We understand that you have many choices when it comes to finding short-term financing for real estate investment projects, and that's just one reason why Andrew Jubelt will work so hard for you and your business. What's more, his years of experience and his contacts within the industry promise to move your project at a surprisingly rapid clip, and with less interruptions than some other lenders may run into.

If you'd like to learn more about obtaining a bridge loan for your commercial real estate financing, contact Andrew Jubelt today. He's available to discuss the needs of all borrowers, regardless of whether you're interested in short-term financing, original financing, or potential options to exit an existing loan.

Andrew Jubelt is here to listen, ask questions, and help when he can.

As a principal at Avant Capital Partners, Andrew Jubelt can assist in providing a broad range of loan programs that can provide you or your clients with the commercial real estate funding you need. Contact Andrew Julbelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com, or call 212-231-9779 for more information.

Investors seeking information about real estate trends often look toward the annual PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) report, "Emerging Trends in Real Estate". This forecast is a well-respected outlook for the real estate and land use industry, and this year, it includes the following trends that will be of interest to commercial real estate investors:

The Changing Age Game

Baby boomers used to rule the roost in terms of numbers, but millennials are now an even larger group. Usually defined as people born between 1982 and 2004, this group is 87.3 million strong, with an average age of 24. 

Millennials often rent longer and postpone homeownership. Their preferences could change, however, as they start to get a little older -- as soon as the 2020s. Survey respondents are split, however, on what choices they think millennials will make as they age. For now, Denver, Austin, and San Francisco are benefiting from their popularity with millennials. These cities are ranked in the top five for job growth.

The smaller Generation Z will also emerge, and the real estate industry will have to prepare for a nation consisting of fewer new households, consumers, and people entering the workforce.

Baby boomers’ influence isn't over, however. Some will still be a part of the workforce, and others will retire, but they’ll have a significant impact on real estate investment and development for at least the next 20 years.

Labor Markets are Reaching a Tipping Point

Although we were worried about the "jobless recovery," trends are heading the opposite way in the long term. We’re likely to experience labor shortages, not surpluses, within a few years, according to the PWC report. Job issues are at the top of the list of the most important issues influencing real estate, respondents say. Job growth tops the list, followed by wage and income growth.

Job growth is expected to be fueled by technology and energy sectors. Several cities have benefited from an infusion of tech and energy-related jobs in the past two years, including Seattle, Atlanta, and Chicago. These industries are also having a particularly large impact on Texas, with the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and Houston having had the highest tech and energy job growth numbers in the country during the past two years.

Jobs are indeed chasing people, and cities expected to have the highest job growth in the next three years are clustered in the Southwest, the Southeast, and Texas.

Event Risk is Here to Stay

Event risk -- including global unrest, geopolitical risks, and natural disasters -- is a concern for an increasing number of interviewees. Geopolitical risks grew both in number and in intensity in 2014 and threatened to become even greater.

As a result, international investment in U.S. real estate has grown across dozens of markets. Real estate holds great appeal as an asset that remains durable in a volatile world. Foreign capital is highly concentrated in gateway cities like Phoenix, Houston, and Dallas for apartments, and Hawaii and South Florida for hotels. Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, and Brooklyn are tops in attracting development capital.

This country’s diversity is a strength as well as a shield, according to PWC’s report. Its strength is that in a risky world, it’s a good place to invest money and find markets and real estate opportunities that match a variety of investors’ preferences. It’s a shield because the complexity of the U.S. economy makes for greater resilience.

If you want to learn more about the latest emerging trends in real estate, Andrew Jubelt, an experienced developer, owner, and operator of commercial real estate, can help. Contact him at ajubelt@avant-capital.com or 212-231-9779.

If you’re looking for information about where to invest in commercial real estate, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has published its "Emerging Trends in Real Estate" report for over 35 years. In its recently released forecast, the following trends are among those expected to emerge:

Real Estate’s Love/Hate Relationship with Technology Intensifies

Real estate will continue to have a love/hate relationship with technology. Fear of technical disruption is easing, though, which is a good thing, considering that no form of real estate is exempt from the expansion of technology.

Survey respondents see technology opening new business paths, even when traditional industries may be lagging. It’s pushing change in space use, locations, and demand levels. Fear of technology is subsiding somewhat.

Office demand, which was once driven by financial firms, is expected to be driven by technology and media industries. Tech companies once impacted suburban communities, but now the focus is more urban.

Some respondents think we don’t yet know what the result of current changes will be. The sharing economy, in which groups such as millennials are comfortable sharing rather than owning, is already disrupting taxi and hotel industries and may also affect office properties. Excess space could be offered to other companies, by either the landlord or the tenant.

A Darwinian Market Keeps the Squeeze on Companies

Unrelenting competition makes the need for a clear "brand identity" increasingly important. Efficiency and effectiveness will not only be what investors expect -- they’ll also filter down to service providers.

Institutional investment is expected to be influenced by a desire for more control on the part of the largest investors. Capital sources will expect more services for less money.

The ongoing trend toward outsourcing could be somewhat replaced by bringing real estate talent in-house, reducing costs and improving accountability. Consolidation could increase if this trend grows.

Capital raising, already difficult for mid-tier managers, has become more difficult in Europe with the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD). These regulations increase reporting and compliance requirements. Some firms may not be able to afford these conditions, so the number of private equity and hedge fund firms seeking capital in Europe may decline. The field may become overpopulated as more players looked toward Europe for cash, followed by an inevitable winnowing.

Housing Steps off the Roller Coaster

The real estate bubble and the ensuing collapse seem to be put in the past. Residential real estate is expected to return to the classic principles of supply and demand. Confidence in residential real estate should increase -- a positive trend for the entire economy.

This hopeful outlook is due to the fact that the number of U.S. households has grown steadily, even as the housing market struggled. Demand for rental housing rose, while single-family-home construction fell markedly. Over several years, this translates into a huge shortfall in new for-sale units. The shortfall is now 9 million homes, which has enabled the "months of supply" figure to stay around five months since late 2012. Existing-home sales averaged about 2.1 million during the same period. This point of balance for single-family residential has stayed steady.

Disposable income growth has lagged for households, and prices aren’t re-inflating to bubble levels. Moderate price increases are anticipated, with only minor ups and downs in existing-home sales.

It’s a healthy, boring market that’s anticipated -- a welcome relief from the huge swings in housing over the past decade.

Andrew Jubelt, a principal at Avant Capital Partners, can advise you on commercial real estate investing and provide you with the funding you need. Contact him at ajubelt@avant-capital.com, or call 212-231-9779

If you've been contemplating getting your feet wet with investing in a commercial property but just haven't pulled the trigger, now is the time to do it. 

We are currently living through one of the most attractive commercial real estate markets for investors. Taking advantage of some of the investment properties available today will likely yield you a return that is much better than some fixed income alternatives. When that return is paired with a strong stream of cash flow and appreciation of the property, investing in today's commercial real estate market is considered to be a very prudent decision. 

Here are some reasons why the current commercial real estate market is so attractive to investors:

Interest Rates Continue to Remain Low

As of February 2015, the Prime Rate (the rate that many banks use to price commercial loans) still continues to be 3.25 percent, which is a historically low level. LIBOR, another interest rate index that is often factored into pricing commercial loans, is also hovering at one of the lowest levels it has been in decades. While no one has a crystal ball to predict what interest rates are going to do in the future, we can feel fairly certain that interest rates have no where else to go but up. Financing a property at these historically low levels can allow you to get more for your money and make a smarter investment.

High Demand for Rentals

It makes sense that smart real estate investors follow the jobs and people. With the population and job growth that New York City has consistently offered, there is always going to be a demand for real estate rentals in the city, whether it be for a multifamily property or office space. 

If you're in tune with the latest commercial real estate trends in New York, you'll know that telecommuting is on the rise. In an effort to cut costs, more companies are allowing employees to work from home, which causes these companies to have less of a need for office space. For this reason, we'll likely see an increased demand for residential rental properties in 2015. 

Investors Are Armed With More Information to Make Smarter Purchases

A plethora of resources via the Internet are available to investors to help them more accurately determine how much a property is worth before making a purchase decision. Having this access to real-time data of a property's performance can provide a clearer picture of the risk and return the investor would be getting before making the purchase.

Avant Capital Partners can help you take advantage of the incredible opportunities available in today's commercial real estate market. Andrew Jubelt, a principal at Avant Capital Partners, is a successful investor himself, owning and operating several commercial and residential properties, which include more than 10,000 senior housing and multifamily units in the area. His extensive knowledge of New York's one-of-a-kind real estate market and financing expertise allow him to serve as a valuable partner for anyone considering investing in commercial real estate. 

Are you interested in learning more about why now is the time to invest in commercial real estate? Start the process by contacting Andrew Jubelt at 212-231-9779 or email him at ajubelt@avant-capital.com. Taking advantage of the favorable conditions of today's market will go a long way in helping you to secure a smart investment. 

Investors looking for commercial real estate opportunities in 2015 should turn their eyes toward Texas. Three of the five cities expected to be the hottest markets this year are in the Lone Star state. They benefit from having low costs of living and low costs of doing business, combined with excellent livability and employment.

Experts generally regard the following cities as the top five for commercial real estate investing opportunities in 2015:

1. Houston

Houston’s energy, education and health industries are expected to drive demand for commercial real estate, although energy has been somewhat slowed by the decline in oil prices. Trade and transportation job growth was strong last year, and it’s expected to continue to support demand for industrial space. The city has very high investment, development, and housing market expectations. It’s strong across the board, with high expectations in the industrial, retail, office, multifamily, and hotel sectors. Houston is attractive to a wide variety of real estate investors, particularly those interested in institutional investing. Real estate capital availability is predicted to be strong, as is the local economy.

2. Austin

Austin has a strong industrial base, and it's a city that enjoys a low cost of doing business. The area is thriving in the office, retail, and single-family housing sectors. It’s a popular destination for millennials and has a diverse, thriving population that attracts potential employees. It also has a relatively low cost of living. Austin is ranked a little lower than others in the top five for investment in industrial, hotels, and the multifamily sector, since it’s not a distribution hub. Locals have confidence in the strength of Austin’s economy, however, and there’s a strong level of market participation by local owners and developers.

3. San Francisco

San Francisco was also a popular commercial real estate hot spot last year, and it’s not expected to slow down in 2015. It has a strong local economy and improved domestic and international travel. San Francisco is particularly strong in hotel investment, as well as in the office and retail markets. The industrial sector is ranked somewhat lower. It also shares something in common with several other cities on the top five list – it’s popular with millennials. Housing – both multifamily and single-family sectors – are expected to be strong. A high level of available capital should keep San Francisco’s investor interest high.

4. Denver

Denver is also popular with millennials and has thriving energy and technology industries. It also has strong retail and office investment. The industrial sector is ranked somewhat lower than others, but has shown improvement. The multifamily sector is ranked somewhat lower amidst concerns of a cooling-off period, but single-family housing is stronger. Public and private investors are strongly attracted to Denver, and its strong local economy and local development community continue to work in its favor.

5. Dallas/Fort Worth

This area benefits from economic diversity that’s likely to sustain a high level of job growth. Dallas/Fort Worth has a low cost of living and doing business, both of which help fuel job growth as well as the single-family housing market. Among the top five cities, it has the highest ranked industrial sector. The multifamily housing and retail sectors are not expected to do quite as well, due to supply concerns. The market is attractive to local and institutional commercial and home developers. It has a strong local economy, available capital, and an active development community.

Andrew Jubelt, a principal at Avant Capital Partners, can advise you on commercial real estate investing and provide you with the funding you need. Contact Andrew Jubelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com, or call 212-231-9779.

What is the current state of the real estate market?

This is a question that anybody interested in commercial real estate should be asking themselves constantly. Why? Because CRE is a constantly shifting industry, and one that is dominated by trends.

That being said, here are the top five commercial real estate trends that are both defining and reshaping the industry right now:

1. Telecommuting is in the Rise

Computers are making everything easier, including people's jobs. They are making jobs so much easier to do, in fact, that many professionals can now work from the comfort of their own homes. This, combined with the fact that many companies see a reduction in office space as an effective cost cutter, has led to a significant increase in the amount of telecommuters. Some companies are even paying employees' rent, decreasing the need for roommates.

Because of this change, one can expect that there will be a reduction in office space use, with an increased demand for residential properties.

2. Fewer Flyers, More Online Ads

Studies have shown that online marketing can produce better results at a lower cost than offline marketing. Studies have shown that a helpful blog post, for example, is 63 percent more likely to influence a purchase than a print magazine ad. This rule applies to just about every industry, including commercial real estate. Adept CRE investors are recognizing this trend, and spending their marketing dollars on online strategies instead of traditional 'interruption' marketing campaigns.

3. The Impending Millennial Surge

The Millennial generation is so numerous that they outnumber even the baby boomers, which were once the largest generation the United States had ever seen. This generation also rents a lot. They rent so often, in fact, that some people believe the widespread notion of home ownership will fade away with the Millennials. Commercial real estate experts, however, expect there to be a huge surge in millennial home purchases in the 2020s, when a large portion of this generation will be ready to settle down.

4. Small Cities are Becoming Metropolises

Many people love big cities such as New York and Los Angeles -- they have incredibly diverse cultures and they seem to operate 24 hours per day. There is just one problem: These cities are extremely expensive to live in.

However, the high demand for the easy access of an urban lifestyle -- especially by the millennial generation -- has led to interesting shifts in the culture of smaller, less bustling cities. Many small cities are transforming into 18-hour cities, which are microcosms of their much larger 24-hour counterparts. As a result, commercial real estate investments are surging in these areas.

5. A Spike in High-Tech Photography

Just about every industry, including commercial real estate, has succumbed to the influence of the web. As such, a high percentage of commercial real estate transactions begin via an online interaction. This increased use of the web has led to a high level of competition to attract the interest buyers, renters, investors, etc., especially on listing websites. In order to stand out from the crowd, people are taking better pictures of their properties. And this doesn't just mean HD photos with the latest smartphone, either. High-tech photography solutions, including DSLRs and even drones (for aerial shots) and 3-D virtual tours are becoming the norm.

. . . . . . . . . .

Commercial real estate has undoubtedly become a part of the tech boom.

As this article has shown, most of the current commercial real estate trends revolve around our burgeoning reliance on modern technology, and the digital natives who are most likely to use it (Millennials). Anybody who wants to keep up has to take technology seriously, and figure out how it can benefit their commercial real estate endeavors.

Want to learn more about how the latest CRE trends should be influencing your investment decisions? Contact Andrew Jubelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com or 212-231-9779.

Energy retrofits are often considered to be too expensive by businesses. The surprising truth, however, is that most alterations to a building's energy structure are very affordable, as long as they're approached in the right way.

Here are seven common ways to help finance such a project:

1. PACE Loans

The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program is an ongoing initiative that allows for tax liens to be used in financing. These are especially valuable for larger projects, as they can be repaid over as many as 30 years, and nearly any profitable property can easily work that into its plans. It's worth noting that most retrofits will not take this long to pay off -- between three and five years is a normal payback period for most properties.

2. Financing From Utilities

Most utility departments run incentive programs to help property owners reduce the amount of energy they use. Not every utility company will offer major loans, but at the very least, companies can expect to save significantly on energy-efficient equipment like new lighting fixtures.

3. Tax Credits

These vary by region, but property owners will usually be able to cut some of the cost of the installation from their taxes. If the business actually pays taxes to begin with, this is effectively a direct discount in the price -- albeit one that only comes into effect when taxes would normally be due, rather than paying it off right away.

4. ESCO

The Energy Service Company (ESCO) model is one of the more recent ideas for renovating buildings. In essence, the ESCO company performs the upgrades to the building and often sells the power later on, after which they enter into a profit-sharing agreement where they are paid off over time. This is affordable for nearly any business, as long as the amount of profit shared is less than the costs saved by the retrofit. Keep in mind, however, that ESCO financing may not always be eligible for combining with other forms of financing. It's unlikely, for example, that a property owner can claim tax deductions if they're not the ones paying directly for the retrofit.

5. Leasing Equipment

While this isn't practical for large-scale projects, leasing programs (or, better, lease-to-own agreements) can provide properties with access to energy-efficient equipment at minimal up-front costs.As with ESCO financing, the goal is to ensure that the company is able to save more money through the use of the equipment than it spends for borrowing it. When this is the case, even minimally-profitable properties can afford the retrofit they've been looking for.

6. Bond Financing

This is one of the least-used methods of financing an energy retrofit, but it may become more popular in the future as companies realize its value. Private municipal or corporate bonds offer the ability to fund multiple smaller transactions and scale the costs of the retrofit to what a buyer is able to pay for.

7. Capital Expenditures

This is the most common method of financing an energy retrofit, yet businesses should consider this their final option instead of their first. Simply put, many of the opportunities listed above offer ways to reduce some or all of the costs associated with a retrofit project, and using several of these techniques (such as tax credits, utility financing and lease-to-own agreements, all at the same time) can drastically reduce the amount of capital that needs to be expended for the property. Most retrofits are too expensive to be paid off right away, so businesses planning to pay through this method should consider using loans, leases, or other pay-over-time agreements to finance the retrofit.

As a principal at Avant Capital Partners, Andrew Jubelt can advise you on any CRE energy retrofit projects you may be considering. He can also provide you or your clients with the commercial real estate funding you need. Contact Andrew Jubelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com or call 212-231-9779.

Commercial real estate is one of the things that underpins modern society -- after all, businesses rarely reach beyond the smallest of sizes if they don't have an office. There are some good reasons to believe that commercial real estate is going to go crazy over the next two years, so let's look at some of the major drivers.

1. Smoother Process Management

Today's commercial enterprises are constantly striving to improve their interior performance, and they're no longer satisfied with old, out-of-date processes for real estate. New companies are starting to link buyers with proven, reliable dealers and vendors, and this pressure is encouraging the entire market to shift for the better.

Commercial real estate hasn't gone through nearly as much disruption as many other industries have. But as technology begins to enter the area and creative entrepreneurs start finding ways of improving the business model, we're expecting that to change.

2. Improved Information Sharing

How much is that office building really worth? That's a fair question for any buyer to ask, especially after they've seen real estate bubbles in other areas implode in on themselves. New ways of sharing information are making it easier for buyers to truly understand the property they're looking at, estimate its long-term value, and enhance the speed at which changes are reported to interested parties.

"Businesses are no longer satisfied with anecdotes. They want solid information and proof that they're getting a good deal."

We're expecting more investors to start jumping into the market as it takes off, and many of them will be relying on real-time data to help them make their decisions. Properties that are providing this information are more likely to be sold, and as the rest of the market realizes this, we expect to see a rush to join in. This could very well be the disruption that finally turns commercial real estate around and changes the way buyers make their decisions.

As an aside, we're also expecting to see expanded use of bridge loans among property buyers who want to get in on deals before bargains rise.As always, we recommend carefully running the numbers before buying property, and making sure you'll be making money instead of losing it.

3. Buyers Returning to the Market

This is an aspect of the real estate market that's been overlooked by many ... though they shouldn't have done so. Seven years is the amount of time it takes for most financial problems (bankruptcy, foreclosure, etc.) to be removed from people's financial records, and those buyers will be returning to the market throughout 2015-16.

We're not expecting these buyers to be major players right away, but it looks like the boom in commercial real estate will be happening just before they start re-entering the market. That's going to create a sense of anticipation and urge them to dive in, bringing a new wave of buyers and almost certainly pushing prices higher as demand grows.

We expect most buyers to be hesitant about pushing prices too far beyond the actual value of the property, but many of them may be willing to accept smaller profit margins if it means they can still acquire the property in question -- especially if they currently have no property at all.

Interested in being a part of the explosive growth of real estate? Start making your plans now and contact Andrew Jubelt at 212-231-9779 or write to him at ajubelt@avant-capital.com.Getting as much possible work done before the boom could put you in a better position to make bids, acquire commercial real estate, and take advantage of changes in the market.

Bridge loans are a very special kind of loan that offers you short-term access to large amounts of money — enough to close a deal on a new commercial property, even when under tight time constraints.

In short, bridge loans are interim loans (that is, short-term loans, generally not more than 12 months long) that use commercial real estate as the collateral for the deal. They're not intended to be a substitute for any type of long-term financing, and while they're not needed for every commercial real estate deal, these loans have often made all the difference for those using them. 

The most common uses of bridge loans are:

• Circumventing liquidity restrictions for businesses whose cash flow isn't allowing them to close a deal when they want to, and/or
• Executing an interim task (working on a balloon payment, making renovations to the building, etc.) before permanent financing can be obtained through a traditional property loan.

However, there are a few more things that borrowers should be aware of:

• Bridge loans tend to have higher rates of interest. In the long-term, using them will probably cost more than going for permanent financing right from the start. Companies who can arrange for better financing from the start should do so.
• Unlike many other kinds of loans, some bridge loans can be extended. Expect to be charged an additional fee of up to 2% if you ask for an extension, but be sure to check for this option upfront, as it may be more difficult to acquire later.
• Owing to their short-term nature, bridge loans almost never have pre-payment penalties. Many companies choose to pay off the bridge loan through their permanent financing, since this tends to cost less in the long-term.
• Despite the speed at which they can be offered, bridge loans still undergo in-depth scrutiny. Having a clear business plan can help ensure that the loan is given, and may even result in a lower interest rate for the borrower.

Andy Jubelt has helped to arrange these types of loans in many different circumstances, including for companies who didn't realize that these options were available for meeting their needs.

How Does It Work In Practice?

Consider this scenario:

A 250-unit complex in a nice area hasn't been taken care of in the last few years. In fact, most people would call it outright shabby, which may have something to do with its 35% vacancy rate. The current contract for the building is $12 million, but after $2 million in renovations over the next six months, the building could be improved to a total worth of $20 million. At that point, the rents within the building could be raised, and the improvements would likely attract new tenants despite the higher prices.

A bridge loan would be used here to secure $14 million — the contract plus the cost of renovations. The property itself becomes the collateral for the deal, and once the renovations are finished, the bridge loan is replaced by permanent financing for the full value of the building.

Andrew Jubelt can help arrange for both the bridge loan and the permanent financing, helping to narrow down the real cost of this technique for each individual case.

For more information about obtaining a bridge loan — including an expert opinion on whether or not it's right for you — contact Andrew Jubelt at 212-231-9779 or send an email to ajubelt@avant-capital.com. As a principal with Avant Capital Partners, Andrew can help you get the connections and the financing you need for your next purchase of commercial real estate.

Anyone who deals professionally with commercial real estate understands the cyclical nature of the industry. In fact, it is the combination of years of experience and comprehensive knowledge that provides the right advisors with the right opportunities in both up and down markets.

The success of Avant Capital Partners is a prime example of such ongoing success. Principals such as Andrew Jubelt bring a combination of insights, experience, and market knowledge to each project evaluated. Andy Jubelt understands the essential elements of all successful real estate projects, including timing, financing, contracting and development.

Rather than theoretical knowledge, Andy is himself a successful owner and operator of multiple commercial and residential real estate transactions and projects. These include more than 10,000 senior housing and multifamily units throughout the market area.

As a principal at Avant Capital Partners, Andrew Jubelt brings his organization’s extensive financing expertise and capacity to projects throughout the nation. In addition to a broad understanding of all aspects of the commercial financing process, Avant and Jubelt specialize in creative financing approaches to unique market situations. From restructuring to improve current cash flow, to recapitalizing underwater and distressed properties, to new acquisitions, the Avant team is known for getting the job done for a wide range of clients.

Projects that require the innovative approaches dictated by New York’s one-of-a-kind market — or any need nationwide — are undertaken with relish by the professionals at Avant Capital Partners. Andy Jubelt likes to remind his clients that he never faces a problem where financing is concerned, but rather an opportunity to bring his expertise to the game, and to come up with attractive solutions in the process.

Knowledge Plus Experience Equals Profits

Many clients, both new to the market and those with many projects under the belt, learn quickly that the specialized knowledge of the Avant team brings a fresh perspective to every job. Additionally, the extensive proprietary accumulated knowledge of the New York market allows the company to prepare highly individualized reports and analysis for each of the market’s primary neighborhoods.

As a direct commercial lender, Avant Capital Partners facilitates long-term principals such as Andrew Jubelt to recommend, assemble and execute the right financing package for stabilized and transitional commercial real estate projects. This approach maximizes the probability of completing any transaction and achieving the desired financial results.

Flexible and Responsive Underwriting

Whether a project requires short-term bridge financing or long-term conventional funding, Andrew Jubelt can access the resources required with flexible underwriting options. Avant Capital Partners provides services as both a real estate investment bank and as a correspondent lender for several institutional investors. Additionally, the firm’s role as an advisor on many significant real estate ventures allows it to bring unique insights to each funding assignment.

The seasoned professionals at Avant provide a national network of experts that assist in deals that range in size from $500,000 to $30 million. The diversity of this team brings to bear expertise in all aspects of the real estate transaction, including brokerage, lending, banking, and real estate investing. These capabilities make the origination and underwriting process much smoother. It also puts a powerful ally in the corner of Avant's clients.

As a recognized underwriter, Avant Capital Partners is known for the professionalism of its principals, such as Andrew Jubelt. Whether a project requires a simple review of the numbers or a comprehensive evaluation of a detailed project proposal, lenders turn to Avant to arrive at a final loan approval.

Andrew’s capabilities often provide the important link between the needs of specific clients and the requirements of potential lenders. By developing innovative and flexible capital solutions, Andy seeks to provide the proverbial win-win solution to each project.

Contact Andrew Jubelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com or at 212-231-9779 to discuss financing for land acquisition and development, as well as construction of residential housing and commercial properties.

You know how dodgy things can get when you're trolling the New York City commercial real estate market for financing. One name that has always been trusted for connecting borrowers and lenders is Andrew Jubelt.

Andrew Jubelt can help you at every stage of the game, including helping to secure a bridge loan for your investment real estate project. He has decades of experience in real estate financing, including as a developer, owner and operator of commercial real estate,

Andrew Jubelt knows his way around a real estate investment project. Moreover, with his experience as a principal at Avant Capital Partners, Jubelt brings a definite gravitas to the table.

Oftentimes in real estate financing, there will be major holdups along the way. Administratively, things could be held up ... and yet practically speaking, you still have workers on-site who need to be paid. At the very least, you're looking at hefty fines and penalties for paperwork not being filed, taxes not being paid and fees being levied, all because financing you thought was adequately in place had actually fallen through.

Bridge loans are a great tool for anyone who finds themselves in such a situation. Maybe you're receiving your financing in stages, for instance, and find yourself in the situation of having to wait days -- or even weeks -- for the financing to clear and post to your account. This is a perfect example of a situation during which a bridge loan can come in handy. Depending on your circumstance and the bridge loan officer you're working with, you may even be able to obtain financing with low or absent points. 

Another example: If you're in the predicament of wanting to close quickly on a property but find yourself waiting on the financing, a short-term bridge loan may be a good solution -- until you've retained more solid, long-term financing, of course.

Whatever your financing needs -- and whatever the length of your financing -- you should reach out to Andrew Jubelt at Avant Capital Financing. As unusual or non-standard as your circumstances may be, Andrew Jubelt has almost certainly dealt with a similar situation in the past, and he may be able to help you realize your investment real estate project goals. 

We understand that you have many choices when it comes to finding short-term financing for real estate investment projects, and that's just one reason why Andrew Jubelt will work so hard for you and your business. What's more, his years of experience and his contacts within the industry promise to move your project at a surprisingly rapid clip, and with less interruptions than some other lenders may run into.

If you'd like to learn more about obtaining a bridge loan for your commercial real estate financing, contact Andrew Jubelt today. He's available to discuss the needs of all borrowers, regardless of whether you're interested in short-term financing, original financing, or potential options to exit an existing loan. 

Andrew Jubelt is here to listen, ask questions, and help when he can.

As a principal at Avant Capital Partners, Andrew Jubelt can assist in providing a broad range of loan programs that can provide you or your clients with the commercial real estate funding you need. Contact Andrew Julbelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com, call 212-231-9779 for more information, or reach out to AVANT via social media.

Andrew Jubelt is an experienced developer, owner, and operator of commercial real estate and is a Principal at Avant Capital Partners. Avant Capital Partners is a commercial real estate lender focused upon financing stabilized and transitional commercial real estate and offers bridge financing from $1,000,000 to $10,000,000 in select markets throughout the Northeast.

The lending program offered by Andrew Jubelt and Avant Capital Partners is designed to meet the needs of borrowers purchasing or holding properties that are being re-positioned, or otherwise redeveloped, with a clear exit strategy for loan repayment. The loans are secured by commercial real estate located in New York, Connecticut, and other Northeast Corridor markets from Washington DC to Boston.

Because of this close relationship with markets in the Northeast, one of Avant’s professional affiliations include the Greenwich Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.

Established in 1917, the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit business organization that has been instrumental in fostering the success of the town’s nearly 4,000 businesses. The Chamber is an advocate for the interests of the business community, as well as for maintaining the town’s quality of life and its residential integrity.

Avant Capital offers bridge loans to meet the needs of borrowers in Connecticut and elsewhere in the Northeast who are purchasing or holding properties that are being re-positioned, re-tenanted, or otherwise redeveloped. This balance sheet lending program offers competitive bridge loan rates, interest only payments and quick closings.

Capabilities include:

• Quick closings for acquisitions;
• Refinance unencumbered real estate quickly to access equity;
• Discounted note purchases and/or recapitalizations;
• Construction completion;
• Condo inventory loans;
• Development site acquisition;
• Other non-bankable transactions.

Contact Andrew Jubelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com or at (212) 231-9779 to discuss financing for land acquisition and development, as well as construction of residential housing and commercial properties in Connecticut and other Northeast Corridor markets.

Andrew Jubelt and Avant Capital Partners provides commercial mortgages for stabilized

and in-transition investment properties nationwide. They offer permanent financing solutions for stabilized assets and bridge or interim loans for properties that are in-transition.

Avant Capital Partners is pleased to announce the origination of a $1,300,000 bridge loan for a four-story, fully stabilized, mixed-use building located in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of New York City.

What is a bridge loan?

A bridge loan is interim financing for an individual or business until permanent financing or the next stage of financing is obtained and are often used for commercial real estate purchases to quickly close on a property, retrieve real estate from foreclosure, or take advantage of a short-term opportunity in order to secure long-term financing.

Why Brooklyn Heights?

The property is located on a tree-lined residential street in Brooklyn Heights, an established neighborhood adjacent to Downtown Brooklyn. It offers direct access to Manhattan, located just a quarter-mile away from the Borough Hall subway stop that serves the 2, 3, 4, 5 and R trains, and is less than a mile away from the Brooklyn Bridge.

Built circa 1901, the property sports a façade of red brick with decorative black molding at the crown of the roof. It contains a net rent-able area of 4,430 square feet, of which 3,830 square feet are above grade, and is currently divided among one medical office duplex unit and two duplex apartment units with terraces.

In addition to historical charm and direct access to the employment, cultural, and entertainment opportunities available in Manhattan, residential rents in Brooklyn Heights are about 30% lower than in Downtown Manhattan. Demand for residential and commercial real estate in Brooklyn is strong, with high occupancy and increasing rents, making the area the perfect investment locale.

Why Andrew Julbelt and Avant Capital Partners?

Avant Capital Partners is a balance sheet bridge lending firm, securing loans for commercial real estate located in New York, Connecticut, and other Northeast Corridor markets. Avant’s bridge lending program assists developers in capitalizing on time-sensitive and other non-

bankable transactions that require flexible financing.

Contact Andrew Jubelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com or at (212) 231-9779 to discuss financing for land acquisition and development, as well as construction of residential housing and commercial properties.

In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, in 2010 the Obama administration passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, introducing comprehensive regulation to the marketplace.

The fear of another financial crisis, manifested in high regulatory oversight, has derailed a major function of commercial banks. Stipulations of the Dodd-Frank reforms require that banks set aside more capital for each loan as coverage in the event a borrower defaults. These regulations have been particularly challenging for small-scale developers and building owners, as smaller loans are more often deemed non-bankable.

Bridge lenders such as Avant Capital Partners provide a solution to this inefficiency in the lending system by offering short-term loans to small-scale real estate developers, owners and operators.

Andrew D. Jubelt is a principal Avant Capital Partners and is an experienced developer, owner and operator of commercial real estate, including more than 10,000 multifamily and senior housing units. Avant Capital Partners offers bridge loans to meet the needs of borrowers purchasing or holding properties that are being re-positioned, re-tenanted, improved or otherwise redeveloped

Bridge lenders have become key players in the “shadow banking system.” These non-bank financial intermediaries facilitate the creation of credit across the global financial system, but these members are not subject to regulatory oversight, and have the flexibility to front borrowers their desired capital without being held back by regulations, inspections, fines and penalties that have become commonplace in commercial banks.

Avant Capital Partners’ bridge lending program is geared towards assisting commercial and residential developers in capitalizing on time-sensitive and other non-bankable transactions that require flexible funding.

As a principal at Avant Capital Partners, Andrew Jubelt can assist in providing a broad range of loan programs that can provide you or your clients with the commercial real estate funding you need. Contact Andrew Julbelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com, call at (212) 231-9779 for more information, or reach out to AVANT via social media.

Andy Jubelt is an experienced developer, owner and operator of commercial real estate − including more than 10,000 multifamily and senior housing units − and is a Principal at Avant Capital Partners.  AVANT Capital Partners is a direct commercial real estate lender focused upon financing stabilized and transitional commercial real estate nationwide, with its HQ offices in Greenwich CT.  The company also maintains an origination presence in New York, Dallas, Buffalo, Palm Beach and Chicago.

AVANT Capital Partners sponsored the 14th Annual Building Brooklyn Award at a ceremony and cocktail reception held on July 23, 2014. Hosted by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the Building Brooklyn Awards recognizes recently completed construction and renovation projects that enrich Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods and economy.

According to Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Carlo A. Scissura,"Brooklyn's reputation for creativity and design is one of the reasons that people want to come here to work, play and live. These awards represent the very best Brooklyn has to offer in a variety of disciplines… designing and building interesting projects that enhance the Brooklyn's communities and quality of life."

Ofer Cohen, Co-Chair of the Chamber's Real Estate Committee, says of the awards "the quality and integrity of the work that went into these projects is a reflection of the skill and ability of the development teams to not only create a viable economic paradigm but also the sensibility to balance the needs and desires of the entire community."

Sponsoring this worthwhile recognition of the finest in construction and renovation projects in Brooklyn, NY is aligned with the goals of Andrew Julbelt and AVANT Capital Partners, whose team of real estate professionals possesses diverse backgrounds in all aspects of commercial real estate investment, banking, brokerage and lending across the Northeast Corridor from 
Washington DC to Boston. Their focus is on developing a direct, balance sheet lending platform, providing flexible capital solutions to borrowers and referral sources, and providing an underwriting process that protects the interests of investors.

Contact Andrew Julbelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com or call at (212) 231-9779 to discuss AVANT’s lending program, which is designed to meet the needs of borrowers purchasing or holding properties that are being re-positioned, or otherwise redeveloped, with a clear exit strategy for loan repayment.

Andrew Jubelt is a Principal at Avant Capital Partners. Avant Capital offers bridge loans to meet the needs of borrowers purchasing or holding properties that are being repositioned, re-tenanted, improved or otherwise redeveloped and has recently originated a $3,275,000 bridge loan secured by a property located at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Lincoln Road in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The interest-only 24-month loan carries an interest rate of 8.00% and refinanced the first mortgage. 

Demand for residential and commercial real estate in Brooklyn is strong with high occupancy and increasing rents. Under-priced land and room for upward growth in rents is the magic formula that developers seek in the next hot neighborhood.  

“Prospect-Lefferts Gardens Is ‘On the Map’” ― New York Times, March 13, 2014

Prospect Lefferts Gardens, like much of Brooklyn, is undergoing a rapid demographic change. New residential developments are attracting residents from Manhattan who enjoy more affordable rents, proximity to the 585-acre Prospect Park and public transposition access to Manhattan via the B, Q, 2 and 5 trains. Residential rents in Prospect Lefferts Gardens are about 50% lower than in Manhattan. 

Residents often cite the area as “Brooklyn’s best-kept secret,” bordering the east side of Prospect Park and down the road from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, with a substantial and attractive historic district, and subway stops for three express trains. It’s also a community with no hard-and-fast height limits on development, and its real estate can cost as little as half that on the other side of the park 

How Andrew Jubelt can help: 

Avant Capital Partners offers a broad range of loan programs that can provide you with the commercial real estate funding you need. Contact Andrew Julbelt at ajubelt@avant-capital.com or call at (212) 231-9779 for more information about how a balance sheet lending program can offer you competitive bridge loan rates, interest only payments and quick closings. 

Capabilities of Andrew Jubelt and Avant Capital Partners include: 

• Quick closings for acquisitions 

• Refinance unencumbered real estate quickly to access equity 

• Discounted note purchases and/or recapitalizations 

• Construction completion 

• Condo inventory loans 

• Development site acquisition 

• Other non-bankable transactions

Are you interested in securing a commercial bridge loan? Contact Andrew Jubelt at (212) 231-9779 or email him at ajubelt@avant-capital.com for more information.