Charles Foschini | Mortgage Broker With $25 Billion Closed Talks Career Journey, Deals, and Miami
Jul 31, 2024
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Charles Foschini, a real estate investment banking leader known for closing nearly $25 billion in deals, shares his remarkable career journey. He discusses the evolution from leasing to capital markets and reflects on the challenges faced during the Great Financial Crisis. Miami's rise as a real estate hotspot is explored, alongside strategies for navigating today's volatile market. Foschini also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community engagement, revealing how personal connections and genuine relationships drive success in the industry.
Charles Foschini transitioned from a leasing broker to capital markets to pursue higher commissions and diverse opportunities in real estate financing.
The emergence of Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) transformed capital access by focusing on cash flow rather than borrower creditworthiness, enhancing market liquidity.
Foschini emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community contribution in real estate, actively supporting emerging professionals through guidance and educational initiatives.
Deep dives
Charles Foschini's Journey to Capital Markets Success
Charles Foschini started his career in commercial real estate as a leasing broker before transitioning to capital markets, a move that has greatly influenced his professional trajectory. Initially pursuing marine biology, he switched to finance after discovering a passion for real estate during a class at the University of Miami. His shift to capital markets was motivated by the potential for higher commissions and a broader scope of opportunities compared to leasing, where successfully filling a building could lead to job loss. This decision laid the groundwork for a successful career, culminating in the closure of nearly $25 billion in deals across multiple states.
Evolution of the Capital Markets Landscape
The podcast highlights the evolution of the capital markets, particularly the impact of the financial crisis and the emergence of CMBS (Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities). Foschini explains that the CMBS market allowed greater access to capital by evaluating cash flow rather than borrower creditworthiness, benefitting a wider range of investors. This shift changed the landscape of commercial real estate financing, as transactions became more liquid compared to traditional bank financing. Foschini's ability to navigate these complexities positioned him as a key player as the market evolved post-financial crisis.
Importance of Building Relationships
A significant theme in Foschini's insights is the critical role of relationships within the real estate sector. He emphasizes that, while firms engage in myriad financing options, building trust with clients and lenders is paramount. By leveraging his vast network of contacts across various asset classes, he is able to offer tailored capital solutions that align with clients' specific needs. This relationship-focused approach not only facilitates smoother transactions but also bolsters his credibility in an ever-changing market.
Resilience Through Market Cycles
Foschini discusses the cyclical nature of the real estate market and the importance of resilience in ensuring long-term success. He reflects on his experiences during tumultuous periods, such as the Great Financial Crisis and subsequent market downturns, highlighting how adaptability and innovation can lead to opportunities even in challenging times. As interest rates fluctuate and transaction activities vary, maintaining a flexible approach allows for navigating complexities and capitalizing on emerging trends. His continued commitment to problem-solving reinforces the notion that resilience is essential in the competitive landscape of commercial real estate.
Giving Back and Mentorship in Real Estate
Another key point made by Foschini is the value of mentorship and giving back to the community. His own journey was shaped by the guidance of mentors who encouraged him to strive for excellence in the real estate industry. Now, he actively fosters connections with emerging professionals and contributes to educational initiatives, such as funding scholarships at the University of Miami. This cyclical dynamic of mentorship not only enriches the industry but also embodies Foschini's philosophy of nurturing future talent and sustaining the next generation of real estate leaders.
Charles Foschini is a nationally recognized real estate investment banking leader who has been involved in the sale and financing of commercial properties approaching over $25 billion. He specializes in complex capital solutions and routinely closes landmark deals for his clients in South Florida and beyond (hashtag #bigloansonbigbuildings). He’s been named a member of Berkadia's CEO Circle, recognizing company-wide, top-five producers nationally, several times since 2016. Prior to joining Berkadia, Charles served as Vice Chairman for CBRE, a member of its elite institutional group, where he started his career and was a perennial top producer across all product lines nationally.
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0:00 - Intro
1:49 - Charles background
5:24 - Transition to leasing agent and capital markets
11:41 - Walking into buildings with floor plans as leads
13:53 - Leasing / brokerage timeline
15:03 - Great Financial Crisis
18:00 - Current market conditions
20:49 - Miami and Florida
26:11 - Savings and Loans crisis
27:51 - Trends throughout United States
31:37 - Mortgage banker and capital markets broker breakdown