

CRE Exchange: Commercial Real Estate, Property Valuations, Real Estate Analytics and Property Tax
Altus Group
The CRE Exchange is your go-to podcast for all matters of commercial real estate. It hosts cutting-edge conversations with industry experts that offer CRE professionals timely insight into market behaviors and analysis to discover new opportunities and better manage risks and costs. We discuss Commercial Real Estate, Property Valuations, Real Estate Analytics, and Property Tax.
Whether you buy or build, assist or advise, if you are a key stakeholder in the CRE space, this show is for you.
Whether you buy or build, assist or advise, if you are a key stakeholder in the CRE space, this show is for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 30, 2025 • 45min
Never bet against New York City: Bob Knakal talks markets, policy, and opportunity
Legendary New York broker Bob Knakal shares lessons from more than four decades shaping the city’s investment landscape. He discusses the founding of Massey Knakal, the power of specialization, and how zoning and policy continue to define opportunity. Knakal also explains why he’s integrating AI and data analysis into his brokerage, and why, despite political headwinds, he still believes you should never bet against New York. Key Moments:01:01 Meet Bob Knakal03:24 The early days of Massey Knakal04:50 Lessons learned and keys to success08:14 The importance of market expertise11:26 Founding BK Real Estate Advisors13:14 Specialization and market changes17:37 AI and technology in real estate24:15 The unique challenges of the New York market26:20 Current market cycles and trends29:57 Impact of political changes on housing32:42 Proposed solutions for housing issues38:35 Future of New York real estate Resources Mentioned:Bob Knakal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobknakal/BKREA - https://www.bkrea.com/485-x Program - https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/tax-incentives-485-x.pageMajor Capital Improvement program - https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/property/landlords-mci.pageIndividual Apartment Improvement program - https://hcr.ny.gov/apartment-iai-and-building-mci-improvementsEmail us: altusresearch@altusgroup.comThanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property

Oct 23, 2025 • 46min
Hello uncertainty, my old friend, we're back to cautious optimism again
What if the economy could sing? The CRE Exchange team explores what the Fed’s Beige Book, homebuilder sentiment, and recent banking data reveal about the broader economy, and how those trends ripple through commercial real estate. Our hosts, Omar Eltorai and Cole Perry, then turn to Peter Norman, Altus Group’s VP and Economic Strategist, for a deep dive into Canadian economic and CRE trends. Key Moments:01:34 Diving into the Fed Beige Book02:21 Labor market and employment trends03:30 Consumer spending and manufacturing Insights07:25 Home Builder Confidence Index10:43 Large Bank Credit Card and Mortgage Report13:57 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey16:31 Non-Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey20:52 Canadian CRE trends with Peter Norman43:19 Upcoming eventsResources Mentioned:Peter Norman – https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-norman-20637043/2025 Canada State of the Market webinar – https://www.altusgroup.com/webinars/canada-state-of-the-market/Federal Reserve Beige Book - https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/publications/beige-book-default.htmNAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index - https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics/indices/housing-market-indexISM Manufacturing PMI - https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/reports/ism-pmi-reports/pmi/september/Philadelphia Fed Large Bank Credit Card and Mortgage Data - https://www.philadelphiafed.org/surveys-and-data/large-bank-credit-card-and-mortgage-dataPhiladelphia Fed Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey - https://www.philadelphiafed.org/surveys-and-data/regionaleconomy/manufacturing/business-outlook-surveyPhiladelphia Fed Nonmanufacturing Business Outlook Survey - https://www.philadelphiafed.org/surveys-and-data/regionaleconomy/nonmanufacturing/business-outlook-surveyEmail us: altusresearch@altusgroup.comThanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property

Oct 16, 2025 • 43min
Tracking the economy and CRE through a government data blackout
Andrew Pabon, a director at Altus Group specializing in commercial real estate debt, joins to discuss the impact of a federal data slowdown on the economy and CRE market. He highlights alternative indicators for assessing labor markets and consumer behavior. Pabon delves into current trends in CRE credit, noting a resurgence in lender interest and transaction activity. He also shares insights on market liquidity across property types, emphasizing the potential for future fixed-rate deals amidst a financing landscape that can shift quickly.

Oct 9, 2025 • 51min
Why “hometown” markets are delivering real returns in retail
Retail’s comeback isn’t new news, but its investment potential is still underestimated. In this episode, RockStep Capital’s President, Andy Weiner, joins Omar Eltorai and Cole Perry to shed light on why the most rational capital in CRE is rotating toward shopping centers and “hometown” markets.From positive leverage dynamics to the structural limits on new supply, Andy explains how disciplined operators are capturing double-digit yields while strengthening the communities they invest in. For investors, developers, and lenders, it’s a revealing look at where the next durable returns may come from. Key Moments:01:34 Meet Andy Wiener of Rock Step Capital03:38 The birth of Rock Step Capital05:21 Retail strategy and store metrics07:29 Improving communities through retail10:39 The Rock Steps: Company culture and values16:51 Evolution of Rock Step Capital20:52 Hometown focus and investment strategy22:21 Community involvement and local partnerships24:55 Investment strategies and fund structure27:00 Retail Renaissance and e-commerce integration30:24 Supply and demand dynamics in retail41:38 Public-private partnerships and redevelopment45:37 Exit strategies and market insights46:44 Chick-fil-A fandom and personal insights Resources Mentioned:Andy Weiner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-weiner/RockStep Capital - https://rockstep.com/The RockStep way - https://rockstep.com/company/rockstep-wayEmail us: altusresearch@altusgroup.comThanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property

Oct 2, 2025 • 43min
From jobs to housing to the human edge in CRE
From a 20.5% surge in new home sales and persistent affordability challenges in the existing market, to rising inflation, consumer sentiment drops, and labor market paradoxes, our hosts Omar Eltorai and Cole Perry explore how these factors are influencing CRE demand and investment strategy.Also, special guest Dan Kudrik, Senior Director at Altus, adds his perspective on the human edge in real estate, and highlights how valuation, residual values, and transparency are evolving in the US market.Key moments01:19 Latest Housing Market Data06:29 Consumer spending and inflation insights15:07 GDP and corporate profits analysis18:47 Labor market trends21:59 Special Guest: Dan Kudrik on human capital, valuations, and residual valuesResources mentionedNew Home Sales: https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/index.html Existing home sales: https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics/existing-home-sales PCE: https://www.bea.gov/data/personal-consumption-expenditures-price-index GDP: https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gross-domestic-product University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index: https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/ JOLTS: https://www.bls.gov/jlt/ Dan Kudrik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkudrik/ Email us: altusresearch@altusgroup.com Thanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property

Sep 25, 2025 • 37min
From outdated to advanced: The rise of modern industrial development
Industrial real estate is transforming, and fast. Aasif Bade, founder and CEO of Ambrose, shares his journey, his firm’s conviction for modern warehouses, and why staying ahead of technology and global supply chain shifts is crucial. From outdated infrastructure to AI-driven innovation, Bade highlights what investors and developers need to know to navigate the industrial sector’s next chapter.Key Moments:01:21 Guest introduction: Aasif Bade01:54 Founding Ambrose: A journey04:53 People-first philosophy05:49 Ambrose's core investment strategy07:55 Pivot to industrial focus10:39 Fundraising and investor insights15:35 Current industrial market trends and challenges29:24 Technological advancements in warehousing32:25 Future trends and reshoringResources Mentioned:Ambrose: https://ambrosepg.com/Aasif Bade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aasif-bade-a3b1851a4/Email us: altusresearch@altusgroup.comThanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property

Sep 18, 2025 • 23min
Inflation pressures, labor gaps, and CRE market signals
Inflation is running above the Fed’s 2% target, labor quality remains a top concern for small businesses, and consumer credit growth is sending mixed signals. Together, these forces are framing the near-term outlook for CRE, from leasing demand to borrowing costs. In this episode, Omar and Cole analyze the NFIB small business survey, break down the latest CPI and PPI readings, and examine consumer credit data alongside sentiment trends to provide a clearer picture of the current market signals.Key Moments:01:23 NFIB Small Business Optimism Index recap04:22 Inflation data: PPI and CPI insights07:35 Consumer Credit and sentiment analysis13:45 Upcoming Fed decision and market expectations18:19 Conference highlights and networking20:49 Upcoming events and data releases Resources Mentioned:NFIB Small Business Optimism Index: https://www.nfib.com/news/monthly_report/sbet/Product Price Index: https://www.bls.gov/pPI/Consumer Price Index: https://www.bls.gov/cpi/Consumer credit – G.19 report: https://www.federalreserve.gov/Releases/g19/current/Email us: altusresearch@altusgroup.comThanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property

Sep 11, 2025 • 23min
Cooling jobs, rising costs, and where CRE sectors are still winning
The Beige Book signals an economy under pressure, with slowing growth, rising costs, and cooling labor markets weighing on CRE. In this episode of CRE Exchange, Cole Perry and Omar Eltorai break down where challenges are mounting and where opportunities remain.They spotlight resilient sectors like data centers, industrial, and high-quality office, alongside the surprising momentum of unanchored strip centers. The discussion closes with a look at key upcoming economic data and what it could mean for investment strategies.Key Moments:01:14 Federal Reserve Beige Book insights07:40 Labor market data analysis11:19 Employment Situation Report breakdown16:20 Deep dive into strip center data20:30 Upcoming conferences and data releasesResources Mentioned:Beige Book: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/publications/beige-book-default.htmJob Openings and Labor Turnover (JOLTS): https://www.bls.gov/jlt/ADP National Employment Report: https://mediacenter.adp.com/2025-09-04-ADP-National-Employment-Report-Private-Sector-Employment-Increased-by-54,000-Jobs-in-August-Annual-Pay-was-Up-4-4Employment Situation Report: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htmEmail us: altusresearch@altusgroup.comThanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property

Sep 4, 2025 • 30min
Bank resilience, consumer pessimism, multifamily momentum & more
The latest FDIC banking profile shows resilience in CRE lending even as past-due rates improve, but consumer confidence is slipping, with inflation and job concerns weighing heavily on sentiment. At the same time, multifamily continues to absorb demand while single-family sales stall under high mortgage rates. In this episode of CRE Exchange, we connect these dots alongside fresh GDP revisions, construction spending shifts, and private market price trends. Tune in to uncover what these signals mean for CRE financing, sector strategies, and where opportunities may emerge next. Key Moments:01:13 FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile insights05:28 Consumer confidence and sentiment analysis08:35 Personal income and spending trends11:30 New home sales and housing market update13:55 GDP growth and economic indicators16:34 Construction spending and sector analysis19:54 Capital markets and investment trends24:28 Non-listed CRE space and pricing trends28:03 Upcoming events and announcementsResources Mentioned:FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile: https://www.fdic.gov/quarterly-banking-profile/quarterly-banking-profile-q2-2025SLOOS: https://www.federalreserve.gov/data/sloos.htmQ2 2025 US CRE Investment and Transaction Quarterly reportNational transaction activity: https://www.altusgroup.com/featured-insights/cre-transactions/Pricing and pacing: https://www.altusgroup.com/featured-insights/cre-transactions/pricing-pacing/Property sectors: https://www.altusgroup.com/featured-insights/cre-transactions/property-sectors/Email us: altusresearch@altusgroup.comThanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property

Aug 28, 2025 • 12min
US commercial real estate transaction trends – Q2 2025
We share insights from Altus Group’s Q2 2025 Investment and Transactions Quarterly report. From multifamily’s continued strength to industrial’s surprising slowdown, we explore the quarterly and annual changes in investment volume, pricing, and deal trends impacting CRE today. Tune in for data-backed takeaways to help you navigate your investment strategy across major markets and sectors. Key Moments:00:52 Overview of Q2 2025 Investments and Transactions Report01:47 Investment Volume Highlights03:11 Pricing Trends Analysis04:44 Geographical Performance Insights06:12 Property Sector Trends07:51 Key Takeaways and Conclusions Resources Mentioned:Q2 2025 US CRE Investment and Transaction Quarterly reportNational transaction activity: https://www.altusgroup.com/featured-insights/cre-transactions/Pricing and pacing: https://www.altusgroup.com/featured-insights/cre-transactions/pricing-pacing/Property sectors: https://www.altusgroup.com/featured-insights/cre-transactions/property-sectors/Email us: altusresearch@altusgroup.comThanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property


