Tag Archives: Southern New Jersey

Signed into law by President Trump last Friday, the CARES Act is designed to provide assistance to American workers, families, businesses, municipalities and health care systems through an over $2 trillion stimulus package. Given the enormous reach of the bill, its impact on commercial real estate, and in particular landlords and creditors, is extensive. Here are some important highlights of the Coronavirus Economic Stabilization Act of 2020 as it pertains to commercial real estate:

What support does the CARES Act provide?

The Act provides direct support to multifamily properties in the form of forbearance relief for those with federally backed loans. Section 4023 of the Act specifies that multifamily borrowers with federally backed multifamily mortgage loans experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may submit a request for forbearance to the borrower’s servicer affirming that the multifamily borrower is experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Servicers should provide the forbearance for up to 30 days to those multifamily borrowers showing such financial hardship, which forbearance may be extended for two additional 30 day periods. By availing itself of the forbearance under Section 4023 of the Act, a multifamily borrower may not, during the forbearance term, evict or initiate eviction proceedings against a tenant solely for nonpayment of rent or other charges and may not charge any late fees, penalties or other charges to such tenant for late payment of rent. Likewise, multifamily borrowers receiving forbearance may not issue a notice to vacate to a tenant during the forbearance, nor require a tenant to vacate a dwelling unit earlier than 30 days after the date such tenant is provided with notice to vacate. Federally backed multifamily mortgage loans include those purchased or securitized by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, making this form of relief available to more than 27,000 properties nationally. The FDIC has also encouraged banks to consider short-term mortgage forbearance for multifamily borrowers facing reduced revenue streams as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

More generally, the CARES Act supports the commercial real estate industry by providing income assistance to residential tenants and consumers and liquidity, in the form of loans and other relief, to commercial tenants. Making direct payments and providing enhanced unemployment benefits to citizens will help stabilize employment and strengthen residents’ ability to make rental payments during the COVID-19 crisis. Smaller commercial tenants may be able to secure funds for essentials like paying rent, mortgages, utilities and payroll through expanded SBA loan programs.

What actions are restricted by the CARES Act?

The legislation places temporary moratoriums on the ability to foreclose on federally backed mortgage loans and evict residential tenants from covered properties, which include properties that have a federally backed mortgage loan or federally backed multifamily mortgage loan, in addition to those participating in other federal housing programs. Section 4022 of the Act allows a borrower with a federally backed mortgage loan experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis to request forbearance for 180 days, which relief may be extended an additional 180 days. Servicers are to provide the forbearance to requesting borrowers with no documentation required beyond the borrower’s attestation to the financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 emergency, and with no fees, penalties or interest charges beyond the amounts scheduled or calculated as if all contractual payments had been made on time and in full. Servicers of federally backed mortgage loans are also barred from initiating foreclosure, moving for a foreclosure judgment or order of sale, or executing a foreclosure-related eviction or sale for at least 60 days beginning March 18, 2020. Under Section 4024, a 120 day moratorium effective from enactment of the Act was placed on actions to recover possession of a covered dwelling from a tenant for nonpayment of rent or other charges. Residential landlords may not require a tenant to vacate a covered dwelling unit earlier than 30 days after providing the tenant with such notice to vacate, nor issue a notice to vacate during the 120 day period.

What is the latest from New Jersey and Pennsylvania?

Although ever-changing, like everything involving the COVID-19 crisis, landlords and creditors must also be aware of new legislation and current executive and judicial orders issued at the State level. As of this writing, below is the latest information on eviction and foreclosure related limitations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey:

Pennsylvania – On March 16, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared a statewide judicial emergency effective until April 14, 2020. On March 18, 2020, the court made clear that during the judicial emergency, no eviction, ejectment or other displacement from a residence based on failure to make payment is permitted. This appears to only apply to residential/consumer matters and not commercial matters (though arguably a personal guaranty of a commercial mortgage may fall into this category). Pennsylvania state courts are currently closed to the public for non-essential functions through at least April 3, 2020. All time calculations and deadlines relevant to court cases or other business are suspended through April 3, 2020.

New Jersey – On March 19, 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 106, which imposes a moratorium on removing individuals from their homes via eviction or foreclosure proceedings. The Governor has asked that financial institutions holding residential or commercial mortgages, equity loans, lines of credit or business loans implement a process to work with the borrowers to avoid foreclosure or default arising out of the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, or any government response thereto. On March 28, 2020, Governor Murphy announced a mortgage payment relief initiative for New Jersey homeowners approved by Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and over 40 other federal and state-chartered banks, credit unions and servicers offering (i) mortgage payment forbearance of up to 90 days to borrowers economically impacted by COVID-19, (ii) a moratorium on foreclosure sales or evictions of at least 60 days, (iii) relief from mortgage-related late fees and other charges for at least 90 days for borrowers requesting COVID-19 related assistance and (iv) restricting financial institutions from negative credit reporting for borrowers requesting COVID-19 related relief. He has also instructed residential landlords in the State to work with renters so they can remain in their homes, and warned that those who seek to evict tenants during this time will face stern consequences for violating the eviction moratorium.

What are the implications for residential and commercial landlords?

Given the eviction moratoriums presently in place and the importance placed by the CARES Act on allowing owners and renters to remain in their homes, multifamily owners who experience significant revenue declines may need to make use of the forbearance options or negotiate loan modifications or extensions with creditors. Commercial landlords will likely need to negotiate with both their tenants who are facing significant economic stress in keeping up with rent obligations and their lenders. In the current COVID-19 crisis, being proactive and initiating conversations is definitely preferred over the “wait and see” approach.Borrowers should review their loan covenants now, particularly for any material adverse change, force majeure and similar clauses; test any cash flow or financial covenants; and review any limitations on their ability to modify, cancel or amend leases, property management agreements or other key contracts. Commercial leases must be reviewed to confirm whether the COVID-19 crisis qualifies as a force majeure event or triggers common law doctrines of impossibility, impracticability and/or frustration of purpose which may be applicable depending on the jurisdiction. Co-tenancy, continuous operations, access, exclusive and other use restrictions may also be impacted as a result of State or local restrictions and orders being in effect, for example allowing dine-in restaurant tenants to convert to take-out only service.

Landlords should also take the following actions to strengthen their tenant and lender relationships and in anticipation of heightened lender diligence:

• Consider imposing new or additional health, safety and maintenance regulations and performing increased cleaning activities at the subject property, and develop an employee or critical staff contingency plan that can be shared with lenders
• Document all communications with tenants regarding the COVID-19 emergency and any rental payment obligations, but make clear no modifications, forbearance or waivers of any lease terms are approved until documented in a formal amendment or agreement
  Eliminate unnecessary expenses and consider creative solutions to reduce marginal costs
• Develop a cash flow forecast that projects anticipated liquidity for 30, 60, 90 days based on stated assumptions and update the cash flow forecast with data as information becomes available
  Review all business interruption, rent loss and similar insurance policies to determine whether insurance benefits are available
• In addition to the above steps, landlords and borrowers would be well served to educate themselves about the relief programs available to their tenants. Encouraging residential tenants to secure direct cash payments under the CARES Act and commercial tenants to consider these new loan programs providing funding for rent payments, should increase the probability that tenants will satisfy their rental obligations.

If you have any questions or to further discuss the impact of the CARES Act on landlords and creditors, please contact Lauren Beetle at 856.355.2913 or beetle@hylandlevin.com or Julie Murphy at 856.355.2992 or murphy@hylandlevin.com.

On October 19, the U.S. Treasury Department issued proposed regulations for the federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive program created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act.

These regulations were highly anticipated by the real estate development and fund creation communities, which have been eagerly awaiting clarity from Treasury since the creation of the Opportunity Zone program earlier this year.

The program could become the most impactful federal incentive for equity capital investment in low-income and distressed communities ever. It offers significant capital gains tax benefits for taxpayers who invest in projects and businesses in low-income areas, allowing investors to delay, reduce and potentially eliminate capital gains taxes on appreciated assets or business located in and on Qualified Opportunity Zone investments.

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Qualified Opportunity Zones are census tracts located in all 50 states in a low-income community. A detailed interactive map by state identifying the applicable opportunity zones is available at https://eig.org/opportunityzones.

As Forbes magazine indicated, there is likely $6 trillion of capital gains in the U.S. that represent potential available investment capital that could use this program to drive investment into applicable Qualified Opportunity Zone businesses or real estate. The program is not limited to any specific product type nor does it mandate any job creation requirements as part of the investment in a Qualified Opportunity Zone. Thus, the program is applicable to any type of investor with capital gains from the sale of personal property or real property and to developers/owners of all property types including multi-family rental, retail, hotels, industrial, commercial, office, industries, self-storage, assisted-living, affordable housing, etc.

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

Under the Opportunity Zone program, individuals and other entities can delay paying federal income tax on capital gains until as late as December 31, 2026 – provided those gains are invested in Qualified Opportunity Funds investing 90 percent of their assets in businesses or tangible property located in a Qualified Opportunity Zone. In addition, the gains on investments in Qualified Opportunity Funds can be federal income tax-free if the investment is held for at least 10 years. These tax benefits could reduce the cost of capital for these projects, making them more viable, especially when paired with other development incentives like the New Markets Tax Credit or Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.

Specifically, appreciation on investments within Qualified Opportunity Funds that are held for at least 10 years are excluded from gross income. Thus, the longer one has an investment within a Qualified Opportunity Fund within an Opportunity Zone, the more one can reduce its capital gain – either by 10 percent or 15 percent, and if one stays in the zone for 10 years or more and the property or qualified business appreciated in value, the appreciation is not subject to capital gains tax at the federal level. The regulations as proposed give the investor/owner until December 31, 2047 to sell the business or property in order to take advantage of the no capital gains to be paid on the sale of appreciated assets rules.

Additionally, owners of low tax basis properties can sell their properties and defer the capital gains to the extent the gains are invested in a Qualified Opportunity Zone, which will likely attract investor capital that is looking to defer capital gains, thereby making the Qualified Opportunity Zones potentially more valuable than non-Qualified Opportunity Zone properties.

DEADLINES:

While the benefits of the program can be advantageous, investors and developers seeking to capitalize on the Opportunity Zone program need to move quickly in order to take full advantage of the tax benefit as demand increases and the time period diminishes.

In other words, as the program only lasts until 2026, the seven-year ability to reduce capital gains by 15 percent will disappear if investments are not made by 2019 and the five-year ability to reduce capital gains by 10 percent will disappear if not made by 2021. Therefore, if one is interested in maximizing the value of the program and its value to investors, investors and developers need to move quickly to commence development and acquisitions in order to maximize the time periods available to invest their capital gains inside the program windows provided within the program.

Additionally, in order to defer short- and long-term capital gains realized on the sale of property, the capital gain portion of the sale or disposition has to be reinvested within 180 days in a Qualified Opportunity Fund.

Also important to note that gains are required to be recognized on the earlier of a disposal of the Qualified Opportunity Fund investment or by December 31, 2026, and are reduced over time.

The basis of the Qualified Opportunity Zone investment increases by 10 percent of the deferred gain if the investment is held for five years from the date of reinvestment and by 15 percent of the deferred gain if the investment is held for seven years from the date of reinvestment. In other words, the gain on which capital gains is paid is reduced to 85 percent of the original gain.

While the recently announced regulations provided clarity on specific time period for self-certification as an Qualified Opportunity Zone fund, for what constitutes a Qualified Opportunity Zone business and for what structures now qualify as Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds (i.e., limited partnerships, C-corporations, limited liability companies, REITs, RICs, etc.), investors need to be aware that certain rules regarding related parties and original use property still need to be clarified by Treasury in additional regulations.

OPPORTUNITY ZONES IN SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY:

In Southern New Jersey, the program will drive investment from all types of developers and investors seeking to place their capital gains into funds and seeking to place applicable businesses into Qualified Zones in order to potentially defer and reduce applicable capital gains. Developers will seek to purchase land in order to build with their own capital and/or equity from Opportunity Zone investment vehicles in order to utilize cheaper sources of capital and drive development returns.

Atypical real estate investors who are looking to defer and reduce capital gains may not be looking for typical real estate like returns due to the fact that they will be able to defer and reduce their capital gains via the Opportunity Zone program which will likely create a healthy dynamic for capital flows. Sectors such as multifamily, warehouse, self-storage, grocery anchor retail, and assisted living will see substantial interest from investors and developers.

In Camden County, areas such as Cinnaminson, Pennsauken, Deptford, Camden, Pine Hill, Glassboro and Lindenwold will likely be hot spots for focused/targeted Opportunity Zone investment. In Atlantic County, parts of Atlantic City, Pleasantville, the Atlantic City International Airport, Somers Point and in Cumberland County a large swath of Vineland has been designated as an Opportunity Zone and will likely see interest for focused/targeted Opportunity Zone investment.

As Confucius once said, it is good to live in interesting times. Not a day goes by without an article or post online regarding Opportunity Zones and the ability to utilize them for development and capital gains deferral.

Now is the time to optimize your capital gains deferrals and reductions if you have them vis-à-vis the sale of personal property or real property. Interested investors are already focusing on deploying capital in New Jersey and elsewhere in substantially improving various asset classes and in creating funds to deploy in investing in various asset classes.

Brad Molotsky is a real estate attorney and partner in Duane Morris’ New Jersey and Philadelphia offices. He advises clients on commercial leasing (including a specialty in cannabis leasing), acquisitions, opportunity zone fund creation and fund deployment, financing, public private partnerships and real estate joint ventures. He can be reached at BAMolotsky@duanemorris.com.

New Assignments and High Volume of Transactions Lead Commercial Real Estate Firm to Expand Further

Wolf Commercial Real Estate (WCRE) is pleased to announce the expansion and relocation of its Center City Philadelphia office, which includes the addition of three new team members serving southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. WCRE quickly outgrew its original Philadelphia office at 1601 Market Street, and has moved to 3 Logan Square, at 1717 Arch Street.

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The new team members are Kevin Coleman, who joins as chief sales officer and executive vice president, and new sales associates Tyler Martin and Mike Scanzano. They join a team that includes several well-known business leaders with deep roots in the city. Among them are Brian Propp, director of strategic relationships, Tony Banks, vice president, Anthony Mannino, senior consultant, and sales associates Mitchell Russell and Joseph Nassib. Each brings a unique skill set, along with energy, passion, and the signature WCRE commitment to the community. Managing principal Jason Wolf and vice president and principal Chris Henderson, also assist the Philadelphia team.

“We’ve been serving numerous clients in and around Center City for the past few years, and we have fully committed to expanding our presence here,” said Henderson. “This move will create more opportunities for our Philly team to network and collaborate with clients and partners, and to deepen our commitment to community initiatives.”

More About WCRE’s New Hires:

Kevin Coleman is a 15-year industry veteran. His role will include sales management and leadership, and business development throughout the region, with a heavy focus on central New Jersey. Coleman will also play an active part in the recruitment of all new team members.

Previously, Coleman served as a vice president of advisory services with Transwestern. During this time, he had the opportunity to work on behalf of office and industrial tenants, investors, and developers. From 2010-2016, Coleman served as director with Colliers International, working out of the Princeton, New Jersey office. He represented national, regional, and local companies with office, industrial, and healthcare requirements. Among many accomplishments, he was instrumental in helping to grow the Princeton office with the addition of a team of brokers.  On joining WCRE, Coleman said,

“Jason has worked very hard to build a strong brand in the region, and I am excited for the opportunity to leverage my diverse background to help the team grow to the next level of performance.”

Tyler Martin is one of the firm’s two new sales associates. Martin is a former new business development representative in the fleet management industry who will be a valuable partner to clients seeking expertise in development and understanding the potential of a space. He will work closely with WCRE’s sales professionals to generate new business relationships and create opportunities for clients in Philadelphia and the suburbs.

Before graduating a year early from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, Martin was a member of the NCAA lacrosse team. He has continued his education by pursuing his MBA with a concentration in Finance at Saint Joseph’s University. His anticipated graduation is in May 2019.

In addition to his professional activities, Martin is an attackman for the Hungarian National Lacrosse Team. He competed with the team in the 2018 World Lacrosse Championships in Israel.

Mike Scanzano also joins WCRE as a sales associate. He will focus on the Southern New Jersey market. Scanzano will specialize in sales and leasing, tenant and landlord representation, investment sales, and multi-family dwellings.

Scanzano is an entrepreneur and former professional athlete. He played six years of professional baseball, ending his career in 2010 with the Camden Riversharks. After baseball, he took a sales position with the Southern Illinois Miners, an independent minor league team. Since 2015 Scanzano is also the co-owner of Scanzano Sports in Cherry Hill, a baseball training center. He is responsible for marketing and business development, building relationships in the community, and overall management.

Mike is excited about the opportunity to join the team at WCRE and looks forward to utilizing his sales experience and professional relationships to expand the firm’s client base.

Since its founding in 2012, WCRE has grown into a market leader in Southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania. The team has set a new standard in serving the needs of owners, tenants, and investors. The firm currently has more than 175 properties comprising 4.2 million square feet of office, retail, medical, industrial, flex, and investment property in the region under exclusive watch. Jason Wolf said,

“I’m excited to have such talented new team members servicing our clients in the Philadelphia and South Jersey regions. Our people have always been our biggest asset and our biggest advantage in the marketplace.”

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long-term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.com, www.phillyindustrialspace.com, www.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com.

Wolf Commercial Real Estate (WCRE) wrapped up its fifth annual Thanksgiving Food Drive today by delivering over 100 bags of food and $1,400 in supermarket gift cards and donations to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service food pantry.

As in previous years, the firm spent the past several weeks collecting food and grocery store gift cards from friends, clients, and colleagues throughout the region. More than thirty area businesses contributed to the effort.

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“Over the past five plus years, WCRE has become an integral charitable partner in our efforts,” said Marla Meyers, MSW, executive director of Samost Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey. “We thank Jason Wolf and the entire WCRE team for their generosity and leadership today and throughout the year.”

The food drive is part of WCRE’s Community Commitment program, which also includes donating a portion of the proceeds from transactions to one of several local charities. In September the firm hosted its third annual celebrity charity hockey game, in which local business leaders played alongside several former Philadelphia Flyers. That event raised more than $60,000 that was shared among several local charities.

Over the past 3 years, The WCRE Foundation has successfully raised approximately $200,000 from its community fundraising efforts.

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE at www.wolfcre.com, on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.com, www.phillyindustrialspace.com, www.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com.

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May 17, 2018 – Marlton, NJ – WCRE is proud to have played a key role in helping the Kingsway Learning Center & Services consolidate its Moorestown and Haddonfield campuses into a new site in Voorhees. The school leased the 73,000 square foot building at 1000 Voorhees Drive with plans to relocate its pre-school, elementary, and secondary programs for its 175 students to a single site starting with the 2018-2019 school year.

Previously WCRE exclusively represented the buyer of 1000 Voorhees Drive during its acquisition of the property. Then the firm’s educational and institutional client services group secured Kingsway as the tenant. Both phases of this transaction add to WCRE’s growing number of assignments of educational and institutional properties in the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region. This highly specialized sector is an area of strength and growth for WCRE.

“The Kingsway team is very pleased with the way WCRE handled this project, and we’re grateful for their help in establishing our new home, “said Phil Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer at Kingsway.

WCRE’s Vice President & Principal, Chris Henderson noted the complexity involved in matching the parties according to their needs. “This showcases our ability to work with multiple parties to structure a long-term investment and development transaction that will provide excellent outcomes for everyone involved,” Henderson said.

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About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long-term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE online at www.wolfcre.com, on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.com, www.phillyindustrialspace.com , www.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com.

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY & PHILLY CRE MARKETS SEE MODERATE GAINS AMID TAX REFORM OPTIMISM AND FINANCIAL MARKET SHAKINESS

April 10, 2018 – Marlton, NJ – Commercial real estate brokerage WCRE reported in its latest quarterly analysis that the Southern New Jersey market is in largely good shape, with moderate gains in leasing activity and strong fundamentals. The firm believes the market may be poised to take off as benefits of the new tax law begin to reverberate in personal and corporate checkbooks.

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“Our market appears to have picked up steam, with a healthy pace of business growth and continuing new investment,” said Jason Wolf, founder and managing principal of WCRE. “Despite corrections ending a long winning streak in the financial markets, the benefits of the new tax law should shore up commercial real estate, especially industrial and office demand.”

There were approximately 272,550 square feet of new leases and renewals executed in the three counties surveyed (Burlington, Camden and Gloucester), which was a gain of 23 percent over the previous quarter. Leasing picked up, and the sales market stayed active, with about 1.63 million square feet on the market or under agreement and an additional 320,691 square feet trading hands. The sales figure is a 36 percent increase over the previous quarter.

New leasing activity accounted for approximately 77.2% percent of all deals. Overall, net absorption for the quarter was in the range of approximately 105,250 square feet. Both of these figures represent large increases over the fourth quarter.

Other office market highlights from the report:

• Overall vacancy in the market is now approximately 11.2 percent, which is more than a full point higher than the previous quarter. This may be attributed to large blocks of space returning to the market.
• Average rents for Class A & B product continue to show strong support in the range of $10.00-$14.50/sf NNN or $20.00-$24.50/sf gross for the deals completed during the quarter. These averages have stayed within this range for most of this year.
• Vacancy in Camden County improved steadily last year, but jumped nearly a point to 12.5 percent for the quarter.
  Burlington County vacancy was at 9.9 percent, which was also higher than the fourth quarter.

WCRE has expanded into southeastern Pennsylvania, and the firm’s quarterly reports now include a section on transactions, rates, and news from Philadelphia and the suburbs.

Highlights from the first quarter in Pennsylvania include:

• Philadelphia’s office market saw a decrease in vacancy in the Central Business District during 2017 and Q1 2018, as demand for office space continues to be strong. Still, we see increasing employment and new construction, both of which bode well for continued strength.
• Comcast’s second office tower, the Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, is a 59-story (1,121 feet), LEED Platinum certified skyscraper developed by Liberty Property Trust. The development, positioned in the heart of the CBD, will also include a Four Seasons Hotel. The project is estimated to cost $1.2 billion, is expected to be the tallest building in the United States outside of New York and Chicago, and will be the largest private development project in the history of Pennsylvania. Net of the hotel, the property is planned for 1,336,682 SF of office space. Comcast has signed a 20-year lease for 98% of the building, with the remainder available for lease. However, Comcast may fill the remaining space themselves.
• The project is estimated to cost $1.2 billion, is expected to be the tallest building in the United States outside of New York and Chicago and will be the largest private development project in the history of Pennsylvania. Net of the hotel, the property is planned for 1,336,682 SF of office space. Comcast has signed a 20-year lease for 98% of the building, with the remaining available for lease. However, like with the Comcast Center original headquarters, they potentially may fill the remaining space themselves.
• At 2400 Market Street, the new Aramark Headquarters is utilizing the former Philadelphia Market Design Center and will comprise the entirety of floors 5-9 on a long-term lease. Thus, the expansion (new inventory) is effectively 100% pre-leased. Estimated delivery is early 2018.
• The Philadelphia Planning Commission has approved zoning changes to an area west of 30th Street Station, where Brandywine Realty Trust and Drexel University plan their Schuylkill Yards redevelopment project, a 14-acre district of labs, offices, residences and shopping. There is not a definitive timeline for the project. According to Brandywine, the master plan will comprise a total buildout of 2.8 million square feet of office, 1.6 million SF of residential, 247,000 SF hotel, 1 million SF of lab, and 132,000 SF of retail space. This reflects the bulk of proposed inventory in the Center City submarket.
• Developer Oliver Tyrone Pulver Corp. is proposing a 38-story office tower on a long-empty lot east of City Hall at 1301 Market Street. It will comprise 841,750 SF upon completion if developed once a lead tenant is secured. The tower would tentatively open in 2020.
• Demand for multi-family product is demonstrating significant growth, with nearly 2,800 units recently completed, 1,250 units under construction, and 3,200 units proposed in the PA suburbs. Within the Center City market, there are 2,200 units under construction with an additional 6,300 units proposed. Market participants are questioning whether these units will continue to be absorbed. Many high-end apartment complexes are facing concessions and compression in rental rates.
• Quarter-over-quarter, industrial vacancy in Southeastern Pennsylvania was flat at 6.8%. The market’s largest yearly occupancy gains were recorded in Bucks County, where positive absorption totaled 709,530 square feet, and Delaware County, where 233,633 square feet was absorbed. The year’s largest moves were Almo and Amazon occupying 300,000 and 104,000 square feet of warehouse space along Cabot Boulevard in Bucks County in the second quarter.
• Philadelphia County recorded 169,134 square feet in negative yearly absorption. The increased demand for warehouse and distribution space from e-commerce firms has focused on larger scale properties and newer buildings, both of which are in low supply. E-commerce and logistics warehouses may require anywhere between a few hundred thousand square feet to over 1 million square feet, but the tightness of Philadelphia’s industrial market means that many companies are starting to look outside the city to fulfill their space needs.

WCRE also reports on the Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia retail market.

The first quarter saw a continuation of the unfortunate trend of legacy brands such as Toys R Us and Sears closing stores and/or filing for bankruptcy protection. However, there was good development news in the region, with several healthcare, entertainment, and retail projects receiving approval. Other highlights from the retail section of the report include:

• Retail vacancy in Camden County stood at 8.4 percent, with average rents in the range of $13.75/sf NNN.
• Retail vacancy in Burlington County stood at 10.4 percent, with average rents in the range of $14.24/sf NNN.
• Retail vacancy in Gloucester County stood at 7.0 percent, with average rents in the range of $14.83/sf NNN.

The full report is available upon request.

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE online at www.wolfcre.com, on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.com, www.phillyindustrialspace.com, www.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com.

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The future of solar in New Jersey is looking very bright. The state solar program has been generating investments. We’re taking a look at the future of solar in New Jersey.

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By: Keith Peltzman, President of Independence Solar

The New Jersey state solar program stimulates approximately $1 billion of investment annually. This level of investment is supported by the trading of SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates) mandated by the state RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard). Although this mechanism has driven a stable level of investment over the last 10 years, there is always an underpinning of a potential crash in SREC prices due to oversupply – as occurred briefly in 2012.

In order to protect against future volatility in the SREC market, the solar industry in NJ is working on two new state programs to ensure the stability of the solar markets for the next 15 years:

1. Transition Program (2018-2021)
2. Long-Term Successor Program (2021-2033)

1. TRANSITION PROGRAM (2018-2021)

The transition program is structured to ensure that the SREC remains stable over the next three years while a longer-term successor program is enacted. This transitional program (Senate Bill S-592) has not yet passed, but key provisions include:

• Increasing the solar requirement from 3.5% to 5.3% (2021) to ensure stable SREC values
• Reducing the lifetime of an SREC from 15 years to 10 years
• Phasing-out SRECs for projects after June 2021
• Reducing the maximum ceiling price of SRECs
• Requiring a deposit of $40/kW upon SREC application to help the state maintain market balance

2. LONG-TERM SUCCESSOR PROGRAM (2021-2033)

Solar stakeholders in NJ are exploring options for a long-term successor program to replace the existing RPS/SREC mechanism. The goal would be to continue to stimulate long-term investment in solar energy with a stable incentive, while minimizing the impact to NJ residents and businesses. Most of these options are already being implemented by other states – such as MA, NY, CA, CT. Over the next two years, NJ can observe how these state programs perform and can adopt successful aspects of each program. Some options that are currently being considered include:

• SREC II (5-year SREC with segment factoring/adders)
• Tariff (fixed payment by segments for 20 years)
• Block Grant (capacity based payments)
• Reverse-Auctions (project bids on their incentive)

The long-term successor program will have a significant impact on the viability of a solar energy economy in the state of NJ. The niches for solar energy development may differ significantly from today. For example, there may be greater opportunity for larger utility-scale projects on farmland and landfills, for shared community solar projects on ancillary land or for pairing solar with battery storage. If you are considering solar in New Jersey, please connect with an experienced solar partner like Independence Solar who can help navigate the future of solar energy in New Jersey.

Keith Peltzman
President & Founder
1008 Astoria Boulevard
Suite E
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
856.393.1250

About Us

Keith Peltzman is president and founder of Independence Solar with offices in Cherry Hill, NJ and Boston, MA.

Independence Solar is a turnkey installer of commercial solar energy. Since 2007, the team has developed and built over $200 million of solar projects, including the largest rooftop solar array (9 MW) in North America at the Gloucester Marine Terminal in NJ. Independence Solar forges long-term partnerships to maximize returns on our customers’ solar energy investments.

New Assignments Bring Additional 113,000 Square Feet Under Firm’s Control

March 1, 2018 – Marlton, NJ – Wolf Commercial Real Estate (WCRE) is pleased to announce that it has been appointed exclusive agent for 13 new projects in the Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia region.

WCRE continues to raise the bar with an aggressive marketing and branding strategy and has increased its South Jersey and Philly presence. WCRE will assume marketing, leasing and sale responsibilities for an additional 13 properties totaling approximately 113,000 SF.

The team at WCRE now oversees over 175 properties throughout the PA/NJ market encompassing over 4.2M square feet of office, retail, industrial, healthcare and investment real estate.  

“We see endless possibility in the properties our clients have entrusted to WCRE, and we are excited to connect new prospects with these assets.” said WCRE managing principal Jason Wolf.

The New Projects awarded to WCRE during the first two months of 2018 are as follows:

• 1140 White Horse Road, Voorhees, NJ (25,000 SF Retail Building)
• 1030 Auburn Road, Woolwich, NJ (4.2 Acres)
• 601 Route 130 North, West Collingswood, NJ (2,113 SF Commercial Building on .35 Acres)
• 605 Route 130 North, West Collingswood, NJ (1,200 SF Commercial Building on .27 Acres)
• 513 Centennial Drive, Voorhees, NJ (6,700 SF Office Building on 1.31 Acres)
• 1504 Blackwood Clementon Road, Blackwood, NJ (3,000 SF Office Building on .34 acres)
• 297 Easton Road, Horsham, PA (.62 Acres)
• 146 East Evesham Road, Cherry Hill, NJ (.92 Acres)
• 133-136 Route 73, Voorhees, NJ (25,000 SF Medical Office on 2.85 acres)
• 816 North Black Horse Pike, Gloucester Township, NJ (1.39 Acres)
• 162 West Cohawkin Road, East Greenwich, NJ (25,000 SF Retail Property on 2.5 Acres)
• 55-59 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ (13,000 SF Office Building on .12 acres)
• 735 Bethlehem Pike, Montgomeryville, PA (3,234 SF Retail Building on .39 acres)
• 700 W Browning Road, Collingswood, NJ (8,250 SF Retail Building)

A marketing brochure for each of these properties is available upon request.

Download Printable PDF >>> 

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long-term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE online at www.wolfcre.com, on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.moorestownofficespace.com, www.moorestownmedicalspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.com, www.phillyindustrialspace.com, www.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com.

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY & PHILLY CRE MARKETS FINISH A STRONG 2017 WITH STRONG FUNDAMENTALS BUT MIXED RESULTS

January 8, 2018 – Marlton, NJ – Commercial real estate brokerage WCRE reported in its latest quarterly analysis that the Southern New Jersey market is in largely good shape, despite a seasonal drop in leasing activity.

“Aside from an expected leasing slow-down in the fourth quarter, 2017 was a strong year for our market,” said Jason Wolf, founder and managing principal of WCRE. “All the elements for success are in place, including a labor market that is heating up, record gains in the financial markets, and continued deal and prospecting activity and enthusiasm.”

There were approximately 210,525 square feet of new leases and renewals executed in the three counties surveyed (Burlington, Camden and Gloucester), which was about half the total compared with the previous quarter. While leasing slowed considerably, the sales market stayed active, with more than 1.88 million square feet on the market or under agreement and an additional 205,364 square feet trading hands.

New leasing activity accounted for approximately 25.7 percent of all deals. Overall, net absorption for the quarter was in the range of approximately 65,250 square feet.

Download The Report (PDF) >>>

Other office market highlights from the report:

• Overall vacancy in the market is now approximately 10.1 percent, which is an uptick of a third of a point from the previous quarter.

• Average rents for Class A & B product continue to show strong support in the range of $10.00-$14.50/sf NNN or $20.00-$24.50/sf gross for the deals completed during the quarter. These averages have stayed within this range for most of this year.
• Vacancy in Camden County improved throughout the year, standing at 11.7 percent for the quarter, up a bit from the third quarter, but down from 13.3 percent at the beginning of the year.
• Burlington County vacancy was at 8.5 percent, a slight increase in a year that saw marked improvement overall.

WCRE has expanded into southeastern Pennsylvania, and the firm’s quarterly reports now include a section on transactions, rates, and news from Philadelphia and the suburbs. Highlights from the first quarter in Pennsylvania include:

• Philadelphia’s office market saw increasing vacancy in the Central Business District during 2017, as several large tenants emphasized efficiency and returned large blocks to the market. Still, we see increasing employment and new construction, both of which bode well for continued strength.
• The Philadelphia retail sector continues to struggle. It has been affected by the same challenges facing retail businesses everywhere. Namely, the shift to online retailing. Still, there were some positive signs amid the announced store closings and bankruptcies. Community shopping centers remain an area of strength in the market, with vacancy rates nearly half the national average.
• The Philadelphia industrial market continues its hot streak, and the outlook is positive. Vacancy rates for flex and industrial properties in Philadelphia are well below the regional and national averages, and this is expected to continue. Industrial vacancy in Philadelphia is currently at 7 percent, and net absorption was in the range of 1.7 million square feet.

WCRE also reports on the Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia retail market, noting that holiday spending reached the highest levels since 2011, with both online and brick-and-mortar retailers reaping gains. Overall holiday retail sales posted gains of 4.9 percent over last year, with online retailers gaining 18.1 percent. Other highlights from the retail section of the report include:

• Retail vacancy in Camden County stood at 8.5 percent, with average rents in the range of $12.75/sf NNN.
• Retail vacancy in Burlington County stood at 9.9 percent, with average rents in the range of $13.83/sf NNN.
• Retail vacancy in Gloucester County stood at 7.2 percent, with average rents in the range of $14.64/sf NNN.

The full report is available upon request.

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE online at www.wolfcre.com, on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.com, www.phillyindustrialspace.com, www.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com.

January 8, 2018 – Marlton, NJ – Wolf Commercial Real Estate (WCRE) proudly announces the promotion of Chris Henderson to Principal and Shareholder of the firm effective January 1, 2018. Chris Henderson joined the firm in 2014, and was previously promoted to vice president at the end of 2016. He has been recognized for his tremendous leadership skills, collaborative approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and a boundless work ethic that has served him well within the company and the community.

“Chris’s new role within the company is well deserved, and I am proud to welcome him to the WCRE partnership,” said Jason Wolf, Managing Principal of WCRE. “Our firm’s growth and success relies on the strength and development of our team, our clients, and our communities. Chris has helped to define the integrity, quality, teamwork, and focus that are the essence of the WCRE brand.”

Download Printable PDF >>>

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long-term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE online at www.wolfcre.com, on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.moorestownofficespace.com, www.moorestownmedicalspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.com, www.phillyindustrialspace.com, www.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com.

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY & PHILLY CRE MARKETS PERFORMING STEADILY

October 6, 2017 – Marlton, NJ – Commercial real estate brokerage WCRE reported in its latest quarterly analysis that the Southern New Jersey market is in good shape, but remains in somewhat of a holding pattern.

“For most of 2017 we have seen an overall positive tone and conditions that usually indicate a period of strength,” said Jason Wolf, founder and managing principal of WCRE. “The national economy has been adding jobs, the financial markets are on a hot streak, and our market continues to attract outside investors – yet increased activity and enthusiasm are tempered by trouble in the retail sector and uncertainty related to current events.”

There were approximately 421,113 square feet of new leases and renewals executed in the three counties surveyed (Burlington, Camden and Gloucester), which represents an increase of approximately 6.6 percent compared with the previous quarter, and a 15 percent increase over the same period last year. While leasing showed moderate gains, the sales market was quite active during the third quarter, with more than 1.76 million square feet worth more than $105 million of completed sales transactions trading hands.

New leasing activity accounted for approximately 43.3 percent of all deals. Overall, net absorption for the quarter was in the range of approximately 91,600 square feet.

Download The Report (PDF) >>>

Other office market highlights from the report:

• Overall vacancy in the market is now approximately 9.75 percent, which is a solid improvement over the previous quarter.
• Average rents for Class A & B product continue to show strong support in the range of $10.00-$14.50/sf NNN or $20.00-$24.50/sf gross for the deals completed during the quarter. These averages have stayed within this range for most of this year.
• Vacancy in Camden County maintained its dramatic improvement, standing at 10.8 percent for the quarter, down from 13.3 percent at the beginning of the year.

WCRE has expanded into southeastern Pennsylvania, and the firm’s quarterly reports now include a section on transactions, rates, and news from Philadelphia and the suburbs. Highlights from the first quarter in Pennsylvania include:

• The Philadelphia industrial market continues its hot streak, and the outlook is positive. Vacancy rates for flex and industrial properties in Philadelphia are well below the regional and national averages, and this is expected to continue.
• Philadelphia’s office market continues to gain strength across the board, with far lower vacancy rates than regional and national averages for both Class A and Class B properties in the Central Business District and the suburbs. We see increasing employment and new construction, both of which bode well for continued strength.
• The Philadelphia retail sector is the one area that is not performing well. It has been affected by the same challenges facing retail businesses everywhere. Namely, the massive shift to online retailing and away from brick-and-mortar. Still, there were some positive signs amid the announced store closings and bankruptcies. Community shopping centers remain an area of strength in the market, with vacancy rates nearly half the national average.

WCRE also reports on the Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia retail market, noting slight declines in consumer confidence and related metrics as the third quarter wound down. Overall retail sales were 3.2 percent higher this year compared to 2016, and were likely impacted by the major hurricanes affecting Texas and Florida in late August and early September. Highlights from the retail section of the report include:

• Retail vacancy in Camden County stood at 9.5 percent, with average rents in the range of $12.47/sf NNN.
• Retail vacancy in Burlington County stood at 10.7 percent, with average rents in the range of $13.38/sf NNN.
• Retail vacancy in Gloucester County stood at 7.9 percent, with average rents in the range of $14.10/sf NNN.

The full report is available upon request.

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long-term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE online on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.com, www.phillyindustrialspace.com, www.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com.

# # #

Wolf Commercial Real Estate (WCRE) is pleased to announce the hiring of Joe Nassib as the firm’s newest sales associate. Nassib is a former commercial construction project management specialist who will be a valuable partner to clients seeking expertise in development and understanding the potential of a space. Nassib will work closely with WCRE’s team of sales professionals to generate new business relationships and create opportunities for clients in Philadelphia and its suburbs.

For four years Nassib was a defensive back and special teams player for the Syracuse University Orange football team. He began as a walk-on, and through his perseverance, earned a scholarship and appeared in more than 40 games. He will bring this same type of tenacity and commitment to his clients at WCRE.

Download Press Release (PDF) >>>

“We believe Joe has a lot of potential as a sales associate, combining what he knows about commercial development with his can-do competitive spirit,” said Jason Wolf, founder and managing principal of WCRE. “I’m thrilled to welcome him to our company.”

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.com, www.phillyindustrialspace.com, www.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com.