​1.2% of current housing supply under construction in Chicago is the lowest in the country: a fraction of the 3.9% average for the other Top 20 markets.

2.4% Chicago rent growth is 3x the 0.8% average, and vacancy is healthy at 5.4% compared to the 7.6% average.

Our target neighborhoods in Chicago continue growing & attracting new residents – We expect Chicago and other Midwest growth markets to outperform areas like Phoenix and Sunbelt markets facing hypersupply.

Introduction
For equity investors, discerning the influence of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy on the real estate market is crucial. Since 2022, the Federal Reserve has embraced a tightening stance, with interest rates climbing to 5.5% by August 2023. Such a trajectory has potential implications for real estate valuations, especially since higher interest rates typically depress asset prices by augmenting borrowing costs and lessening the current value of future cash inflows.

The Intricacies of Investor Reaction
The central question is: How do equity investors resonate with the Federal Reserve's monetary cues? Are their actions swayed by the Federal Reserve's direction, or are they more influenced by other dynamics, such as market conditions, supply-demand imbalances, and risk thresholds?

​Deciphering Equity Investor Sentiment: The Role of the Cap Rate
A primary tool in evaluating equity investor sentiment in the real estate realm is the Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate). This ratio, defined as Net Operating Income over the Purchase Price, is akin to the yield of a risk-free treasury bond. Historically, there's a distinguishable spread between the treasury rate and the Cap Rate, showcasing the risk premium an investor demands for opting real estate over a risk-free treasury.
 
Historical Context: Cap Rate & Treasury Yield 
CoStar's data reveals that the U.S. Multifamily Cap Rate, since 2000, has been, on average, 340 basis points above the 10-year treasury yield. For instance, in Q1 2000, while the Cap Rate was 9.2%, the 10-year Treasury was at 6.5%

Remarkably, the present spread is under 2%, a figure last witnessed in Q3 2007. Such a slender spread suggests that the risk premium demanded by investors for real estate investments has significantly diminished.
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Interpreting the Current Landscape
In spite of the rising interest rates, several factors support real estate valuations. Multifamily real estate holdings act as resilient buffers against inflation due to the relatively short lease durations. In inflationary times, landlords possess the flexibility to adjust rents annually, aligning with inflationary pressures. Plus, the prevailing housing shortage in the U.S. fuels expectations of ascending rents. Furthermore, potential sellers, awaiting rate reversals, are withholding from listing their properties, thereby squeezing the inventory and magnifying demand for available real estate.
However, a contrast emerges with a noticeable deceleration in transactions. The existing market, defined by a set of enthusiastic buyers and fewer sellers, has sustained property valuations. Yet, as these buyers exhaust their resources and as sellers need to enter the market, a shift is anticipated. The present risk premium, under 200 basis points, is expected to regress toward its long-standing average of 340 basis points, opening the doors to more appealing returns for potential buyers. I believe we are beginning to see this regression now. 

Additional Market Barometers
To gain a holistic perspective of the real estate market, other indicators demand consideration:
Vacancy Rates: Denoting the fraction of unoccupied housing units. Elevated levels indicate market slack, while low ones hint at robust demand.
Delinquency Rates: Indicative of the portion of borrowers lagging in payments. A surge in this rate signals market strain, while a dip suggests stability.
Credit Standards: Benchmarks employed by lenders to assess borrowers' creditworthiness. Rigorous standards might constrict borrowing, while more lenient ones could act as catalysts.
Population Growth: An important long-term determinant. Areas experiencing significant population growth typically see heightened demand for housing. Conversely, regions with stagnant or declining populations might face reduced housing demand, impacting property valuations.
Housing Supply: Reflects the number of properties available in the market. A limited supply amidst rising demand can push property values upward. Conversely, a surplus of properties, especially if demand is limited, can exert downward pressure on prices.
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Conclusion
The relationship between the Federal Reserve's policies and real estate valuations is multifaceted. While soaring interest rates might momentarily pressurize asset prices, they might also hint at a blossoming economy with prospects of curtailed inflation down the line. For equity investors, a comprehensive market assessment, embracing an array of indicators, remains paramount to shape their investment blueprints.
 

As a real estate investor, you've likely heard of the concept of leverage. It's the use of borrowed funds to increase the potential return on investment. Negative leverage occurs when the cost of borrowing exceeds the un-levered yield or capitalization rate. It’s a situation that investors in high-quality real estate assets find themselves in today. In this article, we'll explore whether negative leverage in multifamily investments can ever be a good idea.
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In a positive leverage environment, a borrower can achieve higher returns by leveraging their investment with borrowed funds. However, in a negative leverage environment, the opposite is true. Investors who take on too much debt in a negative leverage situation can diminish their returns, as the borrowing cost is higher than the un-levered yield or capitalization rate.

​For example, consider a commercial multifamily apartment building with a net operating income of $100,000 and priced at a 5.5% capitalization rate, or $1,820,000. In a positive leverage environment, assume the interest rate on debt is 4.5%. The borrower can get up to 75% loan to value with a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.25, and their yield on equity will be 4%. However, in a negative leverage environment, assume the interest rate on debt is 6.5%. The borrower can get up to 60% loan to value with a DSCR of 1.25, and their yield on equity will be 2.6%.
To illustrate this concept, let's consider the following table:

​As the table shows, investors in a negative leverage environment will have a lower yield on equity than those in a positive leverage environment, even though the asset's net operating income and capitalization rate remain the same.

So, is negative leverage ever a good idea for multifamily investments? While it may seem counterintuitive, there are certain situations where negative leverage can make sense. For example:

• When an investor knows they can renovate and raise rents or add value in another way.
• When forecasting shows some significant demographic trends will make the asset yield more revenue in the future.
• When it makes strategic sense to an investor's overall acquisition goals, such as if they already have several buildings in the area and can keep maintenance costs low because of scale.

This can be a complicated process, so joining a real estate syndication with experienced operators may be a good idea if you are eager to tackle a large project and minimize some of your exposure.
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At the end of the day, each investment opportunity is unique, and it's up to the investor to weigh the risks and rewards of negative leverage. As a private real estate investment firm, we specialize in finding strategies that make our investors excellent risk-adjusted returns in any type of market. If you're interested in learning more about how we can help you achieve your investment goals, visit our website at www.esrepartners.com.