The cap rate for single tenant, net-leased retail properties in the USA plunged to a record low of 6.5 percent in the second quarter, as reported by Shopping Centers Today this month. Retail assets remain the most desired net-leased property type, as evidenced by the cap rate premium of 127-147 basis points compared to office and industrial sectors, respectively, according to the report.  The passive nature of net retail leases has generated historically higher demand ... Read more

During the social turmoil of the late 1960s, and the movement for peace at home and abroad, Pope Paul VI said "If you want peace, work for justice." The same holds true today. If we work for justice by feeding the hungry, paying a living wage, making clothing, shelter and healthcare reasonably available to all, ministering to prisoners, caring for the elderly and infirm, speaking with love and empathy, offering counsel and comfort, providing affordable education, ... Read more

Regal Properties, and its affiliate, Capital Real Estate Solutions LLC (“CRES”), co-invested with an existing capital partner to acquire from a bank 93 paper lots for detached, single family homes in Bakersfield, California. The lots were scheduled for foreclosure by the bank, so the deal required all cash and a quick closing by June 27, 2014. Prior to the closing, CRES entered into a joint venture with a prominent local builder, who agreed to ... Read more

  A recent University of North Carolina study demonstrated that providing the homeless with a place of residence actually saves taxpayer money due to substantially decreased health care and criminal justice system expenses. The study tracked a homeless group for one year before entering that group into an apartment facility, and then for one year afterwards.  Total hospital bills plummeted from $2.5 million in the first year to $760,000 in the latter, while the ... Read more

The global mobile commerce market is projected to grow from $116.1 billion to $467.3 billion over the next 5 years, according to a new report from MarketsandMarkets.  North America and Europe are forecasted to have the largest markets in terms of revenue contribution, while Asia-Pacific and Middle East-Africa will experience significant increased market traction during this period.  Data indicates m-commerce growth will result from increased use of smartphone, tablets, mobile devices, BYOD and internet-enabled devices. However, such ... Read more