FALL INSIGHTS FROM CRE PROFESSIONALS in allocation for 2026. I’m anticipating more affordable housing projects will be awarded with the LIHTC allocations and developers will be able to move pipeline projects into construction at a faster pace.
the months ahead? We’re conducting operational audits to help firms assess readiness for AI inte - gration. Too many rush adoption without understanding workflow impact, creating parallel processes that dilute efficiency and erode trust. Our framework helps organiza- tions embed AI and proptech into existing infrastructure- aligning people, process, and technology so innovation drives mea- surable performance, not entropy. What challenges or opportunities do you anticipate for your clients as the market heads into Q4? When the market moves at the pace of molasses, performance depends on what happens inside the four walls. We’re helping clients unlock “operational alpha,” sharper processes, clearer structures, and stronger feedback loops that create lift even when transaction velocity stalls. What are you most excited about for the future of your sector? The evolution from personality-driven to performance-driven firms. We’re watching an industry mature - where legacy builders become coaches, systems outlast leaders, and operational excellence becomes the new growth engine. The future belongs to those who treat operations as strategy, not overhead. been mindful to curtail unnecessary ex- penses, which has allowed it to maintain favorable rates for clients. The incorpora- tion of AI to assist attorneys keeping track of time and finding ways to use technology to capture erroneous lost time will be implemented. What challenges or opportunities do you anticipate for your clients as the market heads into Q4? In Boston, vacancy has ticked up a bit and leasing demand appears to have softened a bit. Rents are mostly stable. While there’s a fair amount of vacancy based on overbuilding, which has taken place recently, Western MA offers relative affordability and good logistics. A 300-mi radius of Springfield reaches Montreal, Boston, Providence, NYC, Albany and Philly. While existing Tenants think they have more leverage in terms of renewals due to excess supply, the cost of moving is expensive. It appears logistics and distribution will continue to support the industrial market as E-commerce grows. What are you most excited about for the future of your sector? From a mid-size law firm prospective, I am excited to see how AI will help us provide better services and more respon- siveness to clients in a most cost-effective manner. Personally, spending most of my billable time working in the commercial industrial real estate market, I should continue to be very busy representing developers, landlords, tenants, lenders and borrowers as the practice area is rarely stagnant.
Eastern Bank is also in the process of merging with HarborOne Bank, creating more presence in Rhode Island to continue our work financing affordable, market-rate and other housing there. What are you most excited about for the future of your sector? Housing production, especially affordable housing production, remains a high priority for the states in Eastern Bank’s footprint. We are seeing a strong pipeline of new construc- tion projects being planned for 2026. With the passing of the Affordable Homes Act in 2024, Massachusetts is leading the way in supporting housing production across the State. The latest report indicated over 90,000 units of housing are planned and/or under construction. I’m excited about the potential opportunity to participate as the financing partner on these kinds of projects in the coming years. lenders meeting or even surpassing their loan production goals by the end of the third quarter. As a result, current lending activity is largely focused on loans scheduled to fund in the first quarter of 2026, when annual pro - duction targets reset. Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be another strong year for loan originations, supported by expectations of two additional Fed Funds rate cuts by the end of Q1 and the potential for stable – or modestly lower – Treasury yields. What are you most excited about for the future of your sector? I am excited about our continued growth and deepening presence in the New England markets, with offices in New York City, Connecticut, and Rhode Island – along with the recent opening of our two Florida offices in Sarasota and Naples. Many of our New England clients maintain second residences and own commercial properties in these Florida markets, making this expansion a tremendous opportunity to better serve and support our valued clients across both regions.
What trends or shifts do you see shaping your industry this fall and into 2026? The recently approved One Big Beautiful Bill Act enhanced several areas of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) pro- gram. The LIHTC allocation will increase by 12% annually and is targeting $16 Billion Yongmei Chen Sr. VP, Team Leader, Comm. Dev. Lending Eastern Bank
What trends or shifts do you see shap- ing your industry this fall and into 2026? Real estate is standing at a succession crossroads - 25% of current executives are already over 65. For founder-led firms, the challenge isn’t replacement; it’s evolution. How do you pass the baton without losing what made the firm great? The answer lies in structure and culture, creating systems that institutionalize legacy, preserve credi- bility, and empower the next generation to lead with both continuity and conviction. What’s one major project, initiative, or innovation your firm is focused on in Shelley Balanda COO + Change Management Advisor Footprynt
Alan Doyle Managing Principal Larew Doyle & Associates, Inc.
What trends or shifts do you see shaping your industry this fall and into 2026? 2025 was a banner year for lending across both banks and insurance companies, with most
Peter Shrair Partner Halloran Sage
What trends or shifts do you see shap- ing your industry this fall and into 2026? I believe that AI will play a more signif- icant role. At a minimum, AI will expand in replacing so-called “form books”; and over time it will assist, within ethical con- straints, in the review of documentation. As clients are more cost sensitive, I also believe that there will be less dependence on junior associates and having partners and senior associates not only develop more business, but complete more of the work associated therewith. I believe we will see more consolidation of small to mid-size firms with a broader geographic reach. What’s one major project, initiative, or innovation your firm is focused on in the months ahead? Growth in the New England region should continue to increase. The firm has
Did you miss out on being part of this spotlight? Great News! We have more opportunities throughout the year! Contact John Picard to find out more: jpicard@nerej.com
2025 FALL PREVIEW
50 October 31, 2025
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