Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Proposal

Good day,

I am Mr Jamal Kazeem, one of the personal aides to Saif Al Islam Ghadaffi, the son of the present president of Libya, Mr Muammar Gaddafi.

Because of the recent resolution by The International community for immediate seizure of the assets of the embattled president Mr Muammar Gaddafi, both in cash and properties around the world, Mr Saif Al Islam Al Gaddafi, who is the chairman of Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation (GICDF) has instructed me to urgently look for an international investment partner to assist with moving and investment of $66.9 Million US Dollars which is in cash and is stashed in two trunk boxes in Algeria.

The boxes can be moved directly to you in your country and once you receive the box, you will help us to invest the money in a lucrative business. Please note that this is a very confidential transaction and should not be mentioned to a third party. We will be willing to give you 15% of the total cash for your help in this transaction. We want to move the funds out of Africa ASAP due to the civil war in Libya at the moment and we do not want to use regular banking method as we do not trust any European Bank. Please if you agree to help, you should not worry about your safety as we have logistics in place to move the box through diplomatic courier and it will be delivered to your doorstep without any problems.

If this interest you, kindly send me the following details:

1. Your full name
2. Your contact cell phone number
3. Your age
4. Your sex
5. Your occupations
6. Your full contact address including city, state and country

Awaiting your urgent response.

Mr. Jamal Kazeem
jamalkazeem@finclarityconsult.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

FINFacts June 8, 2011

Volume XIX  |  No. 22  |  June 8, 2011
  Letter to the Editor
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KEY RATE INDICES
Prime Rate  3.25% 1 Month LIBOR  0.19% 5 Yr US Treasury  1.50% 5 Yr Swaps  1.89%
12-MAT  0.26% 3 Month LIBOR  0.25% 10 Yr US Treasury  2.94% 10 Yr Swaps  3.18%
11th Dist COFI  1.36% 6 Month LIBOR  0.40% 30 Yr US Treasury  4.20%    
Transaction of the Week
Transaction Description:
$4,100,000 Acquisition/Reposition Joint Venture Equity for Distressed Retail GSP arranged the $4,100,000 joint venture equity investment for a portfolio acquisition of 40,000 square feet of distressed retail in Phoenix, Arizona. The sponsor, a repeat GSP client, is a sophisticated investor/developer focused on retail investments with an expert in-house leasing staff. The assets acquired are under-occupied non-credit retail buildings, but well-located and shadow-anchored. The sponsor will accelerate stabilization by offering competitive rents (premised on a reduced cost basis) and by capitalizing tenant improvements and leasing commissions. The transaction is the first of a programmatic joint venture. The investor contributed 90% of the total project capitalization, as the assets will remain unlevered until leasing velocity is demonstrated. Key terms included a 10% pari passu preferred return, a waterfall promote structure thereafter, and management and leasing fees for the sponsor.
Brokers: Gary E. Mozer, Steven Orchard, Josh Roseman, Michelle Lee
GSP Welcomes Bryan Shaffer and Malcolm Davies

George Smith Partners is pleased to announce two industry veterans, Bryan Shaffer and Malcolm Davies, have joined GSP as Senior Vice President and Vice President, respectively.  "We are starting to see an increase in our business as the capital market recovers," said David Rifkind, Principal and Managing Director of GSP. "New and returning investors are flooding the market looking for financing.  Through our expertise, as well as our addition of highly skilled newcomers like Malcolm and Bryan, we are well positioned to accommodate the increased demand.  Davies and Shaffer both bring extensive backgrounds in finance, and experience in coordinating financing across the country and worldwide."

Shaffer brings more than 20 years of commercial real estate experience with over $4 billion in transactions completed throughout his career.  Previously serving at Mitsui Real Estate Sales, USA, Shaffer financed, repositioned, and sold more than 85 properties valued at $1.5 billion.  He is the founder of the International Real Estate Trade Organization, and is actively involved in many other industry associations and philanthropy groups.

"Working for a company with George Smith Partners' prestigious reputation is a wonderful opportunity," said Shaffer. "I will be focused on delivering the type of financing solutions GSP is known for, focusing on arranging structured financing for both multifamily and commercial properties across the nation."

Davies is an experienced developer, investor, and capital provider with more than 12 years of real estate investment experience.  He previously served as CEO of CANVAZ Companies and Principal of Davies Investments, Inc., where he acquired, managed, and sold real estate projects in excess of $275 million.

"I am looking forward to bringing my real estate acquisition and investment experience to George Smith Partners and its clients," said Davies. "GSP's strong industry relationships with capital providers will allow me to provide clients with the best and most effective capital options available."

Hot Money HIGHLIGHTS
Regional Bank from $1,000,000 to $15,000,000 A regional private bank is offering aggressive pricing for on-book multifamily and commercial real estate transactions. Commercial assets include retail and office properties. Transactions range from $1,000,000 to $15,000,000, full recourse, 3.9% fixed for five years before rolling into a floating rate in the low 200's over 12-MAT for the balance of the loan term. Loans are sized to 75% of value down to break-even coverage on an exceptional basis. Geographic markets include California, New York City, and Boston. This capital provider will consider additional markets nationally for existing relationships.
Transaction Size: $1,000,000 - $15,000,000
Rate: Five year fixed - 3.9%
Loan Term: 10 year
Max LTV: 75%
Property Types: Multifamily, Retail & Office
Prepayment: 1.00% for 4 years
Fees: 0.50%
Geography: California/New York/Boston
If you have an inquiry regarding George Smith Partners' commercial real estate financing, asset sales or advisory services, please contact your GSP representative or Todd August, Chief Operating Officer at (310) 867-2995 or TAugust@GSPartners.com.
Speakers Corner

Founding Partner Steve Bram will be speaking this Friday on the CMBS market at Greenberg Traurig, LLP's GTEN Conference in Santa Monica.  The invitation-only gathering includes senior level executives from international private equity, venture capital, and banks, with business interests including real estate and financial restructuring.

Pascale's Perspective

Stuck in Neutral???? Flat economic reports and the Fed's "wait and see, things will get better" stance this week has markets in a static mood.  No significant new policy measures are being considered and QE2 is ending this month.  Treasury yields have now settled in at 2011 lows.  The 10 year has traded between 2.90%-3.05% for the past couple weeks.  One recent column called the economy "as good as it gets" aka the "new normal" may mean flat growth and high unemployment.  CMBS:  CMBS spreads widened out 30 basis points today as a pool was priced by a major issuer.  Why?  Spreads are widening on 1) Continued concerns as Europe attempts to bail out governments, 2) Anorexic US Economic conditions and climbing unemployment figures, 3) OPECs surprise reversal on increasing supply, causing crude to jump $1.25 in early morning trading, 4) Supply issues as the US Gov't dumped huge amounts of high-yielding AIG sub-prime mortgages on the open market.  CMBS spreads are still attractive and tight yielding SWAPs are low enough to price new loans in the mid-5% range for a 10 year fixed rate term.  Stay tuned... David R. Pascale, Jr..

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

FINFacts Jun 1, 2011

Dear FINfacts reader,

We hope you enjoy this week's edition of FINfacts which you will find below.  We would also like to take a moment and encourage you to join over 3000 other commercial real estate professionals who have joined the George Smith Partners/FINfacts Linked In Group.

In this group you will gain access to some of the brightest minds in commercial real estate and some of the most current information regarding commercial real estate financing.  To join please click on the link below and enter your email address and Linked in password.

George Smith Partners/FINfacts Linked In Group

 

Volume XIX  |  No. 21  |  June 1, 2011
  Letter to the Editor
Forward to a Friend
KEY RATE INDICES
Prime Rate  3.25% 1 Month LIBOR  0.19% 5 Yr US Treasury  1.59% 5 Yr Swaps  1.94%
12-MAT  .028% 3 Month LIBOR  0.25% 10 Yr US Treasury  2.94% 10 Yr Swaps  3.16%
11th Dist COFI  1.45% 6 Month LIBOR  0.41% 30 Yr US Treasury  4.15%    
Transactions of the Week
Transaction Description:
Cash Out Multifamily Refinance Marc Schillinger successfully placed the fully-leveraged refinance cash-out of an Orange County multifamily property. The loan was rate-locked at application for 90 days. The borrower utilized a unique option that allowed him to re-lock the rate at the then lower 6.18% coupon just prior to close. The loan is fixed for the entire 15 year term and self-liquidates, mitigating all interest rate and balloon risk.
Rate: 6.18%
Term: 15 Years
Amort: 15 Years
Lender Fee: Par
Broker: Marc Schillinger
Hot Money
12 Month Forward Commitments A national Life Insurance lender is funding forward commitments for up to 12 months on high quality assets. Transactions will range from $5,000,000 to $50,000,000, with a "sweet spot" of $10,000,000 to $30,000,000. Forward pricing offers the first six months free, with a 3 basis point spread premium per month up to the 12th month. Loans are sized to 60% of value, to 65% LTV by exception. Rates are extremely aggressive based on asset quality, offering an opportunity to mitigate a punitive pre-payment penalty while taking advantage of current fixed rates.
Hot Money
Mezzanine and Equity Funds A national fund is providing short and long term [one to 10 years] mezzanine debt to 90% of total capitalization down to a 1.05 dcr. The mezz may be paid current or accrued depending on the business plan. Transactions will range from $4,000,000 to $40,000,000 and carry a 9% to 12% coupon. All product types including hospitality and student housing will be considered. The same capital provider is also offering Joint Venture funds for "value-add" turn-around assets for a three to five year hold. Multifamily is preferred although office and retail projects will be underwritten as well. Investor DPOs are also funded with as little as 5% new cash equity.
If you have an inquiry regarding George Smith Partners' commercial real estate financing, asset sales or advisory services, please contact your GSP representative or Todd August, Chief Operating Officer at (310) 867-2995 or TAugust@GSPartners.com.
Come Grow With Us
George Smith Partners is expanding its team of top-notch mortgage brokers/originators.  We offer highly competitive compensation and an excellent environment in which to work, learn and be supported.  We invite you to consider a career with George Smith Partners.  Please direct confidential inquiries to Todd August, Chief Operating Officer, at (310) 897-2995.
Pascale's Perspective
Double Dip? Sovereign Credit Watch?  The onslaught of weak data on housing, manufacturing, employment and consumer confidence paints a picture of the dreaded "double dip", sending investors into the "safe haven" of US Treasures.  The 10 year yield is at its 2011 low, below 3%.  Credit spreads for CMBS may widen, originators are still competing hard for good transactions.  Europe:  Germany, the EU and the IMF are showing support for another bailout for Greece, indicating that the market still is not ready for "restructuring" aka "controlled defaults".  Washington:  Talks on the debt ceiling continue.  The best outcome for the markets may be an agreement to raise the ceiling with real structural deficit reform attached.  This will allow auctions to continue and investors to have confidence that future budgets will require less bond selling.  Stay tuned......  David R. Pascale, Jr.
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Thursday, May 26, 2011

FINFacts May 25, 2011

Volume XIX  |  No. 20  |  May 25, 2011
  Letter to the Editor
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KEY RATE INDICES
Prime Rate  3.25% 1 Month LIBOR  0.19% 5 Yr US Treasury  1.81% 5 Yr Swaps  2.03%
12-MAT  0.28% 3 Month LIBOR  0.25% 10 Yr US Treasury  3.13% 10 Yr Swaps  3.23%
11th Dist COFI  1.45% 6 Month LIBOR  0.40% 30 Yr US Treasury  4.28%    
Transactions of the Week
Transaction Description:
$2,600,000 Fixed-Rate Acquisition of a 31 Unit San Fernando Valley Apartment Building. Shahin Yazdi arranged the $2,600,000 self-liquidating acquisition loan for a 31-unit, stabilized multi-family property. The loan provides for a 10 year fixed term at 6.02% before rolling into a floating rate loan for the remaining life of the loan. The floating term is priced at 6 month LIBOR plus 2.75% after the 10 year fixed rate period. The borrower locked rate at application to secure loan proceeds in the event of a rate spike. Just prior to close, interest rates fell significantly. GSP worked with the lender to allow the borrower to re-lock at the then lower market rate in exchange for a small portion of the borrower's rate lock deposit.
Rate: 6.02%
Term: 30 Years
Amort: 30 Years
LTV: 75%
DCR: 1.25
Broker: Shahin Yazdi
Hot Money
Mezzanine and Equity Funds A national fund is providing short and long term [one to 10 years] mezzanine debt to 90% of total capitalization down to a 1.05 dcr. The mezz may be paid current or accrued depending on the business plan. Transactions will range from $4,000,000 to $40,000,000 and carry a 9% to 12% coupon. All product types including hospitality and student housing will be considered. The same capital provider is also offering Joint Venture funds for "value-add" turn-around assets for a three to five year hold. Multifamily is preferred although office and retail projects will be underwritten as well. Investor DPOs are also funded with as little as 5% new cash equity.
Hot Money
Life Company Bridge & Perm Debt A national Life Insurance lender will fund transition properties down to a 1.10 dcr on an interest only basis. The three year non-recourse loan will advance to 75% of current value, fixed from 5.25%. Longer permanent term loans are also available with 5, 7 and 10 year call dates. Transactions will range from $20,000,000 to $50,000,000 and may include special purpose products including hospitality, high-end health clubs and self-storage in addition to the four major uses.
If you have an inquiry regarding George Smith Partners' commercial real estate financing, asset sales or advisory services, please contact your GSP representative or Todd August, Chief Operating Officer at (310) 867-2995 or TAugust@GSPartners.com.
Pascale's Perspective
Europe and more:  The "fear factor" is back as troubling news items from Europe spook the markets: huge controversy on how to handle Greece (restructure is favored by Germany, opposed by ECB), and downgrades to formerly "safe" countries such as Belgium and Italy.  US economic reports continue to reflect a slowing economy or the "new normal" or a "double dip".  Some economists point to the weather as a reason for weaker than expected manufacturing reports.  Only time will tell.  All this has led to a flight to quality, pushing Treasury yields to approach their lowest levels of 2011.  CMBS and other credit spreads are "softening" and/or widening slightly as the flight to quality always indicates less appetite for risk... of course all-in loan rates are still very attractive.  Stay Tuned.... David R. Pascale, Jr.
Come Grow With Us
George Smith Partners is expanding its team of top-notch mortgage brokers/originators.  We offer highly competitive compensation and an excellent environment in which to work, learn and be supported.  We invite you to consider a career with George Smith Partners.  Please direct confidential inquiries to Todd August, Chief Operating Officer, at (310) 897-2995.
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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

FINFacts May 18, 2011

Volume XIX  |  No. 19  |  May 18, 2011
  Letter to the Editor
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KEY RATE INDICES
Prime Rate  3.25% 1 Month LIBOR  0.20% 5 Yr US Treasury  1.85% 5 Yr Swaps  1.99%
12-MAT  0.28% 3 Month LIBOR  0.26% 10 Yr US Treasury  3.18% 10 Yr Swaps  3.19%
11th Dist COFI  1.45% 6 Month LIBOR  0.42% 30 Yr US Treasury  4.26%    
Transactions of the Week
Transaction Description:
$2,500,000 Acquisition/Bridge Financing for 90,000 sf Vacant Industrial Property This 4 building property is well located adjacent to the Alameda Corridor in South Los Angeles. Our borrower owns other properties in the market and has demonstrated the ability to operate and lease warehouses. His business plan is to renovate this older property, divide into market appropriate tenant spaces and stabilize. The $2,500,000 purchase price required an additional $1,500,000 of renovation costs. Borrowing entity includes a foreign national equity partner. GSP arranged 62.5% of total project cost financing with a local lender who is comfortable with the borrower expertise and entity structure. This loan also provides for a mini-perm option upon stabilization.
Rate: Prime + 2.0%
Term: 18 months
Amort: Interest Only
LTC: 62.5%
Recourse
Lender Fee: 1.0%
Brokers:  Steve Bram, David R. Pascale, Jr.
Transaction Description:
$1,600,000 Interest Only, Non-Recourse Refinance Marc Schillinger successfully placed the rate & term refinance of a 14 unit apartment building in Santa Barbara, California. As the borrower's current debt was facing a balloon date, the borrower required a non-recourse, interest only loan to pay off his current mortgage. Sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, the borrower also required an early rate lock. The loan was rate-locked for 90 days at application and is interest only for five years before rolling into a 30 year amortization schedule.
Rate: 5.30%
Term: 5 years
Amort: Interest Only
LTV: 63%
Non-recourse
Lender Fee: Par
Broker:  Marc Schillinger
Hot Money HIGHLIGHTS
Life Company Bridge & Perm Debt A national Life Insurance lender will fund transition properties down to a 1.10 dcr on an interest only basis. The three year non-recourse loan will advance to 75% of current value, fixed from 5.25%. Longer permanent term loans are also available with 5, 7 and 10 year call dates. Transactions will range from $20,000,000 to $50,000,000 and may include special purpose products including hospitality, high-end health clubs and self-storage in addition to the four major uses.
Transaction Size: $20,000,000 - $50,000,000
Rate: Floored at 5.25%
Loan Term: 3, 5, 7, & 10 years
Amort: Interest Only or 30 years
Max LTV: 75%
Non-recourse
Geography: Nationwide
Hot Money
Small Mezzanine and Preferred Equity to 90% of Cost Most Mezz Funds target minimum investments of $5,000,000 for assets requiring total capitalizations of $20,000,000 and more. A Southern California based Mezzanine lender is filling the need for Mezz and Pref Equity allocations from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 for acquisitions as small as $10,000,000. This capital provider will advance to 90% of purchase price. Only stabilized assets will qualify for the three year term loan. A current pay of 8% to 10% is required for an all-in 15% to 17% yield. Secondary markets will be considered for strong borrowers.
If you have an inquiry regarding George Smith Partners' commercial real estate financing, asset sales or advisory services, please contact your GSP representative or Todd August, Chief Operating Officer at (310) 867-2995 or TAugust@GSPartners.com.
GSP in Print
GSP Vice President Nick Silbergeld was recently published in the May/June issue of Commercial Investment Real Estate Magazine.  As an experienced industry pro of Agency financing, Nick's review of the Treasury Department's White Paper on Fannie, Freddie and FHA provides an alternative solution for reforming the mortgage markets.  An on-line copy of Mr. Silbergeld's article may be found here.
Pascale's Perspective
Treasury yields remain low as inflation threats are rapidly diminishing with the sharp drop in commodity prices.  Some nervousness about Europe and the impending end of the Treasury purchases (QE2) are adding to the perception that the recovery is "muted" and less strong than anticipated a few months ago.  It all dovetails together as a weaker economy leads to less commodity demand and less inflation.  This all gives investors more reason to buy Treasury Bonds.  Debt Ceiling:  Lots of posturing but no deal yet, as the August 2nd deadline looms.  As of now, there is no panic selling or crisis as the market seems to be confident some kind of deal will be struck.  CMBS Loan Rates:  Spreads have narrowed slightly and stabilized with much less volatility than recent months.  The low treasury yields and tight spreads with multiple originators competing make this an ideal time to lock in fixed rate Life Company or CMBS rates.   Stay Tuned...  David R. Pascale, Jr.
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Thursday, May 12, 2011

FINFacts May 11, 2011

Dear FINfacts reader,

We hope you enjoy this week's edition of FINfacts which you will find below.  We would also like to take a moment and encourage you to join over 2900 other commercial real estate professionals who have joined the George Smith Partners/FINfacts Linked In Group.

In this group you will gain access to some of the brightest minds in commercial real estate and some of the most current information regarding commercial real estate financing.  To join please click on the link below and enter your email address and Linked in password.

George Smith Partners/FINfacts Linked In Group

 

Volume XIX  |  No. 18  |  May 11, 2011
  Letter to the Editor
Forward to a Friend
KEY RATE INDICES
Prime Rate  3.25% 1 Month LIBOR  0.20% 5 Yr US Treasury  1.87% 5 Yr Swaps  2.06%
12-MAT  0.28% 3 Month LIBOR  0.26% 10 Yr US Treasury  3.16% 10 Yr Swaps  3.25%
11th Dist COFI  1.48% 6 Month LIBOR  0.42% 30 Yr US Treasury  4.31%    
Transactions of the Week
Transaction Description:
$19,250,000 Cash-Out Refinance of a 150,000 sf Anchored Retail Center. GSP successfully arranged the $19,250,000 cash-out refinance of an existing bridge loan, secured by a stabilized 150,000 sf market/drug center in North Los Angeles County. The borrower required a non-recourse financing structure that provided a return of equity while releasing an adjacent parcel Free & Clear from the current lender.

Challenge: Despite the return of the Capital Markets, non-recourse cash-out retail financing is still not widely embraced. A number of leases are month-to-month that further complicated the underwriting. Multiple issues also arose during the due diligence period that included tenants in transition, legacy environmental issues (several), and parking & zoning ambiguities with the City.

Solution: GSP surveyed the permanent debt market including Life Insurance Companies, Banks and Wall Street Conduits to identify a lender willing to understand the unique characteristics of this asset. GSP worked with all parties to support the investment thesis: Fortress neighborhood retail with barriers to entry and significantly under-market rents. This loan offers a fully funded lease up and rehab reserve, which supports the borrowers' investment objective. As the adjoining parcel does not contribute to the net cash flow, the new lender released it from their collateral.
Rate: 5.39%
Term: 10 years
Amort: 30 years
LTV: 71%
Non-recourse
Brokers:  David Rifkind, Eric Hamermesh, Loren Bedolla
Transaction Description:
$3,200,000 Cash-Out Refinance in 35 Days. GSP arranged the $3,200,000 non-recourse refinance of a stabilized multi-family property in just 35 days from being introduced to the transaction. The asset was previously Free & Clear so this represented a 100% return of equity on the Southern California apartment building. Timing was critical to meet the borrowers' investment objectives for an unrelated project. GSP worked with the borrower, lender and 3rd party vendors to present an expedited but fully under-writable package to loan committee.
Rate: 5.30%
Term: 10 years
Amort: 30 years
LTV: 55%
DCR: 1.45
Non-recourse
Broker: Shahin Yazdi
Hot Money
Small Mezzanine and Preferred Equity to 90% of Cost Most Mezz Funds target minimum investments of $5,000,000 for assets requiring total capitalizations of $20,000,000 and more. A Southern California based Mezzanine lender is filling the need for Mezz and Pref Equity allocations from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 for acquisitions as small as $10,000,000. This capital provider will advance to 90% of purchase price. Only stabilized assets will qualify for the three year term loan. A current pay of 8% to 10% is required for an all-in 15% to 17% yield. Secondary markets will be considered for strong borrowers.
Hot Money
Southern California Portfolio Lender Funds @ sub-5% Fixed A Southern California relationship lender is seeking to expand their commercial loan portfolio to high net worth borrowers at very competitive rates. They are willing to advance to 70% of value on core assets with rates as low as 4.75% fixed for five years on transactions to $10,000,000. The shorter term fixed rates are not swapped, allowing for a declining pre-payment penalty. Assets must be stabilized and the borrower must be Southern California based.
If you have an inquiry regarding George Smith Partners' commercial real estate financing, asset sales or advisory services, please contact your GSP representative or Todd August, Chief Operating Officer at (310) 867-2995 or TAugust@GSPartners.com.
Speakers Corner
Founding Partner Gary E. Mozer will be moderating a panel discussion on structured debt financing for middle and institutional market borrowers at the Commercial & Retail Development Council on Thursday May 18th.  The Council meeting will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center May 18th and 19th.
Pascale's Perspective
Europe matters.... Here's why  News from Europe moves the markets and sometimes raises the "fear factor".  Recent events: Greece sovereign debt was downgraded again.... Finland elects leaders that ran on an "anti-bailout" platform... Portugal's new bailout is approved.... Last year saw riots in Greece and now ongoing protests in Portugal and Ireland as people in these countries feel that austerity measures are unwarranted punishments being doled out by "bond vigilantes".  Markets shudder on seemingly minor news items that hit the global new cycle in an instant.  Example:  August 2010 a tax court in Spain ruled that certain sales tax revenues were invalid.  This sent various bond yields and credit spreads up within hours as investors worried that one of Europe's largest economies was taking a hit and their sovereign debt was at risk.  Markets calmed the next day when the ruling turned out only to delay certain tax collections.  Is "restructure" a bad word? We may find out sooner rather than later.  Many politicians, bankers, etc feel that the debt load on these countries combined with the high yields the market demands is untenable.  There is not enough total output/GDP for these countries to dig out.  Recent positive private equity investments in Spanish and Italian banks have given rise to the hope that those countries are in recovery and will not need bailouts.  Therefore the problems may be limited to Greece, Portugal and Ireland.  If those countries are allowed to restructure their debt, then they should return to normalcy.  The potential problem is that "restructure" means "debt forgiveness" or "controlled default".  When debt defaults occur anywhere (globally), the potential for a 2008 style panic looms as credit markets everywhere grind to a halt and investors hoard cash.  A European banking crisis may occur as investors and depositors may not be able to identify what banks are holding bonds from the defaulting countries and cause a run on banks.  If the current system is unsustainable, then the question is when to start the restructure?  Some European leaders say that 2013 is the right time due to some rule changes, while some are pushing for this year.  Advocates of restructure hope that a cooperative agreement complete with IMF participation and international consensus will not rattle markets, avoiding a 2008 Lehman style panic.  Stay Tuned...   David R. Pasacale, Jr.
Come Grow With Us
George Smith Partners is expanding its team of top-notch mortgage brokers/originators.  We offer highly competitive compensation and an excellent environment in which to work, learn and be supported.  We invite you to consider a career with George Smith Partners.  Please direct confidential inquiries to Todd August, Chief Operating Officer, at (310) 897-2995.
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