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SPOTLIGHT
JACKELYN GALLO
SVP Regional Manager, JD Bank
“My advice is always to think about the viability of the entire project, not to solely focus on the interest rate. When we think about viability, we think about the structure of the project, how the bank can support it, the client’s business and personal financial picture … all of it collectively. If these things are in order, then absolutely you should move forward. Making sure a project can sustain itself – that there’s a cushion built in there in the event of additional rate changes – is a critical part of the puzzle. If interest rates don’t come down, or they creep back up, that cushion helps you satisfy the demands of your business and personal finances so you can continue to move forward. I have seen the waiting game set commercial borrowers behind their competition when we come out of a cycle. That’s something a borrower needs to think about: “What is my liquidity position, how important is this project to my business continuation or growth, and where do I want to be at the end of this cycle?” Not solely, “What’s the rate today?” If you have a viable project that can stand on its own with a qualified borrower., you absolutely should not play the waiting game.”
MIKE RICCI
Principal & Director, Rampart/Wurth Holding, Inc. NAI Rampart
“You shouldn’t automatically sit on the sidelines simply because interest rates aren’t where you’d like them to be. In commercial real estate, if the property still makes financial sense and offers a strong return, it can still be worth pursuing. It ultimately comes down to your underwriting and how the deal performs under current conditions. Trying to time the market – whether it’s stocks or interest rates – is incredibly difficult. We’re unlikely to return to a 4–5% rate environment anytime soon, so waiting for the “perfect” rate can lead to missed opportunities. If your investment still works in today’s climate and shows healthy returns despite higher rates, holding off in hopes of a small dip could cost you. If your deal only works when interest rates are 1–2 percentage points lower, it may not be the strongest investment. Also, your need matters. If you need a property for a business, and the perfect fit for your business presents itself, you have to weigh the higher carrying costs because of the rate versus the benefit to the company.”
LANCE FAUCHEAUX
Operations Manager, Level Homes
“We’ve taken a hard look at what we do, how we do it, and why. That’s led to meaningful updates—whether it’s new home designs, enhanced features, or financing incentives. We’re focused on standing out and serving buyers well, even in a challenging market. Waiting for rates to drop can backfire. While you may be able to refinance later, you can’t rewind rising prices on land, labor, or materials. If you truly need a new home, now is still the right time to act.”
BRANDON CRAFT
Owner/Realtor, Craft Realty | Interiors | Homes
“We evaluate every potential project through one clear lens: is it a home run or is it a fringe project? A home run means great location, ideal lot, strong design – something buyers will always want, no matter the market. A fringe project is one you can make work, but it carries more risk and doesn’t align with the long-term standard we’ve set. At Craft, we’ve always focused on the home run projects. That commitment doesn’t change with the market – it’s how we protect our clients, our reputation, and our results. When a property checks all the boxes, it’s worth acting on – regardless of interest rates.”
BECKY WALKER
Owner/Principal Designer, The Design Studio
“I’ve been in the industry for 30+ years. I’ve had my own firm for 22 years. We survived the economic downfall in 2008, 2009, 2010. And then Covid came … and then the aftermath of Covid, with inflation through the roof. Banks weren’t loaning, developers weren’t developing, people were not buying, interest rates were too high. People kept putting projects off. I feel like we’re on the outside of all that now. Since the inauguration, it’s been just doors wide open. So, I’m here to say to people that things are going to be OK. It’s a constant cycle. And from where I stand, we’re potentially coming back around, and up, from this down cycle that we’ve been in.”
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