Sam sure doesn't pull punches

Sam Zell calls the estimated difference between the $6 billion Harry Macklowe paid for the EOP Manhattan properties and the $7 billion he paid for them "Macklowe stupidity.'' Ow. You must have a thick skin to play at that level.

While people do not want to overpay:

The pace of commercial real estate deals may pick up as U.S. pension funds such as the California Public Employees' Retirement System move money into real estate, Zell said. "I don't think they can afford to sit on the sidelines and get 2 percent from Treasuries when they need 7 percent'' of returns to pay retirement benefits, he said of the funds. That could lead to an "opening'' in credit markets.

Makes sense to me, but we have to see what the rest of the dirt world says and does.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Oops. I plain forgot.

I said some time ago that I would publish a review of the new Powerhouse Restaurant and Bar , located right beneath my Chicago office. And I never did. So here goes. I've had a couple of lunches and dinner since the place opened, so I can be candid. All the food I had ranged from very good to superb. The pork belly and chicken thigh appetizers were wonderful. The pork chops were juicy and tasty. The ribeye steak was perhaps the best I've ever had (and trust me, I have eaten a LOT of steak in my life). Forget the red meant and cholesterol and fat and all that stuff for one meal; just splurge and eat it. One of my dining companions said the cod was good but not superlative in his view. I was really too full to enjoy the sweet potato doughnuts. On the lunch side: I recommend the cheese quesadillas and the burger, which also has the tastiest bacon from Wisconsin. I'm getting hungry and I don't want to tempt myself...2008, after all! Service is always first rate, f
Read more

The DLB's Third Anniversary Post

Wow -- three years of blogging this Sunday.  Since I do not plan to write this weekend, I want to take a moment now to reflect on what the past three years have meant to me. First and foremost, blogging has been fun and educational. I truly believe that, thanks to reading more, writing more, and interacting with pros in the business I have become a better adviser to my clients. Yes, the technical lawyering and drafting and stuff is very important. But I have learned much by trying to put on the glasses of your client and thinking practically, while also keeping that lawyer hat on.  That said, I know I am not the business guy, but I also think I can give better advice while at least keeping in mind that side of the coin. You just do the best you can. I have also changed as a blogger, and hopefully for the better.  I get more news and posting from Twitter now than I do from the news or from other blogs. I do not know whether that is good or bad, but I know it is the reality of the situat
Read more