Walker & Dunlop, Inc. - WD STOCK NEWS

Walker & Dunlop facilitated the $164.5 million sale of The Mansions Portfolio, an independent living portfolio in Atlanta, Georgia, purchased by Focus Senior Housing Fund I LP. The transaction involved four communities with 559 independent living units, achieving excellent occupancy and profit margins. Advisory services were provided by Joshua Jandris and his team, while financing was arranged through Freddie Mac, showcasing Walker & Dunlop's extensive experience in the seniors housing sector.

Walker & Dunlop has partnered with North Carolina Central University to establish an MBA program focused on real estate. This initiative aims to support minority students, aligning with the firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company will engage actively with NCCU, offering mentorship, internships, and two annual fellowships covering tuition and living expenses for five years. This collaboration is part of Walker & Dunlop's broader strategy to foster diverse talent in commercial real estate.

Walker & Dunlop announced a financing structure of $9,089,800 for the acquisition of Tender Hearts Assisted Living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This facility, built in 2009 and renovated in 2019, aligns with Senior Opportunity Funds Holding Company's growth strategy in the underserved Wisconsin market. The financing, utilizing HUD's LEAN 232/233(f) program, achieves a 90% loan-to-cost ratio, with a combined ratio of 98%. This strategic move aims to enhance Walker & Dunlop's position in the senior housing sector.

Walker & Dunlop has appointed Donna Wells as an independent director and member of the audit committee. She brings extensive experience in marketing and financial services technology, previously serving as CEO of Mindflash Technologies and holding senior roles at companies like Intuit and Expedia. Her FinTech background is expected to enhance Walker & Dunlop's board effectiveness. The company emphasizes its commitment to diversity, with 44% of board members being women and minorities. Walker & Dunlop is recognized as a leading commercial real estate finance firm in the U.S.

Walker & Dunlop has expanded its Investment Sales platform by hiring a top property sales team in Houston, Texas, led by Ryan Epstein and Jennifer Ray. The team brings over 29 years of experience and has closed over $7.5 billion in apartment sales. This strategic move aligns with Walker & Dunlop's goal to achieve $25 billion in property sales volume by 2025. In 2020, the company reported $6.1 billion in volume, marking a 14% increase from 2019. The expansion aims to leverage Houston's active investment market, enhancing the firm's presence and service capabilities.

Walker & Dunlop announced financing of $126,646,733 for seven skilled nursing facilities across the Northeast and Midwest. The properties include notable centers in Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan. Led by Joshua Rosen, the financing utilized HUD's LEAN programs for favorable long-term rates, locking fixed rates for terms of 30-34 years. The team successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring flexibility for clients in this downturn. Walker & Dunlop is recognized as the 5th largest HUD multifamily lender, originating nearly $600 million in healthcare transactions in 2020.

Walker & Dunlop has appointed Dana Wade as Chief Production Officer, focusing on FHA-backed loan originations and enhancing affordable housing financing. Wade, a former Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), oversaw significant projects including financing over 11,000 rental properties in FY 2020. Her expertise in managing a $1.4 trillion portfolio is expected to contribute positively to Walker & Dunlop's FHA production team, which has facilitated $17 billion in affordable housing lending over the past three years. Wade's leadership is anticipated to strengthen the company's market position.

Walker & Dunlop has secured $21.9 million in financing for the acquisition and renovation of Ritch Homes Apartments in Washington, D.C. This project involves 42 existing affordable housing units and the addition of four new units. The financing aims to extend a Section 8 HAP contract at risk of expiration, preserving affordability for 46 units long-term until 2050. The deal was facilitated through HUD's 221(d)(4) program, and the partnership with the D.C. Housing Finance Agency enhances affordable housing availability in a high-cost market.

Walker & Dunlop has secured $91,767,640 in financing for the acquisition of two prime office buildings: Bank of America Tower in Jacksonville, Florida and 65 East State Street in Columbus, Ohio. These properties, notable for their architectural prominence, have undergone significant upgrades to enhance their appeal. The financing package includes interest-only bridge loans provided by Prime Finance and Voya, reflecting robust demand despite a challenging market. The firm aims to leverage its extensive capital network, having completed $11.0 billion in loan originations in 2020.