Digging Into Environmental Due Diligence

Digging Into Environmental Due Diligence

Environmental due diligence plays a central role in commercial real estate and corporate transactions, particularly since federal and state laws can hold property owners responsible for contamination regardless of fault. For buyers, investors, and lenders, getting ahead of these risks is essential to protecting deal value and avoiding costly surprises. In this episode, James O’Brien and Eric Greenberg are joined by Jon Bull to unpack the fundamentals of environmental due diligence, with a focus on Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, including what they cover, why they matter, and how to use them effectively in real estate transactions. Read the full transcript here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/The-Property-Line-Environmental-Due-Diligence.pdf

Balancing Opportunity and Headwinds in 2026 (Market Survey Takeaways)

In Seyfarth’s 11th Annual Real Estate Market Sentiment Survey, commercial real estate stakeholders remain broadly optimistic about 2026, with 86% viewing it as a year of opportunity despite ongoing headwinds. Respondents highlight data centers as the most impactful trend, though investment appetite has moderated, and point to renewed interest in office-to-residential conversions even as physical constraints, zoning, and construction costs continue to pose challenges. At the same time, interest rates, rising construction costs, and geopolitical instability rank among the top concerns shaping the market outlook. In this episode, Eric Greenberg is joined by James O’Brien and Christine Kim to break down key findings from the survey, including shifting asset allocation trends, expectations for rate cuts, and the growing role of AI in areas like due diligence and closing efficiency. Read the full transcript here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/The-Property-Line-Real-Estate-Survey-2026.pdf

CMBS/CRE CLO Loan Maturities and Current Market Stress

A wave of upcoming CMBS and CRE CLO loan maturities is putting increased pressure on commercial real estate owners, particularly as higher interest rates, tighter lending standards, and shifting asset fundamentals complicate refinancing. Many borrowers are facing a difficult reality: loans originated in a low-rate environment may no longer pencil out, and extension options are becoming more limited as lenders take a more active and selective approach. In this episode, Michael Cohen, managing partner at Brighton Capital Advisors, joins Dan Evans to discuss the evolving maturity landscape and where stress is building across the market. Read the full transcript here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/The-Property-Line_CMBS-CRE-CLO-Maturities-and-Current-Market-Stress.pdf

Navigating Warehouse Safety and Compliance Risks

Warehouse operators and industrial property owners are facing increasing scrutiny from both federal and state regulators, as health and safety enforcement programs gain momentum. From OSHA’s National Emphasis Program targeting warehouse operations to evolving ergonomics standards in select states, operators must proactively manage risks across equipment, material handling, and multi-employer worksites. In this episode, Brent Clark joins James O’Brien and Eric Greenberg to discuss key compliance developments, inspection best practices, and strategies for mitigating risk, helping property owners and operators stay ahead in an increasingly regulated environment. Read the full transcript here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/ThePropertyLine_WarehouseSafety.pdf

AI in Action: Transforming Real Estate Workflows

As AI continues to reshape day-to-day tasks across industries, commercial real estate teams and their attorneys are weighing both unprecedented opportunities and emerging risks. From tools that can streamline lease review and portfolio analysis to considerations around accuracy, confidentiality, and implementation, many are evaluating how best to integrate AI into complex, high-value projects. In this episode, Justin Lischak Earley, vice president of strategic venture partnerships at First American, and Kevin Woolf join James O’Brien and Eric Greenberg to discuss practical applications for AI, the limits of today’s technology, how organizations are managing risk, and effective ways to train teams and optimize operations. Read the full transcript here: https://www.seyfarth.com/dir_docs/podcast_transcripts/ThePropertyLine_AI-CRE-Transcript.pdf