Page 23 - RE-NJ

™ 21
OWNERS COUNCIL Q&A
KATIE
KURTZ
CEO
DENHOLTZ PROPERTIES
How do you feel about the
market versus this time last
year?
When I joined Denholtz in 2024,
gridlocked capital markets
and broad uncertainty made
transacting diffi cult. At that
time, the industry was waiting
for the long-promised rate cuts
that would unlock deal fl ow.
Fast forward a year, and we’ve
fi nally received the fi rst of
what should be a series of
cuts. While the full impact will
take time, I anticipate we will
begin to see the pricing clarity
that’s essential for the market
to function. This shift gives me
more optimism heading into
2026 than I felt at the close of
last year.
What is still the biggest
source of uncertainty?
Macroeconomic turbulence
remains the largest source
of uncertainty. We do not see
rate cuts in strong economic
conditions. Even with interest
rates trending downward,
geopolitical tensions, shifting
tariff policies and an unsettled
political environment persist
in weighing on the market.
Each of these dynamics carries
ripple effects across all asset
classes. In this environment,
success requires agility,
fl exibility and a willingness to
make clear, decisive moves
when opportunities emerge.
Are you factoring in rate
cuts as you plan ahead?
Yes, but with perspective. The
cost of capital has been the
most signifi cant barrier across
the industry, and we still have
not seen a meaningful closing
of the bid-ask spread. Rate
cuts can help bridge that gap
by providing greater pricing
certainty and encouraging more
transactions. However, they are
only one piece of a much larger
puzzle. We’re planning with an
eye toward rate cuts, but we’re
equally focused on how we
interpret and respond to the
broader structural challenges
shaping the market.
How else do you plan to
adapt, evolve or expand in
2026?
Since stepping into this
role, my vision has been
to transform Denholtz
into a leading investment
management fi rm that
combines entrepreneurial
drive with institutional rigor.
In just over a year, we’ve made
meaningful progress through
Getting To Know You
YOUR GO-TO BREAKFAST OR LUNCH
My go-to lunch spot is always Blonde Shallot, located in
Little Silver. Our offi ce in Red Bank is just a short drive away.
Everything on the menu is thoughtfully prepared and made with
the best ingredients. Additionally, I love supporting a women-
owned and community-focused business. Th eir story is inspiring
— from starting as a home-based meal service to now operating
two brick-and-mortar locations. I hope they continue to expand!
BEST THING YOU READ, WATCHED OR
LISTENED TO THIS YEAR
Nothing beats a live performance on Broadway. I recently saw
Wicked and Lion King on Broadway with my family and both
were incredible productions!
PLACE YOU’VE NEVER VISITED BUT WOULD LIKE TO
My family and I share a love for skiing, and experiencing the
Swiss Alps has always been a dream. Th e idea of taking in such
breathtaking scenery while doing something we love feels truly
extraordinary. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I look
forward to cherishing with my family in early 2026.
strategic hires, enhancements
to our operating platform and
expansion into new markets.
In 2026, we will continue
to execute on that vision
while staying disciplined and
opportunistic in a dynamic
environment.
Are you hiring? If so, how is
the talent pipeline in New
Jersey?
Absolutely. Real estate is
fundamentally a people
business, and attracting top
talent is central to our growth.
New Jersey has been an
excellent market for us in that
regard. People want to live and
raise families here, and our Red
Bank headquarters provides
access to both local talent and
the broader New York City
market.
Are you buying or
developing outside New
Jersey?
In 2024, we successfully
entered the South Carolina
market with two industrial
acquisitions, and in recent
years, we’ve also expanded
into Georgia, North Carolina,
Tennessee and Texas.
These high-growth markets
represent tremendous long-
term opportunities, and we
will continue to pursue both
acquisitions and development
there.