Greene Manor Apartments in Philadelphia — Courtesy: Trivium Real Estate Advisors
By Trivium Real Estate Advisors
It’s no secret — this isn’t the market we had a few years ago. Interest rates are high, lending is tight and underwriting standards have become tougher across the board. In the Mid-Atlantic, particularly in New Jersey and Philadelphia, buyers are feeling the pressure.
Deals that used to move quickly now require sharper pencils, stronger balance sheets and a longer-term view. But here’s the thing: This kind of market creates real opportunity — for the right kind of investor.
Smart strategies to capitalize in today’s market
Rather than sitting on the sidelines, experienced investors are adjusting their playbooks. They’re not trying to time the market. They’re focusing on deals that work now and that will work even better when rates eventually come back down.
Buying at higher cap rates: With prices softening, investors are locking in stronger day-one yields —even if borrowing costs are up. Those who can underwrite around that reality are finding real value.
Focusing on income, not overhaul: Not every deal needs a full gut renovation. Parking, storage, laundry — these are often overlooked income sources that can make a big difference without the cost of major capex.
Thinking in IRR, not just cash flow: In the right situation, investing in a turnaround or heavy value-add deal can deliver real returns over time. These are the plays that reward patience and a strong operating plan.
Building in refinance flexibility: Rates are high now, but they won’t stay that way forever. Structuring deals to ride out the current environment — with an eye toward refinancing down the line — can unlock major upside
Why it matters: Long-term thinking wins
This isn’t the moment for shortcuts or surface-level analysis. It’s a market for serious players — those who are willing to dig deeper, get creative and plan beyond the next quarter.
That’s where the right advisory partner makes all the difference. In an environment where every dollar counts and each decision carries long-term weight, investors need more than just a broker, they need a strategic partner who understands how to turn today’s headwinds into tomorrow’s growth. That’s exactly what Trivium Real Estate Advisors offers. With a deep understanding of market dynamics and a proven ability to guide buyers through complex, high-stakes transactions, Trivium helps investors not only navigate the current landscape — but thrive in it.
With over 25 years of experience, Joseph Brecher, Eli Rosen and Joseph Gehler — together with Senior Director Ben Cooper — founded Trivium Real Estate Advisors, a New Jersey-based commercial real estate brokerage specializing in mid-to-large multifamily transactions across the Mid-Atlantic. Drawing from a combined track record of over 600 closed deals and more than $16 billion in total transaction volume (including their tenure at Gebroe-Hammer Associates and now at Trivium), the team brings unmatched market expertise to the New Jersey and Pennsylvania regions.
In Pleasantville, New Jersey, Trivium facilitated the sale of Marina Del Rey, a 232-unit multifamily property acquired with a bold capital improvement plan. The asset had significant vacancy and deferred maintenance. With Trivium’s guidance, the buyer developed a multiyear strategy to transform the property into a higher-quality, income-generating investment. Though capital-heavy, the plan is poised to generate strong IRR as the property stabilizes and demand strengthens.
In Philadelphia, Trivium was proud to support the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) on a $75.9 million acquisition comprising 381 units. These well-maintained buildings fit perfectly within the PHA mandate to provide quality housing for residents earning below 80 percent of AMI. No major capital work was needed, and the transaction ensures long-term affordability for tenants.
In Northeast Philadelphia, Trivium facilitated the $10.775 million acquisition of an 85-unit multifamily property through a favorable loan assumption. The buyer, Liss Property Group — owners and managers of several thousand units in the greater Philadelphia market — took advantage of a sub-3 percent loan, still within its interest-only period. This structure delivered immediate cash-on-cash yields. In addition to the low-cost financing, the property presented strong value-add upside through unit renovations, rent repositioning and the opportunity to add several new units by converting underutilized garage space.
Trivium also recently completed a series of three large transactions in Central and North Jersey, totaling over 700 units and $150 million in value. Each deal was structured around rent-controlled buildings. Rather than avoid these assets, Trivium guided buyers to understand how strong occupancy, stable operations and smart ancillary income strategies can yield long-term success despite rent growth limitations.
If you’re looking to expand or sell your portfolio in New Jersey or Philadelphia, and you want to work with a team that understands both the challenges and the hidden opportunities — reach out to Trivium Real Estate Advisors.
732-481-1730
1770 W. County Line Road, Suite 208
Lakewood, NJ 08701
