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Fannie Mae Multifamily Inspections: Why Oversight Is Increasing Nationwide

Posted on by Jaiden Andus
Fannie Mae multifamily inspections

GSE inspections are ramping up nationwide and the reason may go deeper than most think.

If you own or asset-manage multifamily properties financed through Fannie Mae, you may have noticed something unusual lately, unannounced inspections and even requests for new Property Condition Assessments (PCAs).

You’re not imagining it. This trend is spreading across portfolios nationwide, and it’s catching many operators off guard. The question is why now?

A Quick Refresher: What Is a GSE?

Fannie Mae (along with Freddie Mac) is a Government-Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) a federally chartered organization created to stabilize and support the U.S. housing market.

Rather than lending directly, GSEs buy and securitize loans from lenders, guaranteeing those mortgage-backed securities (MBS). That guarantee comes with strings attached strict standards, ongoing oversight, and compliance with the Multifamily Selling & Servicing Guide.

Why the Surprise Inspections and PCA Demands?

Over the past year, Fannie Mae has tightened its operational oversight. Several factors are driving the increased activity:

1. A Tougher Market and Rising Credit Risk

With interest rates at multi-decade highs, rent growth slowing, and delinquencies inching upward, Fannie Mae is taking a harder look at collateral quality. These inspections identify deferred maintenance or early signs of distress before losses occur.

2. Recent Guide Updates and Stricter Enforcement

Fannie Mae’s updated PCA guidance now classifies more items as “immediate repairs” from obsolete electrical systems to life-safety deficiencies. The message: compliance delays are no longer acceptable.

3. Deferred Maintenance in Older Assets

Many Class B and C communities are showing age. Deferred CapEx that built up post-COVID has become impossible to ignore. Fannie Mae isn’t waiting for defaults to uncover problems it’s proactively visiting assets.

4. Servicers Under Pressure

Servicers, acting on Fannie Mae’s behalf, are required to perform more on-site verifications for watch-list or at-risk loans. The result: more frequent inspections, shorter notice windows, and higher scrutiny.

A Personal Theory: The 2021–2022 Wave of New Operators

Here’s the part few are talking about and it may explain the sudden surge in oversight.

Between 2021 and 2022, multifamily experienced one of the largest influxes of new syndicators and operators in its history. Capital was abundant, rates were low, and value-add plays looked like a sure bet.

According to Newmark, multifamily investment volume hit $353 billion in 2021 and $294 billion in 2022, roughly 75 percent above pre-pandemic norms. That velocity invited first-time sponsors to chase Class B and C deals in fast-growing Sunbelt markets.

Meanwhile, crowdfunding and syndication platforms like CrowdStreet expanded rapidly, reporting billions in equity raised by late 2022. Smaller, newer operators suddenly had access to capital they’d never had before.

Then the cycle turned. Rates doubled. Insurance, payroll, and taxes skyrocketed. Rent growth flattened.

Many of those operators who built underwriting models on aggressive rent premiums and short value-add timelines had to divert CapEx to operations just to keep the lights on. Renovations stalled. Capital reserves evaporated. Assets slid into partial completion limbo.

It’s entirely plausible that Fannie Mae and other GSEs noticed. Their loans were underwritten on the assumption of completed upgrades and adequate reserves. When those improvements didn’t materialize, the physical condition of the collateral inevitably declined.

So while these “unannounced” inspections might feel abrupt, they’re likely a data-driven response to that 2021–2022 operator cohort an industry class that entered at the top of the market cycle and never fully executed its business plans.

Why It Feels Unannounced

Technically, Fannie Mae’s guide requires advance notice before inspections. But in practice, servicers facing higher risk scores are shortening lead times or conducting on-site visits with minimal notice.

To property teams, that feels like a surprise. To the GSE, it’s “enhanced surveillance.”

How Owners and Asset Managers Can Stay Ahead

  1. Review Your Loan Documents. Confirm inspection and PCA rights, some loan riders allow more aggressive timelines.
  2. Document Every Visit. Record date, attendees, and scope to maintain transparency.
  3. Audit Your Own Properties. Catch deferred items before the lender’s report does.
  4. Engage Your Servicer Proactively. Ask if your asset is under broader review or watch-list criteria.
  5. Revisit Reserves and Forecasts. Reclassify “deferred” into “immediate” where necessary and plan funding now.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t about micromanagement, it’s about risk management. Fannie Mae’s actions reflect the reality of 2025’s market: tightening liquidity, aging assets, and the natural correction following a historic capital surge.

And perhaps, it’s also a marker of a maturing industry. When CapEx gets repurposed for survival, properties age faster and the agencies are watching.

Final Thought

This trend isn’t isolated to one region or asset class it’s a nationwide tightening of standards across GSE-backed multifamily loans.

Whether you manage 200 units or 2,000, now is the time to ensure your documentation, reporting, and property condition are bullet-proof.

Because when the GSE knocks, even unannounced, it’s too late to start cleaning up.

Meaghan Davenport President of Operations, Axxis Capital Helping owners and operators think bigger about performance, compliance, and accountability.

About the Author: Meaghan Davenport is a seasoned asset management executive and multifamily syndicator with a proven track record in operational turnarounds, value creation, and team leadership. Her work focuses on elevating industry standards through transparency, data-driven oversight, and collaboration between ownership, management, and investors.

Sources: Fannie Mae Multifamily Selling & Servicing Guide (2025); Newmark Multifamily Capital Markets Report (2022); CrowdStreet Annual Report (2022); CBRE U.S. Market Outlook (2022).

Real Estate Investing

What the Fed’s Rate Cuts (or Holds) Mean for Multifamily Real Estate Investors

Posted on by Jaiden Andus
Multifamily Real Estate

What the Fed’s Rate Cuts (or Holds) Mean for Multifamily Real Estate Investors

Multifamily Real Estate

 

For investors with significant capital at work, the question in today’s environment isn’t whether to invest, but where to invest intelligently.

Following the latest Federal Reserve meeting, it’s clear we are in a holding pattern. The Fed chose not to cut rates, instead signaling a cautious stance as inflation moderates and the labor market remains relatively strong. While market participants had hoped for more immediate relief, the message is clear: the Fed is not in a rush, and any future rate cuts will come gradually, likely in late 2025 or beyond.

This decision has broad implications across capital markets, but for those looking to preserve wealth, create passive income, and reduce tax exposure, it also sharpens the spotlight on one specific asset class: multifamily real estate.

High Rates Haven’t Changed the Fundamentals…They’ve Just Changed the Entry Point

Yes, the cost of capital is higher than it was in 2021. But here’s what many investors miss: higher rates have created opportunity, not just friction. During the low-rate years, multifamily assets were heavily bid up, cap rates compressed to unsustainable levels, and buyers were often over-leveraged chasing future rent growth.

That environment has changed. Cap rates have expanded. Buyer competition has cooled. Many owners who financed properties with floating-rate debt are under pressure to exit. This combination of softer pricing and motivated sellers has created a window that experienced operators are beginning to act on.

At the same time, multifamily fundamentals remain solid. Occupancy is strong in most major markets. Rents are holding up, particularly in Class B and workforce housing, where the affordability gap continues to widen. And most importantly, the structural undersupply of housing in the U.S. has not gone away. If anything, it’s become more pronounced. According to recent data, the U.S. still faces a shortage of over 4 million housing units. That demand pressure supports long-term rent growth and asset appreciation, regardless of short-term rate movements.

For High Earners, the Case for Multifamily is Multi-Dimensional

If you’re earning $300,000, $500,000 or even $1M+ annually, you’re likely experiencing a common problem: your income is growing, but your tax liability is growing faster. And while your portfolio may be heavily weighted in stocks, bonds, or high-fee managed funds, few of those assets provide meaningful tax relief or consistent passive income.

This is where multifamily investing offers unique advantages that align directly with the financial priorities of high net worth investors:

  1. Passive Income with Real Assets: Through syndications or direct equity investments, multifamily properties provide monthly or quarterly cash flow backed by real tenants, operating businesses, and appreciating assets. This is income from a tangible source, in markets with persistent housing demand.
  2. Significant Tax Benefits: The U.S. tax code is highly favorable to real estate investors with the recent passing of the “Big Beautiful Bill” back in July. Through bonus depreciation, cost segregation studies, and passive loss offsets, investors can often significantly reduce or even eliminate taxable income from distributions. This is especially compelling for high earners who are otherwise taxed at top marginal rates.
  3. Compounding Wealth Without Active Involvement: Most high-net-worth professionals don’t have the time or interest to become landlords. Multifamily syndications offer the ability to participate in the same equity growth as a principal, without the operational headaches. You benefit from the upside while a professional team handles acquisition, management, renovation, and eventual exit.
  4. Recession-Resilient Asset Class: Multifamily has proven to be one of the most resilient sectors in commercial real estate. During economic downturns, people may downsize from homeownership or luxury apartments, but they still need a place to live. In the past five economic cycles, multifamily has consistently outperformed office and retail, and maintained more stable occupancy and income.

Why This Moment Matters

With rates holding steady and cuts pushed further out, many investors are sitting on the sidelines, waiting for perfect clarity. But the reality is: the best deals rarely come when everyone is confident. They come during transition periods when pricing hasn’t yet caught up to forward-looking fundamentals.

Experienced operators are using this environment to acquire assets at discounted valuations, often with assumable fixed-rate debt or structured seller financing. These are not speculative acquisitions, but carefully underwritten investments that prioritize stabilized cash flow and long-term equity creation.

Additionally, as the debt markets stabilize, we’re seeing improved terms from agency lenders like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, especially for deals in strong demographic markets with proven demand. This creates a rare combination: lower acquisition prices, improving debt terms, and resilient operating performance.

For investors focused on preserving and compounding wealth, this is the environment where long-term gains are seeded.

When You’re Ready… Here’s 3 Ways We Can Help:

  1. Connect With Our Team: Whether you’re exploring passive real estate for the first time or you’re a seasoned investor looking for a trusted partner, our team is available to answer your questions. Schedule a confidential strategy call to learn more about our investment philosophy, current opportunities, and how we help investors achieve income, growth, and tax efficiency.
  2. Join Our Private Investor Portal: Gain exclusive access to our current offerings and ongoing pipeline of multifamily investments. Inside, you’ll find detailed financials, market insights, and structured deal overviews—all designed to help you make informed, confident decisions about where to place your capital.
  3. Review Our Investment Strategy: Get a clear understanding of how we source, underwrite, and manage multifamily assets. Our strategy is built around long-term wealth creation, consistent passive income, and disciplined risk management. Learn what sets us apart and why sophisticated investors choose to partner with us.
Tax Benefits

How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Creates Bigger Returns for Real Estate Investors

Posted on by Jaiden Andus
Multifamily Real Estate

Multifamily Real Estate

Occasionally, legislation quietly reshapes how wealth is built—and most people miss it. The recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is one of those rare moments. While much of the public conversation focuses on politics, investors should pay attention to what really matters: taxes.

Taxes are often the largest lifetime expense you’ll face, exceeding housing, education, or healthcare. That’s why understanding and leveraging favorable tax policies isn’t optional; it’s essential to creating lasting wealth.

This new bill creates one of the most advantageous tax environments in years, especially for real estate investors. Whether you’re already invested in multifamily syndications or exploring new opportunities, these changes can help you keep more of your earnings, lower your tax burden, and accelerate your path to financial freedom.

When approached strategically, tax efficiency isn’t just an added bonus—it’s a fundamental driver of wealth growth.

Here’s what’s changed and why it matters for your investment strategy:

Lower Tax Rates Are Now Permanent

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) introduced reduced tax brackets for individuals, but those reductions were originally set to expire in 2025. Under the new legislation, these rates have now been made permanent.

The key brackets include:

  • 24%, which is where many investors’ passive income lands.
  • 37% as the top rate (instead of reverting to nearly 40%).

Additionally, the standard deduction remains $15,750 for individuals and $31,500 for joint filers, with ongoing inflation adjustments.

What this means for you: The income you receive from K-1s and other passive sources will continue to be taxed at favorable rates, ensuring your after-tax income remains strong and predictable over time. This is a structural win that provides clarity for long-term planning and confidence in the net cash flow you can expect from your investments.

Bonus Depreciation Fully Restored and Made Permanent

Perhaps the most significant change in the bill for real estate investors is the return, and permanence, of 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying commercial real estate assets placed in service after January 19, 2025.

What qualifies?

Systems like HVAC, elevators, tenant improvements, landscaping, and other capital-intensive components. These can now be fully expensed in the year of acquisition, rather than depreciated over 15 to 39 years.

For passive investors: This translates into large paper losses on your K-1s. While these losses don’t impact cash flow, they are extremely valuable in reducing taxable income, either from the same investment or from other passive income sources.

20% Deduction on Rental Income Becomes Permanent

The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, commonly referred to as the 20% pass-through deduction, has now been made permanent under the new legislation. 

Why this matters: For passive investors who are focused on optimizing after-tax yield, this becomes a built-in efficiency that doesn’t require restructuring or complicated strategies. It’s automatic, and it’s permanent.

1031 Exchanges Remain Intact

Despite prior discussions in Congress about eliminating or limiting 1031 exchanges, this bill has left them fully intact.

Investors can continue to sell investment properties and reinvest the proceeds into qualifying properties while deferring capital gains taxes.

Increased SALT Deduction for High-Tax-State Residents

Previously, state and local tax (SALT) deductions were capped at $10,000, which disproportionately impacted investors in high-tax states. OBBBA raises this cap to $40,000 for households with adjusted gross incomes under $500,000.

Capital Gains Tax Rates Remain Favorable

The favorable rates for long-term capital gains, typically 15% or 20% depending on income, remain in place.

Investor takeaway: When you realize gains from the sale of a property after holding it for a year or more, those profits will continue to be taxed at significantly lower rates than ordinary income. 

Real Estate Professionals Maintain Their Full Advantage

If you or your spouse qualify as a Real Estate Professional under IRS rules, you can continue to use passive losses, particularly from bonus depreciation, to offset active income like W-2 wages. For high-income households, this can lead to significant tax deferral or immediate savings. 

Additional Incentives for Affordable Housing and Opportunity Zones

In an effort to support underserved communities and address housing shortages, the bill expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and enhances benefits tied to Opportunity Zone investments. If you’re considering projects that blend financial returns with social impact, these incentives can improve overall project economics and provide additional federal tax credits.

Faster Federal Permitting for New Developments

The bill also includes a provision to streamline environmental and regulatory approvals for new construction, particularly in multifamily and commercial real estate. This reduces project delays and administrative bottlenecks.

For passive investors: This could translate into faster project starts, shorter construction timelines, and quicker transitions to stabilized income-producing assets.

What You Can Do Today

Taken together, these provisions make long-term real estate investing more attractive, predictable, and rewarding. For investors looking to scale their portfolios without added active work, maximize after-tax returns, and balance capital preservation with income generation, this bill creates a strategic opportunity by aligning tax policy with investment strategy.

  1. Consult with your CPA: Review your tax strategy in light of these changes, especially around depreciation, QBI deductions, and real estate professional status.
  2. Evaluate your current portfolio: Consider how these updates impact your after-tax returns and your capital allocation plans.
  3. Position yourself for upcoming offerings: Properties placed into service in 2025 will qualify for new bonus depreciation rules, timing matters.

Final Thoughts

We’ve always believed that real estate is more than just a way to generate returns, it’s a way to build durable wealth, protect capital, and create time freedom.

This new legislation reinforces that belief. The path ahead is clearer, more tax-efficient, and more aligned with the long-term investor’s goals. And while most will overlook it, those who plan intentionally and invest accordingly will benefit the most.