Willy Walker, Chairman and CEO of Walker & Dunlop, discusses his unconventional path into commercial real estate and the evolution of his company. Walker details his initial disinterest in the family business, his experiences in Latin America, and his eventual decision to join Walker & Dunlop. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning from a private to a public company, the importance of diversification, and the impact of capital flows on cap rates. Walker also addresses the current state of the multifamily market, noting the "survive to 25" theme and the stabilization of occupancy rates, while rents remain stagnant in oversupplied markets like Austin and Denver. Finally, he shares the story behind the Walker Webcast, emphasizing its focus on providing valuable insights from outside experts.
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