Articles

HUD Expands FHA Financing Eligibility to Qualifying BTR Projects

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced a significant policy change that expands Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance eligibility to qualifying build-to-rent (BTR) communities. Effective immediately, professionally managed rental developments consisting of detached single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes are eligible for FHA-insured financing under the same general framework as traditional multifamily properties.

Articles

Financing a Build-to-Rent Community Through Construction, Lease-Up, and Stabilization

Single-family rentals (SFR) now house 41% of the U.S. renter population, according to Rentometer Mid-Year Report 2025: National Trends in Single-Family Rental Markets. Arbor provides investors with short-term and long-term SFR financing to meet this growing demand. Whether a sponsor is developing a build-to-rent (BTR) community, holding an SFR portfolio long-term, or acquiring assets to rehab, Arbor finances build-to-rent (BTR) communities across construction, lease-up, and stabilization under one lender relationship, backed by the strength of an $802 million BTR collateralized loan obligation Arbor closed in May 2025.

Articles

Why Top Multifamily Lenders Practice Disciplined Underwriting

Every multifamily lender says it underwrites conservatively, but few follow a truly disciplined approach. Arbor Realty Trust’s own record is a case in point, with 19 consecutive years in the Top 10 Fannie Mae Multifamily DUS Lenders, a top-three ranking in Freddie Mac’s Conventional Small program, and an upgraded Commercial Special Servicer rating from Fitch Ratings in January 2026.

Investment

Special Report Fall 2026

Arbor Realty Trust’s Special Report Fall 2026, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, leverages data-driven research to detail the state of the rental housing market. Amid headwinds, multifamily remained resilient in a selective investment environment favoring disciplined underwriting and market selection. Attractive entry points for well-positioned investors continue to populate the road ahead.

Analysis

U.S. Multifamily Market Snapshot — September 2026

The U.S. multifamily market remains on stable footing in a mixed macroeconomic climate. Rent growth continued to trend upward through the second quarter, while apartment fundamentals remained resilient amid slowing employment growth and elevated vacancies.

Current Reports

Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q3 2026

Arbor’s latest Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report highlights how this commercial real estate sector performed resiliently in the face of adversity last quarter. Even as policy uncertainty created new headwinds, firm operating fundamentals drove SFR forward.

Articles

Build-to-Rent Activity Remained Elevated Amid Policy Uncertainty

Build-to-rent (BTR) development remained resilient in a complicated operating environment last quarter as production continued to normalize, according to newly released U.S. Census Bureau data. Despite political uncertainty, higher capital costs, and other headwinds, BTR maintained a historically high share of new single-family construction.

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Home | Our Team | John J. Bishar

John J. Bishar

Executive Vice President, Senior Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Head shot of John J. Bishar Executive Vice President, General Counsel

John Bishar is Arbor’s Executive Vice President, Senior Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In this capacity, he provides advice, counsel and guidance to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arbor, the Company’s Senior Management team and its Board of Directors. Mr. Bishar also serves as Corporate Secretary of Arbor.

Mr. Bishar brings nearly 50 years of legal expertise to the Arbor companies. He has spent significant parts of his career in both private practice and as general counsel for institutions. He had been a partner in the law firm of Cullen and Dykman LLP, serving as Managing Partner for 10 years and as a member of the firm’s executive committee. He has also served as General Counsel of National Grid U.S.A., one of the largest distributors of electricity and natural gas in the Northeast U.S., KeySpan Corporation, a predecessor to National Grid, and Long Island Trust Company.

Mr. Bishar is a graduate of Georgetown University and Fordham University School of Law. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Long Island YMCA and on the Board of Trustees of Molloy University.

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