Workforce Housing Financing

Take advantage of Arbor’s Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac workforce housing financing products with flexible loan terms and competitive pricing. Arbor’s Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac workforce housing programs offer competitive pricing, underwriting flexibility, and preservation incentives for the development of affordable housing solutions. Partner with a Freddie Mac Top Lender of Workforce Housing Rent Preservation financing to grow your portfolio to discover value-add workforce housing opportunities.

Articles

Build-to-Rent (BTR) Development Continues to Outpace Historical Highs

As single-family rental (SFR) demand has risen, build-to-rent (BTR) development has become more efficient at creating a distinct, community-focused experience for renters. Newly released U.S. Census Bureau data confirms that while the pace of SFR/BTR construction slowed during the second-quarter, development has remained robust compared to historical trends.

Analysis

Small Multifamily Investment Snapshot — September 2025

Core small multifamily performance metrics strengthened in the quarter, including a return to positive annual price gains.

Articles

Arbor’s Innovative BTR CLO Delivers Key Competitive Advantages

Arbor Realty Trust, a perennial innovator in commercial real estate finance, closed a unique $802 million collateralized loan securitization (CLO) in May 2025 that cements the multifamily lender’s position at the forefront of build-to-rent (BTR) financing.

Articles

The Most Active Markets for New Multifamily Development in 2025

After the volume of multifamily permits fell nationally in 2023 and 2024, this year is on pace to be a year of stabilization for multifamily development. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, out of the top 100 largest U.S. metros by population, 47 had more multifamily permits through the first six months of 2025 than they did over the same period last year. Driven by strong underlying multifamily demand, attractive investment opportunities are leading to rebounding construction pipelines. As multifamily permitting rises, we explore the markets where new permits issued are most concentrated and where construction activity is gaining momentum.

Current Reports

Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q3 2025

Arbor’s Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q3 2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, examines the factors behind the continued upward trajectory of the sector amid an ongoing capital markets recalibration. Several of its core performance metrics, including valuations, originations, and credit standards, have shown measurable improvement as a multifamily market-wide normalization takes shape. Supported by strong fundamentals, small multifamily stands tall despite economic uncertainty.

Articles

Arbor’s Proprietary Preferred Equity: A Capital Efficient Strategy for Borrowers

Our pioneering and flexible program is available to all borrowers who qualify for a Freddie Mac Conventional senior loan. Preferred equity amounts, which
generally range from $3 million to $25 million, have a fixed-rate structure, and proceeds can be used for acquisition or refinancing.

Analysis

Top U.S. Multifamily Rent Growth Markets — Q2 2025

As was the case during 2024, the top rent growth markets through the first half of 2025 represented several regions, all with varying strengths and characteristics.

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Home | Management Team | Ryan Nichols

Ryan Nichols

Managing Director, Chief Underwriter, Agency Lending

Ryan Nichols is responsible for overseeing the underwriting pipeline of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac transactions and is a member of Arbor’s Loan Committee.

Mr. Nichols joined Arbor as a screener in 2010 and later moved to the Underwriting department. During his tenure, he has held many roles with the firm, including VP, Deputy Chief Underwriter, Agency Lending and VP, Small Balance Loan Chief Underwriter. As part of the loan committee, Mr. Nichols reviews underwriting packages to ensure sound underwriting and adherence to agency guidelines. He also works directly with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on all preview applications, oversees Arbor’s credit policy on small loans, and is a vital resource to underwriting and sales staff on credit, underwriting and process questions.

Mr. Nichols has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern University and a Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California.