Analysis

U.S. Multifamily Market Snapshot — February 2025

The U.S. multifamily sector finished 2024 with the wind at its sails, as the market settled into a more normalized cycle. Rental demand continued to be driven by solid wage growth and household formation, as well as high home prices leading many would-be-homebuyers to consider lifestyle renting.

Articles

FHA Multifamily Case Study: Closing Loans Amid Uncertainty

In times of volatility, it pays to have support from a team willing to go the extra mile. Whether it’s meeting tight deadlines or ensuring all requirements are met, Arbor’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Underwriting department remains committed to helping borrowers secure loans that expand rental housing opportunities for Americans.

Analysis

Top U.S. Multifamily Rent Growth Markets — Q4 2024

The U.S. multifamily market held steady in a more normalized cycle during the third quarter of 2024. Rental demand remained strong, while new leaders emerged among the top markets for rent growth.

Articles

CREFC Miami 2025: Young Professionals Network Fosters Career Growth

Networking and attending industry conferences to learn trends and insights are among the most advantageous ways young commercial real estate finance professionals can advance in their careers. This year, Gabriel Rondon, Analyst, Structured Asset Management at Arbor and a CRE Finance Council (CREFC) Young Professionals Network member, was selected as one of the network’s ambassadors at CREFC Miami, giving him a golden opportunity to expand his professional horizons.

Articles

The Single-Family Rental Sector Returns to Growth Mode

Although the single-family rental (SFR) sector’s profile expanded after the 2007-2010 subprime mortgage crisis, the number of its households slid between 2016 and 2020 as many rentals transitioned into owner-occupied homes. Following a period of pandemic-related uncertainty, SFR has returned to growth mode, increasing its number of households for the second time in three years.

Investment

Special Report Spring 2025: Optimism on the Rise

Arbor’s Special Report Spring 2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, covers the state of the U.S. rental housing market on the cusp of a new cycle. After a year of steady growth, favorable trends put wind in the sector’s sails, giving rise to budding optimism. With the economic landscape shifting, the rental housing market’s resilient performance in 2023 and 2024 provides a solid foundation for continued growth.

Analysis

Affordable Housing Market Snapshot — Winter 2024-2025

Continually challenged by low inventory, affordable housing sits at a crossroads following the 2024 election. Incoming leadership plans to introduce market-based principles to an agenda that may also include an expanded Housing Choice Voucher program.

Articles

How Lifecycle Commercial Loan Servicers Enhance Multifamily Borrowing

A loan closing is only the beginning of the borrower-lender relationship. Partnering with a lifecycle lender that also services its loans gives borrowers continuity from origination through servicing. Throughout the life of the loan, borrowers can benefit from in-house commercial loan servicers’ tailored solutions and superior customer service, which are hallmarks of a strong long-term partnership.

General: 800.ARBOR.10 | Financing: 833.578.7554 | Servicing: 877.952.7267

Home | Senior Team | Ryan Nichols

Ryan Nichols

Senior Vice President, 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.