Articles

Build-to-Rent Activity Stabilizes Above Historical Highs

As the single-family rental (SFR) sector has matured, build-to-rent (BTR) has become a key source of new supply. Purpose-built rental communities are absorbing demand from households seeking the space and privacy of single-family living without the financial or lifestyle commitments of homeownership. Newly released U.S. Census Bureau data show that while SFR/BTR construction continued to decline from its 2024 peak through year-end 2025, development activity remains elevated compared to historical norms.

Articles

Why Leading with Authenticity in CRE is a Competitive Advantage

In commercial real estate, long-term financial partnerships drive deals. At the recent Real Estate Pride Roundtable in New York City, CRE leaders shared how living openly with their LGBTQ+ identities has allowed them to lead with authenticity in the boardroom and in life. This Pride Month, Arbor celebrates authenticity in the workplace.

Articles

Dr. Sam Chandan’s State of Rental Housing Spring 2026

In a new video, Dr. Sam Chandan, a leading commercial real estate scholar, expands on the findings of Arbor Realty Trust’s latest Special Report, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics. He shares his expert insight into the state of rental housing in spring 2026. Chandan notes that multifamily is moving toward a state of balance as supply pressures ease and growth trends turn positive. The result, he said, is that selective opportunities are emerging for well-positioned investors in a climate “defined less by dislocation” and “more by normalization.”

Articles

Renters Reassess Homeownership as Affordability Challenges Persist

Homeownership has been an aspiration of generations of Americans, but elevated prices, mortgage rates, and financing hurdles are complicating the typical path to owning a home. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s 2026 Survey of Consumer Expectations Housing Survey, renters are continuing to experience difficulty with mortgage financing and have more measured views about homeownership’s current investment potential. As households reassess the housing market, rental housing demand is the beneficiary.

Current Reports

Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report Q2 2026

Arbor Realty Trust’s latest Small Multifamily Investment Trends Report, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, evaluates what’s driving this sector’s ongoing stability as macroeconomic conditions remain mixed. Loan originations rose last quarter, and valuations are rebounding, signaling that normalization is taking hold.

Articles

Where Labor Market Momentum Outpaces the National Average

Labor market conditions are a foundational driver of rental housing demand, influencing tenant stability and household growth. While the national pace of hiring has moderated, the economies of many metropolitan areas continue to outperform. Expanding on Arbor’s latest Top Markets for Multifamily Investment Report, our research teams highlight the local dynamics supporting growth in several of the country’s strongest-performing multifamily markets.

General: 800.ARBOR.10

Home | Resources & Press | Arbor Announces the Appointment of Maysa Vahidi as EVP, General Counsel

Arbor Announces the Appointment of Maysa Vahidi as EVP, General Counsel

UNIONDALE, NY (June 6, 2022) – Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR), a real estate investment trust and national direct lender specializing in loan origination and servicing for multifamily, single-family rental (SFR) portfolios, seniors housing, healthcare, and other diverse commercial real estate assets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Maysa Vahidi, Executive Vice President, General Counsel.

Ms. Vahidi is responsible for all of Arbor’s corporate legal activities, including providing appropriate legal support on corporate matters, M&A and related transactions, capital markets activity, treasury functions, human resources, marketing, information technology, litigation and all other regulatory issues. She assumes the role from John Bishar, who will now serve as Senior Counsel for a transitional period of time, while continuing as Arbor’s Corporate Secretary for the Board of Directors.

“We look forward to having Maysa as part of our executive team. She comes to Arbor with experience across all facets of real estate, financing and corporate law,” said Ivan Kaufman, Chairman and CEO of Arbor Realty Trust. “We welcome her vast legal expertise across all functions of our business.”

Prior to joining Arbor, Ms. Vahidi served as Associate General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Rockwood Capital, where she provided legal oversight for acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, financings, as well as fundraising, investor relations and corporate governance matters. Ms. Vahidi’s other past work experience includes practicing law at King & Spalding, LLP, as well as Cahill Gordon & Reindel, representing financial institutions in real estate capital markets transactions.

Additionally, Ms. Vahidi is involved in a number of social and civic organizations in New York City and is active in children’s causes including an affiliation with The New York Foundling. She is also a member of the She Builds Committee. Ms. Vahidi holds both a Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude from New York University, College of Arts & Sciences and a Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law.

About Us
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) is a nationwide real estate investment trust and direct lender, providing loan origination and servicing for multifamily, single-family rental (SFR) portfolios, and other diverse commercial real estate assets. Headquartered in Uniondale, New York, Arbor manages a multi-billion-dollar servicing portfolio, specializing in government-sponsored enterprise products. Arbor is a leading Fannie Mae DUS® lender, Freddie Mac Optigo® Seller/Servicer, and an approved FHA Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) lender. Arbor’s product platform also includes bridge, CMBS, mezzanine, and preferred equity loans. Rated by Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Ratings, Arbor is committed to building on its reputation for service, quality, and customized solutions with an unparalleled dedication to providing our clients excellence over the entire life of a loan.

Maysa Vahidi EVP, General Counsel at Arbor

Maysa Vahidi – EVP, General Counsel

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