Nov 06, 2025

NAIOP Washington looks to crystal ball

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Brokers will convene on Nov. 12 at the next monthly breakfast confab hosted by NAIOP Washington. The events begins at 8 a.m. at the Westin Seattle. Four brokers on the panel are charged with answering a weighty question: “How will borrowing costs, changing market dynamics, and global economic pressures continue to impact the CRE market into 2026 and beyond?” Reading the tea leaves will be CBRE's Tom Pehl, JLL's Lisa Stewart, Real Retail's Maria Royer and Jeff Forsberg from NAI Puget Sound Properties. Details and registration: naiopwa.org

Avatar Financial Group

Williams

Bridge lender Avatar Financial Group announced its recent hiring of Matt Williams, who joins the firm as a director of capital markets. Avatar is based here in Seattle; Williams will work out of the regional office in North Carolina. In addition to holding an MBA from Texas A&M University, Williams recently completed a 20-year stint in the U.S. Army, where he earned a Medal of Honor for his service in Afghanistan. Avatar's said TR Hazelrigg IV said of the hire, “Matt brings a rare combination of strategic focus, operational excellence, and personal integrity that aligns perfectly with our values at Avatar.”

Colliers

Wayne

Colliers says that veteran broker Sam Wayne has returned to the firm, now as senior VP in charge of its multifamily division, after several years at Cushman & Wakefield. Wayne explained the decision thusly: “I came back to Colliers because this is the right platform to build something big. Seattle multifamily is at an inflection point. Investors want more than brokerage. They want a partner who can anticipate shifts, source the right capital and unlock value others overlook. That's the platform we're creating here.” The firm said in the press release that “Wayne will assemble a high-performing team focused on investment sales, land development and joint-venture equity.”

CFRE Commercial Real Estate

Nakamura

Late last month, CFRE Commercial Real Estate announced that Ross Nakamura had newly joined the firm as a broker. Gary Hunter leads and founded the brokerage, and said of its new member, “Ross' broad experience and commitment to delivering results align perfectly with our approach.” Nakamura added, “I look forward to helping clients navigate complex real estate decisions and maximize the value of their investments.”