Your Trusted Houston Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

Viking Enterprise LLC is part of eXp Commercial, an agent-led, cloud-based commercial real estate brokerage with agents across the globe.

Your Trusted Katy / Fulshear & Houston Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

Viking Enterprise LLC is part of eXp Commercial, an agent-led, cloud-based commercial real estate brokerage with agents across the globe.

Looking to invest, buy, sell or lease? We can help.

Looking to invest, buy, sell or lease? We can help.

OUR FEATURED TENANTS & CLIENTS

eXp Commercial - Viking Enterprise Team's real estate network provides unparalleled commercial real estate services to Tenants and Landlords around the Katy- Houston area. Our knowledge, experience, and reputation sets us apart from many firms.


A commercial property owner might have various plans that would necessitate the services of a commercial real estate broker. Some of the common scenarios include:

1. Selling the Property: If the owner decides it’s time to sell the property, a commercial real estate broker can help determine the market value, market the property effectively, and negotiate with potential buyers to get the best possible price.

2. Leasing Space: For property owners looking to lease out part or all of their commercial space, a broker can help find suitable tenants, negotiate lease terms, and ensure the lease agreements meet all legal requirements and serve the owner’s best interests.

3. Acquiring More Properties: Owners looking to expand their portfolio would benefit from a broker's knowledge of the market, access to listings, and negotiation skills to secure additional properties at favorable terms.

4. Property Management: While not all brokers offer this service, some commercial real estate brokers or their affiliates offer property management services. This can be particularly appealing for owners who prefer a hands-off approach or are managing properties from a distance.

5. Market Analysis: Owners considering future developments, renovations, or rebranding of their property might engage a broker for a comprehensive market analysis. This helps in understanding current market trends, the demand for different types of spaces, and potential returns on investment for various strategies.

6. Refinancing: In situations where a property owner is looking to refinance their property, a commercial real estate broker can provide valuable insights into the property’s current market value, assist in gathering necessary documentation, and even help in finding the best financing options.

7. Partnership or Investment Opportunities: Owners interested in exploring partnerships, joint ventures, or seeking investors for expansion or development projects might use a broker to find and vet potential partners or investors.

8. Consulting on Zoning and Use Changes: When contemplating a change in the use of the property or dealing with zoning issues, a broker with experience in local regulations and the specific property type can provide guidance and strategic planning assistance.

9. Exit Strategy Planning: For owners looking to plan an exit strategy from their investment, whether it’s through a strategic sale or a gradual winding down of operations, brokers can provide market insights, timing advice, and valuation services to optimize the exit process.

In any of these scenarios, the expertise and services provided by a commercial real estate broker can save the property owner time and money, while also providing access to a wider network of potential buyers, tenants, and industry professionals. Give us a call today!

Reviews

šŸ¦ Higher-for-Longer Interest Rates Are Reshaping CRE Risk—Here’s How to Protect Returns šŸ“Š

šŸ“‰ CRE Risks in a Higher-for-Longer Rate Environment: What Investors Must Reprice Now šŸ¢

December 18, 2025•3 min read

šŸ“‰ CRE Risks in a Higher-for-Longer Rate Environment: What Investors Must Reprice Now šŸ¢


šŸ¦ Higher-for-Longer Interest Rates Are Reshaping CRE Risk—Here’s How to Protect Returns šŸ“Š


CRE Risks in a Higher-for-Longer Rate Environment

What Commercial Investors and Business Owners Must Reprice Now

For more than a decade, commercial real estate benefited from declining interest rates, easy refinancing, and aggressive leverage. That era has ended. Today’s higher-for-longer rate environment is not a temporary disruption—it is a structural reset that is forcing investors, lenders, and business owners to reassess risk across every asset class.

Understanding where CRE risk is increasing—and how to manage it—is essential for protecting cash flow, equity, and long-term exit value.


1. Refinancing Risk Is the Primary Threat

The single largest risk in today’s CRE market is refinancing exposure.

Loans originated between 2019 and 2022 were underwritten at historically low interest rates. As those loans mature:

• Debt service payments are increasing 30–70%
• DSCRs that once cleared lender minimums now fail
• Many properties no longer support prior leverage levels

This is especially acute for office, retail, and value-add multifamily assets with floating-rate or short-term bridge debt.

Key takeaway: A property does not fail because it is ā€œbad.ā€ It fails because the capital stack no longer works.


2. Cap Rate Expansion Is Pressuring Values

Higher interest rates push capitalization rates higher, particularly in assets without strong rent growth or long-term leases.

When cap rates expand:
• Property values decline
• Loan-to-value ratios increase
• Equity cushions shrink or disappear

This dynamic is already visible in older office assets, non-grocery retail, and secondary-market multifamily. Even stabilized assets face valuation pressure if rents cannot grow fast enough to offset higher debt costs.


3. Cash Flow Volatility Is Increasing

Higher rates expose weak operating fundamentals.

Properties with:
• Thin margins
• Short lease terms
• Heavy tenant-improvement exposure
• Rising insurance, tax, and maintenance costs

are far more vulnerable in this environment. Cash flow volatility increases lender scrutiny and limits refinancing options.

In contrast, assets with durable tenants, predictable income, and conservative leverage continue to attract capital.


4. Exit Liquidity Is No Longer Guaranteed

Transaction volume has slowed not because buyers disappeared—but because bid-ask spreads widened.

Sellers anchored to yesterday’s pricing face longer hold periods. Buyers demand higher yields to justify risk.

This creates:
• Longer marketing times
• Fewer competitive bids
• Greater emphasis on seller financing or structured exits

Exit strategy risk must now be modeled years in advance—not assumed.


5. Lender Behavior Has Fundamentally Changed

Banks and institutional lenders are prioritizing balance-sheet protection.

Current trends include:
• Lower leverage limits
• Higher DSCR requirements
• Greater preference for recourse
• More conservative appraisals

Borrowers with weak sponsorship, unclear strategy, or poor documentation are being filtered out early.


Strategic Positioning in a Higher-Rate CRE Market

While risk has increased, opportunity has not disappeared. It has simply become more selective.

Winning strategies include:
• Fixed-rate or long-term debt structures
• Conservative leverage at acquisition
• Assets with pricing power and durable demand
• Markets with population and employment growth

West Houston, Katy, and Fulshear continue to attract capital due to corporate migration, medical expansion, and industrial demand—but deals must be structured correctly.


Final Thought

Higher interest rates do not kill real estate deals. Poor structure does.

The investors who succeed in this cycle will be those who treat capital as a strategic tool—not a commodity—and underwrite risk before the lender does.

If you are evaluating a refinance, acquisition, or exit in today’s market, clarity matters more than optimism.


https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/

https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/houston-cre-navigator

https://www.commercialexchange.com/agent/653bf5593e3a3e1dcec275a6

http://expressoffers.com/[email protected]

https://app.bullpenre.com/profile/1742476177701x437444415125976000

https://author.billrapponline.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F32Z5BH2

https://veed.cello.so/FOmzTty6oi9

https://creplaybookseries.billrapponline.com

https://creplaybook.billrapponline.com/


Ā© 2023-2024 Bill Rapp, Broker Associate, eXp Commercial Viking Enterprise Team


higher for longer interest ratescommercial real estate riskcommercial real estate lendingcre refinancing riskcap rate expansionDSCR commercial loansCRE debt maturity riskHouston Commercial Real EstateKaty Commercial Real EstateFulshear Commercial Real EstateBrookshire Commercial Real EstateRichmond Commercial Real Estatecommercial property valuation riskinterest rate impact on CRE
blog author image

Bill Rapp, CRE Broker

I am a Houston commercial broker, with residential experience, as well as a lending background. I have been in the real estate industry for 14 years and counting, and I have worked in many roles within the industry and each has given me a unique perspective of the industry as a whole. My dedication to clients is rooted in this industry knowledge, but also includes my desire to go the extra mile in networking to source off market opportunities for my clients. Me and my team at eXp Commercial have a cutting-edge technology package that gets the widest exposure for each transaction. eXp Commercial offers a nationwide network through which we can deliver the best exposure and professional advice to achieve our clients’ goals while also minimizing their risk. Clients appreciate my methodical method of discovery in our initial consultation. Through which we can get to know each other and their specific’s business’s needs and objectives on a granular level. Our processes help navigate each transaction and its potential pitfalls through to a successful outcome for our clients. It is my stated goal to provide our clients with extensive market analysis and expertise that fosters innovative solutions and rewarding commercial real estate opportunities.

Back to Blog

eXp Commercial - Viking Enterprise team real estate network provides unparalleled commercial real estate services to Tenants and Landlords around the greater Katy & Houston MSA area. Our knowledge, experience, and reputation sets us apart from many firms.

A commercial property owner might have various plans that would necessitate the services of a commercial real estate broker. Some of the common scenarios include:

1. Selling the Property: If the owner decides it’s time to sell the property, a commercial real estate broker can help determine the market value, market the property effectively, and negotiate with potential buyers to get the best possible price.

2. Leasing Space: For property owners looking to lease out part or all of their commercial space, a broker can help find suitable tenants, negotiate lease terms, and ensure the lease agreements meet all legal requirements and serve the owner’s best interests.

3. Acquiring More Properties: Owners looking to expand their portfolio would benefit from a broker's knowledge of the market, access to listings, and negotiation skills to secure additional properties at favorable terms.

4. Property Management: While not all brokers offer this service, some commercial real estate brokers or their affiliates offer property management services. This can be particularly appealing for owners who prefer a hands-off approach or are managing properties from a distance.

5. Market Analysis: Owners considering future developments, renovations, or rebranding of their property might engage a broker for a comprehensive market analysis. This helps in understanding current market trends, the demand for different types of spaces, and potential returns on investment for various strategies.

6. Refinancing: In situations where a property owner is looking to refinance their property, a commercial real estate broker can provide valuable insights into the property’s current market value, assist in gathering necessary documentation, and even help in finding the best financing options.

7. Partnership or Investment Opportunities: Owners interested in exploring partnerships, joint ventures, or seeking investors for expansion or development projects might use a broker to find and vet potential partners or investors.

8. Consulting on Zoning and Use Changes: When contemplating a change in the use of the property or dealing with zoning issues, a broker with experience in local regulations and the specific property type can provide guidance and strategic planning assistance.

9. Exit Strategy Planning: For owners looking to plan an exit strategy from their investment, whether it’s through a strategic sale or a gradual winding down of operations, brokers can provide market insights, timing advice, and valuation services to optimize the exit process.

In any of these scenarios, the expertise and services provided by a commercial real estate broker can save the property owner time and money, while also providing access to a wider network of potential buyers, tenants, and industry professionals. Give us a call today!

Find the perfect location for your business.

Let us help your business succeed.

šŸ¦ Higher-for-Longer Interest Rates Are Reshaping CRE Risk—Here’s How to Protect Returns šŸ“Š

šŸ“‰ CRE Risks in a Higher-for-Longer Rate Environment: What Investors Must Reprice Now šŸ¢

December 18, 2025•3 min read

šŸ“‰ CRE Risks in a Higher-for-Longer Rate Environment: What Investors Must Reprice Now šŸ¢


šŸ¦ Higher-for-Longer Interest Rates Are Reshaping CRE Risk—Here’s How to Protect Returns šŸ“Š


CRE Risks in a Higher-for-Longer Rate Environment

What Commercial Investors and Business Owners Must Reprice Now

For more than a decade, commercial real estate benefited from declining interest rates, easy refinancing, and aggressive leverage. That era has ended. Today’s higher-for-longer rate environment is not a temporary disruption—it is a structural reset that is forcing investors, lenders, and business owners to reassess risk across every asset class.

Understanding where CRE risk is increasing—and how to manage it—is essential for protecting cash flow, equity, and long-term exit value.


1. Refinancing Risk Is the Primary Threat

The single largest risk in today’s CRE market is refinancing exposure.

Loans originated between 2019 and 2022 were underwritten at historically low interest rates. As those loans mature:

• Debt service payments are increasing 30–70%
• DSCRs that once cleared lender minimums now fail
• Many properties no longer support prior leverage levels

This is especially acute for office, retail, and value-add multifamily assets with floating-rate or short-term bridge debt.

Key takeaway: A property does not fail because it is ā€œbad.ā€ It fails because the capital stack no longer works.


2. Cap Rate Expansion Is Pressuring Values

Higher interest rates push capitalization rates higher, particularly in assets without strong rent growth or long-term leases.

When cap rates expand:
• Property values decline
• Loan-to-value ratios increase
• Equity cushions shrink or disappear

This dynamic is already visible in older office assets, non-grocery retail, and secondary-market multifamily. Even stabilized assets face valuation pressure if rents cannot grow fast enough to offset higher debt costs.


3. Cash Flow Volatility Is Increasing

Higher rates expose weak operating fundamentals.

Properties with:
• Thin margins
• Short lease terms
• Heavy tenant-improvement exposure
• Rising insurance, tax, and maintenance costs

are far more vulnerable in this environment. Cash flow volatility increases lender scrutiny and limits refinancing options.

In contrast, assets with durable tenants, predictable income, and conservative leverage continue to attract capital.


4. Exit Liquidity Is No Longer Guaranteed

Transaction volume has slowed not because buyers disappeared—but because bid-ask spreads widened.

Sellers anchored to yesterday’s pricing face longer hold periods. Buyers demand higher yields to justify risk.

This creates:
• Longer marketing times
• Fewer competitive bids
• Greater emphasis on seller financing or structured exits

Exit strategy risk must now be modeled years in advance—not assumed.


5. Lender Behavior Has Fundamentally Changed

Banks and institutional lenders are prioritizing balance-sheet protection.

Current trends include:
• Lower leverage limits
• Higher DSCR requirements
• Greater preference for recourse
• More conservative appraisals

Borrowers with weak sponsorship, unclear strategy, or poor documentation are being filtered out early.


Strategic Positioning in a Higher-Rate CRE Market

While risk has increased, opportunity has not disappeared. It has simply become more selective.

Winning strategies include:
• Fixed-rate or long-term debt structures
• Conservative leverage at acquisition
• Assets with pricing power and durable demand
• Markets with population and employment growth

West Houston, Katy, and Fulshear continue to attract capital due to corporate migration, medical expansion, and industrial demand—but deals must be structured correctly.


Final Thought

Higher interest rates do not kill real estate deals. Poor structure does.

The investors who succeed in this cycle will be those who treat capital as a strategic tool—not a commodity—and underwrite risk before the lender does.

If you are evaluating a refinance, acquisition, or exit in today’s market, clarity matters more than optimism.


https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/

https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/houston-cre-navigator

https://www.commercialexchange.com/agent/653bf5593e3a3e1dcec275a6

http://expressoffers.com/[email protected]

https://app.bullpenre.com/profile/1742476177701x437444415125976000

https://author.billrapponline.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F32Z5BH2

https://veed.cello.so/FOmzTty6oi9

https://creplaybookseries.billrapponline.com

https://creplaybook.billrapponline.com/


Ā© 2023-2024 Bill Rapp, Broker Associate, eXp Commercial Viking Enterprise Team


higher for longer interest ratescommercial real estate riskcommercial real estate lendingcre refinancing riskcap rate expansionDSCR commercial loansCRE debt maturity riskHouston Commercial Real EstateKaty Commercial Real EstateFulshear Commercial Real EstateBrookshire Commercial Real EstateRichmond Commercial Real Estatecommercial property valuation riskinterest rate impact on CRE
blog author image

Bill Rapp, CRE Broker

I am a Houston commercial broker, with residential experience, as well as a lending background. I have been in the real estate industry for 14 years and counting, and I have worked in many roles within the industry and each has given me a unique perspective of the industry as a whole. My dedication to clients is rooted in this industry knowledge, but also includes my desire to go the extra mile in networking to source off market opportunities for my clients. Me and my team at eXp Commercial have a cutting-edge technology package that gets the widest exposure for each transaction. eXp Commercial offers a nationwide network through which we can deliver the best exposure and professional advice to achieve our clients’ goals while also minimizing their risk. Clients appreciate my methodical method of discovery in our initial consultation. Through which we can get to know each other and their specific’s business’s needs and objectives on a granular level. Our processes help navigate each transaction and its potential pitfalls through to a successful outcome for our clients. It is my stated goal to provide our clients with extensive market analysis and expertise that fosters innovative solutions and rewarding commercial real estate opportunities.

Back to Blog

Find the perfect location for your business.

Let us help your business succeed.

Sign up to receive the latest news on property investment and commercial real estate listings.

Resources


Contact Us

27815 Astoria Brook Ln

Katy, TX 77494 USA


9600 Great Hills Trail, Suite 150w Austin, TX 78759 |
855.450.0324 xx255

Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice Texas Real Estate Commission

Information About Brokerage Services eXp Commercial LLC #9010212

Viking Enterprise LLC #9009614

Sign up to receive the latest news on property investment and commercial real estate listings.


Contact Us

27815 Astoria Brook Ln

Katy, TX 77494 USA

901 S Mopac Expwy, Bldg 2, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78746 | 512.474.5557Texas Real Estate Commission

Consumer Protection Notice Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services Reliance Retail, LLC #603091

Texas RS, LLC #9003193 | RESOLUT RE Is Licensed In Louisiana #0995694083