Deep Dive into Real Estate Analytics with Val Despard

In this episode of The Stash Cast, host Stash Geleszinski sits down with Val Despard, Founder and CEO of Despard Analytics and Director of Financial Analytics for Newmark. Val shares his journey from starting as an analyst in 2007 to founding Despard Analytics, a firm that provides financial modeling and consulting services to commercial real estate professionals.

Val discusses the evolution of his company, the value of senior-level analysts, and the nuances of financial modeling in commercial real estate. The conversation covers various asset classes including office, retail, multifamily, and self-storage, and dives into the complexities of using Excel and Argus for financial analysis.

Listeners will gain insights into the relationship between debt markets and property values, the challenges of office conversions, and the importance of understanding market dynamics. Val also offers valuable advice for investors and brokers on the importance of detailed and accurate financial analysis.

Highlights:

- Val's background and the founding of Despard Analytics

- The value proposition of senior-level analysts in commercial real estate

- Differences between using Excel and Argus for financial modeling

- Impact of debt markets on property values and cap rates

- Challenges and opportunities in the current office market

- Strategies for successful value-add investments

- The role of tax incentives in development deals

- How Despard Analytics can replace or supplement in-house analysts

Guest Info:

- Name: Val Despard

- Title: Founder and CEO of Despard Analytics, Director of Financial Analytics for Newmark

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/val-despard/

- Email: val.despard@despardanalytics.com