In this new series, we are sitting down with industry leaders in the commercial real estate market for a more personal conversation to get insight into how they got into the industry and what they have learned. As national head of conventional agency production for Lument’s predecessor Hunt Real Estate Capital, Vic originated more than 700 transactions totaling $9B and led the production team to national recognition.
Prior to joining Hunt, Vic was SVP and southwest regional manager at Walker & Dunlop. Before that, he was a managing director/co-head of national production at Credit Suisse/Column Financial, Inc. He will also be moderating a session at our Crittenden Report Finance Conference in May.
How did you get your start in commercial real estate finance?
I was always fascinated with real estate and architecture from early childhood and wanted to build. I pursued civil engineering early on, but advanced calculus convinced me to try the business side, and I ended up majoring in accounting and getting my CPA. Five years in auditing led me back to my passion for real estate, beginning with a commercial appraisal opportunity that led to the MAI designation. I then joined a startup CMBS lending venture as an analyst and have never looked back. I have been lending and investing in commercial and residential real estate since 1995. I believe it is one of the best careers in the industry.
What do you enjoy most about working in this business?
The people. I have met true finance and real estate visionaries over the years, and the passion they feel is inspiring. Whether lending to developers or building or renovating luxury or affordable housing, the work continues to be rewarding as an integral part of providing quality, safe and diverse housing throughout the U.S.
What is the best advice you have received in your career?
Work hard, always add value, customers come first, take responsibility for getting the job done and never let ego get in the way.
What types of deals are you focused on right now?
Large MHC portfolios, ground-up multifamily construction, distress acquisition opportunities, build-to-rent, office conversion to residential and new hotel developments.
What trends are you seeing in the market today?
Lenders are no longer kicking the can. They are no longer extending loans that are under stress, resulting in forced sales and foreclosures. Some are even renovating and working to stabilize assets before selling to maximize value. Every lending product is being considered, from agency and CMBS to life companies, banks and debt funds. Pricing does not appear to be the deciding factor, as many are focused on flexibility, leverage and customer service.
What are you watching most closely in the year ahead?
It is hard to watch the swings resulting from political unrest that is slowing growth and hurting the housing market. Peak levels of conservative lending constraints at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are fueling a shift to HUD, CMBS and life companies. I am watching rates, the war, the Fed and everything that eventually impacts occupancy and rental rates. I believe 2026 will be a year of true value adjustments as the market resets and lenders force sales and move aggressively to clean up balance sheets. Buying opportunities will increase, and lenders willing to offer services and products that work for clients will be rewarded.
