Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Legal Precision Meets Opportunistic Investing: How Savvy Real-Estate Investors Can Maximize Returns in Today’s Distressed Market

By Chris Zona
August 31, 2025

In today’s climate of rising interest rates, stretched borrower balance sheets, and starkly uneven recovery across asset classes, defaulted loans have emerged as a prime hunting ground for investors with legal acumen. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, nearly $1 trillion in outstanding commercial mortgages will mature in 2025 — a number that is expected to rise in 2026 — and, at the same time, delinquencies are climbing far above historical norms. This has created a significant refinancing challenge and is increasing the divide between trophy assets and distressed properties.

Capturing this opportunity requires more than a blunt foreclosure “hammer” — it demands a surgical enforcement playbook that begins with pinpointing enforceable covenants, moves through a layered notice campaign, ensures lien perfection via UCC-1 filings, and remains open to value-preserving workouts such as deeds-in-lieu, short sales, and forbearance agreements with equity kickers. In an era of uneven recovery and rising delinquencies, investors who marry legal precision with creative workout options will unlock off-market opportunities and maximize risk-adjusted returns.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.