In this special episode of The TreppWire Podcast, we’re joined by John Barkidjija, Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Specialty Finance at Byline Bank. Better known to our listeners as Dr. Debt Yield, John shares why the debt yield metric remains a cornerstone in CRE and reflects on the moment it became his preferred tool for analyzing real estate. He offers valuable lessons from navigating market downturns from the Great Financial Crisis (GFC) and explains how his legal background fuels a creative approach to problem-solving. The discussion covers key macroeconomic forces driving market uncertainty, from interest rate volatility and tariff impacts to the growing influence of AI. We also explore delinquency resolutions, recent shifts in bank regulatory reporting, and John’s outlook on potential interest rate cuts. Tune in now.

Episode Notes

• Background & Start in CRE (1:50)

• Importance of the Debt Yield Metric (6:50)

• Macro Factors Impacting CRE Uncertainty (11:10)

• The Role of AI & Office Implications (14:17)

• Lessons from Down Cycles (18:10)

• Good & Bad Resolutions in Delinquencies (24:47)

• Bank Regulation Reporting Change (35:37)

• Fed Interest Rate Decision Prediction (38:33)

• Shoutouts (41:54)

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