Walker & Dunlop

On Oct. 25, 2023, Walker & Dunlop, Inc., a well-regarded industry name in multifamily property sales, announced that it arranged the sale of the Zia Sunnyside Apartments, fetching a sum of $161 million. The investment transactions of this premium asset, a 434-unit Class A apartment community perfectly positioned in a high-growth area with easy access to downtown Denver, is just another triumph in its eight decades of legacy.

In the current real estate market, shaped by rising interest rates and shrinking supply, this deal is a testament to Walker & Dunlop’s excellence in offering impactful results despite lingering market fluctuations. As a top-tier commercial real estate finance and advisory services firm in the U.S., it’s ideally positioned to provide a broad spectrum of services, from delivering capital market consulting, investment opportunities, valuations, and loan servicing to asset management.

This scaled publicly traded firm is the largest direct capital lender for Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). The duo consistently captures 40 to 50 percent of the market share each year in lending. Walker & Dunlop ranks as the nation’s third-largest lender of multifamily properties according to Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), solidifying its position as a reliable partner for these big corporations.

The firm’s loan portfolio also includes thousands of loans originated for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), life insurance companies, and own bridge lending programs. For instance, at the end of the third quarter of 2023, the servicing portfolio is at an impressive 129$ billion. With these accolades, it is not an exaggeration to say that Walker & Dunlop currently holds the nametag as the largest GSE lender in the U.S.

But how does the firm manage to sustain this impressive success streak consistently?

“The Walker & Dunlop difference lies in the combination of access to large capital networks and a high touch approach to tailoring financial solutions for clients,” says Willy Walker, chairman and CEO. “We actively function as the extension of our client’s team.”

For both multifamily investors and owners, the firm emphasizes that the first crucial step is to understand their vision. It takes an unbiased, integrated approach to scrutinize all nuances and then delivers highly customized financial solutions. An expert analyst is assigned to each loan in its portfolio, giving borrowers a single point of contact and a trusted advisor for answering service-related queries. Whether loan origination, refinancing, or complex repositioning, its advisors are renowned for unrivaled execution.

Walker & Dunlop walks hand in hand with clients even in the post-approval process, emphasizing that the post-financing borrower relationship is pivotal to ensure client satisfaction and success. It has established a separate asset management team to handle payment remittance and relevant back-office operations.

The meticulous back-office work and ongoing interactions with borrowers ensure the smooth functioning of mortgage down the line (5, 10, or 15 years). This extensive client-centric services guarantee that the property’s condition aligns with the terms and conditions agreed upon for loan initiation.

“We’re responsible for ensuring accuracy in payment amounts when borrowers make mortgage payments,” says Walker. “As a trusted, valued lender, we need to distribute these payments to various investors who have invested in the mortgage security.”

The firm’s approach to maintaining high client satisfaction is a win-win arrangement for every stakeholder in the loop. Such a high touch is a key contributor to its remarkable growth and market position.

Walker & Dunlop attributes the success of its client-centric business model to in-house experts. Seasoned bankers, brokers, and client-facing business units—a family of 1400— contribute to a culture that prioritizes customer service and execution. They strive to keep a pulse on the latest trends, giving clients first-hand insights for informed transaction decisions. The harmonious blend of personalized services and unparalleled fund performance distinguishes Walker & Dunlop in the commercial real estate lending landscape dominated by big names.