In the News—Week of February 9, 2026

Thomas Title & Escrow successfully closed an 8 Asset $60,000,000.00 industrial portfolio transaction spanning multiple properties throughout the Phoenix, Arizona. The acquisition involved Zenith Acquisitions, who is backed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, as the Buyer and Hanson Capital Group as the Seller which included industrial assets located along University Drive, South 19th Avenue, South 15th Avenue, South 43rd Avenue, and East Corona Avenue. This complex, multi-parcel transaction highlights continued investor confidence in Phoenix’s industrial market and required careful coordination across multiple entities and stakeholders. The deal was expertly managed by Senior Commercial Escrow Officer Bryan Selna, with support from the Thomas Title & Escrow team, ensuring a smooth and timely closing from start to finish.

Foreign investors see Manhattan CRE as safe investment, SL Green CEO says

SL Green Realty, Manhattan’s largest office landlord, calls foreign investor interest in New York real estate strong and widespread, CoStar reports. Following recent meetings across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, CEO Marc Holliday noted that Manhattan properties are viewed as safe, treasury-like investments offering attractive double-digit returns. Despite concerns about New York’s new mayor and potential policy changes, the company emphasizes that strong market fundamentals are driving investment confidence, particularly as the city achieved its best office leasing volume since 2019.

Growing metro areas help Texas grab 25% share of nation’s retail development

Texas is experiencing significant retail construction growth, with about 25% of retail development in the U.S. occurring in the state last year, Marketplace.org reports. This boom is driven by rapid population growth and suburban expansion, particularly in cities like Dallas, Houston and Austin, where new grocery stores anchor large shopping centers that serve growing residential areas. Modern retail developments increasingly incorporate entertainment venues, fitness facilities and other amenities beyond traditional shopping. However, experts anticipate some cooling in construction activity due to nationwide job growth slowdowns, high building costs and immigration policy impacts on both construction labor and consumer demand.

Microsoft leasing activity shores up office market in suburbs of Seattle

Microsoft’s lease renewal of nearly 400,000 square feet at Redmond Town Center, along with its reoccupation of space at Millennium Corporate Park, is helping stabilize the Eastside office market near Seattle, Geekwire reports. The tech giant’s commitment to maintaining its remaining office footprint coincides with its three-day return-to-office policy that began rolling out this month. While Microsoft and Amazon’s office decisions significantly influence the market’s recovery, overall vacancy rates on the Eastside remain elevated at 21.8%, with downtown Bellevue seeing 25.4% vacancy. Meanwhile, newer tech companies like OpenAI, Snap and Anduril are increasingly choosing the Eastside over Seattle, attracted by modern office spaces and a strong tech workforce.