A 40-year veteran of the commercial real estate industry, Stan Sonenshine is the president of Atlanta-based Preferred Real Estate Funds. In today’s Four on Friday, we discuss his firm, current investor demand, his considerable community involvement and the book he’s currently reading.
Many thanks to Stan for his time and insight.
HS: Give us an overview of Preferred Real Estate Funds.
Sonenshine: Preferred Real Estate Funds devises and implements strategies for individuals, family and private funds with an interest in commercial real estate investments.
HS: In which property sectors and geographic areas are you seeing the strongest investor demand? Do you expect that to change at all in the coming year?
Sonenshine: Investor demand currently is strongest for multifamily properties and core industrial, retail and office properties that offer stable cash flow. Due to high pricing, the demand should start to shift to more Class B and C assets. Expect retail to be the weak sister for the foreseeable future.
HS: You are very active in the Atlanta community. What are the organizations and causes that you are particularly passionate about?
Sonenshine: I am active in the Community Assistance Center, which helps needy families in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, where I live. I’m also very active in the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which ensures strong ties between the U.S. and Israel and supports numerous Jewish non-profits.
HS: What book are you currently reading, and would you recommend it to others?
Sonenshine: Currently reading “The Prime Ministers” by Yehuda Avner. Reads like fiction. It’s long, but I highly recommend it to those interested in some insights into Israel history since statehood.