Ryan McArdle

Co-Owner @thepalomargroup, leading RE Investment Sales firm. Husband, dad of 7, youth soccer coach. Blending business & family life.

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

What’s the right mix of debt and equity?

We recently completed a portfolio review for one of our long-time NNN investors. As this investor approaches retirement, they are considering selling a few assets and paying down debt on others to prepare for the transition to a more fixed income. Without regular income as a backstop in worst-case scenarios, such as tenants failing to pay rent, mitigating risk has become a top priority.

As a strong advocate for using debt to enhance returns, I’m curious—what do you consider a comfortable loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for a retiree?

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

We continue to hear mixed reviews from buyers and sellers regarding the validity and consistency of using cell phone data to track store visits and its correlation to sales.

In one recent deal, the data suggested a correlation of approximately $56 per visit, while in another deal involving a similar brand and market, it was closer to $28 per visit.

What’s been your experience with this type of data? Have you found it reliable in predicting sales performance?

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

Prayers for all of my fiends, colleagues, their families and neighbors in the LA market as they deal with the incredible devastation this week and in trying to move forward in the weeks and months ahead.

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

Well that was fast…to go from closing all stores last month to sold this week.

In all honesty though, Roses is probably the best operating group to take over @BigLots .

https://t.co/Zyh12RkcKq

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

I forgot @thepalomargroup Happy Hours already planned for Atlanta and Charleston. Where else should we be breaking bread?

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

What’s on your calendar for 2025, and what should I be adding to mine?

Kicking off the year strong with some go to events already lined up!
•ICSC OAC, Charlotte, Vegas, Florida, and NYC
•X Team Retail Advisors Annual Conference, Regional Meeting, and Partners Meetings

Where will you be in 2025? Let’s connect.

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

Today sets the foundation for the rest of the season.

For me, getting back to my morning routine is crucial. It’s where I find focus, clarity, and momentum to tackle the day ahead. Success isn’t random—it’s built on the habits we commit to consistently.

What habits are you starting (or restarting) today to set yourself up for success this spring?

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

As we dive into the first real day of the new year tomorrow, it’s clear that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. However, I’m already seeing a significant return to transaction activity with a sheet full of offers within the first two days of taking out our first deal of the year, and it’s encouraging to anticipate that deals will continue to get done, even if interest rates hold steady for quite some time.

This year, my hope is that our team can lock in, stay focused, and work together to execute on both our individual and corporate goals. I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead in 2025—the opportunities to strengthen existing relationships, build new ones, and get deals across the finish line with both long-time and first-time clients.

To everyone in the industry: I wish you nothing but success this year. Let’s make the most of it. If you’re looking to strategize early in the year on how to navigate the market and prosper together, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a productive, collaborative, and rewarding 2025!

Let’s get to work!

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

Who do you think is leading the way in the CRE tech space right now, particularly when it comes to fundraising and investment hosting?

I’m curious to hear your thoughts—whether you’re on the sponsor or investor side. Who have you worked with, and what have you liked (or maybe disliked) about the platforms you’ve used?

Names like Fundrise, RealtyMogul, and Juniper Square come to mind, but I’d love to get a broader perspective of the space right now.

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

A federal judge blocked Kroger from acquiring Albertsons, siding with Biden administration antitrust enforcers https://t.co/z5y5nD4qj5

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

Volume in Q1 2025 is beginning to come together in a big way! 2 deals Under Contract and 5 BOVs this week alone by our team!

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

@PeterLBlock Thanks. I thought so. Any thoughts I may have missed about the trends and what it means for the next 4 years?

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

A quick dive into multi-tenant retail transactions over the past 40 years compared to builds and the president/party in office at the time revealed some intriguing trends:

- In the 80s, the mall era, recessions, and slow recoveries kept transaction volumes low.

- The 90s brought diversified suburban retail and institutional investment (hello REITs!), driving growth.

- Party affiliation or who was in office didn’t seem to have a strong impact on trends.

- Projections suggest volumes could return to levels seen during Obama’s second term (2013–2016) over the next 4 years.

- A 6% increase over Biden’s term feels low, while a 23% jump from Trump’s last term seems surprisingly high.

- Construction of these multi-tenant shopping centers saw a sharp downshift during the first Obama term between 2009 and 2012 and has not recovered since.

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

Last night, I attended a youth basketball game between two Christian schools. Due to a referee shortage, we had only one ref for some of the games. Before the games started, the AD asked the crowd for patience and understanding—a request that should already be a given, especially considering the setting.

But, sadly, not everyone could hold back. Throughout the night, there were moments of yelling and screaming from the crowd about what they thought were missed calls. Maybe this happens more often than I realize, but the tight quarters of a basketball gym make it impossible to ignore.

As a parent and a coach, I see sports as an incredible platform for kids to learn critical life lessons: how to face tough opponents, how to be good teammates, how to win with grace, and how to roll with the punches—yes, even bad calls.

I don’t say all this to call these parents out, as I’m sure we have all been there a time or two. But here’s the thing: as parents, we have a choice. We can let our kids learn these lessons and grow through adversity, or we can bulldoze every obstacle in their way to shield them from challenges.

In business and as a parent, I know which path I’m committed to: let them learn. Adversity builds resilience, and resilience shapes character.

At Palomar, we’ve certainly faced our fair share of adversity over the last two years. But just like in sports, those challenges have made us stronger and more prepared for whatever comes next.

To my colleagues, many of whom are also raising kids, the same lessons apply. Whether it’s in the office or at home, embrace the tough moments and trust the process. Adversity, whether it’s a missed call or a business hurdle, is where real growth happens.

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

What if you bought that house with an interest rate in the 2’s and in a market where taxes are low compared to national averages? Or treated it like an investment from the start and got a below market deal negotiated? Further, what if you can utilize the Augusta rule, and get 2/3 of your annual mortgage covered with a week’s rental?

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

Communication.

As my partners and I gathered for our annual meeting yesterday to review the year and plan for the year ahead, two key themes dominated the discussion: communication and organization.

Communication is fundamental to success in almost every relationship—whether at home, on the sports field, or in business. It’s not something you solve overnight but a skill that requires constant attention and fine-tuning based on the audience.

In our business, with three partners, differing opinions can sometimes create confusion—similar to when kids ask mom and dad the same question and get different answers. While we haven’t completely cracked the code on this, we’re committed to improving communication and organization in the coming year. The goal is to create a better experience for both our employees and our clients.

What are your best strategies for improving communication and organization within teams or partnerships?

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

Having boys is great, but I’m still looking for an off switch, or at least just a medium high setting. What weekend rest? Lets go!

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

Our Q3 Single Tenant Trends Report is out!

If you're interested in seeing how this market has evolved over the past year and what it could mean for your assets moving forward, give it a read.

Reach out to discuss how we can help refine your strategy in the year ahead!

https://t.co/yBzk1cfaLC

[Ryan McArdle @RyanAtPalomar]

We’re seeing strong lending trends with life companies, alternative lenders, and the CMBS market making double-digit YoY gains, while traditional lenders and community banks scale back. New momentum and opportunities are emerging across retail assets and beyond. Need financing? Reach out to see how we can connect you with our lending partners.