Lenders’ ability to extend and pretend is being tested as the Fed keeps interest rates higher for longer. That’s cementing direct lenders’ position in the ever-evolving financing arena. For several quarters now, the commercial real estate sector has been grappling with the repercussions of persistently high interest rates. Higher-for-longer interest…

National lender Avatar Financial Group this week hired Richard Caldwell as director of originations to further boost its lending and underwriting capabilities. Caldwell will be based in Northern California and focus on originating and underwriting commercial real estate loans, business development and expanding Avatar's national platform. Caldwell joined the firm…

Seattle-based Avatar Financial Group has provided an $8.4 million bridge loan for the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree hotel on the city’s southwest side. The property consists of three buildings with a total of 460 rooms. Amenities include three food-and-beverage options, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center and 40,000…