NEWPORT BEACH, CA—Refinancing remains an attractive option for multifamily borrowers, with rates low and terms competitive among funding sources, Greystone's managing director Tom Meunier tells GlobeSt.com. As we reported last week, Meunier joined the firm's Newport Beach office to focus on originating new multifamily mortgage loans across the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, CMBS and bridge platforms on the West Coast. We spoke exclusively with him about his new role, the new role of the mortgage industry in Orange County and trends he is seeing in the multifamily lending space.

GlobeSt.com: What do you hope to accomplish in your new role with Greystone?

Meunier: With the benefit of Greystone's established presence on the West Coast and its broad lending platform, I will be able to offer a one-stop-shop experience for property owners looking to refinance or acquire.

GlobeSt.com: What trends do you see happening in the multifamily lending space?

Meunier: Refinancing is still an attractive option with rates remaining low and terms being competitive among funding sources, so we are seeing a fair amount of activity in this arena.

GlobeSt.com: What role do you think the mortgage industry currently plays in the Orange County business sector since the recession and recovery?

Meunier: We've seen a lot more liquidity coming form the banks in the past few years since the recession, so mortgage-loan terms are more competitive than ever. With competition comes more flexibility, which benefits borrowers immensely. In terms of the business sector in our region, mortgage lending has been a healthy, active participant over the past few years, and we expect that to continue.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about your company?

Meunier: Greystone has a significant presence on the West Coast (from Seattle to San Diego), and we are very active in both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lending. More recently, the Freddie Mac Small Balance Loan product has been generating significant interest and is very competitive against the West Coast banks. We began offering this as one of the first approved lenders last fall and closed the first two loans under the program.