CHICAGO-Fannie Mae reports it is having "an awesome year" in loan production but even that company concedes there are challenges ahead in 2001 as the pace of business accelerates while some markets soften.

CHICAGO-A loan closing checklist and clearer guidelines on what mortgage documents are kept and by whom should make commercial mortgage-backed securities better investments, those involved in a joint task force say.

CHICAGO-The Amhurst Lake Business Park in Waukegan, Crystal Lake Business Park in Crystal Lake, Spring Lake Business Park in Itasca and Windham Lakes Business Park in Romeoville are being sold.

CHICAGO-With a delinquency rate three times higher than the rest of the commercial mortgage industry, health care facilities are being eyed with increasing skepticism by loan servicers who may have to deal with operation issues.

CHICAGO-Multifamily rental housing remains an attractive sector in this market but Marcus & Millichap senior vice president Greg A. Moyer cautions brokers to pick their sellers wisely and beware of more conservative lenders.

CHICAGO-After giving up space in 100 N. Riverside Plaza to make way for Boeing Corp., Morton International finds 78,060 across the Chicago River in Prentiss Properties' 123 N. Wacker Dr.

SCHAUMBURG, IL-The pharmaceutical giant takes space in Hines Interests LP's 425 N. Martingale Rd. in this northwest suburb. Meanwhile, Navigators Management Co. opens an office at 2300 N. Barrington Rd. in neighboring Hoffman Estates.

CHICAGO-The financial market takes additional space at 440 S. LaSalle St. under terms of a 13-year lease with building owner Travelers Insurance Co. in the third-largest lease deal of 2001 in this market.