Outlook 2021: A Year Of Opportunity And Rebuilding

As we embark on the brand new year ahead, there’s a lot to look forward to. The COVID-19 vaccine is becoming more widely available, and we are all eager to return to a more normal experience personally and professionally after a rollercoaster year in 2020. 
 
And while last year, for many, was a year of survival, 2021 will be a year of revival; marked by significant change and opportunity — opportunity to recover, reinvent and prepare for an even brighter future post-COVID. 
 
There are many mixed messages occurring, so I wanted to take a moment to share our outlook at Douglas Wilson Companies including where we are headed and how we at DWC can help. 
 
Where we’re headed
 
The last year brought steep declines in unemployment and GDP across the globe, with governments taking many measures to stimulate their economies, essentially supporting many businesses through the extreme economic downturn. The Federal Reserve’s median GDP growth forecast for 2021 is 4.2%, which indicates a healthy pace, yet a slow climb following negative GDP growth in 2020. 
 
There is no doubt a recovery is in order, but even with the latest round of stimulus, it will not take the shape of the “hockey stick” rebound we had initially hoped for. Rather, the coming year will be one of change — for businesses, for families, for deal making and development. 
 
For many, this change means opportunity, as well as a good time to plan for the future as things stabilize. Families can use this juncture to shore up their estates and transition legacy assets to the next generation. Businesses, especially those tied to real estate (such as hotels), may need to reassess their operations or restructure. Some will be required to make difficult decisions regarding their partnerships, debts and assets — all on this road to recovery. 
 
How we can help 
 
DWC has been through numerous economic cycles and we are here to help educate and guide our national client base, which includes family offices, financial institutions, special servicers, law firms, investors, state and federal courts and various property owners. 
 
To recap our services, we provide: 

• Fiduciary services and problem resolution — We are expert in receiverships of all kinds, including receivership sales of assets conducted through the court approval process. 
• Legacy asset transition — Over the next 10 years, trillions of dollars in legacy asset value — mostly in the form of real estate — will transition from the Baby Boomer generation to a related beneficiary or designated recipient. DWC acts as a fiduciary resource to other professionals in these legacy transition scenarios to create a clear path to allow our legacy portfolio clients to meet the aspirations of the stakeholders.
• Real estate advisory — DWC has extensive experience in all aspects of real estate and has deep experience working on development and construction projects for all product types. We may act as an Owner’s Representative to limit controversy and disruption to any project. 
• Brokerage — DWC’s real estate brokerage division is an industry leader in the disposition of unique and distressed assets in both judicial and non-judicial contexts.