This unprecedented financial backing will provide vital resources for the center’s executive director, Yvonne Baker, a seasoned real estate professional who took on her role in April 2021. Baker, appointed in part due to her longstanding professional relationship with Lindquist, is now honored with the title Brett C. Lindquist Executive Director, highlighting her contributions to both the center and the wider academic community.
Lindquist, who co-founded The Mortgage Firm, reflects fondly on his time at FSU, noting the profound impact the institution had on his professional achievements. He asserts that his philanthropic endeavors are driven by a desire to give back to a community that has greatly influenced his career.
Lindquist’s gift also forms part of a series of donations made alongside his wife, Cindy Lindquist, which have supported various projects within the university, including the Brett C. and Cynthia R. Lindquist Classroom in Legacy Hall. Beyond financial contributions, Lindquist is actively involved with FSU, frequently mentoring students, speaking at events, and utilizing his industry expertise for the university’s benefit.
His contributions are pivotal as the College of Business celebrates multiple anniversaries, including the 40th year of the FSU Real Estate Center and the 50th anniversary of the real estate program. The Brett C. Lindquist Endowed Directorship is a part of the broader strategic effort to sustain the program’s position among the top ten public university real estate programs in the United States.
Lindquist envisions his investment as a means to cultivate enduring relationships between academia and the commercial real estate sector, ensuring that students receive quality education bolstered by real-world insights and opportunities.
“`
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Flood insurance premiums across Florida are climbing fast, with more than 80% of NFIP policyholders seeing annual increases under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0. Some counties now face hikes exceeding $3,500 per year, adding pressure in a state where homeowners insurance already averages nearly $11,000 annually. As risk-based pricing takes hold and climate impacts intensify, Florida homeowners — and the real estate pros who advise them — must prepare for continued premium growth and major county‑to‑county disparities.
As insurers step into 2026, the property and casualty market shows its first signs of real stability after several turbulent years. Q4 results reveal disciplined underwriting, cooling rate hikes, and steady premium growth across major carriers. Commercial lines show selective momentum, personal lines begin to level out, and AI-driven efficiency becomes the industry’s new engine for profitability. With catastrophe losses moderating and tech adoption accelerating, professionals across insurance, real estate, and finance can expect a pivotal year—and an ideal moment to sharpen their skills through continuing education.
A new CBRE survey shows that most U.S. commercial real estate investors expect to increase their property purchases in 2026, signaling renewed confidence and market stabilization. Dallas remains the nation’s top target for the fifth straight year, followed by high‑growth metros like Atlanta, San Francisco, Miami, Charlotte, Raleigh‑Durham, Nashville, Tampa, Seattle, and New York City. These cities continue to draw strong investor interest due to population growth, business expansion, and robust development activity.
Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky says the state's turbulent property insurance market is finally calming, with Florida posting the lowest rate increases in the nation last year. Yet rising home replacement costs mean many homeowners won’t see relief in their premiums just yet. With Citizens Insurance shrinking, new legislative priorities emerging, and long‑term reforms taking hold, Florida’s real estate and insurance professionals are entering 2026 with cautious optimism and a clearer picture of what’s ahead.
A new CBRE survey shows investor optimism surging as 95% plan to buy more or the same amount of commercial real estate in 2026, with over half increasing their capital allocation. Stabilizing values, improving fundamentals, and expected relief in debt costs are driving renewed confidence, putting markets like Dallas, Atlanta, and Tampa in the spotlight as multifamily and industrial assets lead demand.
Artificial intelligence has moved from industry buzzword to essential mortgage‑lending tool, reshaping how loan officers work, communicate and compete. From smarter lead targeting to rapid content creation and CRM‑powered automation, AI is now the dividing line between lenders who scale efficiently and those stuck in manual workflows. This article breaks down why AI adoption is no longer optional, how top lenders are using it and what mortgage professionals must do now to stay competitive.
