Texas Money Saddles Up in San Francisco: Why Lone Star Investors Are Betting Big on Union Square
San Francisco’s commercial real estate market has been through the wringer—but in a twist nobody saw coming, the cavalry has arrived from Texas. Investors from the Lone Star State are scooping up discounted buildings in Union Square and downtown SF, transforming the city’s post‑pandemic slump into a bargain‑hunter’s dream.
According to a recent report from The SF Standard, Texas capital is flowing into major commercial properties, including the seven‑story One Union Square building and potentially the massive 360,000‑square‑foot tower at 600 California Street—once a key part of WeWork’s empire. Dallas‑based Lone Star Funds is widely believed to be the buyer, though the company isn’t talking. Yet.
Why the Sudden Texas Invasion?
The answer lies in timing and opportunity. Derek Daniels, research director at Colliers, says San Francisco’s ongoing recovery has reignited national interest. The city’s once‑struggling “boom loop” is showing signs of life, and investors across the country are tuning in.
“As the recovery gains momentum, we’re seeing renewed interest from investors outside the region,” Daniels said. He credits Mayor Daniel Lurie for boosting confidence through consistent messaging that SF is back in business.
Union Square: From Ghost Town to Golden Opportunity
Once overshadowed by pandemic closures, Union Square is rapidly regaining traction thanks to rising office leasing activity and renewed foot traffic. Kelly Glass of Avison Young says a new wave of buyers is stepping in with enthusiasm.
“There’s a new investor pool focused on the area,” she said. “Whenever I speak to them, they’re like, ‘Oh, you’re getting us excited,’ because the volume is there.”
Not Just Texas: A Coast‑to‑Coast Buying Spree
New York investors, Alaskan groups, and buyers from Southern California have joined the surge, snapping up prime downtown assets. Uris Acquisitions alone has purchased three buildings along Powell Street since May.
Lacie Ravina, vice president at Colliers, puts it simply: “We’ve bottomed out, and investors know it’s time to acquire buildings at historic lows.”
What This Means for Real Estate Professionals
For real estate pros—whether in Florida, Texas, New York, or anywhere in the U.S.—San Francisco’s comeback is a masterclass in market cycles. Markets rarely stay down forever. The savviest investors understand how to spot a bottom, predict a rebound, and act boldly when others hesitate.
At Cameron Academy, we train aspiring and seasoned professionals to recognize these patterns, interpret trends, and make smart, informed decisions. Whether you’re pursuing or renewing a license in real estate, mortgage, insurance, finance, or other fields, education is—and always will be—your most powerful investment.
For full details and continued coverage, visit the original article at
The SF Standard.
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!
New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals major pay gaps across industries as we head into 2025. While top roles in finance, tech, and healthcare exceed $130,000 to $160,000 a year, other professions lag far behind—even when education levels are similar. Job titles, location, experience, and specialized skills are now some of the biggest factors shaping how much you earn. If you’ve been wondering whether your paycheck is keeping up with the market, this breakdown shows exactly where you stand and what it takes to boost your earning power.
A cooling housing market is giving buyers something they haven’t had in years: room to breathe. With slower sales, more inventory, and less pressure to make snap decisions, homebuyer regret has noticeably declined in 2025. Buyers are feeling more confident thanks to fewer bidding wars, reduced overpaying, and stronger financial preparation—though maintenance surprises still pose challenges. This shift toward a true buyer’s market offers real estate professionals a prime opportunity to guide clients with clarity and confidence.
This week’s commercial real estate roundup unpacks the lingering economic fallout from the 43‑day federal shutdown, new pressures on major office markets, and the rise of STEM‑driven cities reshaping demand nationwide. With fresh Q3 data from Altus showing stronger‑than‑expected transaction momentum, plus updates on Chicago’s valuation slide and national mortgage policy debates, this edition delivers the essential trends CRE, mortgage, finance, and appraisal professionals need to stay ahead.
ATTOM has been named Inman’s 2025 Best of Proptech winner, earning top recognition for its leadership in data and intelligence platforms. With advancements like Snowflake integration, ATTOM Nexus, and enhanced parcel‑centric analytics, the company is shaping the future of AI‑driven real estate decision‑making. This win highlights ATTOM’s growing role as a trusted data backbone for real estate, mortgage, insurance, and investment professionals nationwide.
A new report reveals that Florida’s property insurance market is far from recovering. Despite political claims of stabilization, homeowners are seeing premiums up 54% since 2019, widespread insurer instability, and some companies re‑entering the market under rebranded identities. With high rates of unpaid claims, delayed payouts, and policy non‑renewals, lawmakers are now pushing for transparency and oversight. For homeowners and industry professionals alike, understanding these risks is critical as Florida’s insurance challenges continue to deepen.
Despite new insurers entering the state and lawmakers touting market improvements, a new report reveals Florida’s property insurance system is still plagued by high premiums, weak oversight, and companies with troubled histories. Rates have climbed 54% since 2019, nearly one‑fifth of homeowners are now uninsured, and Florida leads the nation in unpaid and delayed claims. Critics warn that the state’s strategy of shifting risk to undercapitalized private companies may set the stage for another crisis — leaving homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals navigating a market that’s far from stable.
