Anita Paryani-Rice

Anita Paryani-Rice has more than 22 years of experience in commercial real estate capital markets and finance. As senior vice president at IPA she oversees debt and equity transactions for commercial assets across the U.S. and has been involved in more than $3.1B worth of transactions — $520M of which took place within the past year.

Photo: Courtesy Of Anita Paryani-Rice

How Did You Get Your Start In CRE Finance?

When I was in graduate school at USC, majoring in Urban Planning, a sorority sister was working at Prudential in their commercial real estate program as an analyst. Her job sounded interesting compared to my current internship. When she got fired I asked her if I could apply for her job. Thankfully she wasn’t offended and helped me prepare for the interview as I had no formal training or classes in real estate finance. After a quick finance lesson from another college friend who was an appraiser, I got the job, quit graduate school (giving up my scholarship and stipend, but ended up finishing classes at night) and fast forward a few years later, I got my sorority sister a job at Lincoln Property Co. where I worked at the time. It was a great example of women supporting each other in the workplace.

Why Specialize In CRE Finance?

It is very interesting and challenging! I work on all different property types across the country with various types of borrowers, including institutional and private clients. You create your story and, as in any sales jobs, the opportunities and rewards are infinite.

Are Women Represented Enough In CRE Finance?

Women are definitely underrepresented in commercial real estate. This starts at the collegiate level with women less represented in the real estate majors. But this is changing over time. With the strong STEAM programs starting at the elementary level I know women will continue to expand their presence in finance, engineering, science, etc. Tony Solomon, who runs the West LA office of Marcus & Millichap, recently hosted a luncheon for all the professional women in the region for Marcus & Millichap. About 25 people attended and it was a great way for us to connect, learn and figure out how to do business together.

Can You Speak To Your Experience/Treatment As A Woman In CRE Finance?

I feel I am quite fortunate in that I have made great friends, both male and female, in the industry and have been treated the way I treat others by 98% of my colleagues. I am grateful for many male colleagues who not only are great friends and good people but are an amazing source of referrals as well.

What Can The Industry Do To Encourage Bringing More Women Into The Finance Space?

I am part of the USC Lusk Center Executive Committee and they have women-only luncheons that focus on how to encourage more women to join the industry. Colleges play a big part in this — how do you get more women to sign up for real estate classes? We don’t yet have an answer, but [are] starting the conversation. I think the best way to succeed in this industry is building strong relationships, keeping in constant communication and making connections — women are fantastic at this.

What Advice Would You Offer Your Former Self About Navigating The World Of CRE Finance?

I started in commercial real estate at the age of 21 and of course I wish I had more confidence in my abilities and wasn’t so intimidated in a room of men. However, as time went on I gained experience, created meaningful relationships with the lending community, forged ahead making new client relationships, as well as maintaining existing ones. I realized I didn’t need a crutch (i.e. teaming up with counterparts who didn’t share the same principles/values as I do). It took time for me to realize I was more than capable and better than most when it comes to executing and delivering on a transaction. I still enjoy teaming with others, but it is on my terms. I pick quality people who share the same moral landscape and work ethic as me. I am looking forward to seeing what the next 20 years bring and hope I can be a role model for my 11-year-old daughter ( I am already teaching her about how to analyze the revenue and expenses on an investment property) and her friends. I also intend to hire them as interns in the future so I can do my part in bringing women in[to] the industry.

How Did You Get Your Start In CRE Finance?

Why Specialize In CRE Finance?

Are Women Represented Enough In CRE Finance?

Can You Speak To Your Experience/Treatment As A Woman In CRE Finance?

What Can The Industry Do To Encourage Bringing More Women Into The Finance Space?

What Advice Would You Offer Your Former Self About Navigating The World Of CRE Finance?

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Anita Paryani-Rice

How Did You Get Your Start In CRE Finance?

Why Specialize In CRE Finance?

Are Women Represented Enough In CRE Finance?

Can You Speak To Your Experience/Treatment As A Woman In CRE Finance?

What Can The Industry Do To Encourage Bringing More Women Into The Finance Space?

What Advice Would You Offer Your Former Self About Navigating The World Of CRE Finance?

How Did You Get Your Start In CRE Finance?

Why Specialize In CRE Finance?

Are Women Represented Enough In CRE Finance?

Can You Speak To Your Experience/Treatment As A Woman In CRE Finance?

What Can The Industry Do To Encourage Bringing More Women Into The Finance Space?

What Advice Would You Offer Your Former Self About Navigating The World Of CRE Finance?

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