WASHINGTON, DC-Average returns dropped to 15.8% last year from 19.1% in 1999, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Stratmor Group. This year looks more profitable thanks to a boom in refinancings.

WASHINGTON, DC-Richard W. Davidson will lead Insignia/ESG's efforts in its local office, which is one of the company's busiest. He comes to Insignia/ESG from CB Richard Ellis.

ROCKVILLE, MD-The prototype grocery store will include 57,000 sf. The 257-acre mixed-use Fallsgrove community will include office and retail space, and is located at the former Thomas Farm site.

WASHINGTON, DC-Average returns dropped to 15.8% last year from 19.1% in 1999, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Stratmor Group. This year looks more profitable thanks to a boom in refinancings.

WASHINGTON, DC-CarrAmerica broke ground on the office building at 1750 H St., NW. The 111,510-sf building is already 35% leased and is scheduled to be ready to occupy by the end of 2002.

WASHINGTON, DC-Republican US Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah was credited with making it easier for small investors to include real estate stocks in their portfolios through several key pieces of legislation.

WASHINGTON, DC-An industry group led by the MBA and CMSA is working on setting up standards to pave the way for online commercial mortgage originations. The group includes representatives from a wide array of companies.

BALTIMORE, MD-Prime Retail Inc. announced it got a two month-extension on two mortgages totaling $26.4 million that were scheduled to come due on June 10. The mortgages are for properties in Indiana and Michigan.