The Real Estate Finance Association of Connecticut (REFA-CT) has been formed to bring together the best people, knowledge and programs to provide quality information to real estate finance professionals. REFA-CT serves the Northeast with programs held in Hartford and Stamford. Real estate professionals from a variety of institutions join REFA-CT to exchange ideas through informal breakfast and luncheon programs, professional education seminars and periodic networking events. REFA-CT has established a reputation for excellence in fostering the exchange of information for real estate finance professionals. Benefits of membership include:  Breakfast and Luncheon Programs Wide variety of real estate finance programs featuring special guest speakers  Special Networking Events Networking socials and an annual golf outing for members  Continuing Education Classes offered in conjunction with the University of Connecticut  Membership Directory List of members available on website We thank the following firms who support REFA-CT with their sponsorship (click on name for direct link to firm's website):

History:

REFA was formed in 1987 as a division of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board in Boston, Massachusett with the goal of enhancing the commercial real estate finance industry through communication on matters of mutual concern, education on issues that affect and/or improve business and facilitation, and encouragement of an exchange of real estate finance experience. What originally began as a local Boston enterprise has attracted the interest of finance professionals from all over New England and into New York, culminating in the reorganization of the association into three chapters. Today, REFA services more than 1,200 members in the Northeast through chapters in Boston, Hartford and Fairfield/ Westchester and administrative offices in Boston, Massachusetts and Bloomfield, Connecticut.

During 2001 the REFA chapters in Hartford and Fairfield/Westchester established The Real Estate Finance Association of Connecticut (REFA-CT). While retaining ties to the REFA Boston chapter, REFA-CT is self-funded and operates independently. This change will allow for better service to members and sponsors while controlling financial decisions locally.

Real estate professionals from a variety of institutions join REFA to exchange ideas through informal breakfast and luncheon programs, networking socials and professional education seminars. REFA has established a reputation for excellence in fostering the exchange of information for commercial real estate finance professionals.

REFA's simple and straightforward mission translates into increased business opportunities for its members. Members receive valuable information and contacts in a frequent and concise manner. The focus is on a plethora of programs that are easy to fit into a busy schedule. In addition to the more than 50 specialized programs held each year, other benefits include membership directories, Certificate in Real Estate Finance classes held at each chapter location in conjunction with Boston University and the University of Connecticut.

Membership is made up of those engaged in or serving the real estate finance industry and covers many sectors including, banks, real estate investment trusts, insurance companies, investment banking concerns, mortgage bankers and brokers, investors and advisors, pension fund advisors, CEOs of real estate development companies, attorneys, appraisers and consultants, among others.

The goals of REFA leadership are to provide quality commercial real estate finance programs, education and networking opportunities to its industry.