Interview with Ruben Izgelov, CEO and Founder of WeLend

Continuing our interview series, this discussion focuses on how investor sentiment in the real estate market has shifted from caution to confidence following the Trump administration's win. Previously hesitant investors are now eager to increase their stakes, signaling bullish market momentum. Ruben Izgelov and Leo Jacobs discuss the potential for inflation as optimism rises, with possible Federal Reserve rate adjustments on the horizon. They also assert the need for updated policies to keep pace with evolving market dynamics, predicting a positive trajectory for the sector.

Watch the full interview for key insights and takeaways:

Leo Jacobs: What are the effects of a Trump administration on the commercial real estate side and the residential real estate side? A lot of our investors in our fund today have been, I would say, a little bearish on the market for some time. But what I’ve learned is that many of them are now ready to increase their investment. The sentiment has changed.

Ruben Izgelov: Absolutely. Thanks for having me, Leo. It’s a pleasure to be here with you.

Leo Jacobs: Pleasure’s all mine, Ruben. From what I understand, there are about 700-800 people here. That’s amazing. Out of all those people, I’m standing here with the one and only Ruben Izgelov, CEO and founder of WeLend, a direct lender. Your face and name are everywhere as one of the lead sponsors of this event. So, a lot of credit to you for that. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re doing an amazing job.

Ruben Izgelov: Thank you, Leo. I really appreciate it.

Leo Jacobs: So, let’s get into it. We’ve been walking around and getting a feel for the market’s temperature after the Trump administration’s win. Now, whether you’re for him or against him, that’s not the discussion here. We’re here to talk about the facts. What’s the impact of a Trump administration on commercial and residential real estate? You’re a lender with a lot of activity in the tri-state area and nationally. How is this administration going to affect your business judgment in the first, second, and third quarters?

Ruben Izgelov: Great question, Leo. Here’s what I’ve experienced over the past few days. Our investors, especially those in our fund, were somewhat bearish during the prior administration. Their whole viewpoint was “wait and see.” But with Trump’s win, I’ve seen a shift. Just yesterday, I was running around Florida meeting with investors. Many of them are now ready to increase their investment. They’re more bullish on what’s to come. I’d say the sentiment has definitely shifted to a more positive outlook.

Leo Jacobs: That’s amazing. So you’ve decided, from a business judgment standpoint, that you’re ready to invest more because the sentiment is positive. But what about those people who don’t agree with the policy decisions? What’s their perspective?

Ruben Izgelov: Honestly, Leo, most of the people in our corner are aligned with the positive sentiment. There’s always a group that’s not happy with the administration—for their own reasons—but I’ve noticed that those individuals tend to stay quiet or "lick their wounds in the corner," so to speak. On our end, both investors and borrowers are very bullish on what’s ahead. We’re seeing more deals and higher levels of investment activity. In fact, while we’re talking right now, I’m pretty sure my phone’s blowing up with calls from brokers, borrowers, or investors looking to deploy capital.

Leo Jacobs: Sounds like a lot of action is happening. Let’s shift to the Fed. Everyone’s curious about what the Fed’s next move will be. They’re set to speak in about an hour and a half. What’s your take on how the Fed is going to react to all of this?

Ruben Izgelov: Oh, that’s a big one, Leo. You’re right—it’s political, but it’s crucial. Look, when you have positivity in the market and strong economic sentiment, you inevitably get inflation. The Fed’s challenge is managing that inflation. They’ll have to decide how to adjust rates based on the administration’s future policies. Trump’s background in real estate gives him insight into the industry’s dynamics, and I think that’s going to influence how things play out. We’re seeing other countries, like Europe, cutting rates—25 basis points just the other day. The Fed might follow suit with a similar reduction. But it’s also possible they’ll hold steady and wait.

Leo Jacobs: So you’re thinking the Fed might be influenced by this positive sentiment and could reduce rates by 25 basis points, following Europe’s lead?

Ruben Izgelov: It’s possible. The sentiment is strong, and there’s pressure on the Fed to support economic momentum. If they see global central banks cutting rates, they’ll likely consider it too. But they’ll also be mindful of inflation—they don’t want it to get out of hand.

Leo Jacobs: Last question for you, Ruben. Assuming the market keeps trending in a positive direction, what changes do you think need to happen for business decisions to become faster and stronger?

Ruben Izgelov: That’s a great point, Leo. We’re a New York-based company, so I’ll speak from that perspective. The policies that worked in the past may not work today or tomorrow. I think the "red wave" we’re seeing now is a sign that it’s time for policy changes. New times require new strategies. Business leaders and policymakers alike need to recognize that what worked before isn’t necessarily effective now. If we’re going to speed up decision-making and drive stronger growth, we’ll need to adapt to the new environment.

Leo Jacobs: Well, let’s hope the Trump administration’s approach works out. It seems like the world’s sentiment is shifting in that direction, and it’s encouraging to hear your perspective.

Ruben Izgelov: Absolutely, Leo. No matter which side of the aisle you’re on, there’s no denying that the world’s moving in a positive direction. I’m excited to be part of it and to see what’s next.

Leo Jacobs: Ruben, thank you so much for your time. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.

Ruben Izgelov: Pleasure’s mine, Leo. Thank you.

PODCAST - Confronting the Impossible with Leo Jacobs.

Leo Jacobs, Founder and CEO of Jacobs PC

Known for finding creative, expedient solutions to complex and high-profile cases, Leo excels in matters including distressed investment and asset management, real estate law, corporate law, dispute resolution, business divorces, negotiation, and more. Leo’s extensive expertise in debt and equity structures enables him to employ a full spectrum of legal tools to achieve swift, optimal results for clients. His practice, Jacobs P.C., bridges commercial litigation, corporate transactions, and financial rehabilitation, handling cases across federal, state, and bankruptcy courts, as well as administrative tribunals.