Each year, Midwest Real Estate News inducts a new class into its Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Today we look at the busy career of Steven Miscavish, chief financial officer with Affordable Housing Advisors of Marcus & Millichap in Southfield, Michigan.
Steven Miscavish has left a definite imprint on the fortunes of Affordable Housing Advisors of Marcus & Millichap, a company he serves as chief financial officer. From his office in Southfield, Michigan, Miscavish has played a key role in developing the organization and managing the company’s team. This work has paid off: Affordable Housing Advisors now reviews and underwrites more than 1,000 properties every year.
The company’s other numbers are impressive, too. Affordable Housing Advisors has notched the sale of more than 200,000 government-subsidized housing units across the United States. These housing units are valued at more than $8 billion.
“I first walked through the doors of Marcus & Millichap about 19 years ago and never looked back,” Miscavish said. “Fortunately, the Detroit office was full of senior real estate agents who were instrumental early in my career. I can’t give enough credit to all of the great people who have helped me along the way.”
Miscavish’s peers recognize his talents. That’s why he’s such a frequent speaker at affordable housing events and conferences. Miscavish is also a member of the National Multi-Housing Council, a supporter of the Institute for Responsible Housing Preservation, a member of the National Leased Housing Association and active with the National Housing and Rehabilitation Institute.
“If you genuinely care about what you do and care for the people whom you work with, it doesn’t feel like work,” Miscavish said. “Understanding the investment opportunity and the actual real estate is only half the battle. We may be in the business of selling apartment buildings, but I would argue that our business is really about building and sustaining relationships.”
Miscavish has found time to give back to his community, too. He is active in numerous philanthropic activities through AHA Cares, and is a supporter of Forgotten Harvest of Michigan, an organization that delivers food to the needy.
Outside of work? Miscavish prefers spending time with his family, saying that his wife and daughters are the “center of my universe.” When he does have spare time for himself, Miscavish likes to keep life interesting. He’s known, then, for his annual adventures, which have included summitting Mt. Rainier, going on safaris, hiking an Alaskan glacier and flying a fighter jet. He’s also driven a tank, raced sportscars, sailed the Virgin Islands and jumped out of an airplane.