Today’s Real Estate Whispers is sponsored by The McIntosh Law Firm. At The McIntosh Law Firm, we offerexperienced legal guidance in real estate development, property revaluation appeals, government relations, land use, estate planning, and business law—helping clients navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges.

Scoop machine Ashley Fahey is off this week, so you’re stuck with me, Tony Mecia — your fill-in tour guide through the rumor-fueled jungle that is Charlotte commercial real estate. Got a hot real estate tip or juicy whisper? Send it my way, to [email protected] — I’m all ears.

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In today’s edition:

1. New data shows that the office and industrial sectors had a strong 3Q for new starts in the Charlotte area — but apartments and retail stayed slow.

2. LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda bought a 227-acre property in Polk County in July, according to property records. That’s the site of his death last weekend while riding an ATV.

3. A new N.C. law changes rezoning procedures.

4. Podcast: an interview with a newly retired real estate finance exec.

5. Our usual round-up of real estate news and tidbits from other reliable sources.

Let’s get to it!

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The Queensbridge Collective project by Riverside Investment & Development, seen here in February, is the site of almost all of the 3Q office start square footage. The spot in the foreground (with the trailers) is where its second tower, which is a mix of office and residential, is being built. (Photo: Kevin Young/The 5 and 2 Project)

Construction of new apartments and retail spaces in the Charlotte area continued at their sluggish pace in the 3Q — though starts on new offices and industrial properties had their strongest quarter in two years.

Figures from real estate data company CoStar Group gave some reasons for optimism, while also signaling that starting new projects this year has been slower than in recent years. With interest rates at higher-than-usual numbers, it’s tougher to get financing now than it was a few years ago.