Fiscal cliff puts Verstandig knee-deep in deals

An impending fiscal cliff isn’t always bad for business. Just ask Carl Verstandig, the Pikesville developer who made his fortune buying and selling second-tier shopping centers.

He is finding lots of discounts and eager sellers wanting to close before the end of the year to avoid potential tax hikes that might kick in if Congress doesn’t act to extend existing tax cuts.

“It seems like everyone wants to close before year end,” he said. “We had six closings in a week and a half. My attorney…