Commercial Real Estate Execs - Wary of Ongoing Economic and Political Risks - Forecast Modest Market Growth in 2012 via MarketWatch

Commercial Real Estate Industry Leaders Concerned About Fragile Investment Environment Despite Improved Market Expectations

With commercial real estate market conditions showing partial signs of recovery, The Real Estate Roundtable's Q1 2012 Economic Sentiment Survey reveals that industry executives' expectations for growth this year are improved, but hindered by concerns about underlying macroeconomic and political risks.

"The expectations of leaders in commercial real estate for 2012 are tempered by the whipsaw of last year's experience, when the shocks of possible default in Europe and political gridlock in Washington led to continued economic and regulatory uncertainty. Those worries continue," Roundtable President and CEO Jeffrey DeBoer said. "Although there are hints of cautious optimism in our Q1 Sentiment Index on some asset values, there is significant concern about a wave of commercial loan maturities approaching over the next several years. Industry leaders are anxious about how it will be possible to refinance and conduct transactions as many markets continue to struggle with slow job growth. The industry needs to see as much equity capital as possible enter the market to recapitalize properties throughout the country. It is imperative that policymakers adopt measures now that will encourage increased equity investment."

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