Things in the retail sector don't seem so negative anymore, despite the fact that Blockbuster just filed for banruptcy. Speakers at the ICSC Western Division conference in San Diego actually seem upbeat about the state of things right now.

"We're starting to see retailers want to do deals," said Tony Thompson, president and chief executive of Thompson National Properties. And transactions are picking up as well, with more short sales hitting the market.

One company looking to buy right now is grocery anchored owner Equity One. "We're looking for high-quality real estate in really good locations," said Thomas Caputo, the firm's president. In fact, the company is even willing to branch out from its traditional asset type and is acquiring urban properties and regional malls. As usual, it all depends on location.