In answer to those and other questions, Van Konynenburg offered a list of conclusions and predictions. Among these: "European debt issues will continue to create material volatility until resolved. None off us should be complacent given the European situation and job issues. Sustained low rates will keep us from a 'double dip' and make capital very itchy to find homes. Investors will see limited opportunities in high-grade corporate and other fixed income investments. The need for yield will push capital into CMBS, public REIT’s, private REIT’s and direct real estate."

Kilroy's M. Eli Khouri

Among Van Konynenburg's predictions was that "Lingering fears of inflation will further push capital into real estate." Investors will be willing to pay for lower risk, he aaid, and pricing will increase for core, well-leased product." Expect lending standards and spreads both to tighten, he said.

Van Konynenburg also discussed the volatility in the stock and bond markets, the Fed's likely continuation of low interest rates, slow job growth and other forces at work in both the economy and the commercial real estate market. He was one of a number of key speakers including John Kilroy, Jr. and M. Eli Khouri of Kilroy Realty Corp., Victor J. Coleman and Alex Vouvalides of Hudson Pacific Properties; Jeff Dinkin of Regent Properties Inc., and David S. Bingswanger and Kevin J. Hayes of Lincoln Property Co.

The event included a 2011 Transactions and Market Predictions panel composed of Jeremy B. Fletcher of Beacon Capital Partners, Kevin A. Shannon of CB Richard Ellis, and Christopher S. Peatross of Swift Realty Partners LCC. The View From the Top conference, held this year at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, drew 600 attendees.