Duncan went on to point out that, at around the time of the previous RealShare Houston conference, the US imported approximately 70 % of its energy, while manufacturing about 30% of it. These days, he continued, that figure is approximately 50-50, with half of the US energy coming from US ground and half imported. Within the next several years, the US will be using about 70% of its own energy and important around 30%. Because energy is such a huge driver of Houston's economy, "you can't look at Houston's real estate without looking at energy," Duncan observed.

Another topic of discussion involved foreign investment in Houston. Early in 2013, the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate placed Houston on its top five cities garnering international attention (the other cities included New York City, London, Washington DC and San Francisco). This, incidentally, was another theme running throughout the entire conference, the idea that Houston is now considered a gateway city, and one in which international investors are interested. "Those who come here are thinking these trends are sustainable," Duncan said. He doesn't disagree; despite a somewhat slow Q1 absorption across industrial and office leasing, "we were somewhat surprised but not concerned," Duncan said. "The demand for real estate is still strong."

Though many things Houston – and the economy – have changed since 2007, Duncan's advice to those entering the commercial real estate industry is solid. Namely, pick a reputable firm to work with and consider who you're working for as well as who you're working with. "Be proactive and engaged," he added. "Be a team player. Be bold. Trust your judgment and good things will happen."