Although uncertainty is running rampant in the commercial real estate market, Dianne Crocker of LightBox says that there are still plenty of reasons for investors to be optimistic. Crocker notes that the strength of the market leading into the pandemic as well as the ample capital chasing deals all bode well for the future of the market.

"Notwithstanding the fact that true market recovery won't happen until the health crisis ends, there are several factors that bode well for the commercial real estate sector right now," Crocker, the principal analyst for LightBox, tells GlobeSt.com. "One is that before the pandemic took hold, the market was in a positive position. Fundamentals in every asset class were strong, capital was abundant and the forecast called for loan origination levels that were at least as high as 2019's. While the relative strength of the market varies considerably now by asset class and metro, there is still a great deal of capital looking for a home in U.S. commercial real estate so this bodes well for its recovery."

As we move deeper into the pandemic, investors have gotten more comfortable transacting, even with uncertainty still plaguing the market. "While we're at a critical point now as federal support wanes and owners are being forced to deal with the collateral damage associated with the long-term business shutdowns this year, investors are getting more comfortable closing deals again and as distressed assets surface, there is every reason to expect that willing buyers will be bidding on them," says Crocker. "Last, we are moving into the fourth quarter, which is traditionally the strongest quarter for real estate activity, and the market is already showing signs of increased deal making."