The finance option can be a useful tool in a potential deal, writes W. P. Carey's Robert Bender.

PALO ALTO, CA—While it remains to be seen how SB 628 will function in practice, there are several aspects which may prove to be substantial improvements over existing and past financing schemes, say experts in this <b>EXCLUSIVE</b> column.

NEW YORK CITY—Word of the resiliency of New York City real estate has spread across the globe like wildfire, leading to a substantial influx of foreign investors driving the market and changing the landscape of the city, say sources in this <b>EXCLUSIVE</b> column.

HOLLYWOOD—Major La Brea corridor projects are transforming the La Brea corridor, and are also having a trickle-down effect for the city of West Hollywood and its overall real estate strength, says Charles Dunn's Sharona Javaheri in this <b>EXCLUSIVE</b> commentary.

LOS ANGELES—As local governments face increasing budget pressure, and as tools such as tax increment financing face increasing political hostility, there are opportunities for private developers to partner with public agencies, say sources in this </b>EXCLUSIVE</b> column.

PHOENIX—While this market once had over 100 vacant boxes, the fact is that in the past year, Phoenix has performed extremely well in terms of retail absorption, says Voit executives in this <b>EXCLUSIVE</b> column.

ATLANTA-The trend over the past few years has been remarkable, says Stan Johnson in this <b>EXCLUSIVE</b> commentary, for leases with less than 10 years, and sometimes less than five years remaining.

NEW YORK CITY-Why is Santa delivering gifts to some investors and lumps of coal to others? Auction.com's Chris Muoio takes a look into some East Coast markets in this <b>EXCLUSIVE</b> commentary.