**Kidder Mathews’ Eric Paulsen: CRE Industry Anticipates Stability**
On March 20 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, Connect CRE will host the first of six in-person events scheduled in Southern California this year. Connect Orange County will bring together commercial real estate finance, ownership, and service experts to share their insights.
Among the industry leaders participating in the annual *View from the Top* discussion is Eric Paulsen, president of brokerage services at Kidder Mathews. He offers his observations and predictions for the year ahead.
### **Q: Where do you see transaction activity 12 months from now?**
**A:** Transaction volume will be higher, driven in part by pent-up demand and relative stability in interest rates. There will also be some distress and generational turnover.
### **Q: What’s the biggest tailwind and the biggest headwind for Orange County CRE?**
**A:** *Tailwind* – Pent-up demand and the need to transact.
*Headwind* – Legislation and the political environment.
### **Q: We may not see any more rate cuts from the Federal Reserve until the fourth quarter. Has the market adjusted to this?**
**A:** The market just needs stability or a general understanding of the near-term outlook. If we know the parameters, transactions will proceed.
### **Q: If you could only give clients one piece of advice right now, what would that be?**
**A:** Engage. Our politicians have never signed the front of a check, so get involved. Send an email, make a phone call, and be part of the solution. Don’t assume someone else is handling it for you.
