Commercial real estate players have a talent for rolling with the punches, and Kidder Mathews CEO Bill Frame, SIOR, CCIM sees that dynamic at work in the current uncertain macroeconomic environment as deal volume rebounds. Frame is one of the industry leaders who will take the stage June 18 for the annual “View from the Top” panel discussion during Connect Los Angeles 2025. Connect CRE spoke with Frame in advance of the conference; his responses are below. 

Q: We’re headed toward the midpoint of 2025. How has the macroeconomic outlook evolved over the past six months as far as commercial real estate fundamentals are concerned?  

A: In spite of recent uncertainty from the tariff war and elevated interest rates, there are signs of growing optimism about CRE fundamentals, with moderate increases in transaction volume and deal count.

Q: Where do you see challenges and where do you see opportunities when it comes to getting transactions done?

A: The challenges continue to be political uncertainty both nationally and locally, as well as elevated interest rates—resulting in difficulties securing financing at viable levels. However, the uncertainty creates opportunities for enterprises that have strategically positioned themselves to lease or buy space well below recent market pricing.

Q: In what ways is the current economic outlook more positive than what we saw in 2023 and 2024?

A: There is an overall feeling that economic conditions surrounding a “soft landing” and lower rate of inflation are improving over 2023-2024, which has a stabilizing effect on fundamentals as well as the discussion of easing monetary policy at some level throughout this year. The effect of a brighter outlook results in the ability to make decisions on strategic planning and capital spending.

Q: How might further rate reductions by the Federal Reserve stimulate the business climate?

A: Rate reductions will be the biggest catalyst for accelerating the resurgence of sales transactions and moving CRE out of a 30-month recession and back onto solid footing

On June 18, join industry-leading experts when they explore the most important topics in today’s CRE markets. Register to attend and hear expert insights first-hand, network with the best in the industry, and sit in on discussions you won’t hear anywhere else. The 9th Annual Connect Los Angeles 2025, June 18 at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown.