Worst isn’t over for commercial real estate market

Industry analysts say real estate’s troubles are likely to continue in
2009, particularly on the commercial side of the market. Commercial
developers are hoping for a plan to guarantee commercial mortgages.
Investors are particularly concerned about shopping malls, warehouses,
hotels and other sectors of the market affected when consumers stop
spending money. Many are also encouraging President-elect Barack
Obama’s administration to enact programs that will limit foreclosures,
and the Treasury Department is considering lowering home mortgage rates
to 4.5 percent.