Press Release

9-26-2007

USC Lusk Center for Real Estate Says Current Down Cycle Holds Hope for Real Estate Development Graduate Students

-Past down cycles spawned successful real estate firms
-Analytical and finance skills in greater demand

LOS ANGELES - While conventional wisdom might question the job prospects for graduate students entering the real estate field next spring, opportunities abound for those with the creative thinking and skillful analysis needed to make a deal work in a challenging market, according to Stan Ross, chairman of the board of the University of Southern California Lusk

LOS ANGELES -- The residential real estate industry could drag the commercial property sector into a downturn in 2008, and real estate investors, developers and service companies need to start preparing now for what could be a tougher business environment.

"No one knows what will happen to the economy, the credit markets, or oil prices next year," said Stan Ross, chair of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate. "But real estate companies shouldn't wait to see if a storm will hit, or how intense it will be," he added.

2008 Outlook for the Commercial Real Estate Industry

By Stan Ross
Chairman USC Lusk Center for Real Estate Board of Directors

December 4, 2007

The last severe downturn in U.S. commercial property markets was during the savings and loan crisis of the early 1990s.

LOS ANGELES – Tracey Seslen, Ph.D., faculty member of the University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate, is available as an expert source on both residential and commercial real estate topics.

Dr. Seslen is an assistant clinical professor in the Marshall School of Business and teaches real estate finance to undergraduate and graduate students. Her research has focused on housing cycles, risk and return in home pricing, household mobility and commercial mortgages.

Study points to need for more high-speed transportation corridors to job centers

• Renowned scholar has directed nationally recognized real estate programs at leading universities

LOS ANGELES -- The University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate has named noted real estate economist Richard K. Green, Ph.D. as director and Lusk Chair in Real Estate. Green has been director of the Center for Real Estate and Urban Studies at George Washington University in Washington D.C. since 2004.

• LA rents to rise only 2.5 to 3 percent, higher in desirable West LA and Hollywood
• After several years of big rent hikes, OC market cools down
• More affordable Inland Empire rents vary widely across the region

LOS ANGELES (Business Wire) - Apartment rents across Southern California will rise slowly this year, with average increases of 2.5 to 3 percent, while occupancy rates remain at 96-97 percent, according to the Casden Real Estate Economics Forecast released today by the University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Esta

LOS ANGELES - Stan Ross, chair of the University of Southern California (USC) Lusk Center for Real Estate, has been appointed the first distinguished fellow in the USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development (SPPD).

"Stan is being recognized for his substantial national and international reputation in an area central to the mission of SPPD.

LOS ANGELES - Real estate economists from the University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate are available this week to discuss the likely impacts on housing and the economy resulting from government intervention for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, proposed regulatory reform and the IndyMac bailout.

They can also discuss the relationship between current market fundamentals and house price levels, particularly with respect to California.

The following experts are available:

Richard K.

This position has oversight of the Department's research, program evaluation and policy development activities. Some of the country's most distinguished urban economists and housing finance experts have held this job in the past, and Prof. Bostic fits easily within this distinguished company.