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Gigabit service is the next-generation advance in web browsing and data handling. Its widespread deployment in the United States only began this decade, so its availability is still limited to less than 15 percent of the population, according to industry surveys and the latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Commerce. But access is surging, with hundreds of companies now providing fiber connections, and availability of the “gig” is emerging as a development tool for cities and a competitive advantage for real estate properties offering it.

“CMBS: Modest New Issuance Growth; 2007 Maturities Struggling,” says Standard & Poor’s.

While Prudential sees a 20 percent increase in commercial mortgage lending this year, this is not going to exactly move the needle for the average borrower as insurance companies by and large focus their general account’s attention on core properties, gateway cities, and “pristine” borrowers.

Based on the Federal Reserve’s pronouncement this week that it would be keeping short-term interest rates at the current historical low through 2014, we should expect rates to remain at today’s levels for the next three years, baring a global financial crises, Stephen Blank, ULI’s senior resident fellow, capital markets.

The Real Estate Roundtable released the results of its fourth-quarter 2014 Sentiment Survey. Topline findings included the following: increases in interest rates are likely to play out more slowly than expected, equity and debt capital for real estate is widely available, and return expectations have been dialed down by some investors who feel we are nearing the top of the current cycle.

Standard & Poor’s Rating Services reported that CMBS delinquencies declined to their lowest level in 30 months, ending October at 9.66 percent, down from 9.77 percent in September. Importantly, the principal amount of loans liquidated, restructured, or modified so that they could return to current status exceeded the amount of delinquencies offerings.

Monday’s Numbers

The ULI Rose Center invites the mayors of four cities to participate in the yearlong Daniel Rose Fellowship program, which begins at the ULI Fall Meeting. Read what the panel of experts who visited Houston, Texas, last December said in regard to that city’s attempts to stabilize declining neighborhoods by demolishing longstanding problem properties on the basis of health and safety violations.

California cities are fighting back against state efforts to balance a $26 billion budget shortfall in part by eliminating redevelopment agencies. Cities are filing suit against the state, the governor, and legislators for forcing them to pay what some term a high ransom to preserve their redevelopment agencies. Read what the mayor of Riverside says redevelopment efforts contributed to his city.

The Trepp LLC survey showed spreads widening over the past two weeks in response to the yield on 10-year Treasury bonds which narrowed by about 15 basis points. Lending spreads continue to move in a narrow range with overall cost attractive at all maturities and from a wide array of capital sources.

Dynamic urban parks and plazas can offer more than just a quiet respite for residents and visitors, including foot traffic for retailers and higher property values.