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Ten years ago, downtown Phoenix became a ghost town at 5 p.m.—because emphasis was placed on giant sports arenas, convention centers, hotels, and redevelopment projects with chain stores. Today, however, all is different. Read what real estate insiders say turned that downtown around and how those lessons can be applied to other cities that want to reinvigorate their central business districts.

Hostile takeovers are unusual among real estate investment trusts (REITs), so two large recently announced deals are drawing significant attention.

Real estate investment trusts were volatile in March. By month-end, the FTSE NAREIT All REIT Index had slightly underperformed the broader markets with a gain of 1.15 percent. Meanwhile, more companies are being urged to spin-off their real estate assets into REITs. Plus, interest rate survey results from Trepp.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) pulled back slightly in May as their outlook became less certain. Strong April job growth has helped fuel demand for real estate, but consumer spending has picked up less than expected given the decrease in fuel prices. Investors are also wary of an interest rate increase. Plus, interest rate survey results from Trepp.

Nearly one out of every four loans guaranteed by the U.S. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) would likely end in default over the next five years if another recession were to occur, according to a new measure of loan safety.

U.S. markets rebounded in October, posting their best monthly performance in four years. Real estate investment trusts also posted strong returns that offset losses from earlier in the year, with the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REIT average gaining 6.47 percent. Plus, interest rate survey results from Trepp.

Real estate investment trusts rallied during July, recovering from a weak first half of 2015. Despite reporting mostly strong second-quarter earnings, concerns about higher interest rates continue to weigh on the sector. Plus, interest rate survey results from Trepp.

As of August 18, the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REIT average monthly total return was up 2.38 percent; but by month’s end, it had lost its gains and more. The FTSE NAREIT All Equity REIT average declined 5.82 percent during August. Plus, interest rate survey data from Trepp.

Last week, the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee opted to not raise its benchmark interest rate, which has been near zero since late 2008. The lack of an interest rate increase was positive news for real estate and real estate investment trusts, which gained 1.10 percent for the day. Plus, interest rate survey results from Trepp.

Most industries are embracing technology, which is getting better, faster, and more affordable and is profoundly affecting all types of real estate. In the real estate industry itself, one way that technology is being used is to more fully utilize properties, which in turn can enhance property values. Plus, interest rate survey results from Trepp.