Sales volume in the four major property sectors rose by an estimated 35% in 2011 to $240 billion.

The U.S. debt downgrade and the bumpy road of attempted resolutions to the European debt crisis have cast a cloud of uncertainty on the global economy but failed to tip the U.S. recovery. Amid the clouds of fear and uncertainty, fundamental economic activity has proven to be quite resilient as evidenced by the string of better-than-expected economic readings since August’s onset of financial-market turmoil and the roller coaster ride in Europe. …

Low interest rates and a preference for high-quality, low-risk assets are safety nets leveraged by active commercial property investors.

Patience with an active plan for seeing the right acquisition opportunities is the best mix in this environment.

Recent developments and financial market fragility is likely to reinforce the flight to safety, keeping lenders and buyers cautious on lower quality B- and C assets and tertiary markets.