SEATTLE—However, even as market conditions iimprove, “Saving a down payment, qualifying for a mortgage and finding an affordable home to buy all remain formidable challenges for many,” says Zillow economist Stan Humphries.

RIO DE JANEIRO—Although economists have lowered their near-term outlook for the country, Tishman Speyer maintains “great confidence in the long-term vitality of Brazil,” says the firm's Rob Speyer.

NEW YORK CITY—It's the biggest separate-account deal for MetLife Real Estate Investors since a $5-billion commitment from SunTrust Banks in 2013.

NEW YORK CITY—“Our collaboration across geographies and services resulted in record revenue and profitability,” says Edward C. Forst, Cushman & Wakefield's president and CEO.

WASHINGTON, DC—Even with new starts at triple the levels they sank to during the recession, “we've chronically under-built for years,” says NMHC chairman Daryl Carter.

SAN FRANCISCO—“We have demand outpacing supply by a wide margin, and improving fundamentals across the board,” Marcus &amp; Millichap's Hessam Nadji said on a recent segment of CNBC's <i>Halftime Report</i>.

NEW YORK CITY—GPT is assuming $128 million of mortgage debt on the portfolio, encumbering 11 of the 12 properties it has acquired from Dividend Capital Diversified Property Fund Inc.

GREENWICH, CT—Having exceeded its fundraising target by more than $1 billion, Starwood Global Opportunity Fund X is being divided roughly 50/50 between the US and Europe.