NEW YORK CITY-We're on the threshold of war, there are no jobs, the Bush tax plan is a dubious bet and business confidence is still in the dumpster. So why is Mark Zandi so upbeat?

NEW YORK CITY-We're on the threshold of war, there are no jobs, the Bush tax plan is a dubious bet and business confidence is still in the dumpster. So why is Mark Zandi so upbeat?

NEW YORK CITY-In trying times, corporate real estate players look to trim their costs--and that means farming out in-house functions. But while outsourcing is coming back, CREs are hesitant to trust strategies to providers--for now, at least.

NEW YORK CITY-If you're going to act like a partner in a corporate client's real estate strategy, you better start thinking like a partner, said CoreNet seminar panelists yesterday.

NEW YORK CITY-Today's the day for the formal spin-off of the residential-development unit of locally based Brookfield Properties. Brookfield Homes, trading separately on the NYSE, positions the parent as a pure-play office entity.

NEW YORK CITY-Reps for law firm Cahill Gordon & Reindel scouted roughly 10 buildings before opting to re-up for 250,000 sf at 80 Pine St. Those options simply underscore the massive mess the Manhattan market is in.

NEW YORK CITY-The broker formerly known as Morton G. Thalhimer may, like the rock star, revert to its original name. The Richmond-based firm that became Insignia/Thalhimer last year and I/ESG have severed their year-long relationship. Sources say there were "philosophical differences.

NEW YORK CITY-GlobeSt.com has learned that the deal is done, and Mitch Steir is now at the helm of Julien J. Studley Inc. Michael Colaccino and Mark Jaccom were also part of the management buyout. A new board is expected to be installed shortly.