This paper uses the mean-variance framework to investigate real estate's role in an institutional portfolio. Unlike previous research, however, the paper does not assume a value for future real estate returns. Instead, it is assumed that real estate is held in the portfolio, and the level of...

This note presents a model of commercial construction activity that incorporates the availability of mortgage funds as well as the mortgage rate. Empirical tests show that mortgage availability is an important determinant of construction. The model is used to indicate that the flood of mortgage...