Leibowitz of Arldon Realty discusses how the media has influenced N.Y.

How has media coverage helped or hurt the New York real estate market? The downturn in the economy has been and still is difficult. When news media programs site a 40% drop in the housing market, all references lead the commercial market as well and that properties are also off 40%, not so. The hype is almost self-fulfilling and has now impacted the commercial real estate market but not 40%. We are as busy with office space and retail leasing plus new construction of a medical facility as we were a year ago. Could the commercial market be stronger, yes, will it be stronger, you bet. Sheldon Leibowitz is managing broker for Arldon Realty, Bayshore, N.Y.