About two-thirds of real estate executives surveyed by the Real Estate Roundtable said that debt and equity is more available for deals now than a year ago.

A total of 83 percent said debt will become more plentiful over the next year, while 75 percent said equity will be more available.

The results boosted the survey's Sentiment index to 73 from 63 in the fourth quarter, and from 38 in 2008. To reach 100, all respondents would have to say that conditions are much better than a year ago.

The survey's Current Conditions index, which measures market conditions today versus a year ago, reached 69, up 13 points from the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Future Conditions index, which measures current market conditions versus a year from now, increased 4 points to 77.

"The sense of gloom that prevailed one year ago has eased," said Jeffrey D. DeBoer, Roundtable president. "Credit markets have thawed somewhat, and that is obviously good."  

However, respondents also expressed concerns that government policies that hamper businesses' ability to grow will worsen a decline in operating fundamentals.

"Businesses are being very cautious; the federal government is considering raising taxes.  All of this is causing uneasiness," said one respondent. Others warned that an interest-rate hike would undermine any economic recovery.

"Our industry urgently needs public policies that will drive job growth," said DeBoer.

Comments? E-mail John Covaleski or call him at (215) 504-2860, Ext. 208.