Mortgage Banker’s Chief Economist to Deliver Lunch Address at Annual UA Real Estate Conference Jan. 25

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Doug Duncan, senior vice president and chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association, will deliver the luncheon address at the annual Alabama Commercial Real Estate Conference on Thursday, Jan. 25, at Bryant Conference Center on The University of Alabama campus.

Duncan will present the 2007 economic and real estate market forecasts.

The conference brings nationally recognized experts to campus to speak on a variety of real estate related topics of interest to real estate practitioners, lenders, state and local government officials, planners, real estate investors, and property owners.

“The real estate market is a market many people watch with anticipation, and 2007 proves to be no exception. In some parts of the country the watchword may be ‘slowdown,’ but many agree that is not the case for the Southeast and, in particular, Alabama. This conference highlights some of trends that are taking place in the state,” said Suzanna Allaway, real estate resource specialist at the Alabama Real Estate Research and Education Center, which hosts and organizes the conference.

“This conference will give those attending a head start on 2007, so we expect it to be very well attended. It is a great opportunity for industry professionals and leaders to get together and discuss market trends across the state and region.”

Other speakers include Meade Whitaker Jr., a nationally known real estate attorney and a partner in the law firm of Bradley Arant Rose & White, LLP; Colin Coyne, chief operating officer of Melaver Inc., a real estate firm; Scott Lunine, senior vice president / managing director of SCI Properties, and Joe Ritch, shareholder in the law firm of Sirote & Permutt.

Those interested in attending the conference can get a registration form by calling the center at 205/348-4117. Registration forms can also be downloaded from the center’s web site at www.arerec.cba.ua.edu. Cost for the half-day conference is $125 per person.

The Alabama Real Estate Research and Education Center is part of The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration. The UA business school, founded in 1919, has been recognized repeatedly for offering a high-quality, cost-effective education.

Visit us on the Web at www.arerec.cba.ua.edu