Seyfarth’s James O’Brien Quoted in Law360 on Fed Policy and Real Estate Market Outlook

Seyfarth Real Estate partner and Leasing practice co-chair James O’Brien was quoted in Law360 discussing the Federal Reserve’s latest policy direction under new Chair Kevin Warsh and the implications for the commercial real estate market.

In the June 17, 2026 article, “Warsh Debut Heralds Change For Fed, Not Rates,” O’Brien highlighted the continued challenges posed by elevated interest rates, noting that real estate remains highly sensitive to borrowing costs.

“While a lot of people have gotten used to operating in a higher-for-longer rate environment, real estate is a business driven by leverage,” O’Brien said. “When the cost of debt is higher, it’s a problem and can be a drag on deal flow.” 

He also pointed to a potential upside, emphasizing that a strong labor market can help support real estate fundamentals:

“A strong employment market is positive for the real estate market because it drives stronger demand for housing and offices,” O’Brien noted.

The article cited Seyfarth’s Real Estate Market Sentiment Survey, which found that nearly half of respondents had initially expected interest rate cuts of 26 to 50 basis points at the start of 2026—expectations that have since shifted as inflation remains elevated.

Read the full article here.