Here's how you can excel in the specialized sectors of retail or industrial Commercial Real Estate.
Navigating the world of commercial real estate (CRE) can be both challenging and rewarding, especially within the specialized sectors of retail and industrial properties. Excelling in these areas requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, tenant needs, and investment strategies. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, mastering these sectors can lead to significant career advancement and financial success. By focusing on key strategies tailored to each sector, you can position yourself as an expert and drive growth in your commercial real estate career.
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Rael LevittCEO Inospace | Chairman Lisa | Director Lift | Property Technology | Commercial Real Estate | Last-Mile Logistics
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Dustin PittmanBusiness Broker at Thames Management Resources LTD Capital Markets | Business Appraisals | Exit Planning
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Carol Schillne, CRX, CLS, CFERetail & Restaurant Representation at ORION
To excel in retail or industrial commercial real estate, you must become proficient in market analysis. This involves studying market trends, understanding the supply and demand dynamics, and identifying the economic factors that influence property values. For retail, this means analyzing consumer behavior, retail sales data, and the impact of e-commerce on brick-and-mortar stores. In the industrial sector, it's crucial to evaluate manufacturing trends, distribution patterns, and the rise of logistics hubs. Your ability to interpret this data will inform investment decisions and help you advise clients accurately.
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If you want to excel in retail commercial real estate - study it! Be a professional and learn how to add value. For example, should know how a retailer chooses a new location and what are the key factors will make to location successful for them. In addition, understand the landlord side. What are the landlord's goals - a large corporate owner may have very different goals for a property than a family trust. There is an enormous amount of data available today - find it and use it to help your clients make the best decisions.
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Basándome en mi experiencia puedo decir que en cuanto a los bienes raíces comerciales es importantísimo tener clara la idea de que el comprador tiene unas necesidades especificas; que probablemente formen parte de un plan de negocio, que estoy seguro que es fruto de un objetivo concreto. Es crucial poder entender un poco más allá de lo que está buscando, hablo de entender el porqué. Así puedes saber esas necesidades, proponer alternativas, entender qué quiere. A partir de ahí viene el trabajo de búsqueda/captación/venta. + Tips: - Ten en cuenta la legislación vigente y la tendencia a futuro. (Comprueba que el cliente no se vea afectado) - Crea una relación a largo plazo, si está en expansión es probable que vuelva a necesitar tu ayuda.
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Know your market. You have to be the authority in your area. Knowing what the current price per square foot is , macro & micro economic impacts on the industry, the current lending environment, al these factors play a part in your clients decision making process. Buyers & sellers will recognize you as an expert. When this happens, you will start getting more calls instead of having to cold call so much.
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Over my 20-year career, I’ve learned that to truly understand any market, you need more than just numbers. While sales records, leasing activity, and development data are crucial, it's equally important to talk to the people. Workers, small business owners, and locals often hold key insights that aren't in the data. By engaging with them, you can uncover hidden information that enhances your market analysis. Many of my successful deals have come from these conversations. You can actually shape your market understanding by simply speaking with those within it.
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To excel, you need to be an asset. An asset that continually adds value in the eyes of a client in a stable as well as a changing real estate environment. Add value by having a perspective built on understanding the client needs and a thorough analysis of the market. Data is a great tool but don’t limit yourself to data. Data is an input.and driven by the ppl who inputs it. Communicate effectively with these key influencers. There’s a great reward for those who do and have a more holistic approach.
Building strong tenant relationships is essential for success in retail and industrial CRE. For retail properties, this means understanding the unique needs of retailers, from foot traffic to store layout. Offering flexible lease terms or contributing to store renovations can attract and retain high-quality tenants. In the industrial sector, tenants may prioritize factors like ceiling height, loading docks, or proximity to transportation networks. By addressing these needs and maintaining open communication, you can foster long-term tenancies and minimize vacancies.
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If you can start to better understand a tenants business, you can better understand their needs in the short - long term. By doing this you may identify more opportunity. Which could lead to impactful referral connections to your network of vendors, contractors, lenders, etc.
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Hay que entender, que tanto el arrendador como el arrendatario tienen dos negocios, uno necesita alquilar un bien para un negocio, y otro tiene un negocio de alquilar bienes. A partir de aquí se trata de que ambos negocios colaboren para la subsistencia y el beneficio de ambos. En cuanto al alquiler de dichos bienes inmuebles, considero que es de mutuo beneficio entre las partes llegar a un acuerdo flexible. Lo importante es encontrar una solución con la que ambos negocios (arrendador y arrendatario) estén conformes y dispuestos a continuar su relación comercial.
Developing a sound investment strategy is crucial in retail and industrial CRE sectors. Retail investors should focus on location, tenant mix, and the potential for foot traffic, while also considering the impact of online shopping on physical stores. Industrial investors should evaluate properties based on logistical efficiency, access to transportation corridors, and the adaptability of the space for various uses. Both sectors benefit from a proactive approach to asset management, ensuring that properties remain competitive and profitable.
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I see often that business owners/investors overlook or don’t plan their inevitable exit from either their business or a property. Part of a solid investment strategy is knowing how you will get out! Will the property or company be passed down, sold or transferred? I see this often with business owners of long time companies. They fail to plan their exit which affects their retirement. Always plan for the “end game” and what that looks like.
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Commercial real estate investment offers a lucrative opportunity for individuals and organizations to generate passive income and build wealth. By investing in commercial properties, such as office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities, investors can benefit from rental income, property appreciation, and tax benefits. A well-diversified commercial real estate portfolio can provide a stable source of returns, hedge against inflation and market volatility, and support long-term financial goals. With careful market research, strategic property selection, and effective asset management, commercial real estate investment can be a valuable addition to any investment portfolio.
Effective risk management is a cornerstone of thriving in retail and industrial CRE. This includes assessing potential environmental issues, staying compliant with zoning laws, and ensuring proper maintenance of the property. For retail real estate, it's also about anticipating shifts in consumer preferences and adapting accordingly. In industrial real estate, understanding the risks associated with different types of tenants, such as those handling hazardous materials, is vital. By mitigating risks, you protect your investments and build a reputation for reliability.
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Some risk can be hard to see without proper experience. Economic cycles, political shifts, consumer trends can shake or break a company directly or indirectly. And those events can be hard to plan for.
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Risk Management - like a mythical beast people heard about, acknowledge that it might be real and are too afraid to tackle it. Risk management in Commercial Real Estate involves identifying, assessing and mitigating potential risks that could impact the value, performance and profitability of real estate investments. Effective risk management helps investors and property managers safeguard their assets, ensure steady income streams and enhance long-term returns. Some key components of risk management in CRE include: - Market risk; - Financial risk; - Operation risk; - Legal & Regulatory risk; - Environmental risk; - Strategy risk.
Incorporating technology into your CRE practice can give you a competitive edge in retail and industrial sectors. Utilize data analytics tools to make informed decisions about property acquisitions and to monitor market trends. Retail properties can benefit from technologies that enhance the shopping experience, such as interactive directories or personalized promotions. For industrial properties, technological advancements in logistics and supply chain management can be leveraged to attract tenants looking for efficiency. Staying ahead of tech trends can significantly improve your portfolio performance.
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I use the following Tech and integration. - Salesforce integration - Trepp Tech and analysis - Propertyshark data - Loopnet - Listing portal
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We’ve had great success using mobile movement data to gain valuable insights into retail properties. How can this data be beneficial? 1. Customer Foot Traffic: Understand the flow and volume of customers to optimize store placement. 2. Demographic Insights: Tailor marketing efforts based on visitor demographics. 3. Peak Times Identification: Optimize staffing during busy periods. 4. Competitive Analysis: Compare foot traffic with competitors to identify strengths. 5. Investment Decisions: Evaluate potential success of new locations or renovations. Leveraging mobile movement data provides a comprehensive overview of customer behavior, helping to make informed decisions and drive success in the retail real estate market.
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Technology integration is the process of combining technology tools and solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making in various industries, including commercial real estate. Some examples of technology integration in commercial real estate include: - Property management software to streamline operations and tenant communication - Data analytics platforms to analyze market trends and property performance - Digital marketing tools to enhance property visibility and attract tenants - Smart building technologies to optimize energy efficiency and tenant experience - Automated workflows to simplify transactions and reduce paperwork
Lastly, networking is key in the specialized sectors of CRE. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with other CRE professionals online to stay informed about market developments. In retail real estate, relationships with retailers, brand representatives, and shopping center developers can provide valuable insights and opportunities. For industrial real estate, networking with manufacturers, logistics companies, and brokers can lead to lucrative deals. Strong professional relationships can be the gateway to your next big transaction.
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Networking plays a crucial role in the success of our micro logistics sector. At Inospace, we established the Inocircle - a specialised networking hub designed to benefit our clients. The Inocircle serves as a platform for hosting industry events, creating opportunities to connect with professional associations, and fostering online engagement. In the realm of industrial and logistics real estate, establishing connections with other logistics companies and actively participating in networking can pave the way for prosperous deals and numerous opportunities. By cultivating solid professional relationships within Inocircle, our clients can gain access to potential transactions that can significantly grow their businesses.
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Know your targets. Networking is great if you are engaging with the right people. Be strategic when networking. It’s critical to spend your time in the right arena surrounded by the right players.
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Networking is like a blank canvas. It's all about your approach. Over the years, I've taught both new recruits and experienced professionals how to refine their networking strategies. Networking is like painting – you need the right tools to create a masterpiece. You can't just scatter business cards and hope for the best. Be intentional about how you present yourself. Do you want to be seen as average or memorable? Add value to your interactions. Instead of constantly asking for help or favors, bring knowledge and insights to the table. When you come to networking events ready to share and teach, you make a lasting impression. Happy Networking!
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Explore alternative routes. Expanding your network beyond traditional real estate circles is crucial for leasing, selling, or gaining regional expertise in industrial properties. Here are some key organizations to consider: 1. Chambers of Commerce: Connect with local businesses in need of industrial space. 2. Manufacturing Associations: Provide leads on companies needing warehouses and factories. 3. Logistics Associations: Access businesses requiring storage and distribution facilities. 4. Economic Development Agencies: Offer market insights and business introductions. 5. Trade Shows: Network with potential clients in various industries. Leveraging these networks enhances your reach and expertise in the industrial real estate market.
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An example I've seen is having met a lot of people in the past that are ready to help you out Today they are available for sharing information LinkedIn is a great way to contact our office I want to know how well you are doing I intend to keep in contact with the group
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Standing out in the specialized fields of retail or industrial real estate requires expertise & strategic actions. Here are 5 tips to be recognized as an expert & attract tenants or buyers: 1. Deep Market Knowledge: Stay informed about trends & local developments to provide valuable insights. 2. Build a Strong Network: Connect with industry professionals, attend events, & join associations to expand your influence. 3. Specialized Marketing: Tailor marketing to highlight your expertise, showcasing successful case studies. 4. Offer Value-Added Services: Provide comprehensive services like market analysis & property management. 5. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with certifications & industry news to offer the latest solutions.
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Although tempting, I would suggest to err on the side of caution in regards to overexposure on social media and online platforms. As CRE professional, one must acknowledge that overexposure can be a double-edged sword. While a strong online presence can enhance visibility, build brand recognition and attract potential clients, it can also lead to negative consequences if not managed carefully. Some cons of overexposure: - Brand dilution if posting too frequent or sharing irrelevant content/poor-quality posts; - Privacy concerns on business details or too much info give to your competition; - Reputation risk; - Time management on maintaining an active social media presence; - Legal and ethical issues.
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