When it comes to leasing your shopping center, sticking to the “one broker to do it all” mentality could be your biggest mistake.
In this episode of I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?, I’m challenging the conventional wisdom that says one broker can handle every type of vacancy. From big-box spaces to restaurant outparcels, medical offices, and second-floor spaces—each requires specialized expertise. After 30+ years in the game, I’ve seen firsthand that niche brokers move faster and close deals more efficiently because they already know the tenants you need.
If you’re stuck with long-term vacancies or your leasing velocity is slower than you’d like, this episode will make you rethink your strategy. Sometimes, the best way to get better results is to challenge the norm and get a little more specific.
🔑 Key Takeaways
When you challenge the traditional approach to leasing, better results are just a decision away.
BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
What do Wine Enthusiast pop-ups, perfume clusters, and Soho sidewalks have in common? For Beth Azor—everything.
In this episode, Beth Azor shares takeaways from her recent trip to New York City for ICSC and a surprise game-changing experience: a guided Retail Safari through Soho. From trend-spotting new brands to seeing firsthand how tenant mix and experiential design shape leasing success, Beth breaks down why staying curious and walking retail neighborhoods is one of the best strategies for shopping center owners.
You’ll hear how grouping complementary uses, leveraging underutilized space for events, and drawing inspiration from high-street concepts can directly translate into NOI growth back home. Whether you’re leasing, buying, or just trying to spark new ideas—this retail recon mission will open your eyes to what’s next.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Use travel to study retail trends and scout expanding brands
- Group complementary tenants to enhance foot traffic
- Prioritize experiential elements in tenant spaces
- Encourage tenants to activate unused hours (e.g., evenings/Sundays)
- Walk high-performing neighborhoods to find leasing inspiration
- Take notes, grab business cards, and look for growing brands
- Tenant mix is more powerful than any single lease
- Always be learning—from other markets, models, and mistakes
BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR:
https://www.bethazor.com/
https://www.azoracademy.com/
For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/
#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
Just because you’re tough doesn’t mean you can’t be strategic. In this episode, I walk you through exactly when I get lenient on deals—and when I hold firm.
I share real examples of consulting projects where the key to successful leasing wasn’t about lowering rent across the board—it was about understanding demand. From turning down a bank on Main Street to repositioning office tenants during a supply glut, I unpack how I coach landlords to evaluate each space individually, not the center as a whole. Plus, I explain how knowing your market, asking the right questions, and recognizing “needle-in-a-haystack” spaces can give you the confidence to stand your ground—or close smarter when supply is working against you.
If you’re struggling to lease tough spaces or worried about holding firm on rent, this episode gives you the playbook to stay smart, flexible, and profitable.
🔑 Key Takeaways
✔️ Know which spaces have demand—and which don’t
✔️ Don’t let one tough space define your entire strategy
✔️ Retail with strong demand deserves stronger terms
✔️ Office space with high vacancy? Prioritize occupancy
✔️ Use incoming leads to reposition existing tenants
✔️ End caps with drive-thrus = premium leverage
✔️ Negotiate each space, not the center as a whole
✔️ Get tenants on leases before you plan to sell
BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR:
https://www.bethazor.com/
https://www.azoracademy.com/
For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/
#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
A broker from a national pizza chain asked me to extend their lease and lower their rent by $5/SF. But instead of panicking, I asked a better question: “Would they be open to leaving instead?” In this episode, I break down the full story—and why more landlords need to stop reacting from fear and start thinking strategically.From understanding tenant exclusives in the market to knowing when to call a bluff, I walk you through exactly how I handled this pitch, the math behind restaurant margins, and why you should never drop rent without seeing sales. If you're being hit with rent reduction requests—especially from nationals—this is a must-listen playbook for keeping your NOI strong.🔑 Key Takeaways✔️ Never drop rent without seeing a 3-year sales history✔️ Pizza tenants have infrastructure—leverage that✔️ Know your competition’s exclusives and vacancies✔️ If they won’t share sales, it’s likely not a real hardship✔️ Brokers often get paid based on rent reductions✔️ Don’t panic—do your homework before agreeing to anything✔️ National chains often bluff to secure better terms✔️ You have more leverage than you think—use itBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
What would you risk to win the deal of a lifetime?
In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes story of one of the most competitive acquisitions of my career—where I took a $30,000 gamble before getting the deal, beat out five other buyers, and closed in just three days. And yes, I turned a former strip club into a retail center generating $740,000 in NOI.
This wasn’t luck—it was strategy, speed, and a little creative thinking. I’ll walk you through the relationships I spent years building, the unconventional move my partner suggested, and the mindset that helped me take the leap. If you’ve ever been neck-and-neck for a deal, this episode will challenge the way you play the game.
Because sometimes, the deal doesn’t go to the highest bidder—it goes to the boldest.
🔑 Key Takeaways
BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR:
https://www.bethazor.com/
https://www.azoracademy.com/
For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/
#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
In this episode, I break down a real-life situation that perfectly illustrates what happens when business goals steamroll smart real estate fundamentals. A doctor poured $2.5 million into renovating a two-story office building—without addressing the fact that the property only has six parking spaces. Six! Before signing a single lease.
I walk you through the candid coaching conversation I had with him, why building spec space with zero leases in hand is a risky move, and why parking is absolutely non-negotiable—no matter how great the visibility or how passionate you are about your business.
At the end of the day, the real estate must drive the business—not the other way around. If you’re investing, developing, or making big decisions about where your business lives, this episode is your reminder to slow down, analyze, and make choices through the real estate lens first.
This is a must-listen case study in what not to do—and how the right due diligence could save you millions.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Never build spec space without a signed lease
Parking can make or break your deal
Your business cannot monopolize shared property assets
Always run a parking analysis before committing to renovations
Visibility is great—but parking is essential
Your business hat and your real estate hat require completely different decisions
In some locations, residential may outperform commercial
Bring advisors in before making million-dollar decisions
BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
Thinking of turning that vacant Dollar Tree into a food hall? Hit pause—this episode might save you a fortune.
Food halls are trendy, flashy, and tempting—especially when you’re sitting on 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of empty space. But after seeing too many landlords lose big, I’m here to sound the alarm. In this episode, I break down why most food halls fail, the false promises they offer, and what you should consider before signing on to build one. From startup tenant churn to high buildout costs and low foot traffic, I share real examples (including failed projects from close friends) and challenge the food hall hype with a dose of truth. If you're serious about NOI, you need to hear this.
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t default to a food hall just because you have a large vacancy
- Buildout costs are massive; especially without a strong operator
- Most food hall tenants are startups (and risky ones at that)
- Failure rates remain high, even in trendy concepts
- Location is everything: food halls only work with major traffic
- Tourist-heavy areas offer better chances of success
- Talk to real operators and visit proven sites before investing
- A vacant anchor space doesn’t equal a food hall opportunity
- There are better ways to fill space; don’t fall for the fad
BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR:
https://www.bethazor.com/
https://www.azoracademy.com/
For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/
#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
Before you blame the broker—check the agreement.
When I bring on a third-party leasing broker, I know my success depends on my systems just as much as their effort. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I structure broker relationships to keep leasing activity transparent, accountable, and productive.
From the interview questions I ask to uncover true canvassing habits, to the monthly reporting structure that ensures I’m never left wondering what’s happening—I’m sharing the playbook I’ve refined over decades of owning and leasing retail centers. You’ll learn why I insist on activity reports, how to spot red flags like recycled leads and vague updates, and how to course-correct before months of momentum are lost.
Whether you’re an owner frustrated by slow lease-up or just starting to delegate leasing for the first time, this episode gives you a proven framework to make sure your broker delivers.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Always include a 30-day termination clause in your broker agreements
Require detailed monthly activity reports
Don’t settle for weekly calls—push brokers to actively prospect
Audit lead sources to confirm they’re proactive, not passive
Make brokers document where every lead originates
Review and compare reports each month
Watch for recycled names with no progress
Don’t hesitate to terminate if performance doesn’t improve
BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR:
https://www.bethazor.com/
https://www.azoracademy.com/
For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/
#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
Feeling stuck in your leasing? Here's how to get things moving again.
In this episode, I share how I helped one of my shopping centers generate major leasing momentum by bringing our entire team—property manager, broker, attorney, and ownership—together for a single, strategic call. You’ll hear how just one meeting led to five major leasing wins, and why alignment and accountability matter more than endless emails or disconnected updates.
Whether you’re trying to get your leasing broker to perform or need to push a deal across the finish line, this episode will give you a practical model to rally your team and unlock results—fast.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Hold regular calls with your leasing team
- Bring together all stakeholders—broker, attorney, owner, property manager
- Push for updates on every LOI and deal
- Create urgency with hard deadlines
- Don't assume brokers are talking to tenants daily
- Use your presence to drive accountability
- A 30-minute call can lead to real momentum
- Brokers need structure and support to succeed
BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR:
https://www.bethazor.com/
https://www.azoracademy.com/
For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/
#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
In Episode 71 of I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?, Beth Azor shares a powerful lesson from the field: when brokers and cold calls fall flat, in-person canvassing still wins.
After consulting for a client struggling to lease retail space in a mixed-use development, Beth flew in, walked the neighborhood, and landed a showing—all within two hours. In this episode, she breaks down why canvassing is still critical, even after 30+ years in the business, and how brokers who avoid it may be costing their clients deals.
This isn’t theory—it’s real-world advice from someone who’s still in the trenches. Beth reveals her go-to steps for getting results fast, how to identify myths and misinformation in a market, and why walking the block gives landlords a competitive edge.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Whether you're working with brokers or leasing yourself, this episode will help you revive a dead listing and protect your NOI.
BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR:
For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/
If you're handing off your leasing to a third-party broker, don’t assume they’ll just get the job done—you have to manage the process like a boss.
In this episode of I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?, I walk you through exactly how I coach multifamily and mixed-use owners on hiring the right retail broker. After a recent call with some friends trying to lease their ground-floor retail, I realized how many owners hand it off with zero oversight—and then wonder why the space is still vacant months later.
I break down my full checklist for interviewing, setting expectations, and, yes—firing brokers who ghost you or just don’t deliver. If you're not a retail expert, that’s okay. But you do need a system. And this episode gives it to you.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Interview 3–5 third-party brokerage firms
✔️ Always set clear expectations in writing
✔️ Require weekly updates and activity reports
✔️ Tour competing properties with your brokers
✔️ Don’t be afraid to fire underperformers
✔️ Know your asset better than the broker
✔️ Make sure compensation aligns with performance
✔️ Retail leasing needs retail-focused brokers
Even if you don’t create your center’s budget yourself—you still need to know exactly what to look for.In this episode, I walk you through how I personally review the annual budgets for my shopping centers—despite not preparing them myself. Whether it's spotting weird dips in base rent, double-counting taxes and insurance, or bad timing on capital projects, I’m sharing the real checklist I use to catch costly mistakes before they impact NOI.This episode is perfect for shopping center owners, asset managers, or anyone handing budget prep to a CPA or property manager. Don’t miss my tips for tracking leasing fees, mortgage escrows, and cash flow month by month—and why I never schedule capital work during rainy season in Florida.🔑 Key Takeaways- Always review income line by line across all months- Check for base rent or recovery dips that don’t make sense- Compare op-ex items across properties by square foot- Watch out for double-counting taxes and insurance- Make sure capital expenses are scheduled during dry months- Avoid paving or painting during key retail seasons- Review CAM, insurance, and RE tax breakdowns per tenant- Flag lease renewals and verify the correct rent bumps- Don’t skip budgeting - even if you’ve never done one before
There’s a 10-page checklist every new owner should have—and most of you don’t even know it exists.
When I bought my first shopping center, I had no idea what I didn’t know. Then I met my rockstar property manager, Lori Rosen. Lori ran circles around the rest of us—and she handed me this takeover checklist that completely changed the way I approached new deals. Today, she’s sharing her Forms Book with the world, and I still use that same list every single time I take over a property.
Whether you’ve just bought a center or you’re stepping in to take over leasing and management, this checklist is going to keep you sane and organized.
In this episode, I walk you through it all—from utility transfers and vendor audits to HVAC reports and delinquency follow-ups. These are the things you must tackle in those first few weeks if you want a smooth transition. And if you DM me? I’ll send you the actual checklist.
Oh, and one more thing: gentlemen, I know 92% of you listening are men. Do me a favor - bring the women in your life to the Women’s Real Estate Investment Summit. It’s time we get more women in the game.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Always use a takeover checklist to streamline transitions
Audit every vendor and contract within 30–90 days
Notify tenants immediately and redirect rent collections
Transfer utilities, insurance, and service accounts right away
Build lease expiration and insurance compliance reports
Set up property management systems on day one
Don’t overlook emergency contacts and lease signage
Stay ahead of tax and CAM reconciliation deadlines
Replace outdated leasing signs quickly
Add new property entities to every tenant’s insurance certificate
Handing off leasing to a third party? Don’t let them sabotage your NOI.
In this episode of I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?, I walk you through my go-to process for selecting and managing third-party leasing brokers—especially if retail isn’t your specialty. After a recent call with multifamily investors entering the mixed-use world, I laid out the exact steps I take to make sure brokers are vetted, expectations are clear, and accountability is non-negotiable.
From requiring them to tour comps, to demanding weekly activity reports, to firing (gracefully) when they underperform, I share the playbook that protects your asset and keeps leasing on track. If you’re new to ground-floor retail—or you’ve had brokers ghost you in the past—this episode gives you the checklist you didn’t even know you needed.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Struggling to lease your retail space in a multifamily project? You might be making this common mistake.
In Episode 65 of I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?, I share a recent conversation I had with some multifamily investors who were venturing into retail for the first time. Leasing retail—especially on the ground floor of high-rise projects—is a whole different animal, and getting it right starts with hiring the right third-party team.
I walk you through exactly how I advised them: how many firms to interview, what expectations to put in writing, and why it's critical to know the market even better than the broker you hire. I also break down why it’s okay—and necessary—to fire leasing agents who aren’t performing. If you’re going to delegate, you still have to manage smartly.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Understand the default and remedy clauses in your leases
Evaluate tenant term lengths and credit strength
Confirm restrictions through in-person intel
Weigh the upside of breaking outdated lease clauses
Know your waiver options—some clauses are flexible
Old leases aren’t always built for modern tenants
Strategic defaults require informed decision-making
Invite a woman to my summit—let’s grow this community!
It’s budget season—and here’s exactly how I build shopping center budgets from scratch.
In Episode 65 of “I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?”, I take you behind the scenes of my step-by-step budgeting process. If you’re an owner preparing budgets between September and October, this episode is for you. I’ll show you how I forecast expenses using actuals, estimate income from leasing activity, and plan ahead for those “surprise” costs like security or vacancies.
I break down how to handle vendor increases, project leasing income, and when it’s smart to loop in partners. I also share strategies to help you impress your institutional clients during budget season. And—don’t miss my special invitation to the Women’s Real Estate Investment Summit!
Key Takeaways:
Use actuals from the first 8–9 months to build your budget
Spread recurring costs (like landscaping) evenly across 12 months
Estimate real estate taxes using current TRIM notices plus 10%
Don’t prompt vendors for increases—budget a standard 10% bump
Account for vacancies and utilities based on lease-up expectations
Include leasing income and TIs with detailed assumptions
Finalize budgets before Thanksgiving, allowing 6–8 weeks to complete
Send drafts to key partners for feedback if needed
Unexpected expenses (e.g., security) should be noted in reports
Remember: institutions often consider switching third-party firms post-budget season
BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
What if you could train your leasing team without spending thousands on a coach?In Episode 64 of I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?, Beth Azor shares a powerful, low-cost strategy for improving leasing team performance—using her Retail Leasing Playbook Podcast. While attending ICSC Orlando, Beth spoke with a listener who wanted her to train his team, but she recommended a free, scalable alternative: assigning her podcast as weekly “homework.”Beth walks through how leasing directors can use the podcast to upskill their teams week by week. She explains how this method can spark higher leasing activity, boost rental rates, and increase property value—all without needing to fly her in.Beth also promotes her Women’s Real Estate Investment Summit, encouraging the male-heavy audience to send the women in their lives. With 250+ attendees from multiple asset classes, it’s a prime networking and educational event for female investors.✅ Key Takeaways-Use the Retail Leasing Playbook Podcast as free training for your leasing team-Assign two chapters per week and discuss takeaways in weekly meetings-Implementing this structure can increase leasing activity and rental income-Third-party brokers can benefit from this training too-You don’t need Beth in person—her content is accessible for free-92% of the podcast audience is male, but her summit empowers female investors-The Women’s Real Estate Investment Summit fosters education, networking, and joint venturesBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
Syndication structures are changing—and in this episode, Beth Azor unpacks exactly how.From preferred returns and promotes to unusual LP terms and fee-loaded deals, Beth breaks down the many syndication models she’s encountered—both as an LP and a GP. She shares what she looks for before investing, the red flags that turn her off, and the structure she prefers when raising money herself. Whether you're a new sponsor or an LP eyeing your next investment, you'll walk away with tactical insight on evaluating and designing win-win syndication deals.✅ Key Takeaways-Preferred returns vary with market conditions-Promotes typically kick in after full LP return-Sponsors should have skin in the game-Some are raising without preferred returns or promotes-Fee-heavy structures are common—but not always justifiedLPs want transparency, alignment, and realistic projections-Creatively structured deals can benefit all parties-Fundraising speed often reflects investor trustBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
One bad hire during a renovation can cost you six figures—here’s how to -prevent that.In this episode, Beth Azor shares why hiring a project manager is one of the smartest investments a shopping center owner can make. From avoiding costly delays to managing complex renovations and tenant buildouts, Beth reflects on key lessons from her own experiences—including a $3.5M renovation that finished on time and under budget. She unpacks when to bring in a PM, what they really do behind the scenes, and why it’s especially critical if you’re managing other people’s money. Whether you're just starting out or leading multiple deals, this is your cheat sheet to smoother construction and smarter asset management.✅ Key Takeaways-You don’t need to be a construction expert to renovate well.-Project managers save time, money, and stress.-Hiring one early prevents major oversights.-Always bring in a PM for tenant buildouts.-Florida’s 40-year inspections demand serious oversight.-Syndicators should never DIY construction management.-Great PMs are worth every penny.-Even small projects can benefit from a PM.
Imagine buying my first shopping center for $3.5M… and letting $1M in potential value sit vacant. That’s exactly what happened—and it took a no-fluff wake-up call from Beth Azor to make me see the truth every investor needs to hear.
In this episode, I unpack my conversation with a doctor-turned-investor who bought a 10-tenant retail property but is frustrated by two vacancies. Despite keeping the seller’s leasing team, nothing’s getting filled—and here’s the kicker: I haven’t even visited the market. Beth walks me through how that hands-off approach is costing me big, both in annual rent and in property value.
This episode is a powerful case study in the cost of inaction—and what it really takes to build a successful portfolio of shopping centers.
👉 Plus: I give a special shoutout to the Women’s Real Estate Investment Summit and share how men can support the women in their lives to invest in commercial real estate too.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Vacancies cost more than you think. Two empty units could mean $1M in unrealized value—know your numbers.
You can’t manage what you don’t understand. If you’ve never visited the property, how do you know what’s really going on?
Leasing agents aren’t miracle workers. If they’re not performing, replace them—especially before giving them renewal business.
Understand your market firsthand. Rents might be $40 PSF today—not $30 like 3 years ago. Are your leasing assumptions outdated?
Absentee ownership isn’t passive—it’s risky. If you want to scale, you need to be proactive or bring in the right partners.
Set systems, not silos. Build relationships with tenant reps, vendors, and your tenants—even if it’s just a 3-day visit.