A One Billion Dollar Project Needs Surroundings

Downtown remains an important cog for major cities even while the amount of office space and the corporate business it brings is dropping in some locations. Municipalities know they need to continue to plan for the future, especially with new development and redevelopment. It is easy for real estate developers and investors to look away from downtown areas, but it really depends on the city or cities under consideration. It is an opportunity for brokers, designers, and contractors to be creating plans as well. At least it should be. 

 

One example is San Antonio. That city has Austin, Dallas, and Houston as "big city" competitors when it comes to growing industries and commercial construction in Texas. As the below linked article indicates, city officials are well aware of the need to worry about the future when it comes to attracting business ahead of other big cities in the region. The prime example is the $1 billion arena plan for the Spurs. Planning around an arena structure adds even more opportunities for restaurants, hotels, shopping, and other entertainment. 

 

The way to identify and price out the feasibility of being a part of creating and bringing a related opportunity to downtown San Antonio (in this instance) is by doing your research. I mean "your" research, from which only you know certain facts which could be to your advantage for years to come. If those with even more on the line are looking years into the future, the message should be loud and clear. Put your research person or team on it while you work on this week's agenda. A little discussion can go a long long way!

 

 

https://capitalanalyticsassociates.com/san-antonio-spurs-push-1b-downtown-arena-plan-forward/

 

 

Over Five Billion Coming To The Pipeline Equals Five Billion Reasons To Research

Starting a plan now for future gains should be a big part of research for real estate investors and developers. Thorough research should take on more than the specifics for the category and location of the desired development or acquisition. More often than not it is the circumstances leading up to the situation that play a big role.

 

Few are bigger than Transwestern announcing an upcoming spend of $5.3 billion dollars (again, BILLION dollars) for adding 500 miles of pipeline for infrastructure. The targeted area will run from Texas through New Mexico to into Arizona. The pipeline is for natural gas to feed increased infrastructure, including the construction of even more data centers. It seems existing gas lines serving those areas are close to being fully subscribed. As anyone in real estate knows, you don't commit over five billion dollars without being convinced it will be a worthwhile investment.

 

Another energy company involved in the project is, according to what I read, already considering doubling the size of the piping to be able to increase capacity even further, which would add to the total initial expense. While I don't understand how all of that works, I know what it will mean for real estate investors, developers, brokers, lenders, and contractors.

 

As this unfolds, there will be a need for developers, investors, designers, contractors, lenders, and brokers to create the buildings, roads, services, and potentially residences for new structures. If you wait until these things are happening, you have already lost out.

 

 

https://www.pinnaclewest.com/newsroom/company-news/news-release-details/2025/Arizona-Utilities-Work-to-Lock-in-Critical-Natural-Gas-Delivery-to-Power-Growth---/default.aspx  

 

 

Increasing Your Farm Area

New research brings more hope for farmers, at least when it comes to real estate. Although the news, per the below linked story, is encouraging, the significance comes with what you do with the research. Good opportunities are not always obvious.

 

While most states are showing increases in the value of farmland, the opportunities come from being able to leverage that value. Finding and having valuable research makes a difference, but should be the beginning of a plan for real estate investors, owners, brokers, contractors, and lenders.

 

One path I suggest to many of clients, students, and connections is to consider any and all options for an acquisition, renovation, or expansion situation. A potential buyer could use more reasons to proceed than the seller realizes. A seller could use additional advantages to encourage the sale. Brokers should be looking for incentives for their clients, while contractors could be applying added skill sets and capabilities.

 

For example, I have access to tiny homes which are zoned expressly for agricultural properties. Instead of wasting acreage with trees, a creek, or too close to the road, the land owner could be renting living space to employees, students, or seasonal travelers. I see plenty of current farm space, especially within minutes of college towns, which could be adding monthly income for farmers.

 

This new research shows an encouraging trend. It takes an effort to take advantage of that trend, and exploring all options is part of that.  

  

 

https://www.fb.org/market-intel/real-estate-rising-farmland-values-hit-record-high  

 

 

Light Rail With Heavy Potential Real Estate Benefits

Researching upcoming projects can be a huge resource of opportunities for investors, developers, builders, contractors, brokers, designers, and lending sources within an outside of the location(s). Another such opportunity may be coming to New York City. A Queens to Brooklyn light rail is proposed as part of a $2.75 billion dollar allotment. 

 

If government agencies think enough to allot that large of a sum of money, you know there is definitely something to it. There will be more to this project than rail construction. Commercial buildings may increase in value when in proximity to new rail stations. Nearby residential properties are likely to increase in value for the same reasons. Development opportunities are likely to be in bigger demand using vacant land. Restaurants and retail figure to benefit.

 

Those who are "first in" are most likely to be ones who benefit the most. Let's collaborate on creating an opportunity to benefit you and your team for years to come. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere! 

 

 

https://queenseagle.com/all/2025/8/4/state-begins-design-of-queens-brooklyn-light-rail  

 

 

Reviving More Than 1,500 Affordable Housing Units

While some real estate developers, professionals, and investors I encounter don't see the value of exploring major opportunities for the future because their focus is on the coming few days, it means plenty more opportunities for those that search.

 

Suppose you uncover a major project opportunity involving more than 1,500 residential units in need of rehab, with a low occupancy rate, all within a 3-mile radius, coming available at what should be a greatly reduced price. If fully occupied, those units would comprise more than one-third of the available rentals within that community. 

 

If acquired "low" and renovated, the result could be years of significant long-term portfolio income. Getting there would involve estimators, designers, construction, brokers, investors, and plenty of contractors, bringing work to a lot of people and entities.

 

It so happens that a bankruptcy, due in part to fraud (as linked below), and a natural disaster, have led to this very situation becoming a possibility starting next month. This is the case in an Opportunity Zone section of East New Orleans, which has not been invested in to recover from hurricanes while the shortage of local affordable housing is growing. One of the developments is built for 548 units, built in 1984.  

 

Many will read this and think about why it could not work for them. Others will think about people in their network and resources that could team up to make a potential life-changing project come together. Personally, I see the potential for some of my associates and me to make this work rather than come up with excuses not to try. Let's connect! 

  

 

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/four-real-estate-investors-sentenced-multimillion-dollar-loan-scheme  

 

 

If One County Has A Problem, There Could Be A Profitable Solution

The message is about how much thorough research creates significant opportunities in real estate. It can help you fit a personal or group strategy. The below linked story about the slowdown in residential inventory in Palm Beach County FL is curious for a number of reasons.

 

Palm Beach County has the most unsold housing inventory in the state, according to data cited in the story. Florida currently has significant challenges for both commercial and residential real estate, with recent natural disasters and the resulting rise in insurance costs leading the way. Some experts continue to blame rates although others realize that refinancing will be an option at some point.

 

However, the reasons and excuses for the current situation are the common reasons given for counties and regions around the State of Florida. Being research minded, the first thing I thought of upon reading the story is that there is nothing in there to distinguish why Palm Beach County is the unfortunate leader in unsold housing. Rates are the same as other counties.

 

Whether it is market pricing, condition of the properties, seller reluctance, or local challenges like property taxes or zoning, there is at least one reason the problem is more widespread. It clearly takes some research to find out what the problem "really" is for that area.

 

If you can determine the true problem before competitors do, you could have a significant edge toward taking advantage of the most viable solution. Maybe it takes a massive refinance offering. Perhaps buying up a group of properties at lower pricing to desperate sellers provides a long-term solution for profits. Possibly insurance concerns could be addressed in some way, even if costly for the short-term. 

 

The vast majority of people will read articles like the one below and move on, or think they should look elsewhere for real estate opportunities. The few people that have the right research person or team on their side will look into the potential for solving the problem.  

 

 

https://www.wptv.com/money/real-estate-news/a-real-issue-locals-struggle-to-sell-properties-in-midst-of-turbulent-market 

 

 

Needing the Data Before The Data Center

There is a good deal of competition for planning and constructing data centers in recent months. The trend is more likely to increase than to decline as more municipalities see the need to serve their residents.

 

However, as the below linked article shows, there are plenty of residents that do not want a data center nearby, fearing they will suck up needed energy, utilities, and infrastructure and potentially harm their standard of living.

 

Virginia is currently a hotbed for such data centers, and residents are going to politicians about putting a stop to it. Chances are the politicians will listen to thousands of voters ahead of a private company looking to increase its profits.

 

Why is this important to real estate professionals and investors?

 

Plenty of research, planning, design, and logistics go into creating a new data center. Several professions are involved ranging from real estate to IT to high finance and more. However, nowhere in the initial research and planning does it include the possibility that local residents that would be impacted could speak up and potentially prevent the entire project from becoming a reality. Hours of time and thousands of dollars could be at risk.

 

It's why preliminary research and planning needs to include all possibilities.

  

 

https://www.michiganpublic.org/news/2025-07-17/why-more-residents-are-saying-no-to-ai-data-centers-in-their-backyard   

 

 

 

 

Affordable Housing For The Buyer AND Seller?

The questions about the current real estate market impact more than one side of a potential deal more and more. Talking about a buyer market or seller market does not always convey the full story. Rising prices, changing demand, zoning, and regulations often play a role in adding to the difficulty for both sides.

 

We see more situations with states trying to override municipalities with affordable housing requirements, while income averages create change in who becomes eligible for affordable housing in some places. Confused?

 

A lot of people are confused, and that goes to investors, developers, brokers, and potential tenants or buyers. The below linked story shows the combination of confusion and concern in Utah, which is not a state frequently mentioned for influencing or driving market trends. What might or might not happen is, or should be, an important consideration while researching potential buying, selling, or investment opportunities. These days, what "could" happen or change might be a more important consideration when decisions have to be made.

 

 

https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/nx-s1-5431522/housing-costs-affordable-housing-utah-zoning 

 

 

An Added Meaning To A "Safe" Real Estate Investment

The numbers and the location can all work in your favor on a real estate or physical business location, but there is always more to consider. One of them is how neighborhoods can change, and sometimes too quickly for the landlord or owner to be able to adjust. 

 

Another much overlooked part of research is analyzing for potential expenses and strategies for problems or obstacles which may arise. Some people do and some don't. For example, suppose the temperature is expected to drop below 40 degrees overnight. If it's me or my client or student, I'm looking at possible consequences of the temperature dropping to or below the freezing mark. Covering plants with plastic is an example of a solution. If temperatures do indeed stay above freezing, all I lost was a few minutes to cover the plants and part of a roll of plastic covering. However, if I do nothing and my plants freeze, I suffer from long term consequences of possibly having to replant and start over.

 

When it comes to commercial real estate, especially retail locations, building and personal security is an important aspect. That same analogy of freezing temperatures could apply to a changing local crime rate and/or an event which could trigger incidents which threaten the security of your property and your people. You can be over prepared, which has you ready in case things change, or you can wait and hope, only to potentially have your income seriously threatened.

 

The below linked story shows how a downtown area people think is safe has changed for the worst for businesses and their future. This situation is far from being only in isolated cities. Matters like this one could have a significant impact on real estate values in those areas.

 

However, when your research is limited to the property or opportunity and does not take into account factors like crime trends, population trends, and strategies of competitors, transactions and investments can turn sour. Clearly, what has happened in Portland is not the fault of property and business owners who are not suffering greatly. 

 

There may be opportunities for investors to acquire properties for well below current market value and "hold" while security measures are taken over the next few years. Landlords and businesses prepared for this sad possibility may have already been able to do business from other and safer locations. Those who ignore the trends are the ones who are seriously stuck. 

 

 

https://www.mainebiz.biz/article/portland-at-a-crossroads-downtown-safety-tensions-taking-a-toll-on-small-businesses-real

  

 

Is Your Municipality A Real Estate Competitor?

I have been seeing more instances of municipalities making city-owned properties available to investors as a means to generate revenue instead of costing for maintenance. In some cases, a city will provide more favorable terms like tax advantages or zoning changes to encourage the investment. Real estate investors that research for such opportunities often come out with favorable deals for the long-term.

 

These situations, like the one linked below, can be very favorable for investors that have done their homework. One aspect not discussed is whether or not properties acquired through a municipality are giving savvy investors a better deal than for other similar properties which are offered privately. Those more common deals typically do not have possible zoning changes, tax incentives, or structured bidding situations. 

 

It's an example of why commercial landlords need to stay on top of possible zoning changes and unused city properties. Knowing what the competition may bring is an important element of operating a real estate business.You never know what opportunities may be nearby if you don't seek them out.

 

Finding out about a potential acquisition through the municipality could enable an expansion, a separate partnership, or a new project for a current local landlord or investor. However, the existence of an opportunity through a municipality could also result in a competitor entering the marketplace with an advantage.

 

I remind my clients and students about keeping track of what's going on around your area or properties of interest above and beyond current listings and marketed opportunities. Not having competitors involved could bring an investor in a municipal offering even more advantages. 

 

https://la.urbanize.city/post/santa-monica-offers-three-city-owned-properties-developers

 

 

  

Real Estate Problems Are Also Learning Experiences

We all know how things don't always go as planned, and the problems that can result from them. However, some people don't pay enough attention to how those problems often lead to long-term solutions that would not have occurred were it not for the original and unanticipated problem happening.

 

I love the quote in the below linked article from a restaurant chain CEO which says "Never waste a crisis". It is included within the story about how they are recovering from a bankruptcy filing resulting from the pandemic and the steps they took. Over the years, I have found that people involved in a major crisis in the past are often great to work with because of their first hand knowledge of what was and "was not" done when it should have been. They make certain the same problem doesn't happen again, or if it could happen they know to run away as quickly as possible.

 

Over the years I find that a percentage of real estate developers, investors, and brokers do not take the time to review the entirety of a project or proposal in order to find exactly where and why a significant problem originated. This is exactly why I do my best to get my students and clients to track "everything" as a new project begins and progresses. Being able to go back and find that (for example) "If I had asked the lender about X, Y, and Z, I would have know that" moment that becomes the lesson for all future projects.

 

There are times when having a full understanding of what went wrong is more significant to a future project than focusing on what went "right".

 

https://www.qsrmagazine.com/story/4-fast-food-chains-that-bounced-back-from-bankruptcy-and-how-they-did-it/

 

 

When State Funding Tax Benefits Leave and Come Back

Tax credits or incentives from the State or a municipality are often what turns on the green light toward getting a build or a deal done for real estate developers and investors. Those factors can be the difference in an entire deal being worthwhile or a cause to pass. As much as researching the numbers, the location, demographics, and market trends is important when considering, there are still more considerations when government is involved.

 

The (below linked) situation involving a proposed affordable housing development on Chicago's north side is an example of a complicated situation. A $56 million dollar development project has been awarded based on state tax credits being issued, and meeting guidelines for eventual tenant income levels to be met upon completion. However, this project has been in the works for years, and was stalled when the State of Illinois Housing Development Authority was not awarded those same tax credits in 2023. 

 

Since I am not in any involved in this specific situation, I can't speculate as to whether or not there is additional investor risk in executing this project with the possibility of benefits not coming through within the next couple years. Chances are it has been addressed, and favorably for the developer and investors involved. 

 

There are lessons for those of us that work behind the scenes to create opportunities for real estate success. Those lessons starts with not giving up. We all know that some investors would head for the hills when the funds were not awarded in 2023. The next lesson is to revisit the numbers and the opportunity to be ready to move forward upon the funding being restored, which is what happened here.

 

Another factor is looking at the tenant income considerations and how possibly needing to adjust rents to meet guidelines could impact the future of the investment. It is possible that income increases will enable the landlord(s) to increase the rent while staying within guidelines. However, it is also possible that operation and replacement costs could rise to a point where the income potential is forced to be reduced.

 

Determining the rewards should be in relation to determining the risks. This developer that hung in there and plans to implement this project clearly hung in there and sees the long-term benefits. In this case, it takes a village to create one.

 

https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/07/23/howard-street-affordable-housing-project-moving-forward-with-state-tax-credits/

 

 

57,000 Canceled Home Sales In June

Obviously, the numbers need to be in your favor in order to move forward on a real estate deal. However, I continue to point out to my valued clients, students, and connections that it takes even more than the numbers to make a deal worthwhile or to take a pass.

 

The "If you build it, they will come" theory of marketing is taking a hit within the real estate community these days. These days it is about more than economics, as market conditions, political trends, rising costs, and job uncertainty are clearly taking a toll on the real estate community. A lot can happen before a transaction gets to the closing table, including an increase of instances where it does not make it to closing.

 

I continue to see and hear buyers, sellers, brokers, developers, and lenders tell me of their plans for "as soon as (property) closes". Many seem stunned when I ask, "What will you do if it does not close?"

 

For the month of June (the most current research available as of this writing in late July), we saw another increase of pending residential transactions "falling through". Per the below linked report, it was the most ever "falling through" of properties ever in the month of June. With school starting in August in many more locations, June is a crucial month for moving and getting settled for the coming school year. Seeing that 57,000 pending home sales were canceled within a 30 day period should be cause for concern for real estate professionals and investors.

 

We don't know whether or not this trend will continue or reduce. What I know is that the need for contingency plans is on the rise. Looking for backup offers, continuing to bid and make offers, and pursuing additional opportunities should be a part of your plan, no matter how close you get to a closing date.

 

Moving to the next step in your prepared plan is more effective than having to go all the way back to the drawing board. Connect with me, and let's get a solid plan of action in place.

 

https://www.redfin.com/news/pending-sales-fall-through-june-2025/

 

 

When The Real Estate Deal Depends Upon The Research

Years later, how to make a 62-acre commercial site near Chicago's Midway Airport more functional than it has been for years is still an ongoing discussion. Some want more of the scattered and still operating retail stores. Others want to convert to industrial use, with an active proposal being voted on next month. Still others want open and green space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

 

Chances are most real estate professionals and investors will not pay any attention to this story, especially those with no interest in what goes on in the Chicago area. As my clients and students know, situations like this are worth monitoring from a distance. Participants in the real estate world can always learn from how situations are handled from all sides.

 

We have a major developer preparing the paperwork and designs needed in an attempt to implement a zoning change leading to an industrial complex. There are politicians and local representatives that will need to be impressed with that proposal and vote in its favor. Meanwhile, there is opposition to change. Being able to learn what elements of proposals with millions of dollars and plenty of jobs and opportunities to go along with it could help future proposals and projects to happen. Whether the proposal for an industrial property build passes or not, there is plenty to learn about what did and did not work in its favor.

 

Although this is a large-scale situation, plenty of multi-million dollar opportunities are proposed and voted upon around the country which can be a difference maker for real estate developers and investors. The more research and information you have to support your cause, the better the chances of making a life-changing opportunity happen. However, it won't happen without the right research. 

 

 

https://patch.com/illinois/southside/developer-wants-demolish-ford-city-mall-proposes-massive-redevelopment-industrial

 

 

Large Companies Get Turned Down, Too

I see and hear so many excuses from commercial and residential real estate developers, investors, and brokers about "why not" instead of "How can we.....?" Although it is understandable that a smaller company sees challenges of competing with the 'big boys', there can be advantages if presented the right way. That 'right way' is typically a combination of research and marketing strength.

 

One of the things I remind my clients and students is to turn a negative into a positive. One example is showing your focus. A huge project is no problem for a company with 100 employees. What if you have five employees? How do you compete for business?

 

Think of it from the point of view of the entity which awards the bid, contract, or project. If they award a multi-million dollar project to the company with 100 employees, their project will be one of multiple projects taking place. However, if it is awarded to the company with five employees, their project would be the biggest, if not the only, priority at all times. The "five employee" entity gains the possibility of needing and being able hire more employees to meet the demands of the project, thus fueling expansion. Successfully completing this project now puts them in a higher standing to pursue future projects of the larger magnitude.

 

Or, you can think you can't compete with the big boys and not even try. Below is the link to the just revealed story that one of the largest corporations in the nation was turned down on a zoning request in New York City for what would likely have been a billion dollar project. It serves as a reminder that proposals, research, and conditions for a proposal need to be a match, regardless of the size of the entity. 

 

The best opportunities for business growth are created. My team and I create opportunities.

 

https://www.6sqft.com/city-council-rejects-zoning-changes-needed-for-ballys-bronx-casino-proposal/

 

 

 

 

Plenty of Room In A $3 Billion Project If You Know How To Find It

It's enough to think about how many real estate investors and companies miss out on significant opportunities because they lack the research it takes to find them. Another "problem" I encounter far too often in my conversations is how many real estate entities somehow think they don't need to market or advertise their brand constantly.

 

By the time you say "Ooops, I should advertise", it may be too late. No matter where you operate from, there may be ideal opportunities in far away places that you will never know about if you don't make the effort. The latest example comes from Baltimore, where the 'Greater Baltimore Committee' has revealed how $3 billion is being invested toward further enhancing the Water District. The results include a ton of mixed use, residential, retail, restaurants, and attractions which will be a direct result.

 

Plenty of opportunities are there for investors, developers, lenders, contractors, brokers, and direct services such as legal, title, and administration. However, this project started more than 10 years ago. That means that those investors, developers, and so on, already had their foot in the door. Representatives of those companies either found these opportunities (research) OR were well-known enough to be invited (marketing).

 

There are far more sources than the Greater Baltimore Committee, even if not for a $3 billion overall project. If you don't know how to find them and/or they don't know how to find you, these life changing opportunities are not going to happen.

 

It's the old saying about how the airplane needs a full tank of gas whether it is full or 20% occupied. More people need to know about who you are and what you do.

 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baltimores-historic-waterfront-undergoes-3-billion-transformation-ushering-in-a-new-era-of-urban-development-302506765.html

 

 

 

Allow Preliminary Real Estate Research To Be Taxing

 It continues to amaze me how many real estate investors manage to choose convenience ahead of location when considering a transaction. Of course, it is easier to work with opportunities that are within proximity. You may have knowledge of surrounding areas that come from being in and around the area for years.

 

However, when it comes to crunching the numbers, comparing an opportunity against those outside of your geographic sphere could reinforce or discourage a decision ahead of possible consequences. I often ask my coaching students to compare an opportunity they are considering against one hundreds of miles away in terms of cost and benefits. Doing so does not mean they should jump to a "foreign" opportunity, but it might be enough to make them reconsider their thinking. 

 

One prominent example is property taxes. I see a lot with residential, where the same house 20 miles away might cost $250 per month LESS because of much lower property taxes. The impact of these consequences can be even more significant on the commercial real estate side. Commercial often has different considerations than residential.

 

The (below linked) article shows how much difference property taxes could make on expenses surrounding an acquisition and future income potential. While it adds to the preliminary research, it might show a similar opportunity could be more profitable (or accomplish your purpose) within a completely different area. If not, you have even more of a base of comparison to further justify your original decision to partners, team members, and/or other investors.

 

https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/new-jersey-tops-nations-highest-property-tax-list-9413-while-southern-states-offer-relief

 

 

 

 

From Grocery Store To Affordable Housing

Repurposing and conversions are becoming a "thing" and could wind up among the top real estate stories for 2025. Now I'm seeing some possible conversions which are not the more common office to residential types.

 

We sometimes see new residential construction focused around where major grocery stores, schools, and other community amenities are. Interesting to see the (below linked) story about the possibility of a former grocery store space being considered for conversion to residential.

 

The important thing about these stories is the concept of looking into what COULD be done with a struggling property. In the case of the grocery store property in Cleveland, the new residential project is able to happen because of a zoning change. While it took a willingness on the part of the municipality to make it happen, someone had to be behind the zoning change proposal and implementation. Projects like this one happen because of thinking beyond the obvious AND having the research to back it.

 

I'm always telling my coaching and consulting clients, connections, and partners that seeing "what is not there" can be the spark for a new venture. Who in your office or on your team handles exploring for new possibilities for which there would be little to no competition?

 

If you don't have an immediate answer, let's connect. You could have someone else on your side within 24 hours. 

 

https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/07/vacant-cleveland-grocery-store-may-find-new-life-as-120-affordable-apartments.html 

 

 

 

Getting The Bus To Bring Your Target Audience To Your Front Door

Seeing the (below linked) article about the lack of protection from the sun at many bus stops in a major city got me to thinking about how this situation could be an opportunity for real estate and business professionals in cities large enough to have a bus system.

 

People often have to wait for several minutes, sometimes longer, for the next bus to arrive at corners where there is retail or office space in operation. Suppose these buildings have room in front for a few chairs where people could wait and enjoy the air conditioning, heat, and/or protection from rain, snow, and wind in addition to the sun. 

 

Let's say the average wait time is 5 minutes. If your building can "host" people waiting for the bus throughout the day, you could save your municipality thousands dollars of construction and improvement costs since they would not need to build a waiting station with protection. 

 

There are plenty of retail and office buildings next to bus stops which spend thousands of dollars marketing and advertising for new business. Meanwhile, they may be missing out on a consistent opportunity to attract their target audience.

 

Someone "waiting" inside their location can certainly get there, and likely on a regular basis. For some businesses, that is half of the battle. They are a captive audience for those few minutes, especially if it's every day. If they are going to use your chair to wait, they can watch or listen to information about your business, or buy your product or service at the same time. 

 

Depending upon the nature of your business, you could hire or allow a specialist to take care of people all day long while waiting. Perhaps they could get a quick trim, buy a beverage to take with, or do something like watch a video of a nearby apartment for rent or home for sale. Or, they can stand outside in the hot sun or the rain. You have a choice.

 

It's all about being where your target audience is.

 

 

https://wdet.org/2025/07/02/give-em-shade-nearly-90-of-detroit-bus-stops-lack-adequate-sun-protection/

 

 

 

Secure A Better Position As A Landlord or Investor

There are not very many things that tenants and landlords agree on, but increased security is one of them. With all of the real estate related concerns in Florida (infrastructure, insurance, disasters), it is nice to see a couple of updates to the newer home security regulations which went into effect in Florida at the start of this year.

 

An emphasis on increased security is not something which is (yet) being addressed with this kind of urgency in other states. Whether it is or is not in the state(s) you are involved with, there is a lot to be said for having these requirements, which are explained in the article linked below. The point of the Florida legislation is to hold property owners accountable for home security instead of leaving it more to the tenant side.

 

This is of interest to me because one of the items I point out when working with real estate investors and landlords is to highlight improved security features in proposals. Far too many landlords don't put in "enough" security, sometimes leaving tenants or potential buyers to take on the added expense. When they have an improved security system or method in place, I'm always suggested it be highlighted to potential tenants and buyers.

 

Those in states that do not (yet) have these home security regulations in place should, in my opinion, take note of what they are in Florida. They could very well be coming to your state(s) in the foreseeable future. However, there should be no need to wait until you are forced to make these changes. In these times when potential buyers are even more picky and potential tenants are looking more closely at amenities when comparing, having these measures in place before they become required adds value.

 

If your state does not have security requirements currently in place to match those of Florida, and your building does, chances are you have an important consideration to offer to your target audience. You could also get this done more cost effectively. It's not like prices and installation costs will drop the minute your state passes the legislation.

 

It's about finding every possible advantage to offer a potential buyer, tenant, or partner. Happy to collaborate to find advantages for your side!

 

https://www.wfla.com/bloom-tampa-bay/florida-law-requires-apartment-complexes-to-boost-security/