User54624_5_t Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate
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Few gatherings are as strange in Real Estate as those made up of Commercial Real Estate professionals. As I arrived in the building everyone was lined up at the registration table. When I arrived at the front of the line a nice young lady handed me a pen and a name tag. I started to introduce myself and she interupted with: you can put any name you want on that name tag and no need to state your company.

Wow! I felt like a secret agent. Since I am new to this field my number would probably be 000. Oh, well I am here and the food is great and everyone is dressed up.

Central Texas Real Estate

No one seemed to know why we were there until I ran across a guy who reluctantly told me that the VIP of this gathering had spend over a billion dollars downtown on buildings. Which buildings? I asked. "I don't know" the man replied. In fact no one at that party seemed to know. I was anxious to hear the VIP speak so I could find out. He spoke and I still don't know. Not because he was hard to understand but rather because he would not say!

I am coming to discover that in Residential Real Estate we talk too much and in Commercial you can die of conversation starvation. It is a quiet and guarded group. Since I have moved in this direction, I am getting quiet too. It is much harder to find out what is going on and when you do you feel like you have picked up a diamond in a rock pit and you put it in your pocket and wait until you meet the guy who has the understanding to value it and the money to buy it.

Austin Texas Real estate

NetworthUSA

 No. I am not going to buy a long jacket and derby hat. However, I did pick up some nice sun glasses. I am still me but just a little quieter. Ha.

SHHHHHHHHHH here come some commercial guys now.

 

 

 

31 Comments on Commercial Real Estate and Secret Agents

Alan - Funny post.  Well done, sir.  I heard about this from you before, but it has a different feel in writing.

09/29/2007 02:33 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


That's what I observed too.  Isn't that just a reflection of the greater complexity in commercial transactions and more sophisticated client?

This message will self-destruct in ... 

10/01/2007 09:40 AM by Anthon Pang, Sales Representative, e-PRO, SRES (Right At Home Realty Inc., Brokerage)


I keep sticking my foot in the water of commercial, and you are right.  It's an entirely different arena. 

10/01/2007 09:56 AM by Chris Lengquist, RIPS (Keller Williams Realty)


Commercial is definitely different from residential. Did the latter, am now in the former (along with marketing consulting for an IT company selling to commercial RE).

You can find commercial RE conversations in larger markets, but you have to know where to go. I've found a few here in my region (DC area). Somehow I'm guessing that in smaller markets, though, it's tougher.

Just my $0.05 (inflation).

10/01/2007 10:03 AM by Bob Woods (Sibdu.com/eCREsystems, LLC)


 

Anthon:

You are probably right. I am a frim believer that Infomation is power. The big players in commercial seem to understand that best. That is why thy usually perfer to work with brokers who have been in the business a long time. That makes it difficult for newbies to get in. Not impossible just more challenging.

Thanks for your comments

10/01/2007 10:10 AM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


Chris:

Thanks for your comments. It is a very different world indeed.

10/01/2007 10:24 AM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


Bob:

Thanks for your comments. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Right now I am doing things the old fashioned way, I am trying to earn respect and do my homework.

10/01/2007 10:33 AM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


Don't forget the ejection seat, machine guns and oil slick generator for your car.  No self-respcting secret agent should drive a Taurus LX... unless it is SERIOUSLY modified.

10/01/2007 11:13 AM by Lane Bailey - REALTOR & Car Guy (Diamond Dwellings Realty)


Lane:

I am always sitting on the ejection seat. Ha. Just one wrong move and I will be sent flying. Thanks for your comments

10/01/2007 11:44 AM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


I'm with you!! however there is not much humor in trying to receive information, as most are non-listed pocket listed properties, and a secret society surrounding them.  Sometimes I really wonder if the sellers of commercial properties would really want to know how their agent is marketing them (or not marketing them) It amazes me some actually get sold!

Dick Beals

10/01/2007 06:04 PM by Wilmington Real Estate 4U


Dick:

 

Tell me about it! I have clients right now that I am working with looking for a commercial property about half the listings I contact are working both ends and just want me to give up my buyer. How can we break this monolopy?

 

10/01/2007 06:13 PM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


Ooh, I'm glad I'm not in commercial real estate.  I did sell some BIG commercial properties here in my area a few years back, and those commercial brokers, at least in my areas, are tough nuts to crack and seem like they'd sell their mother out if they needed to.  Ick!

Did you put your real name on your "Hello, My Name is" nametag?    ;-)

Ann

10/01/2007 06:37 PM by Portsmouth NH Homes Condos - Ann Cummings New Hampshire REALTORĀ® (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)


Alan,

What I have found that works great for me is, I have a "friend" that is a commercial broker/owner, and he and I refer each other clients.  I would rather receive a lesser % of a deal than to get myself dirty, and have a good client miss out on a deal.  It has become a win/win situation for both of us!

Dick Beals

10/01/2007 06:50 PM by Wilmington Real Estate 4U


Hi Ann:

 Thanks for commenting. Yes, I did put my real name. I just held my wallet real tight all night. HA

10/01/2007 07:46 PM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


Dick & Sandy:

 Thanks for the advice. Got any extra commercial friends? Ha. Thanks again for posting.

10/01/2007 07:51 PM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


Alan, you might want to come back to the nice side...it would appear as though you have gone to the dark side...

10/01/2007 10:59 PM by Sacramento Real Estate and Luxury Homes, Assoc. Real Estate Broker,Gena Riede (Remax Gold, Assoc Broker)


I think all you commercial agents are secretive. I ask how do you do this? How did you get in it? etc.... And I get a little bit of info. Anyway thanks for the post.

GO COWBOYS. I am a new fan, can you guess why? TONY ROMO!!! and my name.....lol..

10/01/2007 11:48 PM by Ulises Romo (PRO-formance Realty Concepts)


I tried my hand at commercial, didn't care for it much, too many sharks in the waters.  I did however learn that most owners of commercial properties will entertain conversation if you have a buyer.  Reverse prospecting for properties worked extremely well in the commercial sector, or maybe I am just good at it.  When I sent out letters, I got appointments and their commercial properties were not listed.  Still difficult to put a deal together, but very lucrative.  

 

10/02/2007 12:45 AM by Laurie Manny, Long Beach Homes - Long Beach Condos (Main Street Realtors Long Beach California)


Gena:

No turning back now, I think they shoot the weak on this side so I am trying to keep up a strong appearence. Just remember me when you pray. HA

10/02/2007 08:30 AM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


Laurie:

I agree, it is a challenge. I am in full learning mode now so if you are open to sharing some of how you suceeded, I would love to hear about it you can call me at 51`2-709-3336 or just email me at alanmaz1@earthlink.net

10/02/2007 10:29 AM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


Ulisses:

Thanks for the comments. I am determined to give it a shot,

10/02/2007 10:35 AM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


again, I am smiling at your comments because I have found the same things to be true!

10/07/2007 02:53 PM by Barbara-Jo & Bill - - Florida Realty Professional - AHWD (Charles Rutenberg Realty)


U,

 

Thanks,  I'm a commercial and a land guy, haven't seemed to be too quiet however I'll tell you that attempting to get leads on partcular developers and builders in certain development types ie multi-family has been very tough.

 

 

10/08/2007 07:43 PM by David Kreitel (Londonderry Realty)


David:

I know how you feel. It can be like pulling teeth.

10/08/2007 11:16 PM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


That was truly amazing. I am still in shock but so is all of Buffalo.

10/09/2007 09:27 AM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


Definitely a whole different ball game!

10/29/2007 10:43 PM by Scott Carson (Inverse Investments, LLC)


Scott:

 Thanks for your comments. Commercial is fun but very different.

10/30/2007 02:00 PM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


I am considering getting into commercial, but I am having fun in residential.  I have heard the commercial is where you make the big money

10/30/2007 09:34 PM by Real Estate in Grand Rapids Ethan Dozeman (Platinum Realty Group)


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Real Estate Agent: Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)
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