Coldwell Banker Commercial

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The Coldwell Banker Commercial® brand(CBC) is a worldwide leader in the commercial real estate industry, and is part of the oldest and most respected national real estate brand in the country, Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Coldwell Banker Commercial is an Anywhere (NYSE: HOUS) brand, a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services.

Recent articles

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  Retail

  Retail Shops Shine as a Prominent Player in Commercial Real Estate

  Retailers in the United States are defying historic lows in retail space availability by planning to launch 1,000 new stores this year, underscoring the sector's resilience amid commercial real estate challenges. Despite factors like inflation, elevated interest rates, and the closure of businesses such as Bed Bath & Beyond and Christmas Tree Shops, landlords are reporting unwavering demand for retail spaces, highlighted by The Wall Street Journal. This resilience can be attributed to the reduced retail construction since the 2008-09 financial crisis, allowing the oversaturated sector to absorb its existing real estate. Moreover, retailers are using online sales data and analytics to pinpoint ideal locations for successful stores. Contrary to predictions of online retail dominance, digital-native companies are now establishing physical storefronts after reaching their online customer acquisition limits. Shoppers are returning to stores and restaurants as pandemic restrictions ease, alleviating earlier concerns. Additionally, Commerce Department data from earlier this summer reveals that retail sales increased by a seasonally adjusted 0.7% in July compared to the prior month. American spending has risen for four consecutive months and seems to be outpacing inflation.This retail revival stands in stark contrast to the office market, which is grappling with a 30-year high in office vacancy rates of 18.2%, primarily due to the rise of hybrid work schedules. A whitepaper by Placer.ai highlights the success of Walmart, Target, and Costco amid economic challenges such as inflation and high gas prices. Despite the evolving retail landscape, these retailers serve as prime examples of how challenges can transform into opportunities. Placer.ai's Q2 2023 data suggests that shifting consumer trends are favoring superstores.In fact, both Costco and Target outperformed the broader retail sector in year-over-year (YoY) performance, with visit growth rates of 1.2% and 3.1% in the first half of 2023, compared to the overall retail sector's 0.3% decline. Conversely, Walmart seemed to be more affected by inflation, possibly due to its visitors having a lower median household income compared to Costco and Target shoppers, experiencing a 0.9% decrease in foot traffic compared to H1 2022. However, recent weekly visit data indicates a potential Walmart rebound. Between June 19th and July 24th, the chain recorded year-over-year weekly visit growth, suggesting a positive trajectory and hinting at year-over-year growth in the second half of the year.For commercial real estate investors, staying attuned to retail trends is of paramount importance. The ability to anticipate and respond to these trends can make the difference between a successful investment and a poor decision. Understanding which retailers are thriving and why, as well as grasping the nuances of changing consumer behavior, can inform strategic decisions regarding property acquisitions, leases, and developments. Incorporating these insights into investment strategies can help commercial real estate investors identify prime locations, optimize property portfolios, and ultimately maximize returns on their investments. 

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  Multifamily

  Challenges in the Affordable Housing Space: What to Know

  The U.S. is facing a potential loss of nearly 200,000 affordable housing units in the next five years as government protections expire for hundreds of rental properties, allowing landlords to set their own rents, highlighted by The Wall Street Journal. The main program used by the federal government to encourage developers to build affordable housing is a 30-year tax credit. However, specific agreements that assisted low-income renters are set to end, giving landlords the option to charge market rates for their units instead of continuing with the government program. Due to a period of high rent growth, many landlords are expected to raise rents significantly. Between early 2021 and the summer of 2022, asking rents for market-rate units increased by 25%, according to Apartment List, a rentals website. By 2027, up to 188,000 low-cost rental apartments funded by the government tax credit could convert to market rate, as reported by Moody's Analytics. Certain cities, such as Dallas, Chicago, and Houston, are at risk of losing a significant portion of their affordable housing. During the pandemic, a considerable number of affordable housing units vanished, with a decline of 400,000 apartments and rental homes for families in poverty between 2019 and 2021, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which analyzed U.S. census data. Some of this loss was attributed to the expiration of tax credits, as mentioned by Moody's Analytics.Without longer affordability agreements or new subsidies, approximately 100,000 units of tax-credit housing could expire annually by 2033, according to Peter Lawrence, director of public policy and government. Rent increases following expiration can be substantial, as affordable housing rents are typically 38% below market rates on average, but after expiration, they rise to about the same level as market-rate properties of comparable quality and location, according to a study by Freddie Mac.This situation has left some long-term renters in difficult situations. The Wall Street Journal article shares the story of an 85-year-old renter in California who lives on a monthly income of $1,000 and has experienced minimal rent increases for nearly three decades. However, in 2021, the landlord opted out of the federal tax credit program, causing the rent to more than double, going up to as much as $1,300. Landlords have been major supporters of the tax credit program, and many have built large businesses by operating affordable housing. But without new subsidies or incentives, building owners will likely take advantage of the recent hot market and raise rents to meet the rising costs of maintenance, insurance, and property taxes. The solutions to this looming challenge will require cities and government agencies to work with landlords and developers to encourage investment into affordable housing projects, while simultaneously creating the incentives to do so. It is a complex situation that won’t easily be solved but without collaboration to address the need, it is clear that fewer options will be available. That doesn’t bode well for the future of many who are in desperate need and could end up without a safe and secure place to live.

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  Podcasts

  Beyond the Brick & Mortar: Relationship Focus from CBC Board of Advisors Member, Bob Fredrickson

  The second in our "Beyond the Bricks and Mortar" series with our Board of Advisors. We are joined by Bob Fredrickson, President of CBC Danforth in Washington State. Bob digs deep into the idea that Simplicity is genius in CRE. He talks about his approach to the business, how a new agent can find success early, and how seasoned agents can earn more business. Focusing on relatinonships and shifting your focus from what you have always done, to where the opportunity will be 2 years from now. A true professional in the field, tune in to hear Bob's wisdom and tactics to grow your business and skill.

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  News

  Coldwell Banker Commercial Danforth Finalizes $14.7M Sale of Industrial Park in Washington

  EVERETT, WASH. (Sept. 13, 2023) – Coldwell Banker Commercial Danforth recently completed the $14.7 million sale of an industrial park in Everett, Wash. The brokerage represented buyer Mina Properties VIII, one of its long-term investor clients. The seller was BFS Operations LLC.Occupying 31.6 acres at 3200 35th Ave. NE, the park consists of four buildings totaling 94,000 square feet. With easy access to both I-5 and SR 529, the location provides easy access to ports, cities, and towns along the I-5 corridor, only nine minutes from downtown Everett and 38 miles from Seattle.Broker Michael Fear said that Mina Properties VIII intends to maintain the property as a multi-tenant investment. The seller was BFS Operations LLC.“This property went into contract quickly after listing, with multiple local and national prospective buyers,” said Fear. “The size and proximity to a strong industrial market with highway, port, and railroad access made this property desirable.”For further information, contact commercial broker Michael Fear at mikef@medwardscre.com | 206-755-8856, or Bob Fredrickson, CCIM, president of Coldwell Banker Commercial Danforth, at bfredrickson@cbcworldwide.com | 206-595-7232.About Coldwell Banker Commercial AffiliatesColdwell Banker Commercial Danforth, an affiliate of Coldwell Banker Commercial®, provides commercial real estate solutions serving the needs of owners and occupiers in the leasing, acquisition, and disposition of all property types.  With a collaborative network of independently owned and operated affiliates, the Coldwell Banker Commercial organization comprises almost 200 companies and more than 3,000 professionals throughout the U.S. and internationally. For additional information, visit www.cbcworldwide.com.   Media Contact:
Kevin GuhlEmail: kevin.guhl@cbhomeoffice.comPhone: 973-407-5916 

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  Multifamily

  Student Housing ... A Beacon of Hope in CRE?

  Numerous office buildings remain largely vacant. The once rapid growth of apartment rent has decelerated and is even declining in certain areas. However, within the struggling commercial real estate industry, there is a rare positive aspect seen in housing aimed at college students attending popular universities.The rental rates for student housing are anticipated to increase due to limited availability and substantial demand at various colleges, particularly those prestigious research universities and schools affiliated with the top five highest-earning athletic conferences in U.S. college football. Nonetheless, as overall college enrollment experiences a decline, there are heightened risks for student housing, particularly in smaller colleges with less renown and diminishing enrollment, as highlighted by The Wall Street Journal.Despite the increase in mortgage rates over the past year, sales of student housing properties reached an all-time high of $22.9 billion in 2022. In contrast, the growth in multifamily rents is showing signs of cooling down from the double-digit surges observed in the previous year, with an increase of 2.3% over the 12 months ending in May 2023, as reported by RealPage. Meanwhile, student housing rents are experiencing growth at a rate of approximately 9%, according to RealPage.The COVID-19 pandemic served as a unique test for the resilience of student housing in challenging markets. Despite expectations of a downturn in 2020, occupancy rates remained stable, even during the peak of online learning. Students displayed a desire to move closer to their college campuses, even when attending classes virtually, instead of staying with their parents. The uncertainty surrounding the return to on-campus learning had a dampening effect on rental rates until the latter half of 2021, at which point they began to rise again. The combination of bustling campuses and increasing rental rates contributed to the record sales observed last year.It is predicted that sales of student housing properties this year will likely not reach the levels seen in 2022, partly due to the pent-up demand that drove sales in the previous year. While the values of student housing properties, like other commercial real estate types, have been affected by higher borrowing costs, the decline in value has been comparatively moderate. This is attributed to the robust growth in rent and sustained occupancy rates. Industry experts, including Blackstone, have expressed confidence in the enduring strength of this sector, stating that it has proven resilient over time and is likely to remain a positive prospect in the future. Blackstone backed this up by acquiring American Campus Communities for $12.8 billion. While the market is challenging right now, it’s interesting to note the steadiness and success of student housing despite the market’s current volatility. Additionally, supply constraints resulting from a lack of available sites at certain schools will further empower landlords to continue raising rental rates.

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  Multifamily

  August Rental Activity Highlights

  With soaring home prices and the peak rental season in full swing, renting has emerged as the contemporary alternative to buying. However, among the cities experiencing heightened listing activity, which ones are drawing the greatest attention from apartment seekers? According to research by RentCafe, Arlington, VA, retained its position as the most coveted city among renters for the month of August, maintaining its dominance from the previous month. Climbing three places from its July ranking of No. 5, Kansas City, MO, secures second spot. Minneapolis and Cincinnati, both situated in the Midwest, secure the third and fourth positions, respectively. Meanwhile, Denver secures the fifth position, marking a significant jump of six places since the previous month. The apartment listings in these cities garnered the highest engagement on RentCafe.com this month. This heightened engagement can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a substantial number of rental properties being saved to favorites, personalized search activity, limited unit availability, and a notably high volume of listing views overall.The Midwest significantly asserts its influence by securing ten out of the top 30 cities with the highest rental activity in August. A significant number of individuals are gravitating toward the Midwest, attracted by its affordable cost of living, expansive open spaces, and relaxed pace of life. The region is known for its friendly residents, economical land prices, and a tranquil lifestyle distinct from other parts of the United States, which has enticed a range of people to trade life on either Coast for the Midwest. The South follows closely with nine cities on the list. Concurrently, as the peak rental season unfolds, renters are shifting their apartment search focus towards suburban localities that provide convenient access to urban amenities. This shift has propelled Phoenix suburbs—Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria—into the ranking as the freshest and most sought-after rental locations. Consequently, this month showcases the inclusion of seven Western cities in the roster of the nation's most desired renting destinations.However, the appeal of core urban living remains strong. In a remarkable advancement, New York City's Bronx ascends three places to occupy the No. 6 spot, edging ever closer to the top. Not to be overshadowed, Queens, the largest borough of NYC, follows suit, securing the No. 13 position this month—an impressive climb of six places from the prior month. Similarly, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Houston continue their sustained presence among the nation's premier cities for rental activity.Staying informed about the cities in the highest demand for renters is a crucial undertaking for investors. This knowledge empowers investors to make well-informed decisions that align with current market trends and capitalize on lucrative opportunities.

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  Multifamily

  Best Places for Renters to Live in 2023

  The primary contributor to the increasing cost of living for Americans are expenses associated with rent and mortgages, making it important to consider which cities offer the powerful combination of affordability and quality of life in 2023. It’s important to factor in a city’s apartment quality; local economy; employment opportunities, living expenses, traffic; schools, air quality, and natural amenities when making the difficult decision to plant roots in a new place. New data by RentCafe highlights where people living in the U.S. can get the most out of their renting experience in 2023. According to RentCafe, Southern states are the premier region for renters, claiming an impressive 36 out of the top 50 spots. This includes renowned rental hotspots like Miami and Orlando, FL, as well as lesser-known markets such as Plano, TX; Asheville, NC; and Birmingham, AL. Renters in this region have the luxury of choosing between the vibrant ambiance of a major city or the enchantment of a charming small town. Charleston, SC takes the No. 1 spot for Best Places to Live in 2023Charleston, South Carolina, the largest and oldest city in the state, secures the top spot in this year's ranking of the best cities for renters. This accolade is attributed to its optimal combination of apartment quality and cost of living, which ranks as the third-best in the country. Additionally, Charleston earns a commendable score in the local economy category. Notably, the city has gained recognition as a burgeoning tech hub with over 250 tech companies, positioning it fifth in terms of the local economy.Renters in Charleston can enjoy a suburban feel that offers the advantages of residing in a major city without compromising on factors like air quality or access to natural amenities. The data reveals that nearly half of the households in Charleston are occupied by renters. Furthermore, the average size of apartments in Charleston is significantly larger than the national average, measuring approximately 967 square feet. With a robust job growth rate of 5.9%, it is no surprise that Charleston claims the title of the best city for renters in 2023.Plano, Texas rises to the top in 2nd place Claiming the second spot on RentCafe’s list, Plano has recently gained recognition as the "City of Excellence." It garners high rankings in two key areas: the local economy, where it secures the second position, and quality of life, where it ranks sixth. Plano's distinguished reputation for fostering academic success makes it an ideal destination for families seeking a city with exceptional public schools. Furthermore, the city boasts excellent air quality and a significant proportion of high-end apartments, accounting for 78.2% of the housing stock. Additionally, Plano serves as the headquarters for several major corporations, including Bank of America, Hewlett Packard, FedEx, JCPenney, and Pepsi. Consequently, it exhibits one of the highest job growth rates nationwide, further enhancing its appeal.The Top 10 Places to Live in 2023 For commercial real estate investors, understanding the dynamics of the rental market and the best cities for renters in 2023 is crucial. With the rising cost of living, particularly in terms of rent and mortgages, it becomes essential to identify cities that offer a compelling blend of affordability and quality of life. As RentCafe's data shows, Southern states have emerged as the premier region for renters, occupying the majority of the top 50 spots. This presents a compelling case study for commercial real estate investors looking to tap into rental markets with strong potential.

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  News

  Atlanta's Jelani Linder Honored As Top Commercial Agent by National Association of Real Estate Brokers

  ATLANTA (Aug, 17, 2023) – Coldwell Banker Commercial is pleased to congratulate Jelani Linder, a broker affiliated with Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers in Atlanta, for being named “Top Commercial Agent” by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) on its inaugural Top 100 Awards list. Linder was one of 16 Coldwell Banker agents and managers celebrated for their contributions to the real estate industry at NAREB’s 75th annual convention in Houston. Together, these recognized professionals contributed to a staggering $1.8 billion-plus in transactions in 2022. Linder specializes in land brokerage and investment sales and has been working to shape the future of urban development in the Metro Atlanta Region. He is licensed in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. With nearly a decade of real estate experience, Linder has been the top producer at Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers since 2019, following his consistent placement in the top 10% in preceding years. In both 2021 and 2022, Linder ranked among the top 2% nationally for production at Coldwell Banker Commercial. He holds a master's degree in urban planning from the University of Georgia and serves on the planning and zoning committee for the City of Stone Mountain.  Additionally, Linder co-chairs a non-profit organization focused on driving economic development in Stone Mountain Village. He is an esteemed member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors, the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) organization, and the Urban Land Institute. NAREB is dedicated to enhancing the business conditions of it NAREB® Realtist® members by strengthening the consumer capacity of Black, minority, and emerging target market segments that Realtists® serve. Coldwell Banker is the first sponsor to curate courses for NAREB members to bolster the organization’s career development programs. “It was an honor to attend the 75th annual NAREB conference, where I was able to connect with so many members and learn from their expertise. NAREB is at the forefront of driving diversity and fair housing in real estate. Our many affiliated agents recognized in their Top 100 Awards should be very proud of their achievements as industry champions and outstanding real estate experts. Coldwell Banker is a proud sponsor of this organization and we look forward to expanding our relationship with them,” said Liz Gehringer, president and CEO of Anywhere Franchise Brands, and acting president of affiliate business and COO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. About Coldwell Banker Commercial AffiliatesColdwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers, an affiliate of Coldwell Banker Commercial®, provides commercial real estate solutions serving the needs of owners and occupiers in the leasing, acquisition and disposition of all property types.  With a collaborative network of independently owned and operated affiliates, the Coldwell Banker Commercial organization comprises almost 200 companies and more than 3,000 professionals throughout the U.S. and internationally. For additional information, visit www.cbcworldwide.com.   Media Contact:
Kevin Guhlkevin.guhl@cbhomeoffice.com 
973-407-5916

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  Insights

  From Farm to Byte: The Convergence of Technology and Agriculture Real Estate

  Late last year, the New York Times reported farmland values hit record highs. In 2022, cropland values increased by 12.4% nationwide, and Farmers National Company set a new record sales volume of $766 million, exceeding the previous record in 2021 of $750 million. While many asset classes in commercial real estate have weakened amidst the current economic instability, agriculture acreage is rising in demand among investors. And due to its finite availability, returns are expected to grow rapidly.In tandem with the post-pandemic economic conditions, the advent of new technologies shifted the way many farmers manage their land, in turn impacting the commercial real estate sector.Rise of Precision TechnologyOne of the most significant developments in recent years has been the use of precision agriculture technology. The global precision agriculture market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.40% between 2023-2028. This technology involves the use of sensors and other tools to collect data on soil, weather, and other factors that affect crop growth. Farmers can use this information to make more informed decisions about planting, fertilizing, and watering their crops. The result is more efficient and effective farming practices, leading to higher crop yields and greater profits.The use of precision agriculture technology has also led to changes in the way farmers manage their land. By collecting detailed data on soil quality, for example, farmers can identify areas of their fields that require more nutrients or water. This enables them to use these resources more efficiently, reducing the amount of land needed to produce the same amount of food – which can have major implications for land values and real estate activity.Use of DronesAnother significant development in agriculture technology is the use of drones, which are rising in use across commercial and small family-owned farms. Farmers can use drones with cameras and other sensors to monitor crop growth and identify areas needing attention. This technology allows farmers to identify problems early, such as pests or diseases, before they can spread and cause damage. It also enables farmers to assess the health of their crops more quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of crop loss.The use of drones has also had an impact on the real estate industry. With the ability to monitor crop growth more effectively, farmers can identify areas of their land that are not producing as well as they should be. This information can be used to make more informed decisions about whether to sell or lease the land, potentially leading to higher profits for the farmer and increased demand for real estate in the area.Artificial Intelligence’s ImpactThe use of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture is another area poised to significantly impact the industry. AI can be used to analyze vast amounts of data, including weather patterns, soil quality, and crop yields, to make predictions about future crop growth. This information can be used by farmers to make more informed decisions about planting and harvesting, reducing the risk of crop loss and increasing yields. Other possible applications of the technology may include the optimization of labor, early detection of pests and diseases, and better compliance with irrigation and fertilization regulations, per Forbes.The use of AI in agriculture also has the potential to lead to changes in the real estate industry. By providing more accurate predictions about crop yields and weather patterns, farmers can make better-informed decisions about land use. This could lead to an increase in demand for land that is suitable for certain types of crops, potentially leading to higher prices for real estate in these areas.Agriculture has been a critical sector of the economy for centuries, providing food and resources for human populations worldwide. Recent advancements in AgTech are significantly impacting the industry and demand for farmland, which experts believe isn’t changing anytime soon. According to Bloomberg, the rising values are believed to be part of “a decade-long trend.”

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  News

  Coldwell Banker Commercial Evergreen Olympic Realty Welcomes Terry Wilson and Spencer Ingrim

  Olympia, Washington: Coldwell Banker Commercial Evergreen Olympic Realty, Inc, is pleased to welcome two exceptional and experienced commercial real estate brokers to its team - Terry Wilson and Spencer Ingrim. Each has a long history of expertly guiding clients to the most successful outcomes with their commercial real estate needs, including sales, purchases, and leasing of office, industrial, retail, and multifamily properties. Terry Wilson has a unique background that has provided him with a solid balanced perspective of business challenges and needs. In addition to many years as a real estate broker, he has been a business owner, a VP at a publicly traded company, and a state government employee. Terry understands that business people want timely, accurate communication and they want information and data that is precise and professionally presented. Spencer Ingrim has a diverse background in commercial real estate having worked at two regional brokerages on the west coast. His experience overseeing and managing property operations of 11 retail shopping centers totaling 2.8 million square feet in California has provided him with unique and critical insights into the needs of both tenants and property owners. More recently, Spencer has focused on the commercial retail market in the Puget Sound region, specializing in real estate development, redevelopment, project management, budgeting, and commercial management of retail shopping centers. They join a group of some of the most experienced brokers in Thurston County, including Debbie Draper-Aikins, who herself has decades of experience expertly advising clients with their commercial real estate. The addition of Terry and Spencer further strengthens the firm’s collaborative service offerings to its many clients and the area’s business and property owners. About Coldwell Banker Commercial Evergreen Olympic Realty, Inc. This Olympia, Washington-based real estate company is the county’s longest-established, locally-owned real estate firm. The firm was established in 1968 and has been a market leader in both commercial and residential sales across the region. A second-generation, family-run business, everyone at the firm prides themselves on a client-first approach that starts with the best local knowledge and deepest understanding of the real estate sales and leasing processes.