Category Archives: Commercial Real Estate

MNCAR and the new Exchange

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Dan Peterson| Leave a comment


The power of data, the power of connection and the power of community. The MNCAR(Minnesota Association of Commercial Real Estate and Realtors) Exchange is taking a big step forward with the upgrade of the back-end technology platform in February. Brokers, community development officials, appraisers and the public at large will have better tools for marketing, researching and accessing commercial properties in Minnesota and the Nation. The reminder for this broker tonight at the MNCAR Annual Board meeting and thank you dinner was that this technology upgrade is just an enhancement to a group of people that exemplify cooperation and professionalism. The association staff and leadership work together to make the industry and market better as a true collective. Jacket colors and affiliations are not prioritized and big shops look out for small shops so the Exchange is an equal playing field for all commercial real estate practitioners. The reason the association will survive well into the future is because of the Leadership’s actions to keep the tools and training progressing. But more importantly, it will thrive in the future because of the participation of the members in the past that have shown by example that the spirit and ethics of the Exchange has meant that the only way forward is together.

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Posted in Commercial Real Estate, Local Business

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Predictions for commercial real estate in 2012

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Dan Peterson| Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

I started my version of the ‘commercial real estate trends for 2012′ post but found others out there with whom I agreed with (almost) completely. So I figured why not give these folks more props and I’ll save tips and taps for another post.

One is Coy Davidson, a colleague at Colliers International. Coy posts regularly on many CRE related topics and his 2012 list for corporate real estate exhibits both the influence of technology and new realities of the economy. Workplace solutions are showing further evidence the freelance nation has something to teach the corporate culture. As well as mobile devices and technology developments now putting teeth to the telecommute directives inspired to in Web 1.0.

The other is ULI’s Urbanland. In this case, they have a good post from Deloitte’s report on the macro trends affecting investment real estate. Foreign investment, patient development centered on the fundamentals and good ole’ cash will rule the day…again. Hope is that we keep this in mind before we get all bubbly over data center REITS or apartment projects. Although I think its too late for the latter.

Where do I think progressive CRE companies are going to address the workplace, economy and global markets of the future? They are going to the places these trends germinate, learn what makes them tick, make a select offering of strategies and services to address them and then wait for the masses to catch-up.

Me, I’m looking at these and the smart folks inside the organization for clues and resources for doing it all better, faster, more mobile and more conscientious for 2012. Let’s make it a great year where the trends are what we make them.

Flicker photo cred: Alex E. Proimos

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Posted in Commercial Real Estate, Market Trends, Trends

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Collaboration Nation

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Dan Peterson| Leave a comment

The theme prevalent in today’s world is collaboration. Social media, work trends and new realities on economics and energy have produced new and exciting opportunities for all of us to help each other help ourselves.

Cloud computing, outsourced IT infrastructure, 3rd party data management, etc. would make it seem IT is headed toward earning the title of the “fourth utility” for everyone to use.  Co-working, telecommuting, contract vs. career engagement, 3rd party logistics and a reversing trend toward more local manufacturing are making commercial real estate or  the business base of operations more fluid.

We are using more partners for mission critical than ever before. IT and CRE are at a crossroads where the space inside the organization does not need to be more scarce but more sacred. Power consumption for data and collaborative floor plan for employees are two drivers in this road to where we are lowering the sqft per employee and rising the $ per KW count. I soon see the co-location applying more to corporate office strategies than data centers and office suite applying more to the place you house your data than your people.

Its an exciting time to be in the business of helping organizations collaborate between IT and Commercial Real Estate. Want to collaborate? Reach out to me.

 

flickr photo cred: bionicteaching

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Posted in Commercial Real Estate, Technology, Trends

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Technology of Real Estate and the Real Estate of Technology

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Dan Peterson| Leave a comment

Much has been written and reported on developments in Intelligent Buildings. The modern age of commercial real estate design, construction, function and management has evolved to include technology as the main utility that serves all other utilities. CRE in Minneapolis, MN and elsewhere is attempting to develop, compete and retrofit itself into a new era where efficiency and experience meet environmentalism and economic merit. Tolerance for cost and adoption is guided by the value of the real estate or driven by the demand of the market. It would appear it will be a situation where the integration of technology of real estate has a sound methodology for its self correcting progression.

The real estate of technology, on the other hand, would appear more susceptible, or at least less synergistic between the two parts. Yes, data center design, latency issues, disaster recovery management and virtualization are constantly progressing but it feels more like catch-up. Energy efficiency, geography, power sources are all real estate related issues that when you actually look at where a lot of the Internet traffic is routed, it looks more like cart paths than grids. Yes, the power grid, power centers of commerce and information need drive the development but with data centers now going near the Arctic Circle, its apparent data needs, and can, be anywhere.

Its almost scary to think of the all the information going through a place like 60 Hudson Street. The linked video is great little overview that got me thinking about all this and saying, DATA WILL BE THE NEXT DRIVER OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ABSORPTION/DEVELOPMENT if it is not already. What do you think?

60 Hudson Street and the Hidden Internet

flikr photo credit: UggBoy♥UggGirl [ PHOTO // WORLD // TRAVEL ]

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Posted in Commercial Real Estate, Development, Technology, Trends, Uncategorized

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Anoka or should we say A’yes’ka.

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Dan Peterson| 1 Comment

Anoka – Build Your Future Here

When it comes to Anoka commercial real estate, Adam has the best office location now available for sale. Go check it out at 2040ferryst.com.  Then give us a call to go really check it out. Its worth the look, the building AND Anoka. If your interested in Anoka, MN commercial real estate, get in touch here.

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Posted in Around Town, Commercial Real Estate, Hot Property

To be a consultant with a deep bench and big thirst.

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Dan Peterson| Leave a comment

To solve problems, you need to first understand, then find soutions. I believe this is more true the more times I read it. Thanks John.

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Posted in Commercial Real Estate

Time to Fly

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Dan Peterson| 1 Comment

You’re capable, competent and want more compensation. You know how to fly but want to build a nest with your feathers. You want partners for flocking and latitude to navigate opportunities. We are here. We are looking for the next Sr. Associate to join our team and partner in building a growing business.

Ideal candidates will:

Have CRE industry experience.

Possess strong communication skills.

Have a desire to grow a business.

Get satisfaction from getting results.

Be curious enough to be creative.

Have a network to access.

Be hungry but not starving.

Be accountable and can manage their time efficiently.

Be comfortable using technology and the Internet.

Be focused.

The best candidates will have more than a few years in the business under their belt; have competence in their own performance and a strong desire to chart a new course. We offer extremely fair splits and exceptional support. All conversations will respect complete confidentiality.

We are boutique brokerage/advisory located in Minneapolis, MN representing tenants, buyers and owners. We build relationships to convert vision into value by finding and creating unique spaces and investments for our clients.

Follow your gut. Email contact info to info@adamcommercial.com

Flickr photo cred: Yan Bleney

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Posted in Commercial Real Estate, Local Business

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Social Media and Commercial Real Estate

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Dan Peterson| 4 Comments

Note: I wrote this article back in 2006. I made a few tweaks to relate more specifics to social media but the message still holds true.

“This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful.”

Edward R. Murrow said that in 1958. Today it could be said about Web 2.0 and social media….with a caveat. The individual now has enormous reach and resource (and audience) where there once was only access to very few. But now all the data, technology and packaging can loose the focus unless someones images and words help guide us toward an understanding or help coach an inspiration.

Like everything else, digital tools exist for commercial real estate to make cool packages and present a dynamic platform for our ideas and assets to be attractive to others. But without our ability to dialogue on the meaning of such shapes and visions is there always the conversion to understanding? Or in other words, are we getting to the sale?

It may be actually harder now to be understood (which might be the very case with this blog entry!). There are so many voices and self-directed channels, your message can be lost further in the noise. What you need to get the message across and the sale done is an experienced storyteller that advocates and navigates through the myriad of channels.

Adam Commercial is working to evolve its packaging, analysis, and web platform as important components for your assets to be best positioned. But great consideration for all of us is understand the importance the storyteller has in this mix. They can help educate in times where the digital medium will leave us just slightly entertained and peripherally informed. At the very least, with the journalistic adherence to who, what , where, why and how can this new weapon be a more useful tool.

With the advent and adoption of social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In, Foursquare, Posterous, etc., etc., the time for people to more easily connect and dialogue on like minded subjects is now. However, the sophistication of filtering may be enhanced but the conversion still is reliant on clear messaging and calls to action.

The questions for those that care to comment, as this site evolves and the tools are developed, what aspects of commercial real estate would you like to know more about? Are there areas of commercial real estate you find more interesting than others? Is there real meaning and information you need on timely basis that our tools can help deliver? We’d like to hear from you.

Good night and good luck.

Flicker Photo credit:  webtreats

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Posted in Commercial Real Estate, Trends

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Reasons to Hire a Commercial Real Estate Broker

Posted on October 21, 2010 by Dan Peterson| Leave a comment

A Commercial Real Estate Broker…

  1. Has knowledge of the process and product.
  2. Has a high degree of professionalism offering the ability to cut down the number of complications during the transaction process.
  3. Will have a vast amount of knowledge, providing the client with a greater advantage when negotiating with landlords.
  4. With a well established track record is beneficial, in that, the client may be assured that the broker has dealt with circumstances similar to their own.
  5. Is primarily focused on the current objective, leaving out distractions that may conflict with a successful transaction.

Information courtesy of Strategies in Tenant Representation provided by the Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®

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Posted in Commercial Real Estate

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Yeah, but what does it mean?

Posted on April 14, 2006 by Dan Peterson| Leave a comment

“This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful.”Edward R. Murrow said that in 1958. Today it could be said about Web 2.0….with a caveat. The individual now has enormous reach and resource (and audience) where there once was only access to very few. But now all the data, technology and packaging can loose the focus unless someone’s images and words help guide us toward an understanding or help coach an inspiration.

Like everything else, digital tools exist for commercial real estate to make cool packages and present a dynamic platform for our ideas and assets to be attractive to others. But without our ability to dialogue on the meaning of such shapes and visions is there always the conversion to understanding. Or in other words, the sale.

It may be actually harder now to be understood (which might be the very case with this blog entry!). There are so many voices and self-directed channels, your message can be lost further in the noise. What you need to get the message across and the sale done is an experienced storyteller that advocates and navigates through the myriad of channels.

Adam Commercial is working to evolve its packaging, analysis, and web platform as important components for your assets to be best positioned. But great consideration for all of us is understand the importance the storyteller has in this mix. They can help educate in times where the digital medium will leave us just slightly entertained and peripherally informed. At the very least, with the journalistic adherence to who, what , where, why and how can this new weapon be a more useful tool.

The question for those that care to comment, as this site evolves and the tools are developed, what aspects of commercial real estate would you like to know more about? Are there areas of commercial real estate you find more interesting than others?

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Commercial Real Estate, Trends