My grandfather used to say, “You get nothin’ for nothin’”—and when it comes to online listing services like LoopNet and CoStar, he wasn’t wrong. Sure, they’re fast, convenient, and yes, sometimes free. But if you’re using them as your only source of leasing intel, you’re short-changing your strategy—and your results. These platforms can be helpful in a pinch (like when your boss swings by your desk and wants market rent data yesterday), but here’s the hard truth: they’re rarely 100% accurate. Rents, availabilities, square footages, tenant mix—there’s always a lag, a gap, or a missing detail. And if you’re relying solely on that data to drive your leasing decisions, you’re playing a dangerous game. A true Rockstar leasing agent knows this: real market knowledge doesn’t live in a database—it lives in the field.✅ It’s built by walking the centers.✅ Talking to tenants.✅ Calling brokers.✅ Grabbing coffee with competitors.✅ Driving your trade area and seeing what’s happening in real time. Online tools are great supplements, but they are not substitutes for boots-on-the-ground research and relationship-building. Want the real scoop on your market? Close your laptop. Grab your keys. And get out there. Your next deal—and your reputation—depend on it. 4o

In retail leasing, your competition is NOT your enemy—in fact, they might just be your next best source of leads. The stronger your market performs as a whole, the higher the rents for everyone. So why not make friends with your fellow leasing agents? Here’s how: Host or join a quarterly meetup with other leasing pros in your area. Coffee, breakfast, lunch, happy hour—your choice. Just make it consistent and collaborative.Call it something fun! Think: Retail Leasing Lunch Bunch, Coffee with the Competition, or The Competitive Cocktailers.Share intel. Talk rent comps, pass-throughs, square footages, availabilities, challenges, and even exclusives (trust me—your “no-go” tenant may be their next best deal). Can’t find a group to join? Even better—start one! Just look at the leasing signs in your market, pick up the phone, and invite the agent for coffee. And if they don’t call back? Sweeten the invite. Let them know you’ve got a market study to share, or maybe even a few leads they can’t pursue but you can. Remember: Sharing = Karma. Good vibes build great relationships—and strong relationships lease space. Let’s lift each other up and raise those rents. One cup of coffee (or cocktail) at a time. Cheers!