Leasing Tip of the Day: Unlocking the Secrets to Retail Leasing Starts Here

Unlocking the Secrets to Retail Leasing Starts Here: Building Strong Relationships with Neighborhood Leasing Agents

Are you ready to take your retail leasing game to the next level? Here’s a critical strategy that can help you build strong relationships with Neighborhood Leasing Agents in your market.

Identify Your Target Agents : The first step in this strategy is to identify 6-8 Neighborhood Leasing Agents who can help you navigate the retail leasing landscape. It might sound like a daunting task, but it’s easier than you think.

Start with Your Immediate Area : Begin by looking at the retail properties near your center. If your center is at an intersection with three other centers, you’ve already got a head start. Collect the names of the leasing agents for these properties. Chances are you’ll have at least three names on your list right away.

Expand Your Network: Once you’ve identified these initial agents, don’t stop there. Reach out to the agent for the Regional Mall in your area and consider contacting a few more agents for retail properties near yours. Before you know it, you’ll have a list of 6-8 names.

Take Action and Meet in Person: Now that you have your list, your next goal is to meet personally with these Neighborhood Leasing Agents. Set a goal to accomplish this within the next 30 days. These one-on-one meetings are invaluable for building connections and understanding the market better.

Group Gatherings: A Smart Alternative: If scheduling individual meetings becomes challenging, consider arranging a group gathering at a local tenant. You can rotate the location to keep things fresh and engaging. This approach allows you to get to know what’s happening in your market and who’s making things happen.

Why Building These Relationships Matters: Building relationships with Neighborhood Leasing Agents is not just a formality; it’s a crucial step in successful retail leasing. These agents have the insider knowledge and connections that can make a significant difference in your leasing efforts.

Take the initiative, identify those agents, and start building connections. It’s a small investment of time that can yield big returns for business.

Happy Leasing!

Share

Blog Comments

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Posts

Begin With the End in Mind

Let’s set a realistic income goal and reverse-engineer your plan to hit it. Say your target is $45,000 in year 2. With an average commission of $3,000 per lease, you’ll need to close 15 leases this year. Now let’s break it down: Sounds big? It’s totally doable: Pair this formula with consistent qualifying, tracking, and follow-up, and you’ll not only hit your goal—you’ll outperform it. Rockstars know their numbers and work them like a pro.

Read More

Always Trade Smart – Every “Give” Deserves a “Get”

In every negotiation, remember this simple rule: if you give something, get something in return. Even if it feels lopsided, both parties are equally invested in reaching an agreement—and no one expects something for nothing. You’re not just filling a space; you’re creating a long-term partnership. So keep the balance: If you’re dealing with a prospect who keeps coming back for more, flip the script: ask for your “get” first. You’ll be amazed how quickly the endless asks taper off when there’s a price attached to every concession.

Read More

Don’t Overcome Objections – Use Them to Close

Old-school sales training teaches you to memorize scripts to overcome objections. But Rockstars know: if you’ve asked the right questions and listened throughout the leasing process, closing should feel natural — not scripted. Still, objections will come. And guess what? Objections mean they’re interested. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t still be talking to you. So don’t panic. Don’t get defensive. Instead, validate the concern and keep the conversation going. For example: Prospect: “This center doesn’t get much traffic.”You: “You’re right. Let me ask — how do you usually attract customers? Foot traffic or marketing?” You’ve already matched their needs to your space, so most objections are just hesitation — not deal breakers. Don’t negotiate with yourself. Just re-engage the prospect with more questions, and when you’ve addressed their concerns, present the LOI with options: “Here’s the paperwork. You’ll see it covers your X concern with an option to do Y or Z. Which would you prefer?” By giving them a choice, you empower them to say yes.

Read More

How to Answer “Why Should I Lease From You?

At some point, your prospect will hit you with the classic question:“Why should I lease your space instead of [insert competitor]?” Most leasing agents jump into defense mode.Wrong move. Listing off your property’s features (“We’ve got X, Y, Z…”) sounds salesy. And the second you start selling, you lose your positioning as a trusted advisor. Rockstars know better. Instead of defending, go back to asking. Revisit their needs: “You mentioned visibility, traffic, and proximity to the university were your top priorities. Do you think this space hits those marks?” That’s how you lead them back to their priorities — not your pitch.You keep the conversation focused on what they care about and whether you can help them achieve it. This simple redirect does two things: Pro Tip: The more you ask, the more they’ll talk. And the more they talk, the more they’ll sell themselves on your space.

Read More

Beth's Resources

Beth has established a reputation for “giving back” and creating a legacy of helping others. To support this mission, she offers a wealth of FREE resources for individuals in the retail leasing industry, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned professional. Her collection includes case studies from her nearly 40 years of experience, providing practical insights and guidance. With Beth’s resources, you’ll gain valuable tools to navigate the complexities of retail leasing and achieve your professional goals.

E-News

Subscribe to the Beth Azor e-news to stay up to date with commercial real estate trends, events, and expert advice.

We promise, no spam. Just great content.

E-News

Subscribe to the Beth Azor e-news to stay up to date with commercial real estate trends, events, and expert advice.

We promise, no spam. Just great content.