Beth Azor

Wondering if it’s acceptable to ask a prospective tenant for financials? Absolutely! When dealing with franchisees — especially those just starting out — landlords must go beyond face value and dig into the financials. In this episode, I share what every landlord should examine, from conducting thorough credit checks (including spouses!) to ensuring a strong application is in place. Asking the rig...

Overcoming obstacles in leasing is all about strategy. In this episode, I share my approach to dealing with those challenging spaces in your shopping center—like the infamous elbow spaces with limited visibility and parking. Instead of forcing big retailers into these spots, I target businesses already thriving in similar conditions. Think daycares, orthopedic shoe companies, or tenants from indus...

Is bigger always better when choosing tenants? In this episode of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?" I talk about the tough decision of choosing between franchisees and local tenants. While the allure of a well-known franchise name is tempting, it might not always be the best choice. I share my experiences and insights on why local tenants could be the stronger option, even when a fran...

How do you find the right third-party leasing agent for your property? In Episode 17 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?", I discuss the key steps to interviewing brokers and setting them up for success. I break down how to evaluate firms, the questions you need to ask, and why short-term contracts with regular communication are essential. Learn how to hold your brokers accountable an...

What are the small but essential details that help your shopping center operate seamlessly? In episode 16, I cover some practical strategies I’ve learned over the years. Whether it’s numbering light poles for easier repairs or rethinking the need for sweeping smaller lots, I’m sharing the tips that have worked for me. I also discuss the importance of bright, eye-catching flowers at the entranceway...

In this episode of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?", we explore the significant role of signage. From finding the perfect balance between visibility and aesthetics to practical tips on maximizing tenant satisfaction, this episode has it all. Key Highlights: - Pylon Signs: How Many is Too Many? - Reverse Lettering for Clarity - Enhancing Property Value by Avoiding Raceways - Strategic...

What do you do when your shopping center has restrictive covenants or tenants with exclusive rights? In this episode, I tackle how to overcome these hurdles, from negotiating with tenants to creatively finding ways to work around restrictions. I also discuss the importance of understanding the unique dynamics of elbow spaces, how to approach vacant properties, and why a blanket rental rate may not...

In this episode of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?", Beth Azor offers practical guidance for property owners on managing third-party leasing and management firms. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed through monthly activity reports, understanding lead sources, and making regular site visits. Beth provides actionable advice on how to ensure your property remains well-man...

In Episode 12 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?" Beth Azor discusses effective tenant management and the importance of adhering to lease agreements. She highlights common tenant requests for repairs that are their responsibility and emphasizes clear communication. Beth shares strategies for managing roof access, conducting preventative maintenance, and ensuring tenants understand th...

In Episode 11 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?", Beth Azor tackles the topic of tenants requesting rent assistance. With a population boom in South Florida, such requests are rare, but Beth shares her advice for landlords who do encounter this issue. Beth emphasizes the importance of understanding the tenant's business. She advises landlords to request a rental assessment appli...

In Episode 10 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?", Beth Azor tackles the pressing issue of broker commissions and lease terms for shopping center owners. She offers insights on handling brokers pushing for 10-year leases to secure higher commissions, particularly in the competitive South Florida market. Beth advises smaller operators to evaluate tenant financial stability and opt for...

Join Beth Azor as she examines the challenges of leasing, from simplifying agreements for seasonal pop-ups to navigating intricate franchise riders. With over 35 years of experience, Beth shares invaluable insights on adapting leases, selecting the right attorney, and optimizing lease forms for both national and mom-and-pop tenants. Beth Azor's lease forms have evolved, incorporating lessons l...

In Episode 8 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?", Beth Azor shares a wealth of practical strategies for shopping center maintenance and enhancement. She offers innovative solutions for common issues like managing litter, controlling unauthorized roof access, and ensuring security. Beth also provides insights on boosting curb appeal and implementing efficient property management pract...

In the latest episode of "I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?", Beth Azor discusses the vital role of building relationships with tenants. She explains how understanding both mom-and-pop and national tenants' businesses can drive sales and benefit the entire shopping center. Beth shares a practical example: a tenant who sells college and local team apparel hosted an autograph signing...

In this episode of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?", Beth Azor discusses the vital importance of building local relationships for shopping center owners. She highlights how accurate intel from neighborhood leasing agents can outshine unreliable online sources. Beth shares an insightful story about leveraging these connections to secure better lease rates and win bids against competit...

In this episode of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?" Beth Azor breaks down the essentials of understanding market rents. She emphasizes that market rents in your area might differ from what your rent roll or online sources indicate. To get accurate information, it's essential to connect with local leasing agents and do hands-on research. Beth shares her process of driving through...

In episode 4 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?" Beth Azor addresses the critical issue of delinquencies. With her extensive experience in managing shopping centers, Beth shares insights on how landlords often create their own vacancies by allowing late payments. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations, enforcing strict payment policies, and adopting ACH to ensure...

Beth recently had an engaging conversation with a client who bought a shopping center in a smaller market. She emphasized the importance of spending time in the area to truly understand the market, connect with tenants, and explore potential leasing opportunities. It’s all about hands-on involvement—talking to local brokers, meeting other property owners, and being present to grasp the community’s...

In Episode 3 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?" Beth Azor tackles the intricacies of lease options, highlighting their benefits for tenants but potential drawbacks for landlords. She discusses the frustration of seeing properties undervalued due to multiple five-year options at fixed rates, particularly in South Florida’s booming post-COVID rental market. Beth advises landlords to a...

In Episode 2 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?", Beth Azor explores the complexities of Tenant Improvement Dollars (T.I.), also known as tenant improvement allowance. She breaks down the importance of knowing when to give T.I. and how to set clear expectations with tenants to maintain a balanced approach. A key takeaway from this episode is Beth's strategy of asking tenants, &qu...

Beth Azor debuts her insightful new podcast series: "I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?" As a successful owner of multiple shopping centers, Beth has gained a wealth of experience in creating vibrant and profitable retail environments. She's now set to share this rich expertise through her podcast. The series kicks off discussing the foundational elements critical to any shopping cen...

In this episode discussing the lessons from Beth Azor's book, she explores strategies for handling rejections from national retailers. This chapter provides insights into the importance of persistence and adaptability in retail leasing. Beth revisits her earlier advice on the timing of follow-ups with national chains, emphasizing the value of staying informed about market changes that could af...

How do you submit to the national? In today's podcast, Beth discusses the process of submitting proposals to national retailers, navigating whether to contact the retailer directly or go through their brokers. The essential point is to communicate effectively. The goal is to connect and convey your proposal accurately, enhancing your chances of success. She reveals whether it's better to r...

In today's episode, Beth delves into Chapter 67 of her book, where she dishes out invaluable advice on personalizing your marketing pitches, especially when dealing with national retailers. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring your approach to match the specific needs and preferences of each potential tenant. From understanding demographic requirements to avoiding embarrassing mishaps li...

Welcome to the Retail Leasing Podcast with your host, Beth Azor, the industry's leasing Rockstar! In this 51st Episode, Chapter 66 "Getting an Appointment with a National at a Big Conference", Beth Azor focuses on the essential strategies for securing meetings with national retailers at leading industry conferences such as ICSC or Retail Live. She emphasizes that meticulous preparati...