Beth Azor

When your shopping center flyer says “great for retail, office, medical, AND entertainment,” it might sound impressive - but it's probably why you're not leasing any space. In this episode, I break down why throwing the kitchen sink into your marketing is killing your results, and how getting focused can completely change the game. She shares a real story from a property owner struggling t...

When you buy a shopping center, you inherit leases - but should you actually keep using them? In this episode, I share why continuing with outdated lease forms can cost you money, flexibility, and leverage. Whether you're dealing with 40-year-old language, missing continuous operation clauses, or outdated assignment fees, I explain what to look for and why having your own modern lease form is...

Everyone talks about getting a great deal - but what if the deal isn’t as good as it looks on paper? In this episode, I break down why understanding supply and demand is the most important factor in evaluating shopping centers. It’s not just about low prices or big upside - it’s about who’s around to shop there and how much competition already exists. I share real stories from the field, including...

Thinking about selling your shopping center? Before you list it, there are critical mistakes that could turn off buyers, delay your sale, or even lower your property’s value. Many sellers unknowingly make choices that seem beneficial in the short term—like locking in long-term tenant rent increases—but these decisions can actually reduce flexibility for buyers and make your property less attractiv...

Owning a shopping center sounds great—until CAM reconciliation season hits. If you're feeling overwhelmed by surprise expenses, frustrated tenants, and unclear CAM charges, this episode is for you. I break down exactly how CAMRECs (Common Area Maintenance Reconciliations) work, why your tenants might be footing the bill for grocery stores and anchors, and how to protect your cash flow without...

Struggling to Lease? Top Tips on How Residential Agents Can Solve Your Commercial Vacancy ProblemAre you struggling to fill vacant spaces in your shopping center? I reveal a surprising leasing strategy you probably haven't tried—tapping into hungry residential brokers. Learn why commercial brokers might not always be your best bet, and discover how getting creative can fill those long-empty sp...

Owning a shopping center comes with challenges - one of the biggest? Tenants who stop paying before their lease is up. In this episode of I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?, I break down real strategies to handle non-paying tenants without breaking the bank on legal fees. Key Takeaways from This Episode:- When to take legal action vs. when to cut your losses- How to leverage security deposits the...

Not every tenant is the right fit for a shopping center, and sometimes, what looks like a great leasing opportunity can take a shocking turn. In this episode, I share a jaw-dropping story from my own real estate experience—one that completely changed my perspective on a deal. I was seriously considering leasing to a pet store tenant who, on paper, seemed perfect. But then I visited one of their ex...

You Own the Shopping Center—You Make the Rules. As a shopping center owner, you have the authority to decide who leases space in your property. In this episode, I share a real-life experience with a tenant prospect who misrepresented their business and how I handled it. I discuss the importance of verifying tenants, visiting their existing locations, and standing firm against pressure from brokers...

Are you tracking market shifts, or are you falling behind? Rental rates change constantly, and if you're not staying on top of vacancies in your market, you could be pricing yourself out—or missing out on higher rents. I’ve seen landlords struggle to lease space simply because they didn’t realise the market had shifted. A big anchor leaves, road construction impacts traffic, or vacancies spike...

How do you fill vacancies in your shopping centers? In this episode of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?" , I dive deep into strategies for leasing vacant spaces in newly acquired properties. Whether you’re a new investor with one property or managing multiple centers, these tips will help you make informed decisions and set yourself up for success. We talk about why it’s crucial to ge...

What does it take to reposition a shopping center? In Episode 34 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?", I explore the steps to transform a shopping center and unlock its full potential. From identifying the reasons for change to creating a tenant mix that drives traffic, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Key highlights include: Identifying reasons for repositioning, like maintenan...

How much vacancy should a leasing agent handle? In Episode 33 of I Own A Shopping Center. Now What? , I tackle the critical question of how much vacancy a leasing agent can effectively manage. Drawing from years of experience running leasing teams, I explain why focusing on vacancies rather than the number of properties is essential for maximizing performance and growing rents. Key highlights from...

Are you letting tenants dictate your timeline? In Episode 32 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?" I get to the importance of strong lease forms and staying in control during tenant negotiations. After nearly four decades in the business, I’ve learned that leases are living, breathing documents that require constant attention and adaptation to support your property’s long-term success. Key highl...

What’s stopping more women from investing in commercial real estate? In this episode, I share details about the Women Investor Summit – a two-day event designed to empower women to start investing. Here’s what I cover: • Why women should jump into commercial real estate. • Insights from experienced investors across asset classes. • Breakout sessions on underwriting and financing. • Property tours...

As landlords, we hear this all the time—everyone else pays higher commissions, gives bigger TI allowances, or fixes rent without increases. But here’s the truth: just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean you should. In this episode, I dive into why it’s critical to understand your project’s unique benefits and not get caught up in the noise of what others are offering. I also discuss whe...

What would you do if a tenant hesitates to renew their lease? In Episode 29 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?", I discuss a recent experience with a long-term tenant considering their renewal options. Their hesitation was less about leaving and more about negotiation, but addressing their concerns—like traffic, parking, and anchors—required a strategic approach. Key highlights: - Navigating s...

In this episode of "I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?", I dive into one of the most critical aspects of owning a shopping center: your lease form. As a shopping center owner in South Florida, I’ve learned that the lease is not a static document—it’s a tool that evolves with every new challenge and opportunity. I talk about why it’s so important to update your lease form regularly and share exampl...

How do you make every space showing count? In Episode 27 of "I Own a Shopping Center. Now What?", I break down the essential steps to prepare for and conduct successful showings. Whether you’re managing the process yourself or overseeing brokers, it’s all about being thorough and proactive. Here are some key highlights: Confirm appointments with a detailed text outlining meeting times and rental t...

Is a legacy tenant an asset or a challenge? In Episode 26 of I Own A Shopping Center. Now What? , Beth Azor discusses a conversation with an investor purchasing a strip center to house their own business—only to realize one of their national retailer tenants is struggling. Rather than seeing this as a hurdle, Beth reframes it as an opportunity for strategic growth. This episode covers insights on...

In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes look at the essential vendors and advisors who’ve helped me manage properties for decades. Building a reliable network of experts is key for any investor. From navigating tax appeals to securing the right insurance, I discuss the importance of working with trusted professionals who understand the unique needs of property owners. Plus, I highlight the va...

Facing a looming deadline with a short-term loan on your shopping center? In this episode of  I Own A Shopping Center. Now What? , I break down practical strategies for property owners to boost their NOI and meet tight timelines. Whether it’s understanding the market or getting creative with leasing terms, there are ways to take control. Here’s what I discussed: Why you need to personally know you...

What does it take to navigate a $3 million renovation on a shopping center? In this episode, I walk through the process of transforming a property while keeping tenants' businesses running smoothly. From choosing the right superintendent with top-notch customer service skills to managing tenant signage and financing, it’s all about the details. I also share how we’re minimizing disruptions, ensuri...

Ever considered transforming your vacant spaces into something temporary yet impactful? In this episode, I dive into how I’m tackling vacancies at one of my shopping centers by using seasonal pop-ups. Vacancies don’t have to be a loss—they can be an opportunity to bring in niche, merchandise-focused businesses. Pop-ups have proven to be a winning strategy for me in the past, with tenants like Cane...

How well do you connect with the community where your shopping center is located? In episode 21 of "I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?" I break down why being engaged in the local community is essential for property owners. Whether you own one or a few centers, building relationships with the Chamber of Commerce and economic development directors can significantly boost your leasing success and he...