Don’t be that guy… the one who brags about an ‘off-market deal’ without realizing what they’re actually giving up. I’m Howard Freedland, and this is your Echo Commercial Tip of the Week.
Off-market listings can sound sexy—exclusive, private, first dibs. But here’s the reality: without true market exposure, sellers rarely get maximum value, and buyers risk overpaying without competitive context. On-market listings create transparency. More eyeballs mean more offers. And more offers usually mean better pricing and terms.
There’s a place for both. Off-market deals can work for quiet, strategic transactions. But if you’re trying to achieve top value—or make sure you’re not leaving money on the table—you need the power of the market.
Don’t confuse secrecy with strategy. The best deals happen when the right exposure meets the right buyer… so you don’t become that guy. Thanks for watching—I’m Howard Freedland, and this has been your Echo Commercial Tip of the Week.
Don’t be that Guy
Budget Blown by High Construction Costs
Don’t be that guy. You know, the one complaining about skyrocketing construction costs—but hasn’t taken two seconds to understand why it’s happening. I’m Howard Freedland, and this is your Echo Commercial Tip of the Week.
One of the biggest pressure points in the market right now? Labor. Specifically, the lack of skilled, affordable construction labor. With a sharp decrease in migrant workers across the U.S., the construction industry is struggling to keep up—and that shortage is driving costs through the roof.
You’ve got fewer hands-on site, longer timelines, and way more expensive bids. That $5 million development budget? It just became $6.3M—and if you didn’t account for that shift in your pro forma, you’re already in trouble.
The market has changed. Labor shortages aren’t going away anytime soon. So if you’re in the development game, adjust your numbers, pad your timelines, and get real about costs.
Failing to factor in today’s labor reality isn’t strategy—it’s negligence. Build smarter… so you don’t become that guy.
Don’t Be That Guy – Opposite Day!
I know I am the “Don’t be that Guy” Guy, and that I talk a lot about real estate. Today is different. Allow me to introduce my good friend, Taylor Morgan. You really need to be like her. See, she is the Founder of the Kind Diners Society. Taylor, tell us about being kind and dining:
Kind Diners is an organization that helps servers be properly treated, fills up restaurants more frequently and saves us consumers a ton of money – 20% off the total check – including alcohol! Oh, we also pick one lucky server per month to get an additional “monster tip”. There is literally no downside!
So, use the code “bethatguy” so that you get the first month for $1!!! I have been a member since inception and love the variety of restaurants to choose from. Support local restaurants, support servers and get a great discount…what the heck are you waiting for? Join already, so you don’t become that guy (or girl).
Don’t Be That Guy – The One Quoting a Build-Out Price in Q2 without Factoring in How Tariffs Could Blow Up Material Costs by Q4
Howard recently had to price out the buildout of a 1000 square foot cafe. When the budget came in, the thud that was heard was my head hitting the floor. It was going to cost over $200k just to get the grease trap, hood and plumbing done. Research right, or you might find yourself in the red.
Contact Howard Freedland for all your commercial real estate needs!
Don’t Be That Guy – Who Tries DIY Complex Transactions
I have raised teenagers that have evolved into young adults. The number of times I have heard “I don’t need your help…I can do it myself” must be in the millions by now.
On one hand, I want them to take responsibility for themselves…but there are others where my life experiences suggest that they consider a different decision than what they will make. Bottom line is that I want to help protect them.
The same goes for my work, with the difference being that my investors should know better than to take on everything themselves. I constantly remind clients that there are pros set up to be more efficient, cost-effective and thorough than they could be on their own. I have hopes that they listen sometimes…
Contact Howard Freedland for all your commercial real estate needs!
Don’t Be That Guy – Cap Rates
Don’t Be That Guy. You know, the one throwing around cap rates like they’re gospel—without understanding how interest rates affect them.
Ignoring how cap rates affect value – Bad
The Vine Post in Juno Beach for Wine – Good
Enjoy this installment of Don’t be that Guy!
Contact Howard Freedland for all your commercial real estate needs!
Don’t Be That Guy Who Drags Their Feet on Paperwork
Don’t be that guy. You know, the one that kills a perfectly good deal just because they can’t get their paperwork done. I’m Howard Freedland, and this is your Echo Commercial Tip of the Week.
In commercial real estate, time kills deals. I’ve seen it too many times—everyone’s aligned, the numbers make sense, the energy’s high… and then someone disappears when it’s time to sign an LOI or finalize the lease. Picture this: the landlord sends the lease, the tenant’s excited, ready to go—and the broker takes four days to respond. Momentum dies. The tenant moves on. That deal? Gone.
This industry rewards speed and professionalism. If you’re dragging your feet, you’re not just slowing things down—you might be the reason the whole deal collapses. Get it done, stay on it, and respect everyone’s time… so you don’t become that guy.
Thanks for following—I’m Howard Freedland, and this has been your Echo Commercial Tip of the Week.
Don’t Be That Guy – You Know, The One That Doesn’t Communicate?
Dating back to caveman times, human beings have relied on good, consistent communication skills. Grok would look at Chaka and grunt loudly while doing some type of dance. In the event Chaka ignored Grok, Chaka may have tempted fate. See, a dinosaur was about to step on him…then eat him.
I am not saying that ignoring your real estate agent could end your life. But you could:
1. Lose an investment opportunity
2. Miss out on valuable information
3. Make us take the opportunity meant for you to another client because we are not doing these things for a hobby
To name a few. Look, if you want to disconnect, just tell us so we can utilize our time properly. Be businesslike, so you don’t become That Guy!
Contact Howard Freedland for all your commercial real estate needs!
Be That Guy!
Be That Guy (or Gal!) Who Tips Big, Saves Money & Supports Local Restaurants!
Yes, it is time to “Be That Guy” or in this case…Gal! I had the pleasure of hosting with good friend Taylor Morgan so that she could introduce you to her awesome company, the Kind Diners Society. There is a prize at the end for you…just remember the PROMO CODE: BeThatGuy!
Kind Diners is an organization that helps servers be properly treated, fills up restaurants more frequently and saves us consumers a ton of money – 20% off the total check – including alcohol! Oh, we also pick one lucky server per month to get an additional “monster tip”. There is literally no downside!
So, use the PROMO CODE “BeThatGuy” so that you get the first month for $1!!! I have been a member since inception and love the variety of restaurants to choose from.
Support local restaurants, support servers and get a great discount…what the heck are you waiting for? Join already, so you don’t become that guy (or girl).
Don’t be that guy – you know – the one that lacks patience?
Don’t be that guy – you know – the one that lacks patience?
Investment properties…hell, even rental commercial properties, have a lot to examine to determine that they are a good fit for your needs. Take the time to analyze a deal from head to toe before throwing a lot of money at it.
I had a client that purchased a retail location only to find out that they could not put a pylon out in front to advertise it to people driving by. They assumed that large signs were allowed because there were others adjacent to their property. But they did not do their homework, and the town had changed their policies.
Don’t be impetuous; don’t spend frivolously., don’t be that guy! I’m Howard Freedland and this has been your Echo Commercial Tip of the Week.
Contact Howard Freedland for all your commercial real estate needs!
561.889.2735
Howard@EchoCommercialProperties.com