Before you take an industrial property to market.
Seven questions that make the positioning conversation more productive.
An industrial property’s appeal depends on the uses it can support and the costs a prospective occupant or buyer will need to understand. Before choosing a marketing strategy, assemble a clear picture of the asset.
1. What can the property legally support?
Collect the applicable zoning information, permitted-use documentation, and known restrictions. Confirm prospective uses with the relevant authorities and qualified advisers rather than treating a prior occupant’s use as sufficient evidence.
2. How does freight move?
Document dock and grade-level doors, truck access, turning space, parking, and outdoor storage constraints. A tenant’s operational requirements should be tested against the actual site.
3. What are the building’s functional limits?
Record clear height, electrical service, fire protection, floor condition, office allocation, and known maintenance needs. Identify which details have supporting documentation and which need inspection.
4. What is the true occupancy position?
Review leases, expirations, options, deposits, and tenant obligations. For an occupied asset, reconcile the rent roll to the underlying documents.
5. What costs will the next party inherit?
Gather operating expenses, insurance, taxes, service contracts, and known capital requirements. Distinguish recurring costs from one-time repairs.
6. Which alternatives compete with it?
Compare properties serving a similar user need. Asking terms, availability dates, condition, and concessions should be considered alongside location and size.
7. What outcome matters most?
A shorter vacancy period, a particular tenant profile, immediate liquidity, and long-term income can lead to different strategies. Define the priority before deciding how to market the property.
A useful marketing plan begins with a documented asset and a clear objective.
Use this checklist as a starting point for a property-specific discussion with Frank.