mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent)'s Blog

why do speakers use filler words?

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Sat, 22 May 2010 16:17:44 -0700

speakers use filler words when they are not clear about their message. Mark Cooper just read a great article written by his friend ethan rotman.

take a pause before you resort to using filler words, your listeners will thank you for it.

many good ideas for your business...

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:58:33 -0800

my buddy Jay roth is a marketing guru, I enjoyed his blog this week, check it out

don't talk louder then your client, don't repeat yourself, don't talk nonsense. It seems so simple, but look at the people around you in business.

thanks jay!

tenant rep... a primer and vocab

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:57:28 -0800

Other agents have been asking Mark Cooper how commercial leasing works, here goes.

Mark Cooper has many office, retail and industrial listings in Marin County, but sometimes what he has available is not the perfect fit for a client, sure he shows his listings first, but then:

1) Mark goes to the clients place of business and finds out why they wish to move. Do they seek a better location, more visibility, higher foot traffic, more space, less rent, etc. How important is natural light, parking, and highway access.

2) Mark previews up to five properties a day, its a full time job. Mark Cooper prides himself in knowing the properties, Owners, and tenants.

3) Leasing commissions are paid by the landlord, A tenant gets Marks service for free, you can't beat that!

4) Properties are previewed, if something is a good fit the usu-able area is measured.

5) When a tenant is interested in a space, an LOI is written up (letter of intent), this is non-binding proposal to lease a space with the terms a tenant requests.

6) Once the terms are worked out, the lease is drafted and reviewed. Mark suggests that completed transactions and contracts be reviewed by a real estate attorney.

7) the lease is signed and a deposit is paid

8) Commercial agents are paid either in full at lease signing, or 1/2 at lease execution, 1/2 on occupancy when considerable build out, permits, or other delays are involved.

Inflation & Real Estate: A Primer

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:19:37 -0800

my buddy scott just sent me a great article he wrote:

Inflation. We all hear the word but do we all know what "inflation" means? When most people think of inflation they think "higher prices". Well, that is true...but sorta backwards... Prices are higher during times of inflation but let's talk about what is really happening.

Prices are higher during times of inflation not because "things" are worth more...it's because dollars are worth less! It takes more dollars to buy "things" because each dollar is worth less...! So, if a shirt costs $10.00 today and we go through an inflationary cycle and the Dollar loses 10% of it's value that same shirt effectively costs $11.00. The "cost" of the shirt goes up 10% because the purchasing power of every Dollar in your wallet (or bank account, or 401K, or SEP, or Money Market, etc, etc) drops by 10%! Prices are forced to rise because it takes more Dollars to purchase goods during inflation.

Inflation sucks! It sucks because while we sleep/eat/live our money & savings lose value....and we are virtually powerless to stop it. When money is produced at a more rapid pace than a given economy grows the value of that money (currency) drops. Our national economy is slowing lately and there has been a tremendous amount of currency thrown onto the market lately. Inflation, while not currently imminent is certainly forecast......ouch!

The best way to hedge yourself against the loss of value in your savings brought on by inflation is to buy real estate or other "hard" commodities. Some people buy gold or silver...but I propose that you're better off buying real estate. Consider....

Real Estate is "real"...ie, it doesn't ever completely lose it's value.
Real Estate usually experiences appreciation over time. I'm not talking about artificially high appreciation rates like those we've seen over the past 5-10 years...I'm talking a reasonable appreciation rate of 5%-10% annually.
Real Estate ownership has some very advantageous tax implications....depreciation, expense deductions, etc...
Real Estate can create income in addition to the tax benefits & appreciation.
Real Estate provides pride of ownership. Sure you can own stocks or bonds but you can actually drive by and see your real estate investment!
Real Estate purchases can be leveraged. Buyers with clean credit and sufficient income can leverage their cash with a mortgage loan to purchase & own real estate.

All the experts are warning that we're in for a bout of inflation...nobody knows when or for how long....this recent Worldwide Financial Shakeup has everyone sorta bamboozled!

When inflation strikes the best strategy is to Invest in Real Estate!!! The real estate you buy with Today's Dollar will automatically be worth more "dollars" during an inflationary cycle....because each inflation-striken dollar is worth less!! BUY REAL ESTATE NOW!!!!

As always, your referrals are greatly appreciated!!

check out scott's website when you have a chance: www.DiscoveryAustin.com

attention agents.... GET SHORT SALES APPROVED, by a pro!

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 07:58:13 -0700

Mark Cooper of Keller Williams works closely with great residential real estate agents in Marin, San Francisco, and the East Bay. For over a year the residential market has been driven by short sales and bank owned properties. Mark Cooper has a great resource that works with the real estate agent, and negotiates short sales with banks when an offer comes in, they get short sales approved these guys are fantastic!

Historically, Short sales have taken over a year to close, agents new to the game will take any listing. Jeremy Shoenig works closely with agents helping them be more selective before they take listings, and teaching buyers agents what to look for before making an offer to make sure the deal will close quickly without the headaches.

If you are considering a short sale in the SF bay area, call or email Mark Cooper 415-608-1036. Mark works closely with Real Estate Attorneys, Enrolled Agents, and the best short sale agents in town!

A few folks have asked about up front fees from the sellers, other services will ask for up front fees, these guys take 1% of the commission when it closes.

Still not convinced? click here to see more actual approval letters from banks on short sales!

are you looking for distressed properties?

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:00:53 -0700

Mark Cooper and his team at kw commercial handles Commercial Sales, Leasing, and Real Estate Investments in the San Francisco Bay area.

A recent client requested "distressed" NNN investments, fully leased, with actual 7+ caps, in the 1m price range, in a good locations. Here lies the problem, "Distressed" implies a high vacancy rate, a loan maturing with little or no equity, or deferred maintenance requiring capital improvements.

In this case I would swap the word "distressed" for "home run deal".

We see gas stations all the time for sale cheap, claiming to be 12+ caps. Yes, the rent is high, but the cost of required updates to the station may very well exceed the purchase price.

Sure there are deals out there, some sellers, including banks have begun to sell off performing assets to meet federal reserve deposit requirements, but even those properties are sold at market. Instead of expecting a "home run", be open for a "double" or "triple".

Determine your comfort level between price, cash flow, and appreciation. Historically, properties with high cash flow have less appreciation, and vice versa.

When clients ask for a "good location" for an investment purchase, how many miles from their home should be considered for property search? 20,50,100,200 miles? Do they plan to manage and maintain the property themselves? If so, how many hours a week are they willing to spend, and is this the best use of the buyers time?

Be sure to factor in vacancy rates, professional management, repairs, and new property tax rates at the purchase price. Always work with actual rents, not projected.

Each buyer and property are different, one person's "home run deal" can easily be a "fowl ball" for someone else.

Contact Mark Cooper with Kw Commercial to discuss your criteria for Real Estate Investments in the San Francisco Bay area. 415-608-1036 or email markcooper@kw.com

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:51:29 -0700

Yep the title above, "Winner, Winner, chicken dinner!" is from the Movie "21" starring Kevin Spacey. Wouldn't it great if we all could be winners? Well, now you can!

Mark Cooper and his commercial leasing team help clients negotiate great deals on office, industrial, and retail space in Mill Valley and Sausalito. Today's blog will be slightly off topic.

Mark Cooper was contacted by "Montessori De Terra Linda" last fall, asking for a donation to the school auction. Rather then come up with the average prize, Mark donated something really unique, 3 days and 2 nights camping in his 1965 Vintage airstream Safari trailer the weekend of August 14th 2009.

Response to the prize was overwhelming, rather then just allow, one winner. Mark decided to book the Olema Ranch Campground near Point Reyes for almost Two Full weeks and extend an invitation to his friends, family, clients, and business associates to camp in his Airstream at no cost other then the nightly campground fee of $42.

Its pretty booked up, but there are still some openings:

Tuesday 8/18 and Wednesday 8/19 OR Sunday night 8/23 and any consecutive nights you desire.

Check in is at 2pm, Check out the following day is at noon.

the trailer is 22' feet long, one queen bed & one full bed, fridge and small freezer (electric power) heat is gas or electric, microwave, gas stove, gas BBQ grill, gas hot water heater for sink or bathtub.

This trailer was in the 2008 Concours D' Elegance in Palo Alto. It has Mahogany Cabinets, Sunbrella upholstery, and Hawaiian bark cloth curtains.

Contact Markcooper@kw.com by email or call 415-608-1036 if you would like to discuss this once in a lifetime opportunity, camping in a vintage airstream!

Be sure to contact mark if you seek an office, industrial, or retail space in Mill Valley or Sausalito.

What's so great about Sausalito?

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:42:38 -0700

June and July of 2009 have been big months for Mark Cooper and his commercial real estate team in Sausalito. Leasing activity has really picked up, rates have dropped to $2 to $3 per square foot with lots of inventory on the market.

Mark Cooper specializes in Office, Industrial and Retail leasing in Sausalito and Mill Valley. Most leases are for five years, that means the 20% of all leases come due every year. Mark Cooper would be glad to come to your Marin County office, review your lease, and discuss your options and no cost. Mark's in depth leasing questionnaire will help determine what works and what doesn't with your current space. There has never been a better time to be in the market for Sausalito Office space.

Contact Mark Cooper with Kw Commercial at 415-608-1036 or email markcooper@kw.com

real estate, inheirtance taxes, capital gains, and property taxes...

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:14:30 -0700

Mark Cooper and his commercial real estate team work with landlords and trusts to determine values and strategies with estates of five or more properties. Keep in mind, Mark Cooper is commercial real estate agent in San Francisco and Marin counties. He specializes in leasing for office, industrial, retail, luxury homes and condos in Sausalito, Mill Valley, and Corte Madera. Mark can't give tax advice, but the following are things to ask about with your tax advisers.

1) If the date of death for an estate is this year (2009), the first 3.5m is excluded from inheritance taxes.

2) you can prevent property tax reassessment by using "parent to child" and "grandparent to grandchild" exclusions. There are limits to the amount not being reassessed, but the limit is not the total of the fair market value of the property in an estate, but the total of the assessed values of all properties from property taxes, A building may be worth 5 mil today, but the property tax bill is used for value, (which is a very good thing for properties that have been in the family for years, thank you prop 13).

3) If heirs opt to buy each other out of properties, be careful of capital gains and property tax reassesment. The selling partner will either be required to pay capital gains on the difference between the basis and the sale price, or do a 1031 exchange.

4) keep in mind a 50% or greater transfer of ownership will trigger reassessment on the fair market value of the portion transferred, If an heir intens to purchase a trust property, rather then buying a partner out of a property, consider deeding it directly when it comes out of an estate and paying the other beneficiary with cash or another property. Another choice would be to leave the partner on title for 5% and only buy him out of 45%, (avoiding reassessment).

5) when multiple heirs inherit a property, it can be appraised, then a "fractional ownership deduction" may be taken from the value, this can be a reduction of up to 25%. The theory is, if the property were to be sold, its less likely that multiple owners could agree on sale terms, price, and a time frame. This reduces the likely hood of the property selling.

call or email markcooper@kw.com 415-608-1036 for a valuation of your commercial and investment properties. Mark Cooper works closely with real estate attorneys and tax advisers allowing him to step back and look at the big picture when determining a game plan to buy, sell, lease, or refinance.

simple and quick rental application

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:48:37 -0700

Rental Application ($20 fee required) markcooper@kw.com 415-608-1036 Fax (415) 383-2510

Name ___________________________ Cell Phone: ______________ Home Phone:___________

Social Drivers Date of

Security #___________________License.____________Birth _________ E-mail __________________

Present Address ______________________________________________________________________

Length of stay __________ Rent $ _______ Reason for moving ________________________________

Owner/Manager ______________________________________________ Phone: _________________

Previous Address _____________________________________________________________________

Length of stay __________ Rent $________ Reason for moving?__________________________

Owner/Manager _______________________________________ Phone ________________________

Name & relationship of every person to live with you, even if only temporarily (include ages of minors)
Do you have any pets?

___________________________________________________________________________________

Credit rating scale: how would you informally grade your credit 500 to 850 (850 the best): _____________

Present

Occupation _____________________ Employer _______________________ Phone ___________

How long with this

Employer? _______________ Supervisor _____________________ Phone ____________

Occupation _____________________ Employer _______________________Phone ____________

How long with this

Employer? _______________ Supervisor ______________________Phone ____________

Current Gross Income Per Month (before deductions) $________________

List sources and amount of other income ___________________________________________________

Amount of alimony and/or child support you receive $ ____or pay $ ______ Bachelor Degree: yes / no

Account: Bank _____________________________Branch _________________ Balance ____________

Credit Card: ____________________Average Balance___________Payment_______

Other Credit line ________________Average Balance___________Payment______

Ever filed bankruptcy? _____ Ever been evicted? ______ Ever been convicted of a felony? ____________

Have you ever made any late rent payments?______ How many?______ Foreclosure ____________

Vehicle(s)

Make(s) ________________ Model(s) ______________ Years(s)____________ License(s)___________

Personal

Reference ___________________________ Address ________________________ Phone ___________

Contact in

Emergency __________________________ Address ________________________ Phone ___________

Anticipated length of occupancy:__________________________________________________________

I declare that the statements above are true and correct. I authorize verification of my references and credit

as they relate to my tenancy and to future rent collections. Good credit score is required.

Signature ______________ Date Application for Unit #_

Date Needed:_______

MUST BE 100 % COMPLETE OR WE WILL NOT RUN THE REPORT Fax to: (415) 383-2510

Ivan Misner and 10 ways to waste your time at networking events...

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:10:58 -0700

last friday I met the father of BNI, Ivan Misner. He was speaking near Santa Rosa and offered networking suggestions from his bestselling book the 29% Solution. Ivan says your network of influence needs to know you, like you, and trust you before they will refer you. The Key is to make yourself available to others, take a sincere interest in them, their lives, and their business. Be on time to meetings, and respect the time you share together.

take a look at Ivan's latest blog post, rather then suggest what to do, he spun it around...... here are his top ten ways to waste your time at networking events:

No. 10. Go ahead, air your grievances among your fellow net workers and guests; after all, they really want to hear about your complaints.

No. 9. Wing it in your 60-second presentations; you've got plenty more chances anyway.

No. 8. Use one-to-one meetings to talk about your networking group's issues instead of learning a lot more about each other.

No. 7. Focus your efforts on selling your services primarily to the members of the group.

No. 6. Don't rush following up on a member's referral. They know where you are.

No. 5. Use others' 60-second presentation time to think about what referrals you can give that week.

No. 4. Why invite your own guests? Just focus on those who show up.

No. 3. Don't worry if you get to the meeting late. No one will notice.

No. 2. Be absent; it's no big deal. You can just call in your referrals . . . right?

And the No. 1 way to waste your time in networking groups . . .

No. 1. It's OK, take that phone call or text message during a meeting. It won't bother anyone, and it's a real sign of professionalism that everyone admires.

Thanks Ivan Misner, you are an inspiration!

bni, networking, and the secret to success... (inspired by kim hunter of SOC)

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:58:09 -0700

here are a few thoughts about bni, networking, and growing your business.

1) we are your sales force, however tempting it is to sell me your service, what you really want are my clients, not me.

2) don't sub for anyone unless you have done a one-to-one with them first, how can you really do an infomercial for a stranger?

3) get to the meeting at least one hour before it starts and greet everyone that walks thru the door, (by the way, I am not a visitor host, just a power net worker!) for other great bni tips, listen to the podcast.

4) Use a good data base system, add to it every day, (we have almost 3,000 people in our topproducer database) get permission from people before you add them to any email campaign, and make it very easy for them to "opt out".

5) have ongoing contact with everyone in your database at least once a month

6) automate anything that you do more then once, use email templates & merge codes

7) time block, have a fixed time set aside each week for one-to-ones, blogging, social media, phone calls, etc..

8) go paperless!! (not paper-free, just less) leverage the Internet, use web based forms, contracts, and data storage

9) bni is great to fine tune your message, join toastmastersto develop your presentation and delivery (bni and toastmasters are the perfect compliment)

10) make your family and friends a priority, everything else will fall into place!

Bpo' in marin, use this handy zip code list.

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:50:01 -0700

Mark Cooper and his commercial BPO team had a request for a list of zip codes for Marin county and the areas they serve, here is the list.

Belvedere Tiburon (94920)

Forest Knolls (94933)

Point Reyes Station (94956)

Keller Williams has a network of 33 offices across Northern California and Hawaii, professional agents with years of valuation experience are ready to get the job done.

contact Mark Cooper and his team for accurate BPO's, done right!

markcooper@kw.com

415-608-1036

another day, another RUSH BPO in Marin County, CA

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:15:44 -0700

It was 3pm on a Tuesday 6/16/09 when Mark Cooper got the call. A local bank was evaluating their portfolio and needed a rush BPO on a property in Larkspur. (Rush in this bussiness means done that very same day, or first thing in the morning!). Luckily the BPO team of KW commercial in San Francisco was ready for the job.

The bank had recently used two other companies for a valuation of the exact same property and the asset managers where unhappy with the results, One figure came in at 1.1m, the other at 600k! Something was defiantly fishy.

Back at the office Jeremy Shoenig pulled comps of recent solds and active listings to determine the price per square foot as a starting point for value. Within minutes Mark arrived at the scene, took notes on the unique features of the property and began taking photos that could be uploaded remotely.

Mark Cooper knows Marin County like the back of his hand and had shown property to an investor less then a block away a few months ago. The subject property was close to downtown larkspur and very desirable, it needed some cosmetic repairs and cleanup. The value range was set at $750k-800k.

The Bpo was done and posted within three hours of the assignment, it was accurate, had great photos, and was compeated by a team with years of experiece.

Mark Cooper's team provides valuations to Banks, Asset Manages, and Attorneys for San Francisco Bay area residential and commercial properties. For more information:

email: markcooper@kw.com

phone: 415-608-1036

http://www.propertyinbayarea.com/

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Reports 20 New Assignments worth More than $50 Million to Sell, Lease Distressed Properties

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:50:11 -0700

this is great info about Grub & Ellis and what they are doing with Distressed properties in Orlando, Melbourne, and Tampa Florida.

Via Susan Breding (Larry Vershel Communications):

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida’s Distressed Property Services (DPS) Group, reports a big increase in new assignments to sell or lease distressed or receivership properties.

Jeffrey S. Sweeney, president of Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida in Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne, said the firm’s Distressed Property Services Group started the year with four assignments.

“We have accepted 20 additional assignments since Jan. 1 with total assets valued at more than $50 million,” Sweeney said.

To keep up with demand, Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida has added a new division specializing in Tax Assessment Consulting Services.

Sweeney said he has appointed Donald Lombardi to head the Tax Assessment Consulting Services.

Lombardi, who holds a masters degree from California State University in Fullerton, Calif. and an undergraduate degree from University of Florida, has more than 26 years of experience in commercial real estate and tax consulting.

About Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida
Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida has 40 brokers divided among its Orlando, Melbourne and Tampa offices to serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.

About Grubb & Ellis
Named to The Global Outsourcing 100™ in 2009 by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals™, Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies in the world. Our 6,000 professionals in more than 130 company-owned and affiliate offices draw from a unique platform of real estate services, practice groups and investment products to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions to real estate owners, tenants and investors. The firm’s transaction, management, consulting and investment services are supported by highly regarded proprietary market research and extensive local expertise. Through Grubb & Ellis Realty Investors, the company is a leading sponsor of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), tenant-in-common (TIC) investments suitable for tax-deferred 1031 exchanges and other real estate investment funds. For more information, visit www.grubb-ellis.com.

downtown disney.... retail space for rent?

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:18:44 -0700

Last month while in Los Angeles, Mark Cooper made a quick trip to downtown disney. (the recent addition to disneyland that includes resturants, shops, and street venders, WITHOUT RIDES). A nice feature of downtown disney is the free parking and the lack of admission charge. Mark Cooper's goal was "Build-a-Bear", with the intention of picking up a gift certificate for a kids birthday party.

While strolling down the street, Mark was surprised to find many signs that said "coming soon, an exciting new addition to downtown disney". Read between the lines, even DISNEYLAND has vacant retail space right now. Thats right, its not just commercial real estate in San Francisco, KW Commercial sees things are tough all over and retail, even in downtown disney is hurting.

this amusement park story sums it up, FOUR stores shut their doors in downtown disney!

no time machine needed!

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:33:55 -0700

Have you ever wish you could go back in time, and buy up all the land in Malibu, Beverly Hills or Tiburon, super cheap, then hold onto it for years and make a fortune?

If you could go back, how far back would you go? Maybe 1929 when the stock market crashed and everything was half price. During the great depression, huge fortunes were made by many. The Kennedy, Rothschild and Rockefeller families all dramatically increased their fortunes throughout the depression. But it wasn't just the rich who got richer - many ordinary citizens found a way to not only survive but thrive during a poor economy.

There is no need to go back in time! Do you actualy think it would be much easier to buy up acres of prime real estate for nothing 80 years ago? Savy investors have been waiting years for the opportunites right now. Mark Cooper and his commercial and investment group in San Francisco are seeming amazing deals every day. KW commercial is in a very unique position in Northern California.

1) KW Commercial is being approached by Owner's of distressed commercial assets seeking to sell discreatly, they see private deals the pubic never hears about.

2) Banks need to retain minimum reserves and want non performing assets off their books, Mark Cooper and his commerical team in San Francisco have buyers ready with cash to purchase commercial notes and properties.

3) Developers with strong track records are unable to get financing to complete construction, they need bridge loans, or wish to sell incomplete projects at a discount.

4) Mark Cooper's commercial team in San Francisco does BPO's (broker price opinions) for commerical and investment properties across Northern California. By offerring fast turnarounds, accurate results, and fair structure, Banks, Attorneys, and other clients have found a resource they can trust.

Contact Mark Cooper at Kw commercial in San Francisco for commercial and investment property solutions, NO TIME MACHINE NEEDED!

can I take your order, would you like to hear our daily special?

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:47:19 -0700

In San Francisco Mark Cooper's commercial group handles distressed properties and stalled developments. A few months ago, the buyers were on the fence, and the asset managers and desperate sellers were not ready to share their inventory.

The buyers are now ready to take advantage of the opportunities in the market. Mark Cooper's group likes to determine the "appetite" of buyers and investors. When buyers are not sure, the group looks at their last purchase, how it went, and would they like something similar. Just recently the commercial asset managers have begun to share their inventory of stalled developments and distressed properties. They call this the "menu".

With the menu in place, and the buyers appetite established, only one thing is missing, the waiters. That's where mark and his group come in. They specialize in pairing up buyers looking for unique opportunities, and sellers that are in trouble, can't get financing, out of money, incomplete projects or high vacancy rates. If you or anyone you know fits into these buyer or seller profiles, get in touch with Mark Cooper and his KW Commerical group in San Francisco 415-608-1036.

sidney wilson's birthday is today, May 6th!

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:17:31 -0700

Mark Cooper's dear friend and business partner at KW Commercial in San Francisco is having his birthday today, May 6th, 2009. Just in case you were wondering, yes, it is a big one, its FIFTY! Sidney doesn't read Mark Cooper's blog, so this is a secret, don't tell anyone. Unless you want to call Sidney at 415-559-0675, or send him a quick email at sjwilson@mindspring.com.

Mark Cooper used to think it was not cool for guys to care about each others birthdays, that was until Eileen Morelli, team leader at Keller Williams Santa Rosa enlightened him. Success in life requires strong, lasting relationships, don't expect others to care about you, unless you care about them. Celebrate life and Birthdays, with the people you care about.

Don't worry about the fact that its also George Clooney, the Oscar winnig actor's birthday too... stay focused we are talking about Sidney Wilson here! I bet George Clooney can't break a cinder block with one bare handed karate chop!

Happy Birthday Sidney Wilson, I love you man!

we are looking for stalled developments!

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Sat, 02 May 2009 10:40:09 -0700

Mark Cooper and his commercial team in San Francisco have a client that is seeking stalled developements, projects without financing, and builders out of Money! No single family/custom homes. 10mil plus price range. prefer California, will consider anywhere in USA, or Canada.

Keep your eyes and ears open for a great referal opportunity. Mark Cooper has a client seeking stalled Construction Projects 60-80% done, foundations and no walls. "Sticks in the air". Seeking builders in trouble, caught between a rock and a hard place. Mark's buyer has cash and can act quickly to purchase entire projects, buy out partners, or provide financing. markcooper@kw.com, kw commercial san francisco, 415-608-1036

mark cooper will be your best friend!

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:11:09 -0700

like it or not, sales is relationship business. Your clients need to know you, like you, and trust you. Mark Cooper learned early on that his clients felt most comfortable working with a commercial agent that they felt was their equal and cared. Mark plays golf, chess, mtn. bikes, sea kayaks, and snowboards. He goes out of his way to learn and celebrate his friends birthdays. Mark takes a serious interest in who you are, what you do for a living, and where you are in your life. Your long term goals are of prime importance.

Mark Cooper is a partner in four office buildings and owns real estate investments in three states. Mark Cooper is a third generation landlord. He grew up surrounded by family members buying and selling commercial and investment properties.

Most every agent will suggest you buy or sell, right now. Invesment Advisors will point you to products and services that will make them commissions or hourly fees. Buyers and Sellers need someone to turn to, someone that can put their best interest first. What they need is a best friend in the Business.

mark cooper is part of a commercial real estate team in San Francisco that specializes in Office leasing and sales, Industrial, and multi-family projects.

Call or Email Mark Cooper today, he will be your best friend!

data base management 101, use great software!

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 11:52:59 -0700

the key to succeeding in commercial or residential real estate is lead generation and database management. mark cooper is part of a commercial real estate team in San Francisco that specializes in Office leasing and sales, Industrial, and multi-family projects. Mark's team has been adding 20 people a day to his database and staying in touch with everyone. mark cooper has been working with the agents in his market center, (Keller Williams San Francisco properties), Teaching lead generation and database management.

To quote mark's buddy Greg Gamp, "the best software to use, is the one that works for you". mark cooper suggests you begin with great database management software, and use it for everything. When you decide to take your business to the next level, look into software that will manage your calendar, handle and automate email, keep track of properties and client needs, and interface with your palm or Blackberry. When you have a partner or team, they should have access to the database and calender, so a web based system is key. Avoid using multi software systems at all costs. They is no reason to have a separate phone book in your cell and email database on your computer, you call and the same people you email, don't you?

Mark Cooper and his commercial real estate team in San Francisco looked at many software options before deciding to use topproducer.

When using topproducer's easy-to-use contact management system, no prospect falls through the cracks. Mark and his team Respond quickly with attractive emails, set next-call dates, and assign automated mail and email follow-up plans for new prospects and existing clients. The software has been a real time saver and allows Mark to focus on what he does best, meeting his clients goals, and closing business.

if you you are interested in learning more about topproducer and how it can save you time and money, feel free to give mark cooper a call at 415-608-1036 or email him at markcooper@kw.com.

lets get back to basics!

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:57:23 -0700

This weekend mark cooper and his wife were sitting at home. Mark had just washed all of his golf and hiking clothes and was about to put them into the clothes dryer, the problem was, the dryer was not working. His clothes were soaking wet. Mark thought about calling a dryer repairman, He looked on craigslist for a used dryer, He seriously considered getting permission to use a neighbor's dryer.

Panic in sued. well not really, but that adds to the story. Tiburon was experiencing a heat wave. Mark decided to set up a clothes line and hang his clothes out to dry! So simple. So Easy. Using the sun's energy to dry your clothes! But why wasn't that the first idea to come to mind? I will tell you why, Mark Cooper, like everyone else had fallen into a routine of convenience, relying on something additional, that cost extra to purchase and operate rather then use the sun, a source of free, almost limitless energy.

Why do we take so many things for granted, overlooking the simple solutions. Why do we make things more difficult then they need to be, and what does this have to do with commercial real estate?

Its time to get back to basics! Look at the simple solutions and opportunities that surround you. Pick up the phone and call an old friend. Walk your dog and say "hi" to your neighbors. Get involved with a club, non-profit, or your church. Be seriously interested in others and their lives and friendship and prosperity will come back to you in ten fold.

Mark Cooper approaches real estate differently. Its not about neighborhoods, properties, interest rates, contracts, commissions, or closing escrow. Mark Cooper has success with real estate becauce he cares about people. Mark saw message on a tea bag once, it said "in order to have good friends, you must be good friend". Its so simple, yet we overlook it.

Having a successful real estate career is no harder then hanging your damp clothes out to dry on a hot day. Opportunities are all around you. As my good friend Dick Dillingham says, "be a keen observer of life". Listen for opportunities, ask questions, then listen some more.

There has never been a better time to buy and sell real estate, and there has never been a better time to be a good friend. What are you waiting for?

KW agents free lunch in San Francisco...

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:10:40 -0700

Mark Cooper is looking to grow his commercial and residential real estate REFERRAL network for the San Francisco Bay area, and beyond. This is an open invitation to All Keller Williams agents across the USA, (that's right all 72,000 of you). Come to San Francisco on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon. Have a tour of one of the oldest active real estate offices on the WEST COAST, and get A FREE LUNCH (sorry agents at KWSF are not eligible).

Mark Cooper's office is in a cool RED Victorian building at the corner of Franklin and bush street in San Francisco. The building is four stories, and the carpet in the training room is red and green plaidd! You have to see it to believe it.

Call the free lunch hotline today, 415-608-1036, operators are standing by!

real estate interview.....these answers may surprise you...

mark cooper (marin commercial leasing agent) (HL Commercial- Marin County, CA) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:13:52 -0700

the other day Mark Cooper was contacted by his former real estate office assistant, Avery Bean. Avery is going to school for business at Loyola Marymount University in Southern California. Her teacher had his students ask real estate agents some insightful questions... here they are:

1.     Could you please tell me about your educational background and what made you pursue a career in real estate? How long have you held your current position?
Mark Cooper: bfa in photography from artcenter college of design, third generation landlord, property manager for 18 years, real estate investor.

2.     How did you find yourself in the real estate industry? Why did you choose the line of real estate you are in (commercial vs. residential)?

Mark Cooper: I like the numbers and income, so I focus on properties that are not owner occupied. Passive income, good tenants and management in place, tax shelters with leverage and depreciation.

3.     Do you think it is more difficult to be an agent or a broker? How do you personally define each?

Mark Cooper: personally I don't want to be a broker, they are responsible for the errors/mistakes of the agents in the office. an agent can focus on their own deals and do what they do best.

4.     What are the most rewarding aspects to you job?

Mark Cooper: I love networking, I meet 5 new people each day, cold calling is fun!

4b. What do you find most challenging?

Mark Cooper: real estate takes time, about 4 months to close a deal and get paid

5.     Please describe an average day, possibly use a day last week to aid you in this.

Monday: golf till 1pm, then meetings at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5:30pm, sometimes another at 7pm

Tues-Thurs: get up at 5:30am, go to a networking event (real estate, bni, church, kids, school, hoa etc)

drive to work by 7am, return emails, check phone messages, meetings and phone calls 9am-3pm.

drive home, check phone messages while driving.

6pm dinner with family

6.     What would you consider your greatest accomplishment thus far while working in the real estate industry? How did you go about achieving it?

Mark Cooper: find buyers for properties that are not on the market, and double end the deals

7.     Please describe your typical communication behaviors on the job.

Mark Cooper: phone calls, text, meetings, blog.... emails come last or they take all day!

8.     What do you thinks makes a good manager in real estate?

Mark Cooper: you need to care about others, be generous. share your talents

9.     What qualities does a leader need to be successful in real estate?

Mark Cooper: network, lead generate, use a great database, stay in touch with everyone... care about others and their goals, I keep track of Everyone's Birthdays!

10. Do you find the ability to multi task beneficial to the industry?

Mark Cooper: yes, but stay focused, set goals,

11. What are some abilities/characteristics most successful people possess in your chosen carrier?

Mark Cooper: you must love your job, have patience, and be reliable

12. Has there ever been a time when moral in a team, or group of clients, was low? How did you go about improving their spirits?

Mark Cooper: we have a business card drawing each week, I encourage the agents closing deals and our guest speakers to donate prizes. I gave an ipod away each week I close a big deal, the agents that are on time to the meetings ARE the top agents in our office.... go figure!

13. Have you noticed any changes to your managing style since the recession? Please explain.

Mark Cooper: I am getting more aggressive with leads, my clients seem to like it. My assistant position at work practically has a waiting list, but I am always looking for great new talent.

14. How do you go about correcting yourself when you make a wrong decision? Do you admit your mistake?

Mark Cooper: yep, the sooner I admit the mistake the better.... when you make an omelet, you gonna have to break some eggs. I say I'm sorry, don't make excuses. its no big deal, move on.

15.   Describe a problem you encountered when the ideal solution did not work. What were some alternatives solutions? How and why were beneficial to the situation?

Mark Cooper: we had a construction project on a penthouse rooftop, a labor strike was going on and wood was being delivered by a non-union truck. The crane operator refused to cross the picket line. He would not lift the wood off the delivery truck and put it on the roof. I thought outside the box, had the delivery truck dump the wood on the street and drive away, then the crane lifted the wood off, PROBLEM SOLVED!

16. Do you make decisions on your own, or do you consult others? What do you take into consideration when making decision?

Mark Cooper: I am part of commercial team, I bring the leads and clients thru the door, our team gets down to business. We decide as a group and don't rush things. Every deal is a win-win for everyone involved, (Buyers, Sellers, Agents, Tenants, ETC. ) Everyone or NO DEAL.

17. How much supervision do you typically receive and or give in your job?

Mark Cooper: I have a time clock set up, my assistants and all use it, we clock in when we get to work. I keep track of how many hours are spent on each task, and how much money we spend and make on each project.

18. What is the hardest part of managing, or working with, clients, or those who work for you?

Mark Cooper: un-realistic sellers, its our job to set the listing price. Overstated income and false expenses on income properties make the number crunching more work. Sometimes we have to be detectives before getting to the REAL numbers.

Employees that don't show up on time are a waste of my time. When my assistants start chit chatting with each other while they are on the clock it drives me crazy!

19. Do you feel pressure from those higher in the work ladder than you? If yes, how so?

Mark Cooper: nope, they are great, very encouraging

20. How do you handle deadlines or other pressures on the job?

Mark Cooper: we set realistic deadlines, we tag team and delegate

21. Is there a code of ethics in real estate? How did you learn of it? Do people follow it?

Mark Cooper: we all took a class in Ethics, NOW I teach several... article 11 we quote weekly!

22. If you knew someone was being unethical, what would you do about it?

Mark Cooper: speak to them in privately, in person, if the behavior continued decide not work with them, possibly write a letter to their broker.

23. Could you offer any advice for someone who would like to take part in real estate one day?

mark cooper: give me a call, I am hiring in SF and could use help in LA, 1-800-440-6671 Keller Williams is a fantastic company, we are the third largest in the US an Canada. We have over 700 offices.

Mark Cooper's office is located in San Francisco at 1500 Franklin street, (corner of Franklin and bush) his commercial team handles sales, leasing, retail, multi-family, office, hotel, industrial, and real estate investments. They specialize in properties in San Francisco and Marin Counties. They work with landlords and trusts living in all parts of California.

Keller Williams San Francisoco is seeking experienced commercial agents. Marks team also has entry level positions for agents with current licenses, you can request a straight commission, hourly wages, or a combination. We offer flexible schedules and have a fun work environment. Interviews are Tuesdays from 1-4pm. 1-800-440-6671.