Managing commercial real estate from thousands of miles away isn’t easy. It’s even more challenging when unexpected lease issues arise. Then a once-reliable property turns into a time-and-energy-consuming problem.
That’s exactly what happened to a couple in Hawaii with Michigan investments. They reached out to me for help when their two properties—one in Roseville and another in Taylor—unexpectedly became challenges bigger than they wanted to manage.
Instead of continuing to juggle these properties remotely, they wanted a plan, one that would allow them to step away and yet also maximize their return. Here’s how we helped them navigate a leasing issue, negotiate a strong settlement, and ultimately sell both properties on their terms.
The couple initially purchased the Roseville property with a stable, nationally recognized tenant—T-Mobile—in place. At the time, it seemed like a great long-term investment.
Then, two years later, everything changed. Sprint merged with T-Mobile, and as part of the consolidation, the company shut down select retail locations. The couple’s Roseville property was one of them.
This left the owners in a tough spot:
A vacant space with no new tenant lined up A lease dispute with T-Mobile that needed resolutionThe aggravation of managing the situation from Hawaii
They were frustrated, and rightfully so. But instead of letting the problem drag on, we got to work on a solution.
T-Mobile initially offered a standard lease buyout—one that, frankly, wasn’t great for the owners. I recognized that they had more leverage and connected them with local real estate attorneys who specialize in exactly this type of negotiation.
The result? A far more attractive settlement from T-Mobile than what the company had originally put on the table. The property owners walked away with a significant payout instead ofa frustrating financial loss.
Next we shifted our focus. The Roseville property no longer seemed a viable long-term investment for the couple, and they decided to list it for sale. Realizing the challenges of remote ownership, they decided to sell their Taylor property as well.
Now, the question became: How do we maximize their returns?
We could have packaged both properties together. But I recommended listing them separatelyto attract the right buyers.
This approach allowed us to:
Target different buyer pools—retail investors for the Roseville property and a broader commercial audience for the Taylor site. Market each property at its own optimal price point Avoid limiting interest by forcing buyers to consider a package deal that might not appeal to all
By positioning each property correctly, we were able to secure buyers for both within weeks. Even better, we timed the closings within a month of each other, allowing the owners to exit the Michigan market smoothly.
This transaction wasn’t just about selling properties. It was about helping these owners achieve peace of mind. Managing assets from thousands of miles away, especially with leasing challenges, had become more stress than gain.
By negotiating a strong lease settlement, marketing the properties strategically, and ensuring a well-timed sale, we helped them exit the market in the best possible position.
Their results?
A profitable lease settlement with T-Mobile Two properties sold on their terms A stress-free transition out of Michigan real estate
This deal proves that every real estate challenge has a solution—if you have the right strategy. Whether you’re facing tenant issues, considering a sale, or needing help to lease your property, the right team in your corner makes all the difference.
If you own commercial property in Southeast Michigan and want expert advice on leasing, selling, or managing challenges, I’d love to help. Let’s start the conversation today.
Email: dtesch@thomasduke.com
Call: (248) 479-0126
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