Some of the best real estate deals aren’t the ones you see coming. That was exactly the case with a recent off-market transaction in Troy. It wasn’t about listings or open-market competition. Instead, it was all about creativity, timing, and connecting the right people at the right moment.
In this success story, we brought together two business owners—one looking for room to grow, the other wanting to make better use of an underutilized property. By thinking outside the box, we found a solution that worked for both.
The client I was representing was on the lookout for a small space where he could expand his restoration business. He needed something flexible, a place that could grow with him as his business scaled up. Finding the right fit would be crucial to his success. While nothing on the open market seemed to check all the boxes, I kept his needs in mind.
That’s when I happened to connect with Scott, a business owner who had a large operation in Rochester Hills. He also owned a smaller three-building property in Troy, but most of it he was using only for storage. As I talked with him, I saw an opportunity. My client needed space, and Scott had a property that wasn’t being fully used. It was the start of a deal that required some creative thinking.
Both sides were on board, so the next step was finding a solution that worked for everyone. We came up with a two-year lease that gave my client the option to purchase the property at the end of the term. This gave him the breathing room to grow his business while saving up for an eventual purchase. For Scott, it meant he’d collect rent in the meantime.
One of the best parts of this deal is how it benefits Scott. As my client grows his business, he’ll be making improvements to the property. So, by the time the two years are up, Scott will have a more polished, updated asset. Whether my client decides to buy or not, Scott will end up with a building that’s in better shape and ready for whatever comes next. It’s a win-win setup that works for both parties.
This deal was a great example of how thinking outside the box can lead to big wins for everyone involved. My client got the space he needed, along with the flexibility to grow into the purchase over time. Scott benefitted from a low-risk situation where his property is generating income and being improved at the same time. In a few years, he’ll either have a committed buyer or a much-improved property ready to rent or sell.
What makes this kind of transaction stand out is the creativity it takes to pull it off. This off-market transaction didn’t follow the typical pattern of finding a buyer and closing the deal. It involved creating something that worked for everyone, well beyond a traditional sale.
This off-market success story in Troy is a great example of what we do best at The Thomas Duke Company—connecting people, crafting creative solutions, and ensuring everyone walks away satisfied. Sometimes the best deals aren’t the ones you see on the market, but the ones where relationships and creativity open up new possibilities.
If you’re looking for room to grow your business or want to make better use of your property, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out to me, Jordan Schafer, at jschafer@thomasduke.com or give me a call at (248) 479-0130. Let’s work together to find the right solution for you.
