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July 2, 2025
Don Catalano

CRE Learning Center

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Article

Is Your Office Lease A Liability? 8 Clauses You Need to Lock In

In a market like this, your office lease can either be your greatest strategic weapon—or your most dangerous liability. And for too many companies, it’s the latter. Why? Because legacy leases, signed in a totally different economy, are now albatrosses. The rent is too high, the space is underused, and

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Article

Is Flex Space the New Corporate Real Estate Playbook?

For decades, corporate real estate followed a familiar script: sign a long-term lease, build a gleaming HQ, and tether your workforce to it. But that’s no longer the only tool in the toolbox. A new model is taking hold—faster, lighter, and far more adaptable– even if it is more expensive. 

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Article

Caught in the Crossfire: Trade Wars, Tariffs, and CRE

Trade tensions are reshaping the global economy—and commercial real estate is right in the crosshairs. As of April 2025, the U.S. has imposed a baseline 10% tariff on all imports, with even steeper rates targeting specific countries: 34% on Chinese goods, 20% on EU products, and 24% on Japanese imports.

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Article

Will Tariffs Further Complicate Office to Residential Conversions?

The U.S. office market is in its toughest stretch in decades. Despite aggressive return-to-work pushes, swaths of unused space are becoming zombie buildings—dragging down the value of once-thriving city centers and bleeding millions in lost tax revenue.   Now, local governments are scrambling to breathe life (and dollars) back into

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Video

How Racking & Automation Improve Warehouse Efficiency | Luis Jimenez | iOptimize Realty® Podcast

In this insightful iOpt Minute, Luis Jimenez, President of Atlantic Racking, shares expert strategies to enhance warehouse efficiency through cutting-edge racking systems and automation. As the logistics landscape evolves, warehouse managers and corporate tenants alike must stay ahead of the curve. Luis breaks down the biggest trends in warehouse design

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Video

Why a Self-Help Clause Matters for Commercial Real Estate Tenants

In today’s uncertain market, having a self-help clause in your commercial lease is more important than ever. In this iOpt Minute, Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, explains how this clause empowers tenants to take over critical tasks when landlords fail to fulfill their obligations. From ensuring office cleanliness to performing

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Video

Safeguard Your Leases with the SNDA Clause – Here’s How

The Subordination and Non-Disturbance Agreement (SNDA) is a vital clause for tenants, especially in uncertain economic times. In this iOpt Minute, Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, explains why landlords are reluctant to offer SNDA clauses and how they safeguard tenants in case of foreclosure or receivership. Without an SNDA, your

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Video

Why We Started iOptimize Realty®: Leveling the Playing Field

In a world where landlords have brokers dedicated solely to their interests, corporate tenants need someone on their side too. In this iOpt Minute, Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, President of iOptimize Realty, shares why he founded the company—to level the playing field for corporate tenants. Unlike landlord brokers, a

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Video

Overpaying on Your Commercial Lease? Here’s How to Check

Are you paying more than you should on your commercial lease? In this iOpt Minute, Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, shares the essential steps to check if your lease is aligned with current market rates. Many tenants unknowingly overpay by relying on landlord brokers or skipping crucial market comparisons. Discover

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Video

Protect Yourself Now: Commercial Lease Rules & Regs You Can’t Ignore

In commercial leases, the ‘rules and regs’ clauses can sometimes take precedence over other parts of your agreement, potentially impacting your business operations. In this iOpt Minute, Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, reveals why it’s crucial to understand these clauses and how they can affect your lease. Learn how working

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Video

2 Essential Tips for Negotiating Your Best Deal | iOpt Minute

Timing and representation are everything when it comes to securing the best deal on your corporate real estate. In this iOpt Minute, Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, shares two essential tips that will save you both time and money. Learn why starting early in your search and choosing a dedicated,

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Video

Get Ahead in Lease Management with These Pro Tips!

Critical dates in commercial leases—such as renewal options or rights to terminate—are easy to overlook but can cost your company millions if missed. In this iOpt Minute, Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, explains why tracking these dates is vital and how effective lease management can save your business from costly

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Video

The Dangers of Holdover Clauses in Office Space

Holdover clauses in commercial leases can have serious financial repercussions. When a tenant remains in their space after the lease term ends, the rent can double, triple, or even more, and tenants can be held responsible for consequential damages. In this video, Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, from iOptimize Realty,

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Video

Avoid Costly Tenant Defaults: Protect Your Lease Today

Tenant default clauses can have significant financial consequences if not properly understood and negotiated. A poorly defined default can allow landlords to accelerate rent payments or take drastic actions, leading to serious harm for your business. This video, featuring Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, from iOptimize Realty, explains how you

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Video Course

Ultimate Warehouse Checklist

Touring Warehouse space can be time consuming and frustrating for the unprepared party. In our free video course, we cover all the key components to look for while on your warehouse tour. You will also get access to our Warehouse checklist for when you’re touring space.

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Video Course

How To Find Office Space

Whether you’re seeking new office space, relocating, or renewing your current lease, there are many mistakes you need to avoid. Our free “How to Find Office Space” video course is your go-to guide.

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Ultimate Warehouse Checklist

Touring Warehouse space can be time consuming and frustrating for the unprepared party. In our free video course, we cover all the key components to look for while on your warehouse tour. You will also get access to our Warehouse checklist for when you’re touring space.

How to find office space

Whether you’re seeking new office space, relocating, or renewing your current lease, there are many mistakes you need to avoid. Our free “How to Find Office Space” video course is your go-to guide.

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