Don Catalano
By 2030, over 200,000 U.S. accounting jobs alone may vanish (World Economic Forum). McKinsey estimates 60–70% of administrative tasks are fully automatable today. AI already resolves 85–95% of routine customer service queries. These numbers matter—for workforce size, lease demand, and real estate footprints. In the next sections, we break down
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
Amazon is eyeing a $15 billion warehouse blitz, with plans to open 80 new logistics facilities across the U.S. and lock in 15- to 25-year leases. That’s a bold move in a battered CRE landscape. Tariffs are driving up costs, interest rates remain high, and demand is uneven. Office vacancies
At its peak, WeWork was valued near $50 billion, leasing over 50 million square feet worldwide. The plan was simple: sign long-term leases on prime office space, then rent it out flexibly to startups and big companies alike. But the pandemic hit hard. By 2023, WeWork was buried under $13
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.
Landlords aren’t just struggling to fill space—they’re bleeding out trying to build it back. The new reality in commercial real estate? Every tenant that walks out the door leaves behind a deeper hole—and replacing them isn’t just harder, it’s significantly more expensive. So, any way landlords bring in new tenants
The Collapse of Entry-Level White Collar Jobs Could Wreck the Office Market There’s no soft landing here. The numbers are out—and they’re grim. The World Economic Forum predicts that 83 million jobs will vanish globally by 2027 due to AI. Goldman Sachs takes it a step further: 300 million jobs
Commercial Landlords Are Down—Now California Wants to Finish the Job. California’s Senate Bill 789 is a vacancy tax pitched as a cure for downtown decay. But tenants should ask: what happens when you tax the landlords out of existence? The proposed bill would slap a $5-per-square-foot annual tax on commercial
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.
New York City has always been a center of gravity for talent, capital, and corporate ambition. But between 2017 and 2022, that gravitational pull weakened—substantially.
A warehouse is only as good as its connections.
If it’s not near major transportation routes, it’s missing the mark. And today amidst a strained supply chain environment, intermodal access is the backbone of smart site selection.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Renewal clauses in commercial leases require careful consideration, just like signing a new lease. In this iOpt Minute, Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, explains why assuming a renewal is the best option can be a costly mistake. Markets shift over time, and what was a fair deal years ago may
Lease audit clauses are crucial for protecting your business from unexpected costs, especially when you’re committing to large spaces with high expenses. In this iOpt Minute, Don Catalano, SIOR, CCIM, MCR, breaks down why landlords often push back on these clauses and why they are essential for tenants. Discover how
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
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,
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
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,
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
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.
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.
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.
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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