To help our clients get to know the faces available to work with them, we are doing a regular series we call our Broker Spotlight.
Today’s spotlight is on David Batten, Vice President, Broker in Charge, Land. Read on to find out a little bit more about David!
What kinds of clients do you represent?
I have worked with numerous land owners with the disposition of their property as well as buyers/developers seeking land; and similarly with investors and sellers of commercial properties in the implementation of their unique investment and development strategies.
Geographically, I focus on the 10 counties that make up the Raleigh-Durham metro area and greater Triangle region. My client list includes Publix, Chick-fil-A, Duke Medicine and Two Capital Partners multifamily group.
What would you consider your trophy transaction?
I would say being apart of the site-selection team for Chick-fil-A’s distribution center now under construction in Mebane. Chick-fil-A is one of the largest American fast food restaurant chains. When evaluating a site’s suitability, I consider multiple factors: location, topography, environmental permitting and regulations, zoning and municipal restrictions, access, and workforce availability.
What should a potential client know about you?
I am a life-long resident of North Carolina and have always been entrepreneurial and business focused.
Prior to getting into commercial real estate, I owned and operated a number of retail stores around the Triangle. I assisted Jersey Mike’s Subs with entering the Durham market and I was a franchise owner for several years. My career of experiences and breadth of knowledge of this market and its demographics allows me a full understanding of the dynamics of structuring a deal. I take a consultative approach with my clients. I am fully committed to getting the job done.
What would deter a buyer from pursuing a specific property?
In the land industry, a lot of sellers don’t want to go through the rezoning process because it potentially can take up to a year. In this market, however, rezoning is a strategy you can’t avoid. You need to position your property for its highest and best use. I can help you. I’ll provide you with an evaluation and strategy for your property.
What advice would you give someone just getting into the business?
Don’t do it! Just kidding. Commercial real estate advisory and brokerage is a great field to get into. You create your own economic success. My advice to anyone interested in getting into this field is to focus your studies on finance and economics so you fully understand the ebb and flow of the markets.
You can read more about the fantastic members of the APG Advisors team here. If you are interested in land available for sale or lease in North Carolina, get in touch with APG at your earliest convenience.