I Almost Signed a Lease… Until I Saw "We Buy Rats" | Episode 38: I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?

Beth Azor

Not every tenant is the right fit for a shopping center, and sometimes, what looks like a great leasing opportunity can take a shocking turn. In this episode, I share a jaw-dropping story from my own real estate experience—one that completely changed my perspective on a deal.

I was seriously considering leasing to a pet store tenant who, on paper, seemed perfect. But then I visited one of their existing locations… and right in the window was a massive sign that read: “We Buy Rats.” What I discovered next made me rethink the entire agreement.

🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Why you (or your leasing agent) MUST visit a tenant’s current location before signing a lease
• The unexpected red flags that could save you from a bad deal
• How tenant mix affects your property’s value and the neighborhood’s overall appeal
• Would YOU lease to a "We Buy Rats" store? Here's why I didn’t.

This is a crucial lesson in due diligence for commercial real estate. Have you ever had to turn down a tenant? I’d love to hear your story in the comments!