Industry Highlights
Albuquerque’s industrial market held strong through 2020

By Ron Davis – Reporter, Albuquerque Business First January 20, 2021 Albuquerque’s tight industrial market filled up even more during the last month of 2020. A fourth-quarter report from NAI Maestas & Ward showed Albuquerque’s final industrial vacancy rate at 2.24% as of December 2020. The rate fluctuated between 2% and 3% throughout the year but reached…
Read Full ArticleJoy Junction: Home for the Homeless

Joy Junction, a local non-profit whose mission is to break the cycle of homelessness, will be relocating their Thrift Shoppe to a 3,800 SF retail/warehouse site at 4008-4012 Menaul NE. They anticipate opening this location by mid-December. Currently, Joy Junction operates their Thrift Shoppe at 107 Bowers Road SW, next to their main campus. They…
Read Full ArticleNM brokers, developers grapple with shifting retail landscape

By Albuquerque Journal Staff November 30, 2020 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — More than eight months since the COVID-19 pandemic reached New Mexico, Albuquerque’s retail scene has fared better than many markets, but there are still plenty of lingering question marks. Local developers and brokers agree the pandemic has accelerated existing trends among restaurants, big-box stores and…
Read Full ArticleCCIM Deal of the Year (over $1M)

By Riley McKee, NAI Maestas & Ward Advisor November 13, 2020 A conundrum commercial real estate brokers will face from time to time involves balancing the anticipation of an exciting opportunity with the unfortunate realities that brought it about. Such is the case with 8301 Broadway Blvd. SE, a 20,000 square foot heavy manufacturing facility…
Read Full ArticleKAFB mixed-use development moves forward as lease is signed

By Albuquerque Journal Staff November 13, 2020 A major mixed-use development that’s been in the works for two years on Kirtland Air Force Base is moving forward once again, according to a news release from the developer. Thunderbird Kirtland Development LLC has signed a formal lease with the U.S. Air Force for MaxQ at Kirtland,…
Read Full ArticleJunk has met its king

By Alex Pulliam – Advisor with the Land & Industrial team at NAI Maestas & Ward November 3, 2020 Junk King, a new-to-market junk hauling service, will be moving in to a 2,500 SF office/warehouse at 6101 Signal NE, Albuquerque with plans to launch their operations mid-November. Junk King is an eco-friendly junk removal service…
Read Full ArticlePlaying matchmaker, Debbie Harms has built a successful career in real estate

By Ron Davis – Reporter, Albuquerque Business First October 23, 2020 Most children’s curiosity wouldn’t be piqued by driving past a building under construction or a vacant piece of land. For Debbie Harms, however, it was the start of an interest that she built into a successful career. Harms grew up in Farmington, and as…
Read Full ArticleSombra to expand hand sanitizer operation at a new Albuquerque manufacturing facility

By Ron Davis – Reporter, Albuquerque Business First October 13, 2020 Albuquerque manufacturer Sombra plans on doubling down on a new production line it started during the Covid-19 pandemic: hand sanitizer. John Martinez, director of public affairs and business development for Sombra, said his company — like many others — faced challenges during the pandemic……
Read Full ArticleHigh Industrial Demand Sparks Overhaul of Former Event Center

By Ron Davis – Reporter, Albuquerque Business First July 17, 2020 A large, multicolored building that held family fun and birthday parties years ago will get a big makeover — and a much different tenant. The building last occupied by It’Z at 4595 San Mateo Blvd. NE will now be marketed to industrial tenants to…
Read Full ArticleEmerging from Covid-19; Commercial Real Estate Predictions 2020

by Shelly Branscom, CCIM As we began the 2020 year, none of us could have predicted the halting effects COVID-19 would have on the world’s social and economic landscape. As current stay-at-home orders are shifted into economic phasing plans, it is important to take a closer look at what major factors will impact the Commercial…
Read Full ArticleBroad rent strikes would be disastrous

By Riley McKee, NAI Maestas & Ward Industrial Real Estate Advisors An article featured in the executive desk of the 2020 Albuquerque Journal, Edition 4.27.2020 In an open letter addressed “To our landlords,” the CEO of The Cheesecake Factory announced that the restaurant chain would not be making rent payments in April due to extraordinary challenges…
Read Full ArticleCOVID-19 Business Resources

The team at NAI Maestas & Ward is committed and connected to our clients and community during these unique times. We have been designated an essential business and as such will remain open, sensible and proactive in our approach to ensure business continuity. Our advisors and property managers are staying up to date with market…
Read Full ArticleNAI Executives Report from the Front Lines of the Coronavirus

By Erika Morphy of GlobeSt.com April 1, 2020 The impact of the health crises on the commercial real estate industry has dramatically changed the industry’s landscape within the space of 30 days. With April getting underway, four NAI executives offered their perspectives on the impact of the pandemic and how they are addressing the challenge….
Read Full ArticleNavigating coronavirus’ impact on commercial real estate

A Whitepaper by Riley Mckee Between 2007 and 2009, the commercial real estate industry was dealt a heavy blow by what is now referred to as “The Great Recession”. Property values and sale volumes collapsed when businesses began prioritizing survival overgrowth. In the years that followed, real estate transactions required extreme deference on the part…
Read Full ArticleSupporting Small Business
Supporting small businesses within our community is as important as ever. In addition to purchasing a portion of a tenant’s overstocked perishable inventory for our clients Elixir Boutique Chocolates, NAI Maestas & Ward has committed to purchase lunch from local restaurants for those still working in our office. Dion’s, Jimmy’s Café, Dave’s Valley Grill, El…
Read Full ArticleCannabis-Friendly States Get A Boost in Commercial Real Estate

Already there are 33 states and the District of Columbia that have legalized marijuana use in some form. Many of these states, like New Mexico, allow for medical use. According to a recent article, dispensaries in New Mexico have sold more than one hundred twenty million dollars of medical marijuana in 2019. In that time, nearly…
Read Full ArticleExpanding Horizons and Making Connections

Keith Meyer, CCIM, SIOR, recently expanded NAI Maestas and Ward’s real estate horizons with the referral though affiliated NAI KRAIN of Guanacaste, Costa Rica on a coffee and avocado farm in Grecia Costa Rica. Jeff Goode of NAI KRAIN will be the Listing Broker, working with owners Dave and Angela Wohlert on the sale of…
Read Full ArticlePortland-based Facebook subcontractor to expand with ABQ office

By Ron Davis – Technology reporter, Albuquerque Business First February 7, 2020 Western Partitions Inc. is set to make its play in New Mexico by breaking ground on a new office space. The Portland, Oregon-based drywall contractor that worked on Facebook’s Los Lunas data center plans to expand its full-time New Mexico operations by breaking ground Wednesday…
Read Full ArticleSustainable textile manufacturer to open NM production facility

By Collin Krabbe – Technology reporter, Albuquerque Business First January 24, 2020 A textile manufacturer is bringing production to New Mexico following an expansion. Green Theme Technologies Inc., which is working to commercialize a sustainable and more effective method of textile production, is looking to start production in Rio Rancho following a move into a…
Read Full ArticleIt’s Not Just Amazon’s Fault | A Review

It’s Not Just Amazon’s Fault by Vitaliy Katsenelson | An Article Review We sat down with Retail and Multifamily Specialist, Isaac Romero who provides market and knowledge insight to all things financial in the Commercial Real Estate World for a review of the Retail Sector to provide an additional perspective. To download and read the…
Read Full ArticleNAI Global announces the 2019 OFFICE OF THE YEAR award at annual convention

Press Release by NAI Global through The News Funnel (Real Estate News, Personalized) New York City, NY – September 30, 2019: Jay Olshonsky, SIOR, FRICS, President and CEO of NAI Global, a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm, today announced the top-performing offices and top-producing brokers/brokerage teams for the year during its annual convention, which this year…
Read Full ArticleNew Mexico: Opportunity Zones are Knocking

By Bruce Krasnow – Public Information Officer, NM Economic Development Department August 7, 2019 SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) has unveiled a new website so local governments, investors, businesses, and property owners can take advantage and connect with Opportunity Zone resources. The state, along with NMEDD, designated 63 Opportunity…
Read Full ArticleNAI Maestas & Ward’s Industrial Team wins award for expertly-facilitated complicated transaction

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov. 1, 2018 – At the “Intersections” commercial real estate event held on October 25, at Sandia Golf Club in Albuquerque, the NAI Maestas & Ward Industrial Team (Keith Meyer, Jim Wible & Riley McKee) were presented with an award for “The Deal of the Year” (under $1M). Following is the story of the transaction…
Read Full ArticleFlagship Food Group adds up to 90 jobs as it expands its frozen food manufacturing in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 11, 2018 – In response to the company’s projected growth in 2019, Flagship Food Group announced today that it will immediately begin adding up to 90 new positions at its food manufacturing facility in Albuquerque. The positions will begin in November and will support the plant’s second shift. “Flagship Food’s expansion signals that Albuquerque’s economy is on…
Read Full ArticleBroker takes CCIM reins

Shelly Branscom, a director of NAI Maestas & Ward commercial real estate company, has another job in 2018: taking the reins as president of the Certified Commercial Investment Member chapter of New Mexico. She said CCIM New Mexico provided a significant amount of mentorship, guidance and support to her as a young broker.” It is…
Read Full ArticleNew bakery and new poke restaurant to open at Far North

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The food fest continues at Far North Shopping Center. Just a month after the center at San Mateo and Academy NE welcomed Aura restaurant and its European Mediterranean menu, Ben Perich of Colliers International said there are new leases with two more eateries: Doughboy’s Bake Shoppe and Aloha Poke. Doughboy’s is a…
Read Full ArticleReal estate group spotlights veteran ABQ broker with unique honor

John Henderson III has spent four decades in commercial real estate and is known among Albuquerque brokers as someone who is quick-witted, a leader and most of all, a mentor. Todd Clarke of NM Apartment Advisors described Henderson as one of a handful of individuals who molded Albuquerque’s real estate community into one that is…
Read Full ArticleReal estate buyers eye the Duke City again
Back on the radar: Real estate buyers eye the Duke City again It took one phone call for Alfredo Barrenechea of Absolute Investment Realty to sell a property on Alameda Boulevard with a Burger King on it. He also listed a property featuring a national pizza chain and got 12 quick offers. That one sold…
Read Full ArticleMillennials leading the way

New Mexico….Multi-family Housing update 2015 Multi-family Housing is coming of age in New Mexico and the Millennial Generation is spurring the growth. The old adage of “location, location, location” is ever present as the placement of a property in relation to cultural, educational, entertainment and natural amenities becomes a major factor in the value of…
Read Full ArticleGandyDancer Railroad and Excavating Services New Headquarters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2015 GandyDancer Railroad and Excavating Services New Headquarters Albuquerque, New Mexico – GandyDancer Railroad and Excavating Services has completed the purchase of a new headquarters and maintenance location at 5801 Bobby Foster Road SE. GandyDancer’s (the name is slang for railroad worker) new facility features an 18,000 square foot…
Read Full ArticleDeveloper Karam selling his ABQ portfolio
El Paso developer Eddie Karam and his Albuquerque partner Erik Olson have put their three Albuquerque properties up for sale. To read more on this click on the following link. http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/blog/morning-edition/2012/08/developer-karam-selling-his-abq.html
Read Full ArticleSteve Maestas Gives Mid-Year Commercial Real Estate Update
Steve Maestas, Managing Partner of NAI Maestas & Ward Commercial Real Estate, made a guest appearance on The Property Beat on Saturday, July 7 to give the Mid-Year Commercial Real Estate Update and offer insight into the art of real estate investments. During his interview, Maestas provides an overview of the commercial real estate market…
Read Full ArticleRestaurants’ See Biggest Gains In Four Years
According to the NPD Group (Consumer Market Research Group), the leading provider of reliable consumer information, restaurants saw their strongest gains since 2008. Additionally, “The two food service sectors that increased guest counts in the first quarter were quick service and fine dining, NPD found. Visits to quick-service chains rose 2 percent during the period,…
Read Full ArticleNAI Maestas & Ward’s Erik Olson Featured In CCIM Institute Magazine
NAI Maestas & Ward Senior Advisor, Erik Olson, CCIM has been featured in the CCIM Institute’s monthly magazine “Commercial Investment Real Estate”. The article, “Multifamily Media Frenzy: Apartment investments still rule the front page” discuss the successes of multifamily property sales despite the struggling economy. Erik is NAI Maestas & Ward’s multifamily expert with over…
Read Full ArticleA Tale of Two Markets

A Tale of Two Markets The current commercial real estate market reads like the Charles Dickens’ novel, A Tale of Two Cities: “it is the best of times and the worst of times”. After three plus years of slack demand, some New Mexico commercial real estate users and investors have apparently determined that now is…
Read Full ArticlePending Home Sales Up 26% from 2010
It appears home sales are stabilizing in Albuquerque. Read More…..with Holiday retail sales looking good, I’m believing 2012 will be a strong year for retail expansion in Albuquerque. Friday, December 30, 2011 NAI Maestas & Ward | Phn 505-878-0001
Read Full ArticleIndustrial & Office Market Update Presentation
Debbie Harms, CCIM, SIOR, and Partner at NAI Maestas & Ward presented an update on the status of the commercial real estate office market at a NAIOP luncheon on November 14. Debbie, who has nearly 30 years of experience in commercial real estate brokerage, development, leasing and property management, gave a comprehensive overview of the…
Read Full ArticleCommercial Real Estate Firm Adapts to Change
In today’s economic environment, the future may seem uncertain and less predictable for businesses than it did just a few years ago. But, as NAI Maestas & Ward’s Managing Partner Steve Maestas sees it, there are also vast opportunities for businesses even in this economic downturn. In a recent article in the New Mexico Business…
Read Full ArticleCommercial Property Management Team Delivers Great Service
NAI Maestas & Ward’s commercial property management division and its affiliate, Sun Vista Enterprises, recently received the following feedback from clients. Bob Underwood at Specialty Funding wrote “Thanks for having [your team] take care of that for me this morning. As usual you and your team are super.” Signature Southwest Properties President Sherry D’Amato Fowler…
Read Full ArticleIdeal Feet Leases Commercial Property for New Store
Ideal Feet has opened its first store at 2663 Louisiana NE in Albuquerque. The company currently operates 13 locations in Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Texas and New Mexico. “This is a great business for Albuquerque and this location on Louisiana is a high traffic area that will give Ideal Feet exceptional marketing exposure,”…
Read Full ArticleReal Estate Brokers Find New Use for Industrial Spaces
As the commercial real estate market regains its footing, new uses are being found for older industrially-zoned buildings in the Albuquerque metro area. Such is the case in a transaction that was just completed at 6701 Jefferson NE. NAI Maestas & Ward Advisors Keith Meyer, CCIM, CIOR and Jim Wible completed the lease of 42,000…
Read Full ArticleCCIM Institute Holding Annual Celebration
The New Mexico Chapter of the CCIM Institute is hosting its annual CCIM Celebration on September 15 at Sandia Resort & Casino from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free to New Mexico CCIM Chapter members and is open to the public as well. The annual event provides an opportunity for the commercial real…
Read Full ArticleAlbuquerque Realtor Sees Multifamily Real Estate Market Heating Up
As summer heats up, so does the small multifamily market in Albuquerque according to Erik Olson, an advisor at NAI Maestas & Ward. Erik was one of the brokers in a recent 4-plex transaction that closed in just 60 days. It took only two weeks for a local real estate investor to put the property…
Read Full ArticleMartha Carpenter and Shelly Branscom Lease Space to New Crafting Business
NAI Maestas & Ward Advisors Shelly Branscom and Martha Carpenter recently completed a lease transaction for an exciting new establishment. The Hen House Paperie, a specialty retail business catering to the needs of the crafting community in the Albuquerque metro area is opening at 6301 Riverside Plaza Dr. NW, Suite L3 in July. “The Hen…
Read Full ArticleNAI Maestas & Ward Clients to Benefit From NAI Global Merger
Steve Maestas, Managing partner of NAI Maestas & Ward announced today that C-III Capital Partners LLC (C-III) will acquire NAI Global, the largest premier network of independent commercial real estate firms worldwide comprised of 5,000 professionals and 350 offices in the U.S. and 55 countries around the world. “We are very excited about this strategic…
Read Full ArticleThe Outlook For Restaurants Looks Bright
National restaurant concepts are expanding again and Albuquerque is on their radar screen. The overall theme at an international real estate convention I attended in May was one of renewed optimism. Five Positive Signs For Restaurants Tuesday, June 7, 2011 NAI Maestas & Ward | Phn 505-878-0001
Read Full ArticleMartha Carpenter Named “Top Office Leasing Broker by CoStar”
Steve Maestas, Managing Partner of NAI Maestas & Ward, announced today that Martha Carpenter, a NAI Maestas & Ward advisor, has earned the CoStar Group Power Broker award as one of the top leasing brokers in Albuquerque during 2010. CoStar Group is the largest national research organization serving commercial real estate. Ms. Carpenter specializes in…
Read Full ArticleCustomer Service Is More Important Than Ever
Customer Service Is More Important Than Ever In today’s new economy customer service MUST exceed expectations. People are dining out less making each experience that much more valuable. A restaurant can serve the best food in a hip environment and poor service can overshadow the entire experience. More than ever, servers are where the rubber…
Read Full ArticleNAI Maestas & Ward announces the grand opening of Romero Family Medicine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 29, 2010 RE: NAI Maestas & Ward announces the grand opening of Romero Family Medicine CONTACT INFO: Steve Maestas (505) 878-0004 Steve Maestas, Managing Partner of NAI Maestas & Ward Commercial Real Estate, announced today that the grand opening of Romero Family Medicine, at 4600 Jefferson NE, Suite A, will…
Read Full ArticleChipotle Leads The Way
Chipotle Mexican Grill experienced a 14% sales increase in 2009 making them the leader in the fast casual category. The Denver based restaurant chain has recently surpassed 1000 locations and are poised for continued growth including national expansion. To read more go to: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-0819-fast-casual-pei-wei-20100818,0,950793.story
Read Full ArticleSelling A Business Benefits From Proactive Owner
Monday, August 09, 2010 Selling A Business Benefits From Proactive Owner This is no ordinary recession. It is trudging into its third year with no end in sight despite the government’s futile attempts at “stimulation.” As a result, many New Mexico business owners have exhausted their “rainy day” funds and are now surviving on credit…
Read Full ArticleMultiplex Theater Planned for Rio Rancho
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 Multiplex Theater Planned for Rio Rancho By Rosalie Rayburn Journal Staff Writer RIO RANCHO – For more than 10 years, Rio Rancho movie theater buffs have had to trek out of town to get their flick fix. That could change if city councilors approve a Texas-based plan to build a 14-screen,…
Read Full ArticleHospital Services Corporation Inceases Space by 40 Percent with Move to Journal Center
ALBUQUERQUE — Rapidly growing Hospital Services Corp., which provides a wide variety of management and administrative services to the healthcare industry and general business community, is moving to Journal Center. HSC has purchased the two-story, 24,388-square-foot building at 7471 Pan American Freeway NE in the heart of the North I-25 Corridor. The building previously housed…
Read Full ArticleAlbuquerque Property Values on the Rise (on the top 25 list)
Kiplinger’s, January 2009 Metro area population: 832,774 Median home price: $275,000 12-month change in home value: -0.5% Affordability index: 3/10 Homes sold this year: 8,144 Home value vs. national average: +37.5% Top employer: Intel While other midsize cities have fallen prey to rampant speculation, Albuquerque has hovered below the national real estate radar and largely…
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