Commercial Real Estate Challenges: What We Heard and What’s Next
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
The La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO) brought commercial realtors and sponsors together to talk candidly about what’s working and what isn’t in our commercial real estate market.
LADCO explained its role as a matchmaker -- an entity that receives leads but is challenged trying to identify available properties that fit their lead. Similarly, they will receive notices of available local properties from national realtors seeking potential local buyers because they do not know the realtors in town.
LADCO wants to drive leads to the realtors, not replace them.
Our shared goal is to fuel the selling and leasing of commercial properties.
The realtors provided feedback. Four themes stood out:
1. Challenges Finding Properties
The listing for commercial real estate -- both leasing and for sale -- can be challenging from the following perspectives:
Commercial properties do not have to be listed online.
"Quiet properties" / pocket listings - property may be available but not listed
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) doesn't have the drill down to specific types of available properties (ex. retail, industrial, etc.). This makes it harder for brokers and prospects to quickly find the right properties and increases the risk of missed opportunities.
Data entry can be inaccurate
Each realtor's website lists properties different ways
Quantity of realtors listing commercial properties makes updating and outreach challenging
2. Visibility to National Tenants Expensive
National companies, such as typically rely on LoopNet and Crexi to identify available properties. These tools are expensive for a smaller market, but they remain essential for reaching national tenants and site selectors.
3. Local Government Hurdles
Attendees shared examples of slow, complex processes—rezoning, permitting timelines, shifting requirements, and rising taxes—that can stall or derail projects. There are signs of openness to change, but there needs to be buy-in and accountability.
4. Where LADCO Could Help
Several potential roles for Ladco emerged:
Matchmaker & Connector
Helping connect inbound prospects and out-of-town realtors with the right local brokers
Keeping tabs on “quiet” or not-yet-listed properties
Central Awareness Hub
Exploring a simple, centralized online hub where people know to start when they think commercial real estate in our area
Business Attraction & Advocacy
Attending conferences and site-selector events to promote local opportunities
Advocating for more predictable, business-friendly processes at the local government level
What's Next
LADCO is seeking additional commercial realtor perspective. Reach out to us at 608.784.5488 x1 or office@ladcolax.com.
