Outer Banks Commercial Real Estate Newsletter: March 2021

OBX CRE Spotlight

Eric Keplinger

Vice President, Business Development, AIA

• I live in Virginia Beach with my wife, Bernadette, and 4 daughters. No grandkids yet, but Bernadette can't wait!
  

How long have you been working in commercial real estate?

20 years. 

How did you first get into real estate?

Well, I have an Architecture degree and practiced in that field early in my career, until 1999. Leaving Richmond at that time, I came to Hampton Roads to work in a Business Development/Marketing role for a firm that did design and construction. Shortly after that I got involved in HRACRE (Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate), and my network quickly expanded within the regional real estate world.

What was your first CRE transaction?

What was your most memorable CRE transaction?

What's your favorite part of working in CRE?

What’s the biggest misconception about CRE?

That the industry is somehow in conflict with the good of the municipality and/or its residents. That developers and elected officials are in cahoots with one another. All the developers that I know want nothing but the best for communities, and they are willing to take on significant financial risk to grow the region.

 

 

How would you describe the commercial real estate market in northeastern NC and the Outer Banks?

I'm certainly more familiar with the Hampton Roads market in Virginia. But I believe the northeastern NC market could be vital to growth of the overall region. We have so many assets in the region and we're primed for growth associated with projects like offshore wind and undersea cables, etc.

Can you share one great piece of advice for someone looking to buy/lease commercial property or land?

Due diligence! Commercial development is a sophisticated game, and it's riddled with potential pitfalls and risks.

 

What is your favorite thing about the Outer Banks?

What's your favorite way to spend your free time?