Multifamily is not going away—but the easy-money era is. In this episode of CRE Over Coffee, Nick Hammett and Brady Brannon sit down with Lars Gruenefeld, a principal at SVN Palmetto and longtime multifamily advisor, to discuss the state of apartments and rental housing across the Southeast. 

They unpack development costs, slowing new construction, distressed and overleveraged assets, the difference between rent-by-necessity and discretionary housing, and why operations matter just as much as the purchase price. 

Lars also shares practical guidance for first-time investors, including why disciplined underwriting, experienced advisors, and professional management can make or break a deal. 

Whether you own multifamily properties, are considering your first investment, or simply want to understand the forces shaping the rental housing market, this conversation offers a grounded view of today's market. 

What is your commercial property worth?

It sounds like a simple question, but in commercial real estate, the answer is rarely a single number. A property may carry one value for an owner-user, another for a developer, and another for an investor evaluating its income. The buyer's intended use, the property's zoning, its condition, current lease rates, timing, and even the cost to build a replacement can all change the answer.

In this episode of CRE Over Coffee, Brady Brannon and Nick Hammett unpack the primary ways commercial real estate is evaluated. They explain why nearby sales are only a starting point, how highest and best use can reveal a more valuable opportunity, and how investors use net operating income and capitalization rates to work backward into a purchase price.

They also discuss:

• Why there may be no single “true value” for a commercial property
• What makes a sale or lease a useful comparable
• How location, visibility, condition, size, and lease structure affect value
• Why an owner-user may pay more than an investor
• How zoning and zoning overlays can unlock—or restrict—a property's potential
• What cap rates tell investors about income and value
• Why a small change in cap rate can create a significant change in price
• How construction costs and replacement cost influence buying and selling decisions
• Why the first offer may—or may not—be the best offer
• How timing and seller motivation affect the best pricing strategy

The takeaway: determining value is not simply about choosing a price per square foot. It is about identifying the valuation approach and buyer profile most likely to unlock the property's strongest market value.

Have a property you are considering selling, leasing, purchasing, or repositioning? Reach out to Brady or Nick to talk through the options.

Brady Brannon
[email protected]

Nick Hammett
[email protected]

Follow CRE Over Coffee for practical commercial real estate conversations, real-world stories, and insights designed to help owners, investors, and businesses make better decisions.

CRE Over Coffee Relaunch: Moving Full-Time into Commercial Real Estate with SVN Palmetto. Brady Brannon and Nick Hammett relaunch their podcast as “CRE Over Coffee,” formerly the Real Estate Handbook Podcast, to share their shift into full-time commercial real estate brokerage. They explain joining the national, employee-owned SVN brand through the locally operated SVN Palmetto office in Greenville and describe the firm’s “silo” approach across asset classes, while they focus on industrial flex and land development. They discuss why doing residential and commercial simultaneously is difficult, outline what industrial brokerage involves, and why industrial matters as a backbone to many industries and the local automotive economy. The show aims to keep episodes short, approachable, and value-driven, offering insights, interviews, and a “second set of eyes” for owners, investors, and businesses, while noting commercial deals are marathon-like and highly numbers-focused.

00:00 Welcome Back

01:47 Podcast Rebrand

02:06 Joining SVN

03:37 Pick A Lane

05:35 Industrial Basics

07:24 Mission And Format

12:55 Why Industrial Matters

16:12 Land Development Lens

18:00 Investing And Diversifying

21:18 Who We Help

23:31 Challenges In Commercial

27:41 Wrap Up And Topics

In this chapter of Real Estate Handbook, Nick and Brady take a raw and real look at the challenges they’ve faced in the past week.

From unexpected zoning issues to properties that didn’t sell as planned, they pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to be in real estate.

2025 is shaping up to be one of the most affordable years in recent history, but with opportunity comes adversity.

Nick and Brady share their personal stories, struggles, and strategies for turning obstacles into opportunities—whether it's handling project setbacks or navigating market shifts.

They dive into why buying right is more critical than ever, how to create a standout listing in a normalizing market, and the importance of maintaining a professional mindset—even when things don’t go as planned.

Plus, they discuss the realities of pricing strategy, why comparing today’s market to 2019 makes more sense than looking at the past few years, and how to avoid falling for clickbait headlines.

Tune in for practical advice, authentic vulnerability, and a reminder that while real estate can be challenging, faith and family always come first.

👉 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
📲 Connect with Nick and Brady: Email them at [email protected] or [email protected].

If you’re ready to take on 2025 with strategy and confidence, this episode is for you!

Podcast Episode Description:

🚨Is 2025 the Best Year to Buy Real Estate? 🚨

Nick and Brady are back, breaking down why 2025 could be agame-changing year for buyers. With rising inventory, shifting market conditions, and potential interest rate cuts, this might be yourbest shot at securing a great deal before competition heats up again.

In this episode, we cover:
✅ Why waiting for a "market crash" could cost you
✅ How buyers are negotiating better deals right now
✅ The truth about home prices and where they’re headed
✅ Key strategies to buy smart in 2025

Whether you're afirst-time buyer or aninvestor looking for your next opportunity, tune in for expert insights, real-world experiences, and no-nonsense advice.

🎧 Listen now and take control of your real estate future!

🔗Subscribe & Follow for more market insights.
📩 Have questions? Reach out to us:[email protected] |[email protected]

In this episode of Real Estate Handbook, Nick and Brady sit down with Kailey Cavin, a Greenville-based real estate agent who has built a thriving business over the past five years.

From an unexpected career shift out of nursing to navigating the wild 2020 market, Kailey shares how she found her niche in residential sales—helping first-time buyers, growing families, and sellers make smart moves.

They discuss:

Whether you're buying, selling, or just trying to figure out the market, this conversation is packed with insights, strategy, and a few laughs along the way.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!

#RealEstatePodcast #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstateInvesting #GreenvilleRealEstate #SellingHomes

In this episode of The Real Estate Handbook, Nick and Brady dive deep into the critical topic of market rent—why it matters and how to manage it effectively with your tenants. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, they break down the essentials, including:

Nick and Brady bring their trademark faith-first, family-centered approach to provide actionable insights to help you navigate these challenges. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance profitability with tenant satisfaction, this is the episode for you!

In this episode of Real Estate Handbook, Nick and Brady kick off 2025 with a timely discussion about buyer representation in real estate transactions.

They explore why having a buyer's agent is crucial, especially in the evolving real estate landscape.

From navigating inspections, timelines, and contracts to leveraging local expertise and trusted professional connections, Nick and Brady share real-life stories and insights to help you make smarter decisions.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, this episode highlights the value of having a dedicated advocate in your corner.

Tune in to hear how the right buyer representation can save you time, money, and stress.

In this chapter of Real Estate Handbook, Nick and Brady dive into the nitty-gritty of selecting appliances for rental units and flips. Should you provide a washer and dryer? Is a microwave worth the hassle? How do lease agreements factor into appliance responsibilities? From commercial leases to managing tenant expectations, the duo shares their experiences, strategies, and opinions.

🏡 Topics include:

Whether you're an investor, landlord, or aspiring homeowner, this episode is packed with tips to save you time and money. Nick and Brady also reflect on the human side of real estate, discussing tenant relationships, holiday touches, and running your investment like a business—with heart.

💡 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to stay ahead in your real estate journey. Have questions? Reach out at [email protected] or [email protected].

👀 Don't miss this practical and relatable conversation about managing properties with faith, family, and strategy in mind!

Taxes are part of the game we all play—what sets you apart is knowing the rules.

In this episode of Real Estate Handbook, Nick and Brady dive into the often-overlooked financial benefits of owning property, especially during tax season.

From property tax deductions to the magic of depreciation, they break down practical strategies to save you time and money in real estate.

🚪 Highlights include:

This chapter isn't just about numbers—it's about creating opportunities, sparking conversations, and building a brighter financial future. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, there's something here for everyone.

🎧 Tune in for real-life challenges, results, and strategies, all grounded in faith, family, and business.

🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and feel free to reach out:

💡 “Homeownership is way more than just living in a house—it’s about unlocking opportunities.”