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There's Opportunity Beyond Anchorage: Why Alaska's Emerging Markets Deserve Your Attention
When people think about commercial real estate in Alaska, Anchorage is usually the first market that comes to mind. As the state's largest city and economic hub, it's an important part of Alaska's commercial landscape. But it's far from the only place where businesses are growing and investors are finding opportunities. Some of the strongest commercial real estate opportunities today are developing in Alaska's regional communities, where local economies, infrastructure invest

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
5 days ago3 min read


Expanding Industrial Operations to Anchorage? Don't Write Off Wasilla.
Frequently, Alaska industrial site searches start and end in Anchorage. That's understandable — and for some operations, it's the right call. But if you're evaluating industrial space for a Southcentral Alaska expansion, stopping at Anchorage may cost you more than you realize. Anchorage is Alaska's largest city, the state's primary logistics hub, and home to major transportation infrastructure. For companies that depend on immediate airport or port proximity, it may still be

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Jun 254 min read


Commercial Real Estate Is a Different Game - Your Representation Should Be Too
If you're looking at commercial real estate, whether you're buying a building, leasing office space, or acquiring an investment property, you may already have a real estate agent in mind. Maybe it's the same person who helped you buy your home. They know you, you trust them, and it feels like a natural fit. Here's the thing: commercial real estate is a fundamentally different discipline. And the gap between a generalist residential agent and a dedicated commercial specialist

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Jun 13 min read


Which Office Tenants Hold Up in an AI Economy — And Why It Matters for Your Building
If you own office space in Alaska, vacancy isn't just a market problem — it's a tenant selection problem. And in an economy where AI is reshaping how companies use space, who you lease to matters more than it used to. Some tenants are genuinely insulated from AI-driven workforce changes. Others are sitting in space they may quietly downsize out of in three years. Knowing the difference before you sign a lease is one of the most valuable things a commercial broker can do for a

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
May 253 min read


The Most Expensive Number in Commercial Real Estate Is the Outdated One
In commercial real estate, the most expensive number is rarely the highest one. It's the outdated one. Published rent comparables, closed-sale prices, vacancy figures, and cap rates almost always lag the real market by three to twelve months — and in smaller markets like Alaska, the gap is wider. Decisions made on those numbers are decisions made on a market that no longer exists. For property owners pricing a sale or a lease, and for tenants and investors evaluating the Alas

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Apr 243 min read


What Elevated Oil Prices Could Mean for Alaska Commercial Real Estate
Oil prices are already running above the state's FY2026 annual revenue forecast assumption. Alaska's Spring 2026 forecast assumes an FY2026 average ANS oil price of $75.26 per barrel, while the Alaska Department of Revenue showed ANS West Coast at $105.80 on March 26, 2026. That creates a stronger near-term revenue backdrop than the forecast alone might suggest but higher oil prices cut both ways in Alaska, and the full picture requires looking at costs as well as revenues.

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Mar 303 min read


The Most Expensive CRE Mistake? Trying to Do It All Yourself
In commercial real estate, fees are easy to see. Hidden costs are not. Many property owners—especially those new to commercial real estate or expanding their portfolios—ask a fair question: “Why should I pay a professional when I can handle parts of this myself?” The short answer? Because the true cost of going it alone is rarely measured in dollars alone. It’s measured in time, missed opportunities, costly missteps, and decisions made without the benefit of experience or mar

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Jan 313 min read


Why ChatGPT Isn’t a Substitute for a Commercial Lease Advisor
Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate. Tools like ChatGPT can draft emails, summarize documents, and even explain basic lease terms. For busy business owners, that can feel like a shortcut—especially when facing a commercial lease negotiation. But when it comes to negotiating one of the most financially impactful contracts your business will ever sign, shortcuts can be costly. So if it's so powerful, why can't we use artificial intelligence to negotiate

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Jan 263 min read


Why Now Is the Best Time to Negotiate a Commercial Lease in Alaska
As we move deeper into the final quarter of 2025, commercial leasing trends in Alaska are showing some market cooling—particularly in the leasing sector. October brought a noticeable slowdown in activity, and with the holiday months approaching (typically the quietest time of year for new leases), both landlords and tenants are adjusting their strategies. For tenants considering a new lease or renewal, this cooling period could actually present a golden opportunity in tenant

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Nov 1, 20253 min read


Q4 Might Be the Best Time to Buy Commercial Real Estate in Alaska
Looking to buy commercial real estate in Alaska? Q4 might be a great time for opportunities. As the year winds down, many investors shift their focus toward wrapping up deals, balancing books, and preparing for the new year. But for savvy commercial real estate investors, the fourth quarter (Q4) may actually present one of the best opportunities to purchase new assets. Whether you’re new to commercial real estate investing or expanding your portfolio, Q4 offers unique advanta

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Sep 30, 20252 min read


Alaska’s Commercial Lease Market: Cautious Optimism in Q3
As we move into the second half of 2025, Alaska’s commercial leasing market is showing a noticeable shift. We felt leasing activity begin to cool at the start of Q2, with tenants and investors pulling back slightly. Now, as we enter Q3, there are signs of cautious optimism returning. At Elevate Commercial, we monitor both national and local market dynamics to help our clients make informed decisions. Here’s how national trends are playing out in Alaska. National Leasing Tren

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Aug 26, 20252 min read


Why NNN Leases Might Be the Right Fit for Landlords—and How to Simplify Management
Why NNN Leases Might Be the Right Fit for Landlords—and How to Simplify Management For landlords seeking consistent income with fewer day-to-day responsibilities, a triple net lease—commonly known as a NNN lease—can be a highly effective structure. It offers a balanced mix of stability, reduced landlord involvement, and attractive long-term returns, especially when paired with professional lease administration services. What Is a NNN Lease? In a NNN lease, tenants agree to pa

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Jun 23, 20253 min read


Should You Lease or Buy Commercial Space in Alaska? A Local Broker’s Take
A local brokers take on if you should lease or buy commercial real estate in Alaska.

Jenny Willardson, CCIM
Jun 2, 20253 min read
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