The disposition of Raeford Road Center, a 14,164-square-foot, fully occupied retail strip center in Fayetteville, North Carolina, required precise execution under tight timing constraints. After previously assisting in the acquisition of the asset through a 1031 exchange, the Matthews™ agent was re-engaged to facilitate a rapid sale. With a total transaction value of $3,900,000, the assignment demanded a focused approach to secure a qualified buyer and close within an accelerated timeframe.

 

Challenge

The primary challenge stemmed from the seller’s urgent need for liquidity, requiring the property to be sourced, marketed, and placed under contract within just three weeks. Compounding this pressure was a disconnect between the seller’s pricing expectations, based on the historically aggressive cap rate environment of 2021–2022, and the realities of a higher interest rate market. Achieving near-peak pricing under compressed timing required identifying a highly specific buyer profile willing to look beyond macroeconomic headwinds and recognize the intrinsic value of the asset.

 

Strategy

The Matthews™ agent shifted from a broad marketing strategy to a highly targeted outreach focused on local 1031 exchange investors. The positioning centered on three core attributes: the property’s synergy with a high-traffic Walmart Neighborhood Market shadow anchor, its status as a newer construction with zero deferred maintenance, and the strength of the Fayetteville submarket. By emphasizing the asset’s stability, long-term tenant viability, and attractive yield relative to comparable investments, the Matthews™ agent effectively reframed the opportunity as a premium, turn-key acquisition. Leveraging an internal database, the Matthews™ agent identified buyers already familiar with the submarket, significantly accelerating the path to execution.

 

Result

The targeted approach resulted in securing a local 1031 exchange buyer who fully understood the asset’s value proposition. The property ultimately sold for 98% of the asking price within the required timeframe, delivering immediate liquidity for the seller’s business needs. This outcome highlights the Matthews™ agent’s ability to adapt to shifting market dynamics, align pricing expectations with current conditions, and execute high-performance transactions through precise buyer targeting and local market expertise.