Our Company
About Us
Cygnet Properties, LLC is a full service commercial real estate brokerage company located in Atlanta, Georgia. Cygnet Properties provides professional brokerage representation with emphasis on the greater Atlanta market. We perform management, leasing and brokerage services for individual and institutional owners. We provide individualized, client-oriented service dedicated to enhancing the value our clients receive from their commercial real estate transactions.
Cygnet Properties is composed of real estate professionals, as well as a superb group of men and women whose efforts support the brokerage staff. The two principals who founded Cygnet Properties in 2011 have over forty years of combined commercial real estate experience. Cygnet Properties offers a full range of commercial real estate services, including:
Services
Property Investment Advisory
Learn MoreProperty Management
Learn MoreLandlord & Tenant Representation
Learn MoreProperty Maintenance
Learn MoreLand Brokerage
Learn MoreProperty Investment Advisory
The primary goal of Cygnet for each of our property management assignments is to maximize the financial return of your real estate investment and we believe that is best achieved by creating a quality environment for tenants and by meticulous management of operating expenses and maintenance needs at each property. Cygnet is able to capitalize on it’s extensive experience in managing a wide range of commercial assets to develop and implement a client-centered, cost effective approach to the management of commercial real estate assets for both individuals and small investment groups. We believe each asset is unique and a “one size fits all” approach to property management, often employed by commercial real estate firms leads to diminished returns for the investors. Cygnet seeks to provide sound, simple and transparent property management services engaging the fewest number of vendors and employing the smallest staff, which is necessary to competently operate the property in a first-class manner. Successful property management centers around effort and efficiency two principles often lacking in most property management firms.
Any commercial real estate investment with a rent roll derives a majority, if not all of its investment returns from the tenants which comprise that rent roll. Careful and thoughtful management of the finances of a property is only part of the equation. Building long-term relationships with satisfied tenants is just as important to the efficiency of a property as careful evaluation of operating expenses. Creating an environment where tenants are satisfied and enjoy their occupancy can exponentially increase the investment return for the owners of a property over the long term by avoiding the costly expense of leasing space tenants vacate. As with any relationship, there is direct correlation between how a tenant feels towards their landlord and the effort the management company has put forth to build a successful and mutually beneficial relationship with the tenants. Unforeseen circumstances will arise, however it is the effort put forth by the management company, on behalf of the landlord, that leads to the greatest efficiencies in operating a commercial real estate investment.
Effectively managing costs and devoting the maximum amount of effort to the management of a commercial real estate investment can greatly enhance the performance and value of the property. “Treating your money as if it is our money” should be more than a quote to your commercial real estate property manager; it should be a core principle evident in every action. As a full service commercial real estate firm Cygnet provides cash management, rent collection and administration of payments to all of our clients. Devoting the proper amount of effort to managing costs can and does make the difference between you obtaining the maximum return on your investment.
Any commercial real estate investment with a rent roll derives a majority, if not all of its investment returns from the tenants which comprise that rent roll. Careful and thoughtful management of the finances of a property is only part of the equation. Building long-term relationships with satisfied tenants is just as important to the efficiency of a property as careful evaluation of operating expenses. Creating an environment where tenants are satisfied and enjoy their occupancy can exponentially increase the investment return for the owners of a property over the long term by avoiding the costly expense of leasing space tenants vacate. As with any relationship, there is direct correlation between how a tenant feels towards their landlord and the effort the management company has put forth to build a successful and mutually beneficial relationship with the tenants. Unforeseen circumstances will arise, however it is the effort put forth by the management company, on behalf of the landlord, that leads to the greatest efficiencies in operating a commercial real estate investment.
Effectively managing costs and devoting the maximum amount of effort to the management of a commercial real estate investment can greatly enhance the performance and value of the property. “Treating your money as if it is our money” should be more than a quote to your commercial real estate property manager; it should be a core principle evident in every action. As a full service commercial real estate firm Cygnet provides cash management, rent collection and administration of payments to all of our clients. Devoting the proper amount of effort to managing costs can and does make the difference between you obtaining the maximum return on your investment.
Property Management
A well thought out and diversified portfolio of commercial real estate is one of the most effective tools to building wealth. All commercial real estate investments should be evaluated and underwritten from a long-term perspective. An approach to investing in commercial real estate based on short term trends or performance is not an investment philosophy. Focusing on short term returns can often prevent an investor from realizing maximum value over the long term. Patience is a key component to any investment strategy.
Acquisition price and management are important components of a successful commercial real estate investment strategy; however, all real estate comes down to location, visibility and accessibility. Every commercial real estate asset would be enhanced if the location, visibility and accessibility were improved. There is absolutely no replacement for location when it comes to commercial real estate investments and visibility and accessibility can often prove to be difficult if not impossible to improve or alter once a property is acquired.
Value investing is not simply the process of acquiring an asset at a price per acre/square foot less than “market comparables”. Value investing involves analyzing a specific asset over the long-term and acquiring and managing the asset at a substantial discount to enhance the long-term performance or returns. Acquiring a commercial real estate investment at a “low” price does not guarantee superior returns. The management of an investment is just as important as the acquisition price of an investment. The asset should not only be purchased with a long-term view but also managed with a long-term view.
Acquisition price and management are important components of a successful commercial real estate investment strategy; however, all real estate comes down to location, visibility and accessibility. Every commercial real estate asset would be enhanced if the location, visibility and accessibility were improved. There is absolutely no replacement for location when it comes to commercial real estate investments and visibility and accessibility can often prove to be difficult if not impossible to improve or alter once a property is acquired.
Value investing is not simply the process of acquiring an asset at a price per acre/square foot less than “market comparables”. Value investing involves analyzing a specific asset over the long-term and acquiring and managing the asset at a substantial discount to enhance the long-term performance or returns. Acquiring a commercial real estate investment at a “low” price does not guarantee superior returns. The management of an investment is just as important as the acquisition price of an investment. The asset should not only be purchased with a long-term view but also managed with a long-term view.
Landlord & Tenant Representation
Whether you are a Landlord or a Tenant, Cygnet has the experience to assist you with your commercial real estate needs. We take the time to understand the unique qualities of your property and position it to attract the best tenants. Additionally, we understand as a Tenant finding the right space for your business represents a significant financial commitment and we partner with you in that endeavor to insure the best decision and strategic advantage possible. Our leasing services and representation encompass all property types including retail, office, medical office and industrial.
Property Maintenance
One often overlooked area of commercial real estate investing and management is property maintenance. Employing a well thought out maintenance strategy can greatly enhance not only the appearance of a property but also enhance the financial performance. Whether a retail, office or medical office building, through our in-house personnel and relationships with vendors developed over decades Cygnet has the tools and resources to efficiently and effectively manage your commercial real estate asset.
Land Brokerage
Buying or selling land for commercial purposes often involves complex issues such as zoning, governmental approvals and market trends. We are prepared to guide you through the entire process, whether selecting the right site for acquisition or finding the right buyer for your property.
Profiles
Personal, professional and ethical representation of our client’s interests is the foundation of Cygnet Properties. We manage and lease property consistent with our client’s long term interests, needs and motivation. Cygnet Properties manages buildings ranging in size from 5,000 square feet to over 50,000 square feet.
work with usJames is a 2004 graduate of The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina where he earned a B.A. in English.
While at The Citadel James helped lead The Citadel's Division I wrestling team to the Southern Conference Championship in 2004. James is a lifetime member of The Citadel Alumni Association.
James began his career in commercial real estate in 2004 when he joined Meridian Property Group, Ltd. During his tenure at Meridian James developed expertise in representing buyers and sellers of investment properties and worked extensively with developers of shopping centers and single tenant properties. James represented an Atlanta based private equity firm in the acquisition of more than $14.75MM of commercial assets and notes. James has worked alongside single tenant developers aiding in the site selection, land acquisition, tenant approval process, lease negotiation and disposition of the asset. In addition, he works in property management, including office and retail leasing.
James is able to obtain maximum value and investment returns for his clients through increased occupancy and meticulous management of operating expenses. James has brokered more than $300M of real estate transactions in his career. Additionally, James currently manages a commercial real estate portfolio with an aggregate value in excess of $500M.
In 2011 James and Ken Griffiths left Meridian Property Group, Ltd. and formed Cygnet Properties, LLC.
While at The Citadel James helped lead The Citadel's Division I wrestling team to the Southern Conference Championship in 2004. James is a lifetime member of The Citadel Alumni Association.
James began his career in commercial real estate in 2004 when he joined Meridian Property Group, Ltd. During his tenure at Meridian James developed expertise in representing buyers and sellers of investment properties and worked extensively with developers of shopping centers and single tenant properties. James represented an Atlanta based private equity firm in the acquisition of more than $14.75MM of commercial assets and notes. James has worked alongside single tenant developers aiding in the site selection, land acquisition, tenant approval process, lease negotiation and disposition of the asset. In addition, he works in property management, including office and retail leasing.
James is able to obtain maximum value and investment returns for his clients through increased occupancy and meticulous management of operating expenses. James has brokered more than $300M of real estate transactions in his career. Additionally, James currently manages a commercial real estate portfolio with an aggregate value in excess of $500M.
In 2011 James and Ken Griffiths left Meridian Property Group, Ltd. and formed Cygnet Properties, LLC.
Donna has over twenty-six years of banking and financial experience including 20 years with SunTrust Bank. Donna also has eighteen years of commercial real estate experience as a general office manager handling property management and accounting. Donna began her commercial real estate experience in 1996 with Meridian Property Group, Ltd. and was responsible for the financial accounting of over one million square feet of commercial space. Donna left Meridian in 2011 to join Cygnet Properties and has continued to provide support for the brokerage activities of the firm.