1. "…Single Source of National Research?" … This week I received two more e-mail requests for a single source of national research. … From a national real estate director, "Where are the best sites for market data, e.g., vacancy rates, rental rates, absorption, developments, etc., in the major (and minor) markets?" … And from the manager of a large investment portfolio, "I am trying to put together a summary of the real estate market statistics for [a major metropolitan area]… Where is the market headed? … What impact, if any, will the Asian crisis have on real estate demand?"

It got me to thinking about the opportunity for a research firm, service provider or asset manager to develop a compelling business identity by posting quality information and statistics on the web. … There are good efforts in this area. … For example, Landauer is previewing the Landauer Metro Analyst ™ at their web site, Marcus & Millichap posts its "National Investment Market Survey" and ERE Yarmouth publishes its "Emerging Trends in Real Estate" online. … But there is no clear leader yet. … The PikeNet Knowledge Base can point you in some interesting directions. … Click the brief case icon at the top of the PikeNet home page. …

2. Web Success--Using RentNet and Zip2 for Research. … From David Stoller, "Stoller & Associates was retained to conduct preliminary financial feasibility analysis on an undeveloped parcel in Delray Beach, FL. … The preliminary analysis was conducted … by using RentNet and Zip2… I was able to generate a rent structure without leaving my computer. … As a result, I was able to plug this data into an IRR pro forma and land residual analysis that I created on Excel, thereby establishing an exit strategy for the development." … This story reinforces a point that I make frequently: Professionals can take advantage of free, consumer-oriented tools. … RentNet is an apartment locating service and Zip2 is mapping service. … Do you have a Web Success story? … Send me e-mail. …For hyperlinks to sites mentioned above, go to:

Web Success

3. New and Notable. … New Plan Realty Trust is a REIT specializing in retail and residential properties, mainly in the eastern U.S. … The J.E. Robert Companies, a real estate investment firm specializing in underperforming assets nationwide, is developing its web site. … The Real Estate Forum now provides daily news at its site and will deliver headlines directly by e-mail. … Caldwell Watson provides corporate representation and consulting services from Houston, TX. … Landware Systems Corporation is a provider of graphical investment property analysis software. … Multifamily Executive Online is a magazine for owners, managers and developers that is updated twice a week with breaking news.

4. Dispatch Mailing List. … This is the one hundredth issue of the PikeNet Dispatch. … I’m closing in on 5,000 subscribers, after starting in March 1996 with just four e-mail addresses of friends. … If you have colleagues or clients that would benefit by receiving the Dispatch weekly, please send me their e-mail addresses, or "subscribe" them up by clicking the hyperlink below. … Thanks for your support!

Dispatch Registration

5. Knowledge Base--Zacks' REIT Ratings. … Curious about which REITs Wall Street expects to perform the best? … Go to Yahoo Finance and generate a list of the top thirty-six REITs as ranked by Zacks Investment Research, based upon stock market analyst buy recommendations. … For step-by-step instructions, go to the PikeNet Knowledge Base, select the "Financial Research" section and click the last question. … Or use the link below.

http://www.pikenet.com/
pike?func=showPublicPage&page=questions/question.html

6. Promoting Your Web Site. … PikeNet Channels allow you to place your logo or a hyperlink to your site just one click away from the PikeNet home page. … Or sponsor a Dispatch and send your URL to over 4,925 professionals. … For full details, click the "Media Kit" hyperlink under the Billboard on the home page or click below.

http://www.pikenet.com/advertising/advertising.html

7. CANCELING AND SUBSCRIBING. … If you do not want to receive this Dispatch, reply with "cancel" in the subject field. If you would like to be added to this mailing list, send e-mail with the word "subscribe" in the title to Peter Pike at . Please include your name and your company name in the body of the message.

--Peter Pike