The Ultimate Takeover Checklist for Retail Owners | Episode 68: I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?

Beth Azor

There’s a 10-page checklist every new owner should have—and most of you don’t even know it exists.

When I bought my first shopping center, I had no idea what I didn’t know. Then I met my rockstar property manager, Lori Rosen. Lori ran circles around the rest of us—and she handed me this takeover checklist that completely changed the way I approached new deals. Today, she’s sharing her Forms Book with the world, and I still use that same list every single time I take over a property.

Whether you’ve just bought a center or you’re stepping in to take over leasing and management, this checklist is going to keep you sane and organized.

In this episode, I walk you through it all—from utility transfers and vendor audits to HVAC reports and delinquency follow-ups. These are the things you must tackle in those first few weeks if you want a smooth transition. And if you DM me? I’ll send you the actual checklist.

Oh, and one more thing: gentlemen, I know 92% of you listening are men. Do me a favor - bring the women in your life to the Women’s Real Estate Investment Summit. It’s time we get more women in the game.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Always use a takeover checklist to streamline transitions

• Audit every vendor and contract within 30–90 days

• Notify tenants immediately and redirect rent collections

• Transfer utilities, insurance, and service accounts right away

• Build lease expiration and insurance compliance reports

• Set up property management systems on day one

• Don’t overlook emergency contacts and lease signage

• Stay ahead of tax and CAM reconciliation deadlines

• Replace outdated leasing signs quickly

• Add new property entities to every tenant’s insurance certificate