With a booming real estate market creating dozens of new commercial properties, apartments and building restorations in Chattanooga, entrepreneur and president of Lamp Post Properties, Tiffanie Robinson, saw a need for a full-service commercial real estate firm that specialized in property management. Second Story Real Estate Management quietly launched in the fall of 2016 and will soon open in its permanent home in the CO-OP on Cherry Street.
“At Lamp Post Properties, we have a very thoughtful approach to space, building renovation, branding and our customers,” said Ms. Robinson. “Space is so essential to our lives, and every building has a story. Matching people with the right property and then delivering great care for both the space and the tenants is essential. We found that other building owners, sellers and developers were looking for these services, which opened the door to start this business.”
Second Story is a collaboration with Lamp Post Properties to fill the community’s need for a full-service commercial real estate firm that offers comprehensive property management for commercial developments, especially for mixed-use space. The company serves both the owners and tenants through the buying, branding, selling and leasing of properties, plus property management and upkeep for the buildings.
“We can create the whole package for building a brand for the property,” Ms. Robinson said. “When considering upscale real estate, people want the brand of the building to reflect their lifestyle. We help developers and owners market their properties. This is especially appealing to owners who are from out of town. They are looking for a partner who really knows the community and is accessible 24/7.”
Technology, in particular, is used to enhance the company’s communication.
“One of the things that makes us unique is that we use technology to deliver on sales and customer service,” Ms. Robinson said. “For example, tenants want to easily and securely pay rent online, and they want to report repair requests online - no phone calls needed. Our buyers and sellers want up-to-the minute information and alerts, with quick response to emails. We ensure that all communication, paperwork and signatures are electronic and focus on simplifying the process whenever possible.”
Unlike most real estate agencies, Second Story employees do not work as individual real estate brokers but as an integrated team. The company is already expanding and now has eight employees. Second Story manages the Fleetwood Building, The Tomorrow Building, The Edge, Lyerly Medical Pavilion II, and many others.