Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Tumblr – it seems like a new social media platform is popping up every day. There’s no denying the importance of a strong digital presence, but busy commercial real estate professionals need to make sure that time allocated to social media is time well spent. With so many options, how do you know which channels can most effectively build your brand and boost credibility? Here are three suggestions: LinkedIn: LinkedIn lets you showcase your skillset by letting others sing your praises. Endorsements and recommendations from clients and colleagues are great ways to validate your expertise. Follow industry influencers to gain direct, instantaneous access to experts and to stay up to date with trends and news. But, don’t just sit back and “listen.” Use status updates and Groups…

When it comes to renting office space or other commercial property business owners often overlook important details that could make working in their new space a challenge.. But it doesn’t have to be. To ensure you're leasing the perfect space, here’s a checklist of things you may not have considered. ◰ Meet the Neighbors Speaking to a few existing clients is a great way to get an insider’s perspective on the property, as well as get a feel for whether it’s the right place for you. Scanning the on-site or online client directory will tell you if the building is home to any competitors, and better still, potential partners or customers for your business. ◰ Can You Hear Me Now? Reliable cell phone service and Wi-Fi accessibility are essential elements of running…

As vacancy rates in Cambridge remain low and rents there remain high, one might think that biotech firms unable—or unwilling—to pay the average $55-per-square-foot rate would be left out of the Kendall Square party. The reality, however, is that life sciences firms, large and small, are finding plenty of reasons to venture outside the city. The result—the emergence of thriving biotech communities in the ’burbs. Related: Lab Space: Is the “Top” Choice the Best Choice? Low Costs With rental rates typically one-half to one-third of those in Boston and Cambridge, the suburbs have become an attractive option for many biotech companies. Scientists leasing space in communities like Woburn, Medford, and Beverly are paying $11 to $36 per square foot less than they would in the city. Less money going to…

Bomb Pops, Drumsticks, and Choco Tacos–oh my! More than 500 free frozen treats were handed out in just two hours last Thursday as the Cummings Cones ice cream truck rolled through our Gill Street and Tower Office Park locations. Sunny skies and the opportunity to feel like a kid again drew clients outside to enjoy their ice cream novelties of choice, network with neighbors, and even play a round of cornhole. In a pre-event poll, clients ranked the Chocolate Éclair as the most treasured treat. The Chipwich Ice Cream Sandwich, however, was far and away the most popular choice of the day. You can’t beat a classic. Check out our time-lapse video for a small taste of the action. It's always great chilling with clients, and we have the pictures to prove it. Check out…

This summer, it’s been all hands on deck at Cummings Properties as we are in the heat of several new construction projects. In fact, even the Company’s founder, Bill Cummings, is getting in on the action! Although our team has been working hard, we still found plenty of opportunities to kick back and have fun off-the-clock. Colleagues came together for picnics, barbeques, sunset cruises, Red Sox games, and more. Want to get in on the action? Expanding our properties requires adding new members to our team of more than 300 commercial real estate professionals. Check out our Careers page to learn more about open positions, including plumber, electrician, carpenter, landscaper, leasing officer, and architectural designer. To stay up to date on all things Cummings Properties, follow us on Facebook, Twitter,…

“When it comes to life sciences real estate, Cambridge is still tops,” shouts a recent Boston Business Journal headline. There’s no disputing that the home to MIT and Harvard is a breeding ground for biotech brilliance. You only have to read as far as the first sentence of the article, however, to learn that “tops” also describes rental rates. “Boston and Cambridge are by far the most expensive life sciences markets to rent lab space in the United States.” In the spirit of Avis’ iconic “We’re No. 2!” advertising campaign, Cummings Properties is happy not to have the top spot in this category. Although we can’t claim to be the hub of the life sciences universe, we’re proud to have created thriving mini-hubs in Medford, Woburn, and Beverly. [caption id="attachment_1504"…