In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc

Mike Ball and Marc Hausmann, CCIM, SIOR
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

NAI FMA Realty presents "In the CRE Vault", a must-listen podcast for anyone interested in commercial real estate. Our co-hosts, industry veterans Mike Ball and Marc Hausmann, will take you on a deep dive into the latest topics and trends shaping the industry.   Each episode, Mike and Marc will share their expertise and perspectives alongside a first-class line up of economic, city, and industry professionals, to provide valuable insights and actionable advice for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of commercial real estate.   With a focus on real-world examples and practical advice, "In the CRE Vault" is the ultimate resource for anyone looking to make informed decisions about commercial real estate. So, whether you're a seasoned investor, a business owner looking for space or simply curious about the industry, be sure to tune in and discover the insights you can use.

  1. 1d ago

    AI Ate the Power Grid- What Do We Know About Data Centers

    Send us Fan Mail This week on In the CRE Vault, Mike and Marc dive headfirst into the mysterious world of data centers — the giant, windowless buildings quietly powering AI, cloud computing, streaming, crypto, and basically everyone’s group chat. The guys break down: What “dark fiber” actually means (and why it sounds way cooler than it is)Why the Midwest is suddenly becoming a hotspot for data center developmentHow cheap land and available power are driving billions in investmentWhat exactly a megawatt is — explained in normal human languageWhy these projects create tons of construction jobs… but surprisingly few permanent onesHow some investors are building data centers just to sell power capacityThe insane amount of electricity and water these facilities consumeWhy AI is making demand explode faster than utilities can keep upAlong the way, Mike and Marc admit they’re still learning about this rapidly evolving sector — which honestly makes for some of the best conversations. It’s part real estate, part infrastructure, part sci-fi movie… and somehow also about Nebraska. Welcome to the future. Thanks for tuning in to In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc—where we break down commercial real estate without putting you to sleep. Powered by NAI FMA Realty in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more, visit naifmarealty.com.

    9 min

  2. Jun 2

    Fiber, Fast Internet & Future-Proof Buildings with Matt Spethman of ALLO

    Send us Fan Mail This week on In the CRE Vault, Mike and Marc sit down with Matt Spethman from ALLO Fiber to talk about what it takes to keep Lincoln connected — literally. Matt’s role is all about community partnerships, getting fiber in the ground, and helping homes and businesses stay ahead of their technology needs. ALLO has been in Lincoln for about 12 years and now serves a major share of the residential market, while also growing its business division through enterprise services, cybersecurity, reliable fiber internet, and local support teams. ALLO promotes 100% fiber home internet, plus business internet, Wi-Fi, connectivity, and managed cybersecurity services.    We also get a plain-English breakdown of how fiber actually works, why it matters in commercial real estate, and why landlords, tenants, brokers, and developers should talk about utilities early in the lease or building process. Spoiler: planning ahead beats digging later. Plus, ALLO’s concert series at The Mill kicks off June 3 — because apparently fiber pairs nicely with live music. To find out more about how Allo can help your business contact Matt at (402) 476-0315. Thanks for tuning in to In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc—where we break down commercial real estate without putting you to sleep. Powered by NAI FMA Realty in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more, visit naifmarealty.com.

    16 min

  3. May 26

    Streetscapes & Shutdowns: Inside the O Street Project with Guests Tony Potthoff and Elizabeth Elliot

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc, the guys sit down with Tony Potthoff, President of Constructors Lincoln Inc., and Elizabeth Elliott, Director of Transportation and Utilities for the City of Lincoln, to talk about one of the biggest infrastructure projects happening in downtown Lincoln right now — the massive O Street rehabilitation project. Elizabeth is leading the effort for the City, while Tony and the Constructors Lincoln team are the boots on the ground after winning the project through a competitive Request for Proposal process. Together, they break down the long history of O Street, the unique challenges of rebuilding Lincoln’s main street while keeping traffic moving, and what it takes to coordinate a project on both a city street and a federal highway in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Transportation. The conversation dives into everything from streetscape improvements and replacing a 70-year-old water main to preserving historic roadway details and improving walkability between downtown, the Haymarket, Telegraph District, and the University area. They also discuss how the project team is working closely with business owners to minimize disruptions by scheduling water shutoffs and sidewalk closures during non-peak hours whenever possible. Construction is happening in phases, and street closures are only planned during active work. The project is expected to wrap up around September or October of 2027, and while everyone is excited for the final result, Mike and Marc ask the questions everyone wants answered right now: How long is this going to take?When will it impact my business or commute?And can we still get downtown without losing our minds?With weekly community meetings, streamlined communication between departments, and even free coffee for attendees, the team is making a major effort to keep the public informed throughout the process. It’s been nearly 50 years since a major restoration project of this scale has happened in this corridor — and when it’s complete, O Street will serve as a stronger, safer, and more walkable backbone connecting the core districts of Lincoln for decades to come. Thanks for tuning in to In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc—where we break down commercial real estate without putting you to sleep. Powered by NAI FMA Realty in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more, visit naifmarealty.com.

    25 min

  4. May 19

    Cap Rates, Interest Rates & Decision Paralysis (S4:E10)

    Send us Fan Mail This week on In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc, the team at NAI FMA Realty dives into one of the biggest topics in commercial real estate today: cap rates versus interest rates. With interest rates rising while cap rates remain compressed, many deals simply aren’t penciling the way they used to. Buyers want yield, banks want a wider spread, and sellers are still adjusting to changing market realities. In today’s environment, there often needs to be a 2–3 point spread between cap rates and borrowing costs for deals to make financial sense. Mike and Marc discuss why 1031 exchanges have become more difficult, why buyers are hesitating, and how “decision paralysis” has become a real factor across the market. A Class A+ office building trading at a 7% cap rate may have disappeared overnight five years ago — today, it’s sitting. Even multifamily properties around a 5.75% cap are seeing slower activity. The market has changed, expectations need to evolve, and creativity matters more than ever. Fortunately, Mike and Marc still find a way to have some fun while talking through the chaos. Thanks for tuning in to In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc—where we break down commercial real estate without putting you to sleep. Powered by NAI FMA Realty in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more, visit naifmarealty.com.

    17 min

  5. May 12

    Commission, Keys, and Confusion: What CRE Brokers Actually Do (S4:E9)

    Send us Fan Mail Commercial real estate agents: professional door unlockers? Commission collectors? People who magically know every property and every deal in town? Not exactly. On today’s episode of In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc, we’re busting the biggest myths about CRE brokers and commercial real estate firms. From the idea that “anyone can do it” to the classic “property management is just collecting rent,” Mike and Marc break down what actually happens behind the scenes: problem-solving, research, unpaid legwork, post-closing follow-up, local market knowledge, and yes, occasionally unlocking a door. We also tackle company myths, including whether all firms are the same, whether small deals matter, and how a national platform can still be deeply local. Spoiler: the hourly wage is sometimes sad, the work does not stop at signing, and small business deals matter a lot. Thanks for tuning in to In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc—where we break down commercial real estate without putting you to sleep. Powered by NAI FMA Realty in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more, visit naifmarealty.com.

    26 min

  6. May 5

    Lincoln’s Choice 2026: Celebrating Community, Clients, and a CRE Legacy (S4:E8)

    Send us Fan Mail NAI FMA Realty was voted 2026 Journal Star Lincoln’s Choice Award winner for Best Commercial Real Estate Company, and we’re cracking open the vault to talk about what that really means. This episode features Alexandra “Alex” Cassidy, Vice President of Business Development, who joins Mike and Marc to discuss the award, the team behind it, and the clients and community who made it happen. We dig into NAI FMA Realty’s long-standing Lincoln relationships, a family business legacy that spans generations, and the foundation of ethics, integrity, and trust that continues to set the company apart. Lincoln loyalty runs deep, and yes—we somehow end up talking about cute but smelly zoo animals. Thanks, Lincoln. This one means a lot. Thanks for tuning in to In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc—where we break down commercial real estate without putting you to sleep. Powered by NAI FMA Realty in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more, visit naifmarealty.com.

    16 min

  7. Apr 28

    Trust But Verify: The Art of CRE Due Diligence

    Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of In the CRE Vault, Mike and Marc from NAI FMA Realty dive into the real-world art of due diligence—aka the “tire kicking” phase where deals either get stronger… or fall apart. From 30-day timelines (if you’re lucky) to buyers who want everything under the sun—and others who barely scratch the surface—the guys break down what actually happens once a deal goes under contract. Drawing on their experience in the Lincoln market, they walk through the big-ticket items like roofs, HVAC, and sewer lines, along with environmental concerns like Phase I reports and deferred maintenance. They also unpack the details that can catch buyers off guard—title issues, easements, impact fees (a common factor locally), and even handwritten documents from the 1800s that still carry weight today. With insights from a team that knows the history behind many of Lincoln’s buildings, this episode highlights why “trust but verify” is more than just a saying. Bottom line: You don’t really know what you’ve got until you do your due diligence… and sometimes, what you find might send you running. Thanks for tuning in to In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc—where we break down commercial real estate without putting you to sleep. Powered by NAI FMA Realty in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more, visit naifmarealty.com.

    20 min

  8. Apr 21

    No Two Days the Same: Inside Property Management with Aaron Peregrine (S4:E6)

    Send us Fan Mail This week we sit down with Aaron Peregrine from NAI FMA Realty—and let’s just say, his career path didn’t exactly follow a straight line… unless that line ran through a commercial kitchen in Chicago first. Aaron grew up in Lincoln, took his talents to culinary school, got a taste of the high-pressure kitchen life (literally), and decided it wasn’t the long-term recipe. From there, he stumbled into real estate by showing apartments—and the rest is history. Now in property management, Aaron walks us through what the job really looks like: Spoiler: there is no “typical day”Mornings start with tenant emails and ongoing projectsAfternoons might include… dealing with a property getting hit by cars. Twice. At its core, Aaron’s role is all about problem-solving—thinking on the fly, adapting quickly, and keeping properties (and people) moving forward. It’s a career that offers freedom, variety, and just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting. And when it comes to the numbers? He’s the first to admit—he leans on NAI FMA’s all-star accounting team to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. If you’ve ever wondered what property management is really like—or how someone goes from chef to CRE—this episode is worth a listen. 🎧 Tune in now! Thanks for tuning in to In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc—where we break down commercial real estate without putting you to sleep. Powered by NAI FMA Realty in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more, visit naifmarealty.com.

    12 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

NAI FMA Realty presents "In the CRE Vault", a must-listen podcast for anyone interested in commercial real estate. Our co-hosts, industry veterans Mike Ball and Marc Hausmann, will take you on a deep dive into the latest topics and trends shaping the industry.   Each episode, Mike and Marc will share their expertise and perspectives alongside a first-class line up of economic, city, and industry professionals, to provide valuable insights and actionable advice for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of commercial real estate.   With a focus on real-world examples and practical advice, "In the CRE Vault" is the ultimate resource for anyone looking to make informed decisions about commercial real estate. So, whether you're a seasoned investor, a business owner looking for space or simply curious about the industry, be sure to tune in and discover the insights you can use.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Ball and Marc Hausmann, CCIM, SIOR
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc
  • Show Website
    In the CRE Vault with Mike and Marc

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