Jeffrey Cotter – Florida Aviation Real Estate Specialist

FL – Aviation Property Network would like to introduce you to Jeffrey Cotter, Broker, CCIM at Absolute Investment & Realty Services. He is our aviation real estate specialist in Florida. Mr. Cotter has a background in commercial real estate and investment properties and has just transitioned into the aviation real estate market.

APN: “How long have you been involved in real estate?”

JC: I accomplished my Florida Real Estate broker’s license in the summer of 1980. I earned my CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation in August 2008.

APN: What prompted you to get your CCIM?

JC: I wanted something that would set me apart. In the United States, there are more than 2,432,860 commercial real estate firms with many more commercial real estate brokers. Of those brokers, only about 95,000 of them have their CCIM designation. Having my CCIM would elevate me in the commercial real estate market.

APN: “What aspects of the real estate business have you been involved with throughout your career?”

JC: Over my 43-year career, I’ve touched most aspects of real estate. For the last 20+ years, I’ve focused on investment sales and recently added aviation real estate as a specialty.

APN: “Do you have any areas of specialization?” 

JC: Aviation Real Estate. Completing the APN training program, which compliments my real estate knowledge, has positioned me to be of value to potential developers and communities seeking growth in their airport projects. I can provide in-depth market studies, including but not limited to the feasibility of expansion, market demand for all types of hangars, fuel sales, and overall projected growth. This directly compliments my commercial real estate knowledge and provides me with specific aviation real estate industry knowledge. 

APN: “I understand you have extensive experience in commercial real estate and investment sales. Can you tell us a little about the agencies you’ve worked with?”

JC: Of course, in addition to investment sales, I specialize in site acquisition and equity raising for a client who does build-to-suit projects for the General Service Administration, the procurement division of the federal government (GSA) throughout the southeast, and St Thomas, V.I. The types of agencies that we’ve worked with are Customs Border Patrol (CBP), SSA, ICE, FBI, USDA, United States Customs Immigration Services (USCIS), Office of Disability Adjudication & Review (ODAR), Mining Safety & Health Administration (MSHA), SSA/ODOR and the VA.  

APN: “What is your involvement in aviation?”

JC: I’ve always admired the concept and structure of flight, and getting into aviation real estate was my way to be in an industry admired by so many. I’m fortunate to be affiliated with the industry and APN. In the old days before Google Earth, we would charter planes and helicopters for site tours of potential land development opportunities. That was pretty cool. Before Covid, a good friend got his pilot’s license. His sharing of his new knowledge and first flight experiences with me heightened my interest in aviation. 

APN: “How long have you been involved with aviation real estate?”

JC: This is my first year selling and leasing aviation real estate. With my APN affiliation, their team, and many years of experience, I can confidently assist airports and developers with valuations, appraisals, and feasibility studies. Again, through the APN network, we add value to all aspects of aviation real estate.

APN: “What prompted you to dive into aviation real estate from investment sales?”

JC: Aviation real estate is unique as a specialty, but it still touches on aspects of commercial real estate. Meaning that all of my experience in commercial real estate and investment sales, as well as my CCIM, transfers to aviation real estate. For APN, I’m involved in a lot of aviation property analyses. I determine market rates for rental hangars. I analyze the prices for hangars that will be put up for sale. This is done to help clients determine the ROIs of properties they wish to purchase. 

APN: “How does a CCIM set you apart from other real estate agents, and what would you say to someone thinking about getting their CCIM?”  

JC: The education component of the CCIM is priceless, and it’s industry-specific to commercial real estate. To get accepted into the CCIM program, you must submit a Portfolio of Qualifying Experience. When I went through the program, participants had to have 30 million in transactions and submit a writeup on those transactions. The classes involved 40 hours of coursework over four weeklong courses. Today, the CCIM involves four courses: CI 101-104, negotiations training, and an online ethics course. You’ll learn in-depth knowledge of commercial real estate financial analysis, market analysis, investment analysis, and decision analysis, which are all vital in commercial real estate. If you meet the admission criteria, the CCIM is worth pursuing.

APN: “What’s your favorite part of aviation real estate so far?”

JC: I enjoy working with clients and assisting them in finding a place for their airplanes. It’s not like owning a boat. You can store most boats beside your house, but airplanes need a hangar or tie-downs. This usually means renting a hangar or tie-downs at your local airport or purchasing a hangar or a hangar home, and I like helping people find the right place for their airplanes. It’s all about finding creative solutions to a common problem. Our clients know there is a problem and are passionate about it. I’m committed to being a part of the solution.

APN: “How would you categorize the aviation property climate in your area?”

JC: HOT! “Future’s so bright I gotta wear shades” [Timbuk 3, Greetings from Timbuk, 1983] (sorry, I couldn’t help myself – LOL). There’s a lot of demand for hangars of all sizes, and the inventory is thin. The good news is that there are a lot of new hangars in various stages of development. For example, I know of four properties available at the end of 2024, with more to come. The demand for aviation real estate is so hot, with 75,000 square feet of hangar space projected to be available in the next 12 months. We expect that number to double in 2025, and pilots and aircraft owners will be available to purchase or lease those properties.

APN: “Do you have any degrees or distinctions you’d like people to know?” 

JC: I’m an active member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the Florida Aviation Business Association, and the Florida Airports Council. These associations provide industry insight, allow me to stay up-to-date on industry concerns, and help me create and maintain connections throughout Florida.

If you’re interested in aviation real estate in Florida, Jeffrey Cotter, Broker, CCIM, is the aviation real estate expert to contact. For more information on Mr. Jeffrey Cotter, you can call him (813-833- 6394), visit his real estate website, Absolute Realty Services, or at Aviation Property Network. #AviationRealEstate