This no-cost session is being hosted as part of
Forward Fest 2026! To register, you will need to sign up for a FREE Forward Festival pass, and then add the session to your schedule! All SBDC-hosted sessions are included with this pass option; other events may charge to attend.
Buying or selling a commercial property can feel overwhelming—especially when you don’t understand the process and terminology.
This session cuts through the noise and gives you the clarity you need to make smart decisions. You’ll understand the full sales process, what really drives value, and how to prepare so you don’t lose time, money, or opportunities.
Whether you’re purchasing your first small building or considering selling a long-held asset, this class gives you the fundamentals to move forward confidently.
Topics include:
- Understanding the Commercial Sales Process
The timeline, what happens when, and how to avoid costly missteps. - How Properties Are Valued
Cap rates, NOI, rent rolls, market comps, and the drivers behind pricing. - Due Diligence: What Actually Matters
Environmental, zoning, leases, inspection timelines, and more. - Preparing Your Property for Sale
What buyers care about, documents to gather, and how to position your property to maximize price. - Selecting the Right Firm/Broker
What to ask, red flags, and how to evaluate expertise—especially in a market like Dane county. - Closing the Deal
From offer terms to contingencies to financing nuances.
Bring your questions—leave with clarity.
Registration for Summer 2026
Location: Online, Live virtual session via Zoom. Course link will be sent out shortly before the first session.
Session date and time: August 21, 2026 | 10:00 am- 11:30 am
Fee: This Forward Fest session is being offered at no cost, thanks to the financial support of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) as part of the Main Street Bounceback Program.
To register, you will need to sign up for a FREE Forward Festival pass, and then add the session to your schedule! All SBDC-hosted sessions are included with this pass option; other events may charge to attend.
Cancellation Policy: Due to program costs and space limitations for these programs, participants are expected to cancel their registration at least 24 hours ahead of the program. Cancellations that occur less than 24 hours prior to the start of the program will be considered no-shows and may be removed from future programming and/or charged a course fee.
Disability Statement: Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the UW-Madison SBDC office at sbdc@bus.wisc.edu to request accommodations.
Interested in viewing other Forward Fest events? Check out the full calendar here!
Meet your Presenter: Heather Ewing, CCIM
Heather Ewing is the Founder | CEO of ABSTRACT Commercial Real Estate LLC, a boutique commercial real estate firm specializing in Retail-Restaurants with an emphasis in Mixed-Use Developments. She has represented over $151M+ New Mixed-Use Developments brokering NNN leases and sales for local and national Developers, Landlords, and Tenants.
Heather has chaired and serves on various boards from CCIM to CBG and the City of Madison BID. She currently serves as 1st RVP with CCIM. She is a requested speaker at CARW, REJournal, NAIOP, interviewed by Channel3000, WKOW 27, iHeartRadio, and others.
Heather grew up and has resided in the Madison area for over 40 years. She enjoys giving back to community through her annual Bright Lights Run-Walk Fundraiser to benefit Girls on the Run and founded CRE + Coffee to mentor UW Madison real estate students on a quarterly basis. To keep life balanced, Heather is an international marathoner.