Florida CCIM Trio Closes $1.69M Southside Shopping Center Sale in Umatilla, Paving Way for Redevelopment Ahead of 1,500 New Homes

Three of Florida’s CCIMs played key roles in completing the $1,687,104 sale of the Southside Shopping Center in Umatilla, FL, which closed on December 3rd. Gary Ralston, CCIM; Mark Allen, CCIM; and Rick Gonzalez, CCIM collaborated over six weeks to navigate a series of complex physical, legal, and underwriting challenges that emerged during due diligence.

Gary’s investment group plans to revitalize and reposition the center in anticipation of 1,500+ new homes slated for development within a three-mile radius of this growing trade area.

CCIM Members Featured:

• Gary Ralston, CCIM
• Mark Allen, CCIM
• Rick Gonzalez, CCIM

What CCIM Tools/Strategies Made the Transaction Noteworthy?

CCIM training and analytical tools played a central role in keeping the deal on track:

• Market & Demographic Analysis (STDB): The team used CCIM’s Site To Do Business resources to analyze population growth, housing pipeline, and retail demand drivers—data that reinforced the investment rationale and supported lender underwriting.
• Financial Modeling: CCIM discounted cash flow and hold/sell analysis frameworks were applied to assess the impact of inspection-period issues on valuation, tenant stability, and long-term returns.
• Lease & Tenant Evaluation: CCIM lease analysis methodologies helped identify tenant-related risks early, guiding negotiations with occupants and ensuring a clean path forward for financing.
• Problem-Solving Under CCIM Deal-Making Principles:
  • Rick Gonzalez, CCIM coordinated with existing tenants and city officials to address material physical and legal obstacles, ensuring investor requirements were met.
  • Mark Allen, CCIM leveraged CCIM communication and transaction-management practices to keep the Sellers fully informed of challenges and proposed solutions.
  • Gary Ralston, CCIM maintained alignment within the investment group, applying CCIM’s strategic decision-making frameworks to overcome roadblocks and move the deal to closing.

This transaction showcases how CCIM tools, analytical discipline, and collaborative execution deliver measurable value in complex real estate assignments.

About CCIM

“CCIM stands for Certified Commercial Investment Member. For more than 50 years, CCIMs have been recognized as leading experts in commercial investment real estate. The CCIM lapel pin denotes that the wearer has completed advanced coursework in financial and market analysis, and demonstrated extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry.”