The Secret to Buying Commercial Real Estate Before It Hits the Market
#5

The Secret to Buying Commercial Real Estate Before It Hits the Market

The Secret to Buying Commercial Real Estate Before It Hits the Market

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In this episode of Building Dallas, we explore the high-stakes world of commercial real estate with Charlie Purdue, founder of Purdue Realty Corporation. Charlie specializes in finding off-market properties and guiding business owners through pivotal real estate decisions. Host Chris shares his personal experience buying a building with Charlie’s help—highlighting the risks, missed deals, and ultimate reward of landing the perfect off-market property. From Charlie’s early days grinding through Dallas office markets to building his own firm, this episode is packed with insight on real estate strategy, market timing, and entrepreneurial grit in North Texas.

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buying commercial property in Dallas, how to find off market real estate, commercial real estate strategies, real estate investing in Texas, entrepreneur real estate journey, how to start a real estate firm, Dallas real estate podcast, Purdue Realty, building ownership tips, real estate agent stories

  • (00:00) - - This Is Not Play Money: Real Talk on Buying CRE
  • (01:07) - - Welcome to Building Dallas with Host Chris Arrington
  • (01:24) - - Meet Charlie Purdue: Off-Market Deal Pro & Founder of Purdue Realty
  • (02:02) - - Chris’s $100K Deal That Got Away
  • (04:34) - - How Charlie Found a Building That Wasn’t Even For Sale
  • (05:54) - - Buying Off-Market: Why It Works
  • (06:13) - - Host Chris’s Real Estate Journey with Charlie
  • (07:10) - - Charlie’s Career Shift: From Marketing to Million-Dollar Deals
  • (08:52) - - The Secret to Mastering Your Real Estate Submarket
  • (10:47) - - Charlie Walked Every Building in Downtown Dallas
  • (11:57) - - Why Charlie Left a Big Firm to Go Solo
  • (13:31) - - The Call That Changed Everything: Discovering Oak Cliff
  • (14:45) - - Before the Boom: Charlie’s First Impressions of Bishop Arts
  • (16:22) - - Building Trust in a “Mom-and-Pop” Real Estate Market
  • (17:58) - - A Grilled Cheese and a Career Breakthrough
  • (20:00) - - Empathy Wins: Charlie’s Key to Earning Owner Trust
  • (21:45) - - What Makes Bishop Arts So Walkable and Special
  • (23:00) - - Why Oak Cliff Attracts Entrepreneurs and Risk-Takers
  • (24:01) - - Hyperlocal Focus: Charlie’s Long Game in Real Estate
  • (25:22) - - How Relationships Fuel Dallas Real Estate
  • (27:14) - - Investors, Entrepreneurs, and Developers: Charlie’s Clients
  • (29:00) - - How Local Support Sustains the Bishop Arts District
  • (31:20) - - Charlie on Risk: This Isn’t Monopoly Money
  • (32:20) - - 3 Types of CRE Buyers Charlie Works With
  • (34:00) - - 95% of Charlie’s Deals Are Off-Market—Here’s Why
  • (35:14) - - How to Spot Shady Real Estate Practices
  • (37:30) - - Reputation Matters: Why Sellers Trust Charlie
  • (39:00) - - Living Where You Work: Chris and Charlie’s Local Advantage
  • (40:11) - - Foreclosure Saved: A Real Estate Rescue Story
  • (43:44) - - What’s Really Happening in Commercial Real Estate Now
  • (45:15) - - Interest Rates, Risk, and the New CRE Reality
  • (48:00) - - Where to Buy Now: Charlie’s Take on Hot Dallas Markets
  • (50:05) - - East Oak Cliff = The Next Bishop Arts?
  • (52:54) - - Developers Arrive Last—Why That’s a Good Thing
  • (54:24) - - Bishop Arts Has No Chains—And That’s the Point
  • (56:45) - - Why Small Buildings = Big Opportunities
  • (58:58) - - The Origin of Emporium Pies: A Local Business Legend
  • (01:01:05) - - Charlie’s Advice: Don’t Pick the Wrong Broker
  • (01:04:00) - - How Charlie’s Family Bought Emporium Pies
  • (01:10:03) - - A Woman-Led Business, Then and Now
  • (01:14:34) - - Charlie’s Final Word: Build Faith Before You Build Wealth
  • (01:15:04) - - Subscribe to Building Dallas – More Stories Coming Soon!

Episode Video

Creators and Guests

Chris Arrington
Host
Chris Arrington
Chris Arrington is the President and Founder of Arrington Roofing. Originally trained as an architect, Chris left the drafting table over 40 years ago to pursue his true passion: building. With a lifetime of experience in construction, development, and roofing, he brings unmatched enthusiasm, depth, and vision to Building Dallas as a co-host. Get ready to go deeper as Chris shares the secret behind his success — a love for people and a relentless focus on the bigger picture.
Reese Arrington
Host
Reese Arrington
Reese Arrington is a co-host of Building Dallas, bringing a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to the show. Born and raised in Dallas, Reese's passion for storytelling and community engagement shines through in every episode. With a background in acting and media production, he excels at connecting with guests and drawing out compelling narratives. Reese's commitment to authentic conversations and his deep-rooted love for his hometown make him an integral voice in exploring the people and stories that shape Dallas.
Charlie Perdue
Guest
Charlie Perdue
Charlie Perdue is the founder of Perdue Realty Corp., a locally owned commercial real estate brokerage and investment firm based in Dallas, TX. Since 2006, PRC has specialized in helping small business owners, entrepreneurs, developers, and investors uncover off-market commercial properties in the urban core and fringe areas of Dallas. Perdue Realty is known for its high-touch service, market expertise, and commitment to business ethics and client-first strategies. From strategic site selection to negotiations, Charlie and his team are relentless in maximizing value on every transaction.
Chase Arrington
Producer
Chase Arrington
Chase Arrington is the creator and executive producer of Building Dallas and owner of Arrington Media, a subsidiary of The Arrington Group, LLC. A fourth-generation Dallas native, Chase brings his lifelong passion for storytelling, entrepreneurship, and creative leadership to the show. With a background in filmmaking, music, and corporate media production — and a heart for building authentic connections — he’s driven to create spaces where people can share honest conversations, find meaning, and become their best. Chase is also a proud husband and father of three girls, and a believer in using vision and collaboration to help build a stronger, brighter Dallas for generations to come.