Who is Caitlin Hensel?

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Caitlin Hensel is a Partner at Hayes Commercial Group, a commercial real estate brokerage based in Santa Barbara and Goleta, California. She represents clients in commercial property listings, tenant representation, investment sales and acquisitions across the Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria markets.

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What does a commercial real estate broker do?

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A commercial real estate broker represents buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants in the sale, purchase, or leasing of commercial property — including office, retail, industrial, and multifamily buildings. This includes pricing and market analysis, marketing the property, negotiating terms, coordinating due diligence, and managing the transaction through closing.

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What areas does Caitlin Hensel serve?

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Caitlin Hensel works primarily throughout Santa Barbara County, including Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria, with experience across the broader Central Coast commercial market.

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What types of commercial property does Caitlin Hensel handle?

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Her work spans office, retail, R&D, lab, industrial, hospitality, land and multifamily properties, including listings, tenant representation, investment sales, and acquisitions.

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What is the difference between a commercial and a residential real estate agent?

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Commercial real estate brokers focus on income-producing property — office, retail, industrial, and multifamily buildings — and work with concepts like net operating income (NOI), cap rates, and lease structures (such as NNN leases) that don't typically apply to residential home sales. Commercial transactions are usually more complex, involve longer timelines, and require deeper financial analysis than a typical home purchase.​

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What is investment sales in commercial real estate?

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Investment sales refers to the sale of income-producing commercial property — such as retail centers, industrial buildings, and multifamily properties — to buyers seeking rental income or long-term appreciation, often involving analysis of cap rates, NOI, and 1031 exchange considerations. Caitlin Hensel advises both buyers and sellers on investment property transactions.​

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How do I choose a commercial real estate broker in Santa Barbara?

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Look for a broker with direct experience in your property type (office, retail, industrial, or multifamily), local market knowledge of Santa Barbara and Goleta, and a track record across the specific service you need — whether that's selling, leasing, buying, or managing a property. Caitlin works across all four of these service lines.

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How is a commercial real estate broker paid?

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Commercial brokers are typically paid a commission based on a percentage of the sale price or total lease value, paid by the seller or landlord at closing or lease signing. In tenant representation, the tenant's broker is often paid by the landlord as part of the deal, at no direct cost to the tenant. Exact terms vary by transaction and are outlined in a listing or representation agreement.

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How long does it take to sell or lease a commercial property?

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Timelines vary widely by property type, condition, and market conditions, but commercial sales and leases commonly take several months from listing to closing once due diligence, negotiations, and financing are factored in. A broker can give a realistic timeline once they've reviewed the specific property.

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What is a Broker Opinion of Value (BOV) and can Caitlin Hensel provide one?

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A Broker Opinion of Value is a broker's written analysis of a property's likely market value, based on comparable sales, income analysis, and current market conditions. Caitlin Hensel provides BOVs for owners considering a sale or refinance of commercial property in the Santa Barbara area.

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What should I know about 1031 exchanges when selling commercial property?

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A 1031 exchange allows an owner to defer capital gains tax on the sale of investment property by reinvesting proceeds into a like-kind property within IRS-mandated timelines. It requires careful coordination between the broker, a qualified intermediary, and often a tax advisor. Caitlin works with sellers considering 1031 exchanges as part of a sale strategy.

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What is happening in the Santa Barbara & Goleta commercial real estate market right now?

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Market conditions shift regularly across property types and submarkets. For a current read on pricing, vacancy, and demand in Santa Barbara and Goleta commercial real estate, contact Caitlin directly for an up-to-date market perspective on your specific property type.

 

How do I get started working with Caitlin Hensel?

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Reach out directly to discuss your property or space needs — whether you're looking to sell, lease, or buy in the Santa Barbara, Goleta, or Carpinteria area.