Diversified Partners Completes Key Retail Transactions as Investor Demand Strengthens

Diversified Partners closed out 2025 with strong momentum across its retail investment platform, completing multiple high-profile transactions and executing across the full lifecycle of retail assets as investor demand continued to improve for well-located, necessity-driven properties.

The year was defined by disciplined execution from acquisition through disposition, with successful closings across neighborhood shopping centers and single-tenant net-lease assets. Investor appetite remained strong for retail centers supported by daily-needs tenancy, durable income streams and long-term growth fundamentals.

Notable fourth-quarter transactions included Metro Pavilion in Phoenix, Ocotillo Trails Marketplace in San Tan Valley, Ariz., and a high-performing Whataburger property in Mesa, Ariz., highlighting continued strength across both value-add and stabilized investment strategies.

“Retail investment fundamentals strengthened throughout 2025, particularly for assets with strong locations and clear leasing strategies,” said John K. Jackson, senior vice president of investment sales at Diversified Partners. “Investors remain focused on necessity-based retail, and well-executed assets are continuing to attract competitive demand.”

Q4 transaction highlights

Metro Pavilion, located at 9620 N. Metro Parkway in Phoenix, was sold via a Ten-X auction for $8.42 million, achieving 13% above the reserve price. The neighborhood retail center was positioned directly across from the $850 million Metrocenter redevelopment, creating a compelling value-add narrative that generated significant investor interest. The offering attracted 181 executed confidentiality agreements prior to sale.

Ocotillo Trails Marketplace, located at the northeast corner of Ironwood and Ocotillo roads in San Tan Valley, sold for $16.25 million at a 6.89% cap rate. The center was 100% occupied at the time of sale following proactive leasing execution and tenant mix optimization, underscoring the strength of stabilized retail assets in high-growth suburban submarkets.

Diversified Partners also completed the sale of a single-tenant Whataburger property at 365 S. Power Road in Mesa for $2.53 million. The absolute net-lease asset traded at a 4.9% cap rate, reflecting continued investor demand for high-credit, long-term net-lease investments.

Executing the full investment lifecycle

Diversified Partners works closely with investors to identify assets aligned with their risk profiles, ranging from value-add shopping centers to stabilized and passive net-lease investments. Market intelligence, disciplined underwriting and deep local expertise allow the firm to source both on-market and off-market opportunities.

Leasing is treated as a core value driver rather than a separate function. The firm’s leasing and investment sales teams work in parallel to stabilize assets, backfill vacancies and strengthen tenant rosters prior to disposition, directly enhancing exit outcomes.

Disposition strategies are tailored to each asset, utilizing both traditional marketing methods and auction platforms when appropriate to maximize value and buyer competition.

An integrated investment platform

In 2025, Diversified Partners completed the full “wheel” of services, including acquisition, leasing, asset enhancement and disposition, under one roof. This integrated platform provides continuity, accountability and strategic clarity throughout the ownership lifecycle.

The firm’s leasing and investment sales teams operate as a unified platform, allowing challenges to be identified earlier in the ownership cycle and value to be maximized at exit through real-time leasing insight and accurate underwriting.

Investment sales team

The investment sales platform is led by John K. Jackson, senior vice president of investment sales, who brings more than 20 years of experience in retail acquisitions, leasing and dispositions. Jackson has completed more than 1,000 transactions and managed more than $300 million in retail assets, specializing in single-tenant net-lease, neighborhood centers and anchored retail.

Vice President Kristina R. Stamets, an Arizona native, has more than 10 years of experience across retail acquisitions, leasing and dispositions and has led full acquisition and disposition processes. She has been recognized as a Retail Emerging Leader and a CoStar Power Broker.

Colton Sanchez serves as investment analyst and associate broker, bringing more than a decade of experience across commercial real estate and global financial markets, with expertise in financial modeling, asset valuation and capital sourcing.

Associate Broker Alexa Nunns supports transaction execution, market research and client relationship management, contributing to tailored investment strategies and long-term value creation.