Barry M. Wolfe
Senior Managing Director · Marcus & Millichap
Former Commercial Real Estate Attorney
When a client is considering a 1031 exchange, evaluating whether to sell, or facing a major decision involving investment property, that conversation often lands on your desk first. I am a former commercial real estate attorney turned broker who now advises property owners on exactly these situations. Many attorneys find it useful to have someone they trust who can step in, give their client honest market perspective, and keep the attorney-client relationship exactly where it belongs—with you.
I am happy to compare notes on the market anytime. No transaction required.
“Barry has been a valuable resource for my real estate clients for years. His deep knowledge of single tenant properties and 1031 exchange transactions set him apart in the industry, and my clients have benefited greatly from that expertise. He has helped several of them evaluate market conditions with a sharp, informed perspective and, when the time was right, execute successful transactions. Barry communicates exceptionally well throughout the entire process and works collaboratively with the entire project team.”— Tom Forster, Attorney at Varnum Law
A Unique Background Provides a Valued Perspective
Before joining Marcus & Millichap in 2001, I practiced as a commercial real estate attorney for eight years. First, I worked in private practice representing developers and several national restaurant chains. Subsequently, I moved in-house, where I oversaw the legal-real estate department for Aaron’s, Inc., then a publicly traded retailer, reporting directly to the company president. Over the course of my real estate brokerage career, I have closed more than 800 individual properties nationwide with a combined value exceeding $2.5 billion.
That background shapes how I approach every transaction:
“Over a period of several years, I worked closely with Barry on the sale of over thirty individual properties. Across so many sales, issues often arose and Barry used his background as an attorney to help us get to a successful closing on every occasion.”— Barry Barth, Attorney formerly at Panera Bread (now with Rubin Rudman)
Your Clients Have These Questions. I Hear Them Every Day.
If any of these sound familiar, it may be worth a conversation:
In many cases, the conversation I have with a client results in no immediate action at all, just a clearer picture of where they stand. That is often exactly what they needed.
“I have closed multiple transactions with Barry, including some complex deals involving cannabis tenants where his legal background was genuinely valuable. What stands out most is something that happened recently on a 1031 exchange when Barry advised the client to pay the taxes rather than buy a deal that wasn’t a good fit. Most brokers would never do that. It says a lot about how he operates.”— Stephen Screnci, Attorney at Screnci Law
Simple, Frictionless, and Focused on Your Client
Most attorneys use a simple email. Something along the lines of:
From there, I reach out directly. The first conversation is informal, no pitch, no agenda. If the client wants to explore next steps, we talk through what that looks like. If not, that is perfectly acceptable too.
I make a point of keeping the referring attorney informed throughout, so they always know where things stand. The introduction reflects on you, and I take that seriously.
“I introduced Barry to a client who owned a substantial portfolio of fast-food franchise properties. Over time, Barry helped them evaluate the portfolio, work through sale-leaseback transactions on several properties, and even provided rent analysis during a difficult period for the business. He has always been a valued resource for me and my clients.”— Phil Rosen, Attorney at Shutts & Bowen
National Reach. Local Expertise.
As a Senior Managing Director at Marcus & Millichap, I have access to one of the largest commercial real estate brokerage networks in the country. My focus is single-tenant net lease and retail properties, and when a client’s situation calls for something beyond that, I can connect them quickly with the right person within the firm.
“I brought Barry in on a ground lease package with a national single-tenant that had a sublease complication making it very difficult to sell. He evaluated the property carefully, ran a thorough marketing process, and found a buyer from across the country. The sale closed successfully. I have no doubt his legal background was a factor in getting it done.”— Jane Rankin, Attorney at Kubicki-Draper
Helping You Add Value to Your Clients & Your Practice
I host two ongoing groups designed exclusively for commercial real estate attorneys. The first is a quarterly roundtable — a focused conversation among attorneys who follow the market closely and want to think through trends, opportunities, and challenges together. The second is a WhatsApp group that keeps the conversation going between calls. Both are limited to attorneys actively involved in commercial real estate. If either sounds like something you would find valuable, I would be glad to have you join us. Just reach out.
I periodically prepare cap rate reports and market commentary on the net lease retail space. If you would like to share something like that with your own clients as a value-add, I am happy to put together a co-branded version for you. Some attorneys also simply like knowing there is someone they can call when a real estate question comes up, even if it is just a quick “is this number reasonable?” I am always happy to be that sounding board.
My wife Elisa and I love to travel and spend time with our two adult daughters. Italy and Alaska are two of our favorites. I also loved snowmobiling through Yellowstone with some friends. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, spending time outdoors, and exploring new hobbies. I always enjoy hearing what others are passionate about as well.
Senior Managing Director · Marcus & Millichap
Former Commercial Real Estate Attorney
I also enjoy participating in attorney-focused podcasts, roundtable discussions, and law firm presentations on commercial real estate topics. Happy to talk if that is ever of interest.