By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
March 2, 2011

Victor Ross & Co., Realtors doesn’t sell a building and then forget about it.

“We always feel like we’re here to help people achieve their dreams and their goals,” said Victor Cascio, president and broker of Victor Ross & Co., Realtors. “By doing it through real estate, we feel like we’re helping them accomplish their dreams and goals.

“It’s just a nice feeling to know that you can drive down the street and say, ‘We sold that building, we leased that building, and be proud of it.”

In 1952, Victor Ross was established and continues to operate in Historic Northeast.

Cascio said Victor Ross is a family-owned business that began with his father, Ross Cascio. Victor Cascio took over the business in 2001, and although his father is retired, Ross continues to be involved, visiting the office every day to proofread contracts, leases and other vital documents.

“He’s my advisor,” Cascio said.

Cascio’s mother, Clarene, serves as comptroller, taking care of the financial books and billing.

Although the rest of the employees aren’t blood relatives, Cascio considers them a second family.

He commended his four long-term sales associates and Angela Brassfield, the closing secretary.

“Angela is our right-hand person,” he said. “She does all the listings, contracts, everything. She’s our go-to person in the office.”

Cascio and his family grew up in the Historic Northeast and have some “pretty neat” historical buildings available in the River Market area, Columbus Park area and the former Fire Station 12. Cascio stressed that although they’re located in Northeast, Victor Ross is also licensed in Kansas, and operates “city-wide.”

Asked what he likes about his job, Cascio said it’s interacting with people and various businesses.

“Every day’s a challenge and everyday has its rewards,” he said.

Commercial property market status

Those wanting to purchase a commercial property should be prepared to pay a higher down payment percentage, Cascio said.

During previous years, commercial real estate buyers were asked to pay 20 percent to 25 percent of the total cost as a down payment. Now, however, banks are asking that 25 percent to 35 percent be paid down.

Interest rates vary from lender to lender, he said, and vary from 5.5 percent to 7 percent.

Banks aren’t the only ones using more caution.

“Owners are becoming a little more demanding as far as security deposits (to lease a building),” Cascio said. “You’re looking at the first month’s rent and two month’s rent for the security deposit.”

Asked why property owners are more leery, he cited the downturn of the economy.

“Some landlords have gotten stuck on leases – the tenants just aren’t making payments on them,” he said. “Knowing you’ve got a strong enough tenant to pay that (additional) money up front helps that.”

How Victor Ross stands out above the rest

“We give the small business person an opportunity to open their own businesses and grow their own businesses,” Cascio said. “We give the guy who started out as a tenant an opportunity to eventually own their own building.”

Another plus of Victor Ross is the face-to-face contact with customers, he said.

Although Victor Ross has the means to conduct business via e-mail and other electronic sources, they prefer face-to-face meetings.

“Our company’s definitely a hands-on, face-to-face company. We still do business the old fashioned way.

“It’s not always done by e-mail or electronic means.

“We do things like the big boys, but still give hand-to-hand across the table negotiations. And that’s the way we like to do business: face-to-face.”

For more information, visit www.victorrossandcompany.com or contact the office, (816) 483-0500. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but sales associates are also available on the weekends and on a 24/7 basis.