Key Takeaways
- Alignment of Interest: A true consultant works for you, the property owner—not for the tower companies or “rent optimization” firms.
- Valuation Expertise: Knowing your site’s worth requires an insider’s look at ground lease expiration dates and carrier network needs.
- Market Competition: For those looking to sell, a consultant should provide access to a private network of competitive buyers to drive up the price.
- The “Insider” Edge: JP Tower Consulting uses 60+ years of experience from within the largest tower companies to level the playing field for you.
Having a cell tower on your property should be a stress-free financial win. However, many property owners unknowingly hire consultants who have ties to the very companies looking to buy their leases. This conflict of interest can cost you thousands in lost revenue.
At JP Tower Consulting, we believe you deserve a partner who listens to your specific needs. Whether you have a new tower negotiation on the horizon or you are interested in a lease buyout for a large lump sum, you shouldn’t have to navigate these billion-dollar companies alone. By using a consultant who understands tower site valuation from the inside, you ensure that every renewal or offer is handled with your best interest in mind.
1. Do They Listen to Your Specific Goals?
Every landlord has different needs. A “one-size-fits-all” approach is a red flag.
- The “Lump Sum” Goal: If you want to sell your lease, your consultant should be focused on finding the highest bidder.
- The “Long-Term Income” Goal: If you want to keep the tower, the focus should be on lease renegotiation and protecting your escalators (rent increases).
- The JP Tower Consulting Approach: We start by finding out what is most important to you, not what is easiest for the tower company.
2. Do They Have “Insider” Experience?
The cell tower industry is built on complex data that isn’t public.
- The Valuation Gap: Without knowing how tower companies value sites internally, you are negotiating in the dark.
- Real-World Connections: An expert should have a network of buyers and carrier contacts.
- Expert Insight: Having worked for the largest cell tower companies in the USA, I understand the “playbook” they use to lower your rent. We use that knowledge to push back and get you the best deal possible.
3. Are They Transparent About Who They Work For?
Some consultants receive “kickbacks” or referral fees from tower companies.
- The Conflict Check: Ask directly: “Do you receive any compensation from the company buying my lease?”
- Your Advocate: A true cell tower consultant, like those at JP Tower Consulting, acts as your shield. We don’t work for the tower companies; we work to ensure they pay you fair market value or more if you have leverage.
4. How Do They Calculate Your Site’s Value?
A good consultant doesn’t just guess a number. They study valuable criteria such as:
- Ground Lease Expiration: How much time is left on your contract?
- Tenant Health: Are AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile on your tower?
- Location Importance: How difficult would it be for them to move to a neighbor’s land?
5. Can They Create a “Bidding War” for Your Lease?
If you decide to sell, you shouldn’t just accept the first offer.
- Network Access: A consultant should immediately connect with a wide network of reputable buyers.
- Competitive Bidding: When buyers compete, your payout goes up. We handle the technical talk so you can focus on the results.
6. Do They Put Everything in Writing?
- Verbal promises mean nothing in billion-dollar negotiations.
- Clear Agreements: Your consultant should clearly outline their compensation structure, and scope of work.
- No Hidden Clauses: Watch for vague language about “advisory partnerships” or “industry relationships.”
- The JP Tower Consulting Standard: We operate with full transparency. You know exactly how we are compensated and exactly who we represent — you.
7. Do They Understand Lease Language and Renewal Traps?
- Most tower leases are filled with clauses that heavily favor the carrier or cell tower company.
- Automatic Renewal Clauses: Many leases include automatic extensions that limit your leverage if not addressed properly.
- Escalator Protection: Some consultants overlook rent increase language that can dramatically impact your long-term income.
- Strategic Timing: The best leverage often comes at specific renewal windows — and missing that timing can cost you thousands.
- At JP Tower Consulting, we analyze every clause so you don’t unknowingly give away negotiating power.
Securing Your Position in the Tower Industry
You don’t have to navigate these complex negotiations on your own. The tower companies have teams of experts working for them—you should too. By choosing a consultant who understands tower site valuation from the inside, you transform a stressful negotiation into a strategic financial move. Whether your lease is expiring soon or you are considering a buyout. Contact JP Tower Consulting to leverage 60+ years of insider expertise for your lease negotiation or buyout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why can’t I just negotiate my cell tower lease myself?
You can, but tower companies have vast information regarding what their tenants are paying and the likelihood of obtaining another tenant on the tower. The tower companies have access to all the information making it difficult for a property owner to negotiate against someone who does this for a living.
Q2: How does JP Tower Consulting find buyers for my lease?
We maintain a private network of vetted buyers. When we list your lease, we ensure multiple parties see it, which naturally drives the price higher.
Q3: What are “Valuable Criteria” for a tower site?
This includes the height of the tower, the number of carriers (tenants) currently paying rent, the local zoning laws, revenue share clause, escalation rates and the remaining years on your ground lease.
Q4: Will a consultant help me if a company is threatening to relocate?
Yes. An expert can tell if a relocation threat is real or just a “scare tactic” by looking at the costs and the network needs of the carriers on your property.
Q5: How do I know if a consultant is working for the tower company?
If they are pushing you to accept a “low-ball” offer quickly or refusing to show you offers from other buyers, they may not have your best interests at heart.
