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Wayne council hires NAI Farbman to market vacant parcels; staff stress no upfront cost and 30‑day out clause
Summary
Council approved a professional services agreement with NAI Farbman to market several vacant city parcels and a soon‑to‑be‑listed parking structure; the city emphasized the engagement carries no upfront fee, uses a sliding commission and would include a 30‑day termination clause.
The Wayne City Council on Aug. 18 voted to hire NAI Farbman (Farmington Hills) to provide professional real‑estate services to market several city‑owned vacant parcels and the forthcoming parking structure sale.
A city staff presenter said the firm offered a sliding commission ranging from 6% down to 3% depending on sale price and a guaranteed flat fee of $15,000. “She’s gonna provide more to us than just listing our properties,” the presenter said, describing the agent’s community ties and investor contacts.
Staff identified the properties to be listed as: a vacant lot on Wayne Road adjacent to the Knights of Columbus, two parcels next to Brookie’s Bar, five parcels near the railroad tracks on Wayne Road and Eastbound Michigan Avenue on Brush Street, and the parking structure that will be available after demolition. The presenter said the new contract would apply going forward to hires and listings and would include a reciprocal 30‑day out clause so either party may terminate the agreement on short notice.
Council members asked whether the agreement required any upfront city payment. The presenter and staff said there is no advance fee and the agent would earn a commission only on successful sales. “No. It’s just like a regular real estate agent. She sells the property, she will get commission,” the presenter said.
Staff also said the agent, identified in the presentation by name as Wendy Acho of NAI Farbman, plans outreach to investor groups, chambers and commercial brokers and proposed a bus tour and breakfast for potential buyers to showcase available sites.
Council approved the agreement by roll call. The city attorney will finalize contract language, including the recommended out clause and any term limits; staff said the final contract terms will be reported in a subsequent Friday report.
What’s next: Contract language will be finalized by the city attorney and reported to council; staff said they will publicly list properties on the city website and begin marketing activities.
