Being a real estate broker is akin to trend forecasting. We hear the conversations, haggle the deals and attend the closings months -- sometimes years -- before the data hits the public.

So let your friends know you heard it here first: Bed Stuy mixed-use property is about to explode. When this happens, start the clock on your local bodegas. Because in about five years, their time will be up.

A mixed-use property is a building zoned for both commercial (business) and residential use. Those buildings you see with grocery stores or coffee shops on the ground floor and apartments above are a classic example. Mixed-use is very different from straight commercial properties in that while commercial buildings usually are owned by large development companies, mixed-use property owners are individuals or small investment groups.

Recently, I listed two mixed-use properties. One was on Washington Avenue near Prospect Place in Prospect Heights. The other, on Macon Street and Marcy Avenue in Bed-Stuy. While both properties received plenty of interest, it was the Bed-Stuy property that attracted the most attention. And the first question asked when the offers were submitted was, "How long does the bodega have on the lease?"

The inside conversation on the street is in two parts: First, the small investor group of homebuyers in the Stuy who purchase and flip their homes for cheap clearly have turned their focus to mixed-use. In fact, one of the bids for the Bed-Stuy property actually came from the owner of a huge organic supermarket in Prospect Heights. Though the bids were not high, this Macon house received more than fifteen verbal and written offers.

Second, a Wall Street friend who owns and lives with his family in the neighborhood whispered that while he feels the residential market has realized its potential, mixed-use in Bed-Stuy is undervalued and will be the next big blip on this market

Now you may say, "Hey Keaton, the city sales data doesn't support this claim." To that I would respond "Exactly!" Though PropertyShark.com reports that less than ten mixed-use properties changed hands within the last year, the signs on the street are evident. By the time the sales data reaches the city records, being able to afford Bed-Stuy mixed-use property will be a WRAP for regular folks like you and me.

Now… back to the bodegas: You may have read about The Healthy Bodega Initiative in another article by Rachel Signer here on Bed-Stuy Patch. Since 2006, 20 bodegas have signed up. This fact and the Park Slope Food Coop's huge Bed Stuy membership make it clear that the community is looking for a change in the quality of produce made available. 

The best upside of mixed-use is if you get the building at a good price, the rental income from the apartments can carry the mortgage while the business gains traction.

The first person or company to make that happen in the Stuy truly will be on to something.

Next: "The Process," buying your first property-- the first of a three-part series.

Martin Tkalla Keaton is a senior associate and Multi Million-Dollar Club member of the Corcoran group