Experience
Caitlin Hensel’s expertise extends across a broad range of commercial property transactions, including investment sales, acquisitions, and landlord and tenant representation for all asset types, with an emphasis on value-add deals and repositioning of properties. She has cultivated a reputation for meticulous attention to detail, extensive market knowledge and unparalleled client service for both corporate and family-run clientele.
Caitlin is one of the region’s most active agents, having completed more than 400 transactions valued at over $240 million. She has been awarded both “Top Women in Business” and “40 Under 40” honors for the tri-county area by the Pacific Coast Business Times and is a sought-after speaker at conferences and panels on real estate and the regional economy.
Caitlin is a proud UCSB graduate and has been a central member of the Hayes Commercial team since 2008. With a background in real estate transaction coordination, marketing and market research, she is able to navigate complex transactions and provide strategic insight to clients, assisting them in achieving their business or investment objectives.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Caitlin is actively engaged in the local community, sitting on the boards of the Downtown Organization and Santa Barbara Toastmasters and holding several board positions over the years with The Junior League of Santa Barbara. She also dedicates her time on a weekly basis to multiple non-profits in the Santa Barbara area.
Professional Background
2024 – Present:
Hayes Commercial Group, Partner
2015 – 2023:
Hayes Commercial Group, Associate
2012 – 2015:
Hayes Commercial Group, Agent/Transaction Coordinator
2008 – 2012:
Hayes Commercial Group, Office Manager
Education
Caitlin graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Communications and completed the Technology Entrepreneurship Program through the College of Engineering.
Affiliations / Awards
- California Department of Real Estate: License 01893341
- Awarded the Pacific Coast Business Times’ “Top Women in Business” and “40 Under 40” honors for the tri-county area
- Santa Barbara Downtown Organization, Board Member
- Santa Barbara Toastmasters, Club Officer
- Junior League of Santa Barbara, Past Board Member, and sustainer
- W Source, Member
- Consultant to Womens Economic Ventures (WEV)
Notable Clients & Transactions
600 Pine Partners, LLC over $24M in sales transactions and handle all leasing for this local investor’s portfolio
924 Anacapa St “The Julia” represented buyer in purchase of $16.5M office property and re-leasing of units at market rents
1486 East Valley Rd represented owner in $13M sale of prominent office/retail building in Montecito’s Upper Village
Unnamed Family Trust represented in the purchase and sale of over $16M of assets including office, industrial and multi-family properties
El Centro Group, LLC represented owner in $8M sale of office/retail in downtown Santa Barbara
2801-2821 De La Vina St represented buyer in value-add acquisition, repositioning, re-leasing and sale at a large gain
Carrillo Professional Building sold this three-story office building in downtown Santa Barbara twice in 18 months, both times for a profit to investors
125 E Victoria St represented buyer of $3.8M office building in downtown Santa Barbara and re-leasing of entire property
Paseo Mariposa, Montecito represent owner in leasing of 16,000 SF retail and office property on Coast Village Road
Fairview Shopping Center handle all leasing for prominent 235,000 SF center in Goleta
Vitamin Angels represented local nonprofit in relocation of international headquarters to 11,000 SF in Goleta
Seavees represented footwear designer in leasing office headquarters in downtown Santa Barbara and flagship retail store in the Funk Zone totaling over 12,000 SF
Aqua-Flo Supply represented tenant in securing 7,386 SF building in Santa Barbara on a 15-year lease
CA Ventures represented institutional student housing developer in retail leasing near UCSB
Baker Bradford Holdings represent owner in leasing office, industrial and retail properties in Carpinteria