"The reality of the marketplace is that outside capital is non-existent for all things tech related, especially in the real estate sector, and in anticipation that the situation will not soon change we are making the tough but necessary decision to minimize operations to extend our time while we review opportunities with potential merger and acquisition partners," Stuart tells GlobeSt.com. "The underlying technology and architecture of RealCentric is undeniably the most robust and scalable built, and we have had numerous suitors approach us that would benefit tremendously from our technology and resources."

Meantime, says Stuart, the business of RealCentric "will continue, as it has existed, for the foreseeable future until we can make a responsible decision that benefits all stakeholders in the company." When asked about its existing partnerships and relationships, Stuart added, "We are doing everything we can to act as a responsible ongoing concern and will do all things necessary to make sure we handle all those (partnerships and relationships) with integrity and candor."

The 18-month-old company's product is a Web site that provides users with the tools and knowledge necessary to find, lease, manage and outfit business space. RealCentric has taken in outside financing of approximately $15 million from "private, high-net-worth individuals," and with it has managed to get further than many competitors did with much larger war chests. When the time came for more money, however, RealCentric was unable to secure an investment from a real estate consortium, as it was hoping. Such investments are considered golden in the high-tech industry serving the real estate industry, because the investments are tantamount to endorsements, which set companies apart in the crowded business-to-business marketplace, thereby increasing a company's chance at attracting traditional venture capital.

Things could be worse; RealCentric could not be courting buyers at all. Comro.com, a pioneering Web-based property listing service based in Chicago, ceased operation Dec. 31.