Although commercial real estate is more risky, the rewards are generally higher, as well. The good opportunities can be tougher to find, though. This article contains information to help you figure out what you need to know to make wise commercial real estate decisions.
Bring your digital camera along, and use it. Each photograph should clearly depict the point of contention, whether that happens to be a stain, hole or other problem.
Location is vital to commercial real estate. Think over the community a property is located in. Cross-check similar areas to see how they are growing. Do not buy a property that is located in a neighborhood likely to take a wrong turn in the next five years.
Buying commercial real estate is much more complicated and time-consuming than buying a home. Understand, however, that the intensity and duration of the process is necessary to achieve the higher return on your investment.
You deal should naturally include inspections, and you should also evaluate the credentials of the inspectors. This guideline is especially important when working with people who deal in pest management; these specific fields are often populated by practitioners who lack proper credentials. This can avoid future problems after the sale.
If you are purchasing commercial real estate for rental purposes, look for structures that are uncomplicated and sturdily built. Rental spaces that appear sturdy and well-maintained tend to attract tenants more quickly. This type of building also has the advantage of requiring less maintenance, an attractive feature for tenants and owners alike.
When renting out your own commercial properties, keep in mind that is always best to have them occupied. If no one is paying you rent, you’ll be the one footing the bills. Figure out why you have spaces that are consistently open. In some cases, you might need to do some problem-solving so that tenants will want to rent these spaces.
Consider the surrounding area when you buy a piece of commercial real estate. If you buy property in a very affluent area, your business will likely be successful, because your clientele will be better able to afford what you are selling. If the business you run caters to a lower-income demographic, buy in an area that fits your clientele best.
Professional Inspector
Before placing your commercial property on the market, you should take the time to have it inspected by a professional inspector. Any problems or necessary repair identified by a professional inspector should be addressed and fixed as soon as possible.
Advertise your property for sale locally and outside your region. It is a mistake to think that only people in the immediate area will have an interest in your property. Private investors will purchase properties outside of their area if the prices are low enough.
In writing letters of intent, focus on major issues to begin with. Many smaller issues will fall in line on their own with this approach. If not, you can work them out later. By focusing on the big stuff first, you will have more pleasant negotiations, and you will be better able to manage small matters in the end.
Identify any necessary improvements before you sign on a new space. This might include superficial improvements such as repainting a wall or arranging the furniture more efficiently. In many cases, walls must be moved and floorplans rearranged. Negotiate in advance who pays for these improvements or try to get the landlord to pay for at least a portion of the costs.
Always include emergency maintenance on your list of need to know things. Find out from your landlord who to contact for emergency repairs, such as plumbing accidents. Know the phone numbers, and be aware of their response time. Develop an emergency plan for those times when disruption in your services occurs. This advance planning can save your business reputation if an emergency strikes.
Dual Agency
Before paying any agent, check his or her disclosures; these can tell you a great deal about the agent’s character and ability. One thing you should specifically watch out for is dual agency. Dual agency refers to a situation in which a real estate agent represents both the landlord and the tenant in a commercial transaction. This means the agency works for the tenant and the landlord at the same time. Dual agencies require full disclosure and must be agreed upon by both parties.
When you’re a new investor, the best thing that you could do is to try to learn one kind of investment thoroughly. Choose one property type you would like to start with and give it your undivided attention. If you try to divide your attention very much, you will not excel in any area.
After reading this article, you should be familiar with commercial real estate basics. Exercise flexibility and quick thinking while you use the market. This will help you find the good opportunities, and make the most out of your time, efforts and investments.