You probably have a better chance at making a profit in the commercial real estate market than in the residential real estate market. Finding good opportunities can be quite difficult, however. These tips will help you understand the different aspects of the commercial real estate market, in order to turn a nice profit.
Consider the economy in the area you’d like to buy real estate in before investing there. Property that is located near a large business, a college, or a hospital has better resale value and will often sell easier.
Consider online references that contain information written for both real estate novices and veterans. You can never have too much knowledge.
When dealing with commercial properties location is everything. Find out more about the neighborhood. Check out the growth, both economically and physically, in the areas you’re considering. The area you buy in needs to have potential over the next 5 to 10 years.
When choosing a broker, ask about their experience specifically in the commercial real estate market. It is important that their experience fall in line with your buying and/or selling goals, so make sure to ask what their specialty is. Allow the broker to acknowledge your wish for an exclusive agreement between the two of you.
If your plan is to use your commercial properties as rental properties, you should seek buildings of solid and simple construction. These types of buildings attract tenants more quickly than other buildings, as prospective tenants know that the building is less likely to have maintenance issues. These properties are also more cost effective for you and your tenants due to the fact that they only require minimal upkeep and repairs.
Constitute Default
Before negotiating a lease with a commercial tenant, work on narrowing down the list of things that would constitute default. The less behaviors you have that constitute default, the less likely it is that you’ll have to deal with a tenant’s default. This type of situation is considered very undesirable.
Get a site checklist if you are viewing more than one property. Get the responses from the first round of proposals, but make sure the property owners are aware of this before proceeding. Consider allowing it to slip out that you are also looking at other properties. It could even get you a good deal.
Have a list of goals on hand before you start searching for commercial real estate properties. List the qualities that concern you most in a property (e.g. restroom facilities, conference facilities, number of units available, square footage, etc.)
You should always know who takes care of emergency repairs. Ask the landlord who handles emergency repairs in your office or building. Keep their numbers updated, and know how long it takes them to arrive on average. Create an emergency plan and ensure everyone in your unit knows where to find it, how to follow it, and what it entails.
Different commercial brokers represent different parties. Real estate agents will work with landlords and tenants, but there are also some that only work with tenants. If you hire a broker that only deals with tenants you may be better off, they are more experienced.
Dual Agency
Ensure your legal and financial safety by thoroughly examining the disclosures of a potential real estate agent. Try to beware of dual agency. Dual agency means the real estate company is representing both the seller and the buyer in a property transaction. In effect, while you are paying the agency, they also work for the opposite side; if you are a prospective tenant, for example, the dual agency represents the landlord, as well. Dual agency must be disclosed by both parties and they need to agree to it.
These commercial real estate basics should help you make wise investments. Be flexible and smart when you are trying to get into the real estate market. By doing so, you will be in a position to recognize the good opportunities that others might miss, and make a deal that maximizes your profitability.