How To Choose The Best Commercial Real Estate Agent
Mar 22
Today there are lots of opportunities in commercial real estate investment. This is especially true of properties that can provide an investor with even greater returns than the stock market or a savings account. When you invest in real estate, it is a secure investment that will stand the test of time. When you compare an investment in residential real estate with one in commercial real estate, it is quite clear that commercial real estate is the way to go.
One important tip to remember when investing in commercial real estate is to buy a property with as many units as you are able to afford. This is important because your income ratio will increase with the more units you are renting out. While you do have to pay more upfront, your return on the investment will be much greater.
You can round out your portfolio by investing in commercial real estate. Make sure to do your homework and realize that there are a few different playing rules in the commercial real estate market compared to the residential real estate market. There is great potential in owning commercial real estate, just do your homework well before investing.
Familiarize yourself with the basics of commercial real estate property valuation. The things that can up residential value: kitchen, number of bathrooms, landscaping, and so on - mean little or nothing for commercial investors. One of the most important determinants of value for a commercial property is the square footage, and what the square footage yields in rental income.
Make sure to evaluate the neighborhood, as well as how the area will develop. Location is almost always the most important key in finding the right commercial property. Attend open houses and talk to neighborhood home owners who can give you some tips about their neighborhood. An honest answer will always come from people who live there.
Although the opposing party is not your friend, there are a few times when you will want to work together if possible. After you have both done your inspections, it can be worthwhile to get together for coffee to compare notes. If you find a discrepancy, one or both of your inspectors were probably not completely thorough.
It is very important to have a good lawyer look over your commercial real estate contracts. Make sure they know all about real estate and can look over everything you have. This will insure that you will be protected and you will be getting the best deal possible.
If you are using commercial real estate as a rental property, properly screen your renters. You need to know who you have living in your properties. Be sure to use a legal lease and give them strict rules and guidelines. Rental tenants should know their rights and limits, as provided by their landlord or leasing agent.
When renting out your own commercial properties, keep in mind that is always best to have them occupied. If you've got open spaces, then the person will end up paying for maintenance and upkeep. If you have multiple unoccupied properties, try to determine the reasons why, and rectify the problems that are keeping tenants from renting the spaces.
Don't just limit yourself to apartment buildings. There are many different types of investment properties out there such as mobile home parks and office buildings. Depending on the area you're buying in and the clients you want to cater to, one of these options might better serve your long term goals. Consider all of your options before making any purchase.
When dealing in commercial real estate, never act in haste and end up making a bad decision. Commercial real estate deals do take longer than family houses do. Everything takes longer: completing the purchasing transaction, re-modeling the property, getting it sold. This is not a negative thing, but just something to keep in mind.
Before you negotiate a commercial real estate lease, you should check out other leases. Talk with the other tenants that have comparable space and compare the different rates and terms for their leases. You need to know this information so you can get a feel of the rates and terms that you should have on your lease.
When buying a commercial property it is important to consider the income that it generates. If the commercial property in is a bad part of town it may be difficult for the property to generate any income. A real estate agent will be able to do a property valuation on the property so that you can see the potential income it could generate.
In the long-term, commercial real estate investments are bound to be among the most profitable investments possible. Nonetheless, it can be frustrating to find a good commercial property, and managing commercial real estate can be quite challenging. Sometimes it's easier to handle a larger investment than a smaller one because the increased income will allow you to hire staff and delegate day-to-day responsibilities. In the final analysis, you must weigh the pros and cons for yourself and make the decision that will bring you the greatest returns with the least hassle.