Commercial Property

Minnesota Commercial Association Of REALTORS 2010 Annual Market Report

Read this special report and see what the status of commercial real estate market is within the Twin Cities.  Read the report here:

CommericalPropertyReport.pdf

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6 Things to Consider Before You Buy Commercial Property

By I Clark

Choosing to buy commercial property in the UK is a big decision; here are a few helpful tips to make sure that you do not make a costly mistake.

1. Choose Specialized Commercial Estate Agents

Anyone seriously ready to buy commercial real estate in the UK must make sure that a specialist estate agent is chosen. It is inadvisable to go to agents that are one-stop-shops for real estate, selling residential, commercial and even international property. You will get a much better level of service and wealth of experienced from a long established estate agent who specializes solely in offering commercial property to buy.

2. How Many Commercial Property Listings are in Your Part of the UK?

Do your research; find out what the best locations to buy commercial properties are. Often you will find that certain areas will have a high density of commercial real estate for sale, be wary of such pockets lest you find yourself buying a ticket aboard a sinking ship. Although it may cost you more money at times, make it your mission to find an area where companies such as your own have a proven track record of doing well.

3. Always Perform a Thorough Inspection before you Buy Commercial Real Estate

In order to make sure that you do not make a mistake in your commercial real estate deals, you must make sure that you do a thorough inspection of the office for sale or lease. Many people feel that a thorough inspection is not necessary as they are not going to be living there, this could not be further from the truth, as this is a business premises inspection it is just as prudent to thoroughly examine as a residential property.

4. Are you Buying Commercial Property in a Rural or Urban Setting?

The type of development where you are purchasing commercial real estate is very important, for instance if you are in a rural setting then you will be looking for very different features than if you were looking for a ware house for sale in an urban setting. Another thing to consider if you are in a rural setting is the cost, you can expect to pay lot less to be in a less developed area but if you are in a more developed district, especially a retail shop for sale or lease inside the city center you can expect to pay a premium.

5. Will you be buying this Commercial Property to Let Out?

It is also important to consider whether you are to buy commercial property in the UK for your company to actually move into, or whether you are going to rent it out to someone else. If your goal is to own the commercial property to let, then don’t get hung up on want you would like to see when buying commercial real estate, rather find out what the widest possible market is looking for in a commercial property for lease and acquire something that fits that description.

Ian Clark is a real estate consultant and advisor in UK. He has extensive experience in all aspects of Real Estate Investment built over 20 years . He is also the Director of Midas Estates, an online real estate website offering property investment opportunities in UK and overseas. Midas Estates is a property investment company who also deals with selling and Buying Commercial Property with an aim to provide maximum capital growth for the clients as the majority of the clients are looking to secure financial security in the shortest time possible. Ian’s honest presentation of the real estate investing business, including both profit and risks is respected for his sincere, candid approach. He is highly regarded as one of the most sound, dependable source for the specifics behind the sometimes tricky and exigent facets of real estate investing.

To get more information and for a 30 minute no obligation absolutely free consult in how to make your property investment strategies work log on to http://www.midasestates.com/commercial-property/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=I_Clark
http://EzineArticles.com/?6-Things-to-Consider-Before-You-Buy-Commercial-Property&id=1650815

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5 Tips For Selecting the Right Commercial Property Agents

By I Clark

1. Look for Realestate Professionals That Invest in Commercial Property Themselves

In the UK as anywhere else in the world, many people are better at giving advice than taking their own, commercial property agents will be no different. So it is important for you to find a letting agent who invests or has invested in commercial property. They will be a fountain of knowledge that will become an invaluable resource in the stickier stages of the process.

2. The Cheapest Realtors Agencies are Not Always the Best Choice

No one likes to pay more than they need to, but sometimes property consultants are very cheap for a reason. You must understand that when it comes to services, like most other things in life, you pay for quality. So when seeking out a commercial estate agency, do not choose the cheapest, choose the real estate consultant that has the lowest price compared to the value that they could offer you as a customer.

3. Always Be Prepared to Pay More for an Experienced Realtor Expert

In the UK, not many people are as familiar with commercial property sales as they are with residential deals. Of course, this stands to reason as many adults have been involved in a residential deal or two by the time they are middle aged simply by virtue of buying their family home, therefore they will know the processes and procedures that go along with this. Less people, however, have been involved in placing a commercial property for sale, so choose a commercial property agency that has vast experience in this field. And by a vast experience, we do not mean vast experience in property in general but commercial property listings in particular.

4. Find Letting Agents That Will Manage the Letting of Your Property as Well as the Acquisition

When you offering commercial property for lease, it pays to have as few headaches as possible, a smart decision would be to select a London commercial estate agent who will manage as well as facilitate the acquisition of the commercial property. Having realestate companies take care of all these things for you, especially in London, is well worth the money, and this frees you up to concentrate on your other business ventures.

5. Ask Perspective Commercial Property Estate Agents for References

If you are having trouble picking between two or three different commercial property agents in the UK, ask each of them for references. This is an acid test; if they are reluctant to give you any references from happy customers then you should be wary of doing business with this commercial estate agent. There is no reason for them not to let you speak to one of their previous customers if they were truly having a great working relationship with them.

Ian Clark is a real estate consultant and advisor in UK. He has extensive experience in all aspects of Real Estate Investment built over 20 years . He is also the Director of Midas Estates, an online real estate website offering property investment opportunities in UK and overseas. Midas Estates is a property investment company who has a team of professional Commercial Property Agents with an aim to provide maximum capital growth for the clients as the majority of the clients are looking to secure financial security in the shortest time possible. Ian’s honest presentation of the real estate investing business, including both profit and risks is respected for his sincere, candid approach. He is highly regarded as one of the most sound, dependable source for the specifics behind the sometimes tricky and exigent facets of real estate investing.

To get more information and for a 30 minute no obligation absolutely free consult in how to make your property investment strategies work log on to http://www.midasestates.com/commercial-property/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=I_Clark
http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Tips-For-Selecting-the-Right-Commercial-Property-Agents&id=1650809

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Top 3 Ways to Purchase Commercial Property With None of You Own Money!

By Yolanda Bishop

Commercial real estate investment is an industry of abundance. There is literally an unlimited amount of money available to people who want to borrow it. So much, in fact, that you can literally purchase millions of dollars worth of commercial property without using one dollar of your own money!

Unless you already have millions of dollars at your personal disposal to invest, or are fortunate enough to have come from a family of wealth, borrowing money is the only way to become a commercial real estate investor. It is a great way to purchase commercial property, even if you have your own millions already, because you don’t have to worry about losing your personal money. In fact, that is how many multi-millionaire commercial real estate investors make their money- by not using their own! If you don’t use it, then you never lose it.

One of the reasons you can borrow money to purchase property is because of something called leverage. You simply borrow money against the property, as it is the property that actually holds the value. This will play a major role in our discussion of purchasing property without using any of your own money.

The first way to purchase property with none of your own money is subordination. Many people consider this way of purchasing property as creative financing. In this situation, the current owner actually takes out a second mortgage on the property to cover the difference of what the purchaser (you, the investor) can get loaned from a bank or private lender. If you are lucky enough to have an owner who will sell the property with no money down, and he or she subordinates a second mortgage for the difference you owe, then you just purchased a property with none of your own money!

When using this tool, it is a good idea to have the owner only subordinate for a short amount of time, like one to two years, just until you can take the money generated from the commercial property and pay off the second mortgage, leaving the owner free of the property. At this point, payment for the property can take place because you will have generated cash through the commercial property. The owner will actually wait to get paid his money for the property! It happens all the time, and everyone comes out happy in the end. You purchase your money generating property with none of your own money, and the owner gets paid for the property. This situation may seem backwards at first, but it works rather well, if you find an owner who is very motivated to sell, and he or she understands this way of investing.

You must always be sure that the property can support the debt, as you do not want the owner getting into financial trouble with the second mortgage. Some owners are weary of this type of investing, as some purchasers do not do as they say, and problems occur. You want to be an investor of integrity and have a reputation of making things happen in the way in which you and the seller agreed.

Another way to purchase property with none of your own money is through the owner releasing some acreage that is free and clear which you, in turn, use to borrow enough money to cover a down payment on the entire piece. This strategy works especially well with raw land. You are basically using a piece of the property to purchase the entire property. Owners may not even be aware of this option, so be sure to mention it or address it in a letter of intent, especially when dealing with many acres of land!

A third way to purchase commercial property without using your own money is using partners. There are experienced investors, builders and developers who will find the financing for you, and basically get the deal ready to go, if you are willing to do the work. The agreements can greatly differ, but the partner(s) will basically finance the deal and take a piece of the return that you create through, either turning a distressed property around, or overseeing the development or building of a specific type of property and making it profitable. Partners can offer great experience and insight so that you can learn more about a specific type of property or the actual industry itself.

When it comes to commercial real estate, there are so many options; don’t ever limit yourself! Be creative and find resources. There is a wealth of information and money available to anyone who is willing to take some time and make some contacts. This industry is not one of limitations, but one of abundance.

Tony Seruga, Yolanda Seruga and Yolanda Bishop of [http://www.maverickrei.com] specialize in commercial and investment real estate. As of May, 2006, they and their partners are managing over $600 million dollars worth of new projects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yolanda_Bishop
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-3-Ways-to-Purchase-Commercial-Property-With-None-of-You-Own-Money!&id=238089

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Commercial Property As the Ultimate Storehouse of Value – 14 Winning Tips

By Mike Milanez

To help invest in property that most nearly fits your wishes, let’s start by understanding the likenesses and differences, as well as the benefits and disadvantages, of owning a commercial property versus owning a home one. Here are few winning tips to serve as your steering light in an ocean of doubt.

1. Have clauses of every Sale & Purchase Agreement explained to you by a Barrister before execution.

2. Reasons your capital outlay is higher with commercial property are: commercial properties generally cost more and the margin of financing by banks is ten to fifteen percent lower. Rates of commercial property loans are sometimes higher than home property loans and the terms are generally not as flexible.

3. Capital appreciation of commercial properties are relatively higher than home property traditionally. With commercial properties you will most probably be working with companies and corporations whereby management is more ecstatic.

4. The value of a property is sometimes in close relation to the income it generates.

5. Approval level of upward rental revision is far higher with commercial properties.

6. With the properties, there are countless strategies you might support your tenants’ business.

7. Lease your property to firms / companies with successful track records and / or appropriate firms for the vicinity.

8. Long term leases can be anticipated from renters of properties.

9. It’s a norm for renters of properties to ask for a rent-free period for refurbishment to be carried out.

10. Renters of properties generally take better care of your properties.

11. There’s nearly always a budget for reconstruction works for properties put aside by your renter. There is not any prerequisite to furnish your commercial property.

12. Application rates and rates for give up rent and assessment are higher for commercial properties. Service charges can be applied to office lots, retail lots, serviced terraces, commercial shop-lots with facilities as well as some guarded commercial lots.

13. Collection of delinquent rental for properties is simpler in comparison to home properties due to straightforwardness of access.

14. The trend and requirement for intellectual commercial buildings is growing far more fast than smart houses. Unlike home properties, when the alignment of the project is favourable, it is OK to go for commercial properties found at T-junctions.

The excellent news is, you picked up this information and that already differentiates you from the outwardly blind flock of investing sheep. This information is one of the finest methods to start your successful property investment journey.

Mike has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in personal investment, productivity, you can also check out his latest website on ftd flower delivery which reviews on Send Flower Ftd.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Milanez
http://EzineArticles.com/?Commercial-Property-As-the-Ultimate-Storehouse-of-Value—14-Winning-Tips&id=3348615

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Successful Commercial Property Analysis

By Andrew Stratton

As a successful property investor, you will want to make a commercial property analysis of any real estate deal before you consider making the purchase. There are many factors which you should take into account while making your property analysis. Some of these factors which you should look at are: the location of the property, the price, taxes, local government and zoning laws, potential rental income, as well as the options you have for obtaining the property using an investment property mortgage loan.

Commercial property has many guidelines and regulations which must be followed. The last thing that you want to do is purchase investment commercial property, and then find out once you own it that you cannot lease it to the business you want, or that zoning permits you from using the property how you would like to. Whenever you are reviewing a commercial property analysis, it is vitally important to find out about the local governmental rules and regulations which will govern what you can and cannot do with the property in question. Look at what you had planned for the property and make sure everything is in agreement.

Taxes can be a big consideration when you are making a commercial property analysis. Some local areas offer tax incentives for commercial property owners and to certain businesses. If your property can meet the guidelines then you could possibly see a nice tax reduction. Also, if the area taxes commercial real estate at a high rate, you could be in for a real surprise if you did not consider taxes in your commercial property analysis.

Just as there can be tax incentives to buying commercial property in a particular area, the same can be said for financing options. Many commercial lenders have programs which fit a variety of different business and community needs. If your property qualifies you can see a nice reduction in your mortgage interest rate.

Another consideration is the rental rate of other commercial properties in the area. If many properties are sitting vacant that is a sign that you may have serious trouble renting to a business and keeping them for the long-term. This is important for your commercial investment analysis because the rent money is your income on the property.

In addition to all of the above considerations, the usual considerations still apply. You need to look at the location of the property and determine if it is in a good enough location for what it will ultimately be used for. What is the area around the property like? Will people likely come to the location if a business starts there? Who are the residents of the local area and will they benefit from your property’s use?

You will need to look at the land and buildings and determine how much work and cost is likely involved in bringing things up to code and working order. Look at the offering price and consider if it is reasonable or if it needs to be adjusted because of the things you have found while looking at the other factors for your commercial property analysis.

While performing a commercial property analysis you should take all of the above into consideration. You also might want to consider hitting the pavement and talking to people in the area of your potential property purchase. See what the people who already live and work in the area think about the property.

Get the best commercial property analysis tools with software from KISCL, http://www.kiscl.com Our software has all of the tools of seasoned real estate pros to help you navigate the commercial market. With our program you can analyze your property instantly and know the deal is right!and know the deal is right!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Successful-Commercial-Property-Analysis&id=681774

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How To Find Commercial Properties To Buy

By Patti Porter

So how do you find commercial properties that fit into your investment criteria? It can be challenging and it may take a while but it is definitely worth it.

Before you start your commercial property search, you should know: what type of property, what rate of return (cap rate), and how much money you want to spend.

And before you start looking for properties all across the U.S., I would suggest that you concentrate in your local market until you have enough experience to venture out.

So you have all of those questions answered, so lets take a look at different sources for finding properties.

Commercial Realtors

I would say that your best bet is to find a good commercial realtor to help you in your search. Not only can a good realtor locate the properties but they can also provide assistance with your due diligence (notice I didn’t say “do” your due diligence). Also, the seller of the property will usually have a realtor, so it is in your best interest to have someone representing you. By the way, it is usually the seller that pays the commission, so you won’t have any expenses with the realtor.

If you’ve done your homework and know exactly what you want, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a realtor to work with you. I would interview at least 3 agents to make sure that it is a good match between you. A good realtor will find commercial properties that you have outlined, as far as type and price. On the other hand, don’t waste their time either. They get paid at closing, so don’t have an agent spend a year finding properties for you and you can’t make a decision or if you’re scared to make that leap. Nobody likes to work for free, so be aware of that.

To find a commercial realtor, you can go online to the National Association of Realtors or you can also ask for recommendations from other investors or check out your local newspaper.

So for whatever reason, you’ve decided not to use the services of a realtor, what other ways can you find commercial properties?

Internet

The internet has exploded with different websites to help you find commercial properties. The most popular is loopnet.com. They offer free & paid viewing sources. If you are a serious investor, then pay the monthly fee to get the best properties. Also there is another website, costar.com. This site is geared towards commercial realtors but it offers excellent products.

Of course, there are other real estate forums and user groups where you can find commercial property for sale. The only down side to the internet search, is that it is very limited when you are searching for local properties. For local properties, try craigslist.com.

Networking

An often overlooked method for finding commercial properties is through networking. You can go to your local real estate investment group and post a flyer indicating that you are looking for commercial properties. You can try this also at Chamber of Commerce meetings. Also, join a local group of building owners, apartment owners, and shopping center owners associations.

The above methods will offer you the best opportunity to find commercial properties. However, you can also try the classifieds in your local newspaper or thrifty paper. You can also drive around and look for “For Sale” signs. They might not be the quickest way to find a commercial property but it can’t hurt.

Visit [http://www.all-about-commercial-mortgages.com/find-commercial-properties.html] to learn more about commercial properties and commercial financing. Educate yourself before buying that commercial property!

Patti Porter is a Commercial Mortgage Broker specializing in income producing properties.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patti_Porter
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Find-Commercial-Properties-To-Buy&id=239708

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Expand Your Horizons With Commercial Property Secured Loan

By Tim Kelly

Are you looking for a place to build your business? But scarcity of funds is disrupting your way to buy a property for the promotion of your business. Need not worry. Commercial property secured loan is right at your disposal to help you purchase the desired property for your business.

Commercial property secured loan is the flexible way to get the property you want for a long-term commercial investment. It helps the entrepreneur to construct a new building, acquire an existing property, and much more.

Before applying for commercial property secured loan, it is important for the entrepreneur to choose the right kind of property. A property other than vacant land, a single family residence, a duplex or a triplex which is a five unit apartment building and comes under a commercial complex is considered as a commercial property. A property consisting of a single apartment unit over a storefront is considered as a mixed use property and can be used for commercial purposes.

Commercial property secured loan is usually secured on the property that you purchase with the loan. Other things such as equipments, plants etc can also be placed as collateral. If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender has the authority to seize the property.

Commercial property secured loans can be use to purchase different properties for commercial use. These could be shopping centers, motels, truck stops, office buildings, retail shopping centers, storage buildings etc. The choice of property entirely depends upon the requirements of the entrepreneur.

The borrower can avail finance ranging up to $250,000,00. The amount differs from lender to lender. The repayment period is usually of 25 years which enables the borrower to repay conveniently. The interest rate and monthly installments are generally arranged according to the type of property, location as well as the minimum and maximum loan amount. The financial status and repayment capacity of the entrepreneur is also considered.

Bad credit history can no more cause you troubles. Commercial property secured loan is capable of providing you with enough funds to buy a property for the development of your business. Knowledge of the credit score can help you get the loan at favorable rates.

A number of lenders offering commercial property secured loan have occupied the commercial market. Banks and financial institutions involve lot of documentation work. Dealing with different physical lenders makes you face many hassles.

Therefore, an alternative to these financers is the availability of online lenders. You can access infinite lenders right from the computer sitting anywhere in the world. In order to get the best deal the entrepreneur needs to keep a trace of various lenders. He must have the knowledge of which lender will finance which kind of property. Hunting for the right lender will help you achieve a successful transaction.

Raise you business to new heights with commercial property secured loans. Expand your horizons and become a successful businessperson.

Tim Kelly is an expert in finance having completed his LLM in Finance (Master of Lawsin Finance) from Institute for Law and Finance at Frankfurt University. He is currently working with Commercial Secured Loan as a financial advisor. To Find a Business Commercial Secured loan, Bad credit Commercial loan, Commercial Secured loan visit http://www.commercialsecuredloan.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Kelly
http://EzineArticles.com/?Expand-Your-Horizons-With-Commercial-Property-Secured-Loan&id=198698

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Investing In Commercial Property

By Don Suter

Why commercial property?

Compared to residential property investments, commercial property offers some key advantages:

Long-term secure cashflow — Commercial lets normally have long lease contracts, with periods of 10 years and more not being uncommon. In addition to this, commercial property tenants are less likely to default on payments and even if the tenant goes into liquidation, the liquidator may continue paying the rent in order to stop the lease being forfeited.

Maintenance — Commercial tenants are generally liable for the maintenance and upkeep of the property, contrasting with residential leasing, where the onus tends to be on the landlord.

Income yield — Commercial property tends to deliver a relatively high income yield throughout the rental period. In comparison residential property investors rely on the capital value of the house increasing to generate a good return. This is fine during periods of rising property prices, but less beneficial during property slumps.

Commercial property investments have also performed well in terms of growth and stability, compared to equities and gilts over recent years.

Commercial property for the personal investor

Few personal investors will have sufficient funds to invest directly in a commercial property, however there are opportunities for indirect investment.

For the small investor, only looking to invest a couple of thousand pounds, the choices are limited to a small number of unit trusts and life funds that invest in property or buying shares in property companies, such as British Land and Slough Estates (though these are often more linked to the equities market, rather than property market performance).

Larger investors have a greater range of options available, with a number of products offering a chance to invest in geared property investments through a limited partnership structure. Often these products will require a minimum investment in the region of £25,000 to £50,000, which is invested in a single property.

A few investors will be able to buy a complete property directly, however the cost of the property is likely to be 10 or 20 times the size of a residential buy-to-let, making direct investment prohibitive to most.

Commercial property risks

In line with all investments, commercial property investment comes with its own risks:

Poor liquidity — Compared to equities and bonds, property has poor liquidity, both in the time spent finding a buyer and making the transaction. This can be further emphasised in poor market conditions when the ability to find a buyer offering the right price will become very difficult.

Poor diversification — The more diverse an investment portfolio, the less susceptible it will be to tough market conditions. Investing in a single property can be a risky challenge.

Market performance — The property market is prone to cycles, as yields grow and decline depending on the level of supply and demand for commercial property. Current rental rates could decline in the future.

Sector performance — A decline in the sector that your property services could affect your investment. For example a period of poor sales performance and market withdrawal in the retail sector could lead to the demand for small store, supermarket, department store and warehouse property to decline sharply.

What to look for when buying commercial property

Location — the location of the property is very important and will be a major factor in determining the value of property and rental income. Easy access to transport networks is an obvious plus factor for most tenants, but consideration should also be given to future developments in the area. For example, the development of a new supermarket, might depreciate the value of small shops.

Type of building — The requirements of tenants can change over time, with implications on the type of building they need. For example the move to open plan office space, could make older buildings with their rigid enclosed spaces redundant. Many companies also look for facilities like air conditioning and the ability to connect computer terminals through under floor wiring.

Tenant quality — Properties whose tenants are reliable, present a low credit risk and hold a long-term lease will hold a premium value.

Market factors — Try to identify which sectors and sub-sectors of the market will perform well in the future. The same can be said for geographic regions, which might receive future government or multi-national investment.

Don Suter is Managing Editor of the UK Property Portal (http://www.ukpropertyportal.co.uk), an online directory and magazine for UK property sales, rental, surveyors, mortgages, conveyancing, property insurance, removals, news, investment and development

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Suter
http://EzineArticles.com/?Investing-In-Commercial-Property&id=11021

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Why Invest in Commercial Properties Instead of Single Family Homes?

By Anthony Serugaand Yolly Bishop

While there are many people who seem to believe that investing in residential real estate and single-family homes is the way to go, investing in commercial properties is much better. Instead of focusing your real estate investing on residential properties focusing on commercial properties is a better option for a variety of reasons.

First of all, when it comes to investing in commercial properties, you will not have to worry about personally qualifying for a loan. The property itself qualifies for the loan. You usually will not have to worry about personally guaranteeing the loans when it comes to investing in commercial properties. Non-recourse financing is the type of financing most often used for commercial real estate investing. If your loan is foreclosed on, the bank will take the property, but they can’t come after you personally. Also, it will never affect your personal credit score.

You will also have the opportunity to deal with professional tenants when it comes to investing in commercial properties, instead of dealing with the tenants that come with residential properties, which is a huge benefit.

Another reason to invest in commercial real estate is to maximize your potential for profit on any one deal. You would have to invest in a lot of single-family homes to generate the kind of profit you can make on one commercial real estate investment.

So, with the proper education and training, it can be the right move to break into the field of commercial real estate investing.

How Much Money Will You Need?

Before you start purchasing commercial properties, it is important that you know how much money you are going to need to get started. Even though you will be able to get financing for your properties there are still going to be some fees that you are going to have to pay for on your own. So, how much money should you have available? Well, for the pre-closing and closing costs you are going to have to pay, you should have about 3-5% of the amount of the loan available, as well as 10-20% of the purchase price for the down payment. While you may not need that much money, it is best to plan on this amount just in case.

Where to Get the Money

Once you know how much money you will need, you are probably wondering where you can actually get the money. There are a variety of different places that you can get the money you will need. Commercial mortgage brokers are one choice. There are also some private lenders that may be able to provide you with the money that you need, so be sure to consider all of your options.

Using the Money

When you actually are ready to get the loan for your commercial property you will probably have to explain to your lender what you are going to use the money for. This means that you’ll need to be able to communicate to the lender what you are going to do with the money. There are several things that you may have to do with the money. You may need to use the money to acquire or purchase the property, and in this case, the lender will probably be able to loan you about 80-90% of the money you will need. In some cases you may need to use the money for a refinance of a property and the same amount will probably be available to you for refinancing as well. You may also need to have the money for construction of the property, including renovations, rehabilitations, and building that occurs on the property.

Keeping Yourself Protected

When you decide to invest in commercial properties, it is important that you keep yourself legally protected. Many people sue over a variety of things in today’s world, which means you’ll need to have plenty of protection. Be sure that you never own the properties in your own name, or you could be sued personally. You need to have a LLC or a corporation. This way, any lawsuit would be directed at your company and not at you personally.

A Good Team is Important

If you are going to get involved in commercial real estate investing, it is important that you have a good team to work with you. You should begin to form a good team immediately. You can ask for some recommendations from other people who invest in commercial real estate so that you are sure to get good people for your team. Some of the people that you will need to have on your team include a good commercial mortgage broker, a real estate attorney, a real estate accountant, a good insurance agent, a realtor that specializes in commercial real estate, and a company that works in property management.

Finding the Right Properties

One of the most important things when you are involved in commercial real estate is going to be finding the right properties to invest in. The following are several ways that you can find some great commercial properties to invest in.

- Commercial Realtors – One of the best ways to find good commercial properties to invest in is by using commercial realtors. Good realtors who specialize in commercial real estate can help you find the properties you need and they can also help you do your due diligence as well. If you are going to pick an agent, consider interviewing several agents to make sure that you find one that you can work well with. You can get online and go to the National Association of Realtors to find a good realtor or you can get some recommendations from other commercial real estate investors that you know.

- Internet – Another place that you can look for great commercial properties to invest in is on the Internet. There are a variety of different websites that can help you find the properties you are looking for. You will find both paid and free sites; however, for serious investors, going with the pay sites may be the most beneficial for you.

- Networking – Many investors overlook networking when it comes to finding good properties to invest in. There are a variety of networks and investment groups that can help you find great properties. Try getting involved in Chamber of Commerce meetings or get involved in some associations that will help you find the properties you want.

Consider the benefits; getting a non-recourse loan, dealing with professional tenants and the opportunity for much greater profits on any one deal. When you think about it, it is a smart move to choose investing in commercial real estate rather than investing in single-family homes.

Anthony Seruga and Yolly Bishop of Maverick Real Estate Investments, Inc. work with builders, developers and other players in the commercial real estate industry to acquire and develop properties. They use progressive investment strategies that have proved extremely profitable. In addition to their own deals, they teach both seasoned and inexperienced investors how to be big players in the game. Visit the website for more info.

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Discover the Top 15 Secrets of Successful Commercial Property Ownership!

By C. Hurn

1.) What’s Your Type?

There are many different types of commercial properties that you can purchase including:

• Office

• Retail Space

• Warehouse Facility

• Restaurant

• Commercial Condo

• Strip Mall

The first step is clearly defining what type of property you want to purchase and how you want to use it. The following information will help you maximize your investment dollars to get the best possible deal when purchasing your property.

2. Build Equity With Your Investment

Equity is Money

Building equity is the primary if not the ultimate reason to buy instead of rent a commercial property. Let’s face it. It’s money in the bank. In fact, it’s better than money in the bank because you can’t get the same kind of return on your money when it’s sitting in the bank as opposed to when you’re building equity. Moreover, if you choose the right financing for your commercial real estate purchase, you can not only build equity through ownership, but you can also leverage your capital saving in order to grow your business, hire additional employees, or even purchase an additional location when the time comes.

Owning beats renting because you can sell your investment once you outgrow the space or sell the business. Even if commercial property in your area has not appreciated (which is unlikely), you can recoup your investment by renting out the space once you move out and by selling when the time is right.

If you plan on growing into your building, buy something larger than your current needs, and rent out the extra space until you need it for expansion. This will provide you with steady income that you can use to help pay your mortgage or invest in your business.

3. Calculate Your Savings And Your Potential Profit

Lower Monthly Payments

Consider buying commercial real estate as a savings for your business. Real estate costs are the third largest business expense, behind payroll and taxes. Long loan amortizations mean that your monthly payments could wind up being less than what you would pay for rent, since landlords usually charge more than their monthly loan payment. In other words, owning your own commercial property may actually be more affordable, depending on current market conditions.

Ask your lender to provide you with an analysis of the current market in your area so that you can see which scenario is best for you (renting or buying). The lender should be able to explain your options in detail with examples of monthly rental costs vs. monthly loan payments and the benefits of each.

Analyze the Rent Value

Upon finding a property that peaks your interest, find out the status of the current tenants (if it is a multi-tenant property) in terms of how much rent they are paying. Check the current market to see if the rents are undervalued, meaning below what you can get in the current market. Your realtor or lender should be able to help you figure out how much you could charge for rent and determine how much of a profit you can make each month.

Tax Advantages

There are many tax advantages to becoming an owner of a commercial property. In most cases, you can deduct part of the value of the building at tax time, as well as improvements you’ve made as depreciation, which can save you more money on your taxes. Buying the property under your business or corporation’s name is also a better tax strategy than under your personal name.

4. Do Your Research

The more you can learn about property types and options, mortgages, financing, zoning and remodeling; the better position you’ll be in to make wise decisions concerning the acquisition of a commercial property.

However, you don’t have to know everything. That’s where putting together a powerful team of professionals proficient in their areas of expertise may be your most important step. Building a team of advisors – people you can trust to steer you in the right direction is critical to your success.

Understand Current Market Conditions

Keep your eyes open for news articles pertaining to the commercial real estate market. Is it “hot” right now? Is it a buyers’ or sellers’ market? What kinds of interest rates are available?

The Internet is a great place to start. Conducting a Google search for “commercial real estate market,” for instance, will give you results that include news and resources for national trends, analytics and market research.

In addition, many realtors, lenders and lawyers across the country offer free and timely articles on their websites that shed light on current commercial real estate trends nationwide. Again, make sure you listen to both sides of the story.

Tap Expert Resources

National market research companies can give you specific information about the area where you’re preparing to locate your business. You can also find information on demographics including the median age, household income, breakdown of ethnicities, and more from censuses available from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Also contact commercial lenders or realtors for additional resources. In looking for help, it’s usually better to talk to a lender or realtor with nationwide experience and up-to-date information than a small-time operation that might not have recent data for you. If the lender/realtor hasn’t gotten updated demographics since 1996, you’ve essentially wasted your time. Also, a lender or realtor that specializes in the type of property you’re looking for will be more likely to have the specific information you need, which will save you time in research.

Study the Current Vacancy Rate

Research what the vacancy rate has been over the past few years for the area you’re taking into consideration. If there seem to be high levels of vacancies, try to find why. Is it a bad neighborhood? Talk to store owners in the immediate area and find out how long they’ve been doing business there. Ask if they have any concerns that you as a potential property owner should know about the area.

Research Commercial Realtors

It’s important to research commercial realtors that specialize in the type of space you’re looking for. Grill the realtor you are considering selecting on the entire purchase process so you know what to expect. Ask how long the process usually takes so that there are no surprises. Check their references and their track record (more on finding a Commercial Realtor in #5).

Examine Experienced Commercial Lenders

Choosing a lender and financing program is just as important as choosing the property. Again, find out the entire process of financing, as well as your different options. Don’t assume that just because you’ve had a relationship with your bank for years that using their financing is the best choice.

Banks don’t always offer the lowest rate for commercial loans, and sometimes have a far longer turnaround than non-bank lenders. Some banks require that you transfer your accounts to them in order to qualify for a loan. Be aware of any stipulations when seeking a bank for a commercial loan.

5. Choose the Right Commercial Realtor

As mentioned before, you need qualified partners to help you with the process of buying commercial property. Start with a terrific commercial realtor.

Some commercial realtors work exclusively with individuals interested in investment properties. Others work with owners/users of commercial real estate, and among those some specialize in property management, which can be an added value to you.

Who Do You Know?

Referrals from trusted sources are usually the best way to find a good commercial realtor.

Ask Questions

Set up a meeting with more than one potential commercial realtor. Find out as much as you can about their professional background, education, and experience with your type of property. You can ask for a list of recent transactions to give you an idea of what they deal with on a regular basis, and how many properties they’ve actually sold in the last year or two. And most importantly, ask for client references (testimonials)! Real client feedback is the most effective measure for potential success.

The Right Match

Make sure you choose a realtor that understands your specific needs. If you are a small business, you don’t want to work with a realtor that normally handles multi-million dollar deals. Your project may become less of a priority when that particular realtor gets a bigger commission to worry about.

6. Consider Your Time Frame

If the reason you are looking for commercial property is because your lease is ending, think twice before jumping into a decision you might regret. Finding just the right space, securing financing and going through the process of obtaining a commercial property can take months. If you don’t have that kind of time, you may need to rent month-to-month for now.

Take Your Time

While you may be in a hurry to move into a space, take your time. Buying any kind of property is a major decision, and buying commercial property is even more important for the development and growth of your business. Selecting a property in the wrong area, or a space that doesn’t allow you to grow can hinder your company and even cause it to fail, so plan carefully.

If the realtor or lender gives you an estimate of three months from start to close, plan for longer – just in case. Keep in mind there are many people involved in the process of buying property, from the seller, realtor, lender, appraiser, surveyor, paperwork approvers, secretaries, and more and this process can often take slightly longer.

7. Location, Location, Location

One of the most important factors in considering commercial property is location. If a property is located on a busy corner that is difficult to get to, your business may not do well (in fact, that’s probably why the property is for sale). If you want to operate a dog kennel and the property you’re considering is in a residential area, not only will your business disturb the residents, the zoning laws may prevent you from operating there.

Foot Traffic

For a retail business, look for areas with high foot traffic that will give you the exposure and increased walk-ins you need to be successful.

If you are looking for an industrial or manufacturing facility, then you can stay out of the retail limelight and buy something in a warehouse district. These areas are usually cheaper than retail space.

Easy Access

Make sure your location has easy access from the road. Look to see if the site is at a difficult intersection. Is there construction going on that seems like it won’t be ending any time soon? On the other hand, what’s the potential once the construction is completed?

Check out the Competition

If you want to open a bistro in a neighborhood that has several bistros, you might want to try somewhere else with less competition. However, a healthy population of restaurants usually means a healthy population of customers.

Know Your Customer

Find out the demographics of the area you’re interested in. If you want to move your sports apparel shop to a new location, you’ll probably want an area with a high percentage of youth and active adults. An urban area with a lot of pedestrian traffic might be better for this kind of retail shop than a suburban area in a retirement community.

8. Free Parking

We’ve all spent time driving around and around looking for a parking spot. It can be very frustrating, especially when you’re running late. Whenever possible, you want a location that has ample parking for your visitors.

If you have a retail store, restaurant, or other high-traffic business, estimate how many customers or visitors you’re likely to have at any given time and consider rejecting any properties that have fewer available parking spaces than your estimates. Again, use your best judgment and consult your realtor.

Avoid Headaches

Also pay attention to how your parking is situated. If it’s located just off a major road, it may provide a headache for people trying to back out of the parking space, and may even cause accidents. When visiting the property, see how well you can maneuver the parking. If it’s a hassle for you, it will be doubly so for a potential customer or visitor.

9. Get in the Zone

Before you begin the negotiation process for a commercial property, make sure to investigate the zoning laws, as well as what types of businesses you are able operate there. There are zoning laws about the type of business that can be conducted in certain spaces.

For instance, some spaces do not permit food and beverage to be served, or may have restrictions on how late a business can operate. The typical zoning districts in most cities include: residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use.

Don’t Assume

Zoning can be tricky, so do your due diligence on this topic. Don’t assume that just because the previous tenant of the space had a restaurant that the property you’re looking at is necessarily zoned for food and beverage. Many businesses slide under the radar for months or years while violating zoning laws. Making assumptions can cost you big time and big money when it comes to zoning.

Regulations

Zoning laws can regulate not only the type of business that can operate, but also parking, signs, water and air quality, waste management, noise, appearance of building and more. Find out any and all regulations regarding the property in advance.

Visit your local library or zoning office to get information on all the zoning laws, rules and regulations that apply to the property you’re considering for purchase. Talk to people at the zoning office if you have concerns or questions prior to making the investment. Ask your realtor to double-check your efforts to ensure you’ve covered all your bases.

10. Inspection

Normally, if you are considering buying a home, you have an inspector look at the structure, pipes, electrical system, etc. A commercial property requires even more of a stringent inspection, not only to meet your needs, but also the requirements of the local government.

Before purchasing commercial property, hire professionals to thoroughly examine the electrical system, including the sprinkler and security system, as well as the plumbing, phone, and Internet systems. Since you will have already done your homework on zoning and regulations, you will be aware of the building codes. With the results from your various inspections you can get an estimate of how much work, if any, will need to be invested in order to get the building “up to code.”

A Good Foundation

Hire an architect or engineer to examine the foundation and structure, especially if you have frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes in your area of the country.

Communication

If you are looking at an older building, there may be quite an investment up front to either meet city standards or meet your own standards. Don’t overlook the importance of a high-tech phone and Internet system, especially if you have a lot of employees. If there is not already a T1 or fiber optic network in place, build this cost into your purchase, as it will save you money and headaches in the long term over more traditional (and older) phone and Internet systems.

Make sure to hire an expert to tell you if the changes you need are possible and within your budget. With most commercial real estate loans, you can include these remodeling costs in your financing. Again, make sure to ask.

11. Map Out Your Plan

As a business owner, you understand the importance of carefully planning every move. Buying a property requires no less preparation. Before you begin looking for a building, sit down with your finances and figure out how much of a mortgage you can afford to take on.

Create a Budget

When calculating your budget for buying property, don’t leave out taxes, insurance premiums, and repair and maintenance, as well as costs involved in customizing the space to meet your needs. Failing to create a budget for these often overlooked expenses will quickly put you in the hole with your new property. If you need help creating this budget, ask your realtor or your commercial lender for advice.

Room to Grow

To determine the amount of mortgage you can afford, assess your income and expenses. Your mortgage and property expenses should leave you enough room to operate your business without cutting into your normal expenses.

Sometimes it is necessary to take a cut in profit in order to purchase the kind of space you need to grow. Think of it this way: buying a larger space will allow your company to stretch its wings, which will result in more profits down the road. It’s a risk you sometimes need to be willing to take if you want to grow. Remember, if you buy more space than your company needs immediately, you can acquire tenants who will provide rental income that can significantly offset your monthly mortgage obligation.

Planning Ahead

It’s almost always a good idea to buy slightly more room than you currently need. You can lease out the additional space until you need it. If this is your plan, map out how this will bring in income to help subsidize your mortgage. Remember, however, that you may have periods when some of the space is unoccupied, so don’t rely on the rent coming in to cover your mortgage every time. Make sure you can cover the mortgage on your own.

Have an Exit Strategy

So, how does it all end? Hopefully with big dollar signs. After all, that’s why you’re investing, isn’t it? To eventually cash in on your investment. Therefore, you need to have an exit strategy.

You might choose to hold onto your commercial property through retirement, as real estate is a great asset that can provide you with a steady passive income stream: a lucrative retirement strategy.

12. Before You Sign on the Dotted Line

Having a carefully drafted contract is key in your commercial real estate deal. You are required by law to have a written sales contract, and it is to your advantage to have one with each detail of the transaction documented.

Also, make sure to leave ample time for due diligence and closing, especially if any construction is involved!

Details

Despite the stories of real estate contracts being thicker than phone books, all you really need is a contract that lays out the important elements of your agreements. First, it needs to describe the property and the purchase price, as well as whether the price is due at closing or in installments.

Equipment, etc.

The contract should include any equipment, machinery, or personal property that is included in the purchase price. It should list any contingencies that must be met prior to completing the purchase. A common example of a contingency is whether you are able to obtain a loan to finance the purchase.

Don’t Forget…

The contract should cover how the property taxes and utility bills will be pro-rated between you and the seller, as well as what type of title insurance you must provide. The date for closing and delivery of possession should be in the document, as well as what legal recourse either the buyer or seller has in the event that the other party defaults on the agreement.

And Always…

Once the contract has been drafted, have a lawyer review it prior to signing it. A lawyer may be able to help you negotiate a better deal than what is originally presented.

Unfortunately, not all property sellers are honest, and some will try to hide their true purpose in technical legalese within a contract. Having a trusted lawyer and commercial realtor review your contract will keep you safe in your transaction.

13. Choose a Lender with Care

There are many types of lenders available to assist you with your commercial real estate financing. But keep in mind: not all are created equal. Do your homework in finding a lender that meets your specific needs.

It’s important to find a firm that can give you broad access to capital, understand your priorities, offer you the best deal on your loan and complete the process in a timely manner.

Types of Lenders

There are three basic categories of lenders: direct lenders, indirect lenders and hybrid lenders. Direct lenders lend their own funds. Some examples of direct lenders include commercial real estate lending institutions, banks, and private lenders. Indirect lenders place funds on behalf of others, and include mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers, as well as financial intermediaries. Hybrid lenders both lend their own funds and lend on behalf of others, and include certain investment banks, investment advisors and credit companies.

Banks usually generalize in services, and offer a wide array of products. While this may sound good, think about it for a moment. Would you rather have a lender that knows a little about many financing options, or a lot about three or four products designed specifically for you?

Lending institutions are more specific in nature, and are experts in the products they offer. Banks are more traditional in their financing products, while lending institutions are more entrepreneurial and creative.

Banks often require that you move all of your financial relationships under their umbrella, including deposits, LOCs, etc., while non-bank lenders only work with your real estate loan.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a great resource for small companies looking to expand their business or purchase real estate for commercial use. The SBA offers tools that can help you plan your next move, as well as loan programs for a variety of business purposes. The SBA itself does not offer loans, but works through banks and non-bank lenders to provide small businesses with loan programs that meet their needs.

Get Started Early

It is important to choose your lender early in the process so that you can maximize leverage and get a lower cost of funds. Your lender will ask for certain forms in order to determine your eligibility for financing, as well as to figure out what kind of deal you can negotiate.

You will need to provide your income and expense statement, balance sheet and personal financial statements from all prospective owners of the property. If you don’t have them written already, you will need to create profiles of the management team, including information on education and employment background, as well as experience relevant to your business. Other documents needed include a property appraisal, contract of sale, and plans for the use of the property. Providing these documents early can help streamline the process. Again, your realtor and lender will help you through the process.

14. Know Your Financing Options

While you are in the “shopping” phase of looking for a commercial property to purchase, you should begin to research your financing options. There are many kinds of commercial financing options available, so it is important that you find the one that best suits your needs. It’s also very important to know how much you’re qualified to borrow. This will help you and your real estate broker find the right type of property for you faster.

No matter what type of loan you wind up getting, negotiating the loan will be based on the same basic factors: anticipated use of the property, expected returns from the property or business conducted there, geography, type and size of real estate, perceived risk to lender and market conditions. There is no one rate applicable to all commercial financing. The rate you receive will be based on your specific situation.

If interest rates are low, securing a low fixed rate will mean you pay less interest over the entire mortgage. A variable rate, which is considered by some to be more risky, can give you a lower payment for a period (before it increases), which will let you use the money saved for other investments.

In weighing your financing choices, remember that some debt is good. Don’t assume you should take the loan with the highest down payment requirement so you can “pay off your debt faster”. Putting down more money means you have less to invest in your business.

Term Loans

Based on how much money you need to borrow, there are different financing options available. One option is a term loan. Term loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including financing permanent working capital, new equipment, refinancing, expansion, acquisitions and, of course, buildings.

There are loans specifically designed for commercial real estate or equipment. Banks typically lend up to 80% of the value of the real estate to be financed, and the loans must be repaid in 15 to 20 years. If you are able to come up with the remaining 20% on the cost of the property (and don’t have anywhere better to invest the money), this is an option to consider.

Up Up and Away

Beware of balloon payments. While paying a very low monthly amount at the start sounds great, you often end up spending additional money to refinance your commercial mortgage as lenders reset interest rates or reexamine you and your business over the life of the loan.

Credit Line

If you want a more flexible loan, you may have the option of a credit line that can provide you with cash on an as-needed basis, up to a cap amount. Credit lines almost always have a variable rate, and have interest-only payments for the first one to three years.

Equity Financing/Joint Ventures

Equity financing involves joint ventures with investors that have the capital you need. Usually, the investor will receive a percentage of your business’ profit in exchange for the capital you need to purchase the building or stock in the company if it is public.

Some investors will take a back seat to your executive decisions, while others will want a say in the operation of your company. Joint ventures are not for everyone, so keep in mind all of these factors when considering one.

The SBA 7(a) Loan Program

The SBA has a variety of financing products that are ideal for small businesses. The most commonly used SBA loan is the 7(a) Loan Program. The loan is provided through banks or non-bank lending institutions.

In order to be eligible for a 7(a) loan, your business must be for profit, and you cannot purchase real estate for investment purposes. There are many other guidelines to qualify for a 7(a) loan. The maximum amount a business can borrow from a 7(a) loan is $2 million. Furthermore, all SBA 7(a) loans have prime-based floating interest rates. This type of interest rate structure can leave you vulnerable to monthly/quarterly interest rate swings that can have a significant impact on your monthly mortgage payment.

Now you can see why it is so important to find a commercial lender who can help you digest all of this information and take the time to explain your options.

15. The Best Kept Financing Secret

One of the main reasons small businesses choose to rent instead of purchase their own commercial real estate property is the perception that they can’t afford the down payment. Many of them are not aware that SBA-guaranteed loans are available to qualifying applicants and can provide up to 90 percent loan to cost financing.

In fact, the 504 loan program was designed to assist small businesses in building or purchasing properties while spurring business growth in the local economy.

Only 10% Down

While in some parts of the country, use of the 504 loan program is widespread, there are other areas, such as those east of the Rocky Mountains, where this program isn’t getting the attention it deserves. If you are unable to put down much of the loan cost, the 504 is worth looking at: it only requires 10% – and there are no closing costs in addition to the 10% down! (Please note that there are certain basic criteria you will need to have to qualify for the 10% down program. A good lender work with you to do his or her best to help you qualify for this benefit.)

The other 90% of the financing comes from two places: up to 50% of the total cost (land, building, renovations, and soft costs) is paid for by a senior lien from a private-sector lender, and up to 40% comes from a junior lien from a Certified Development Company (this portion is backed by a 100 percent SBA-guaranteed debenture).

Smaller Payments

Since most banks and loan programs require a minimum of 20-30% of the property cost, and do not fold in soft costs and closing fees, 504 loans are a great way to get the best of everything: by paying only 10% down, you retain more capital and are able to make smaller payments over the life of your mortgage.

Because you have two separate loans with the 504, you end up getting a blended rate that is below market. The first loan is either fixed or variable, and is at or slightly higher than conventional financing rates. The second mortgage (the 40% loan) is considerably lower than market interest rates, and is fixed for the life of the loan. Having a lower interest rate lets your company retain more capital.

504 loans can close in 30 days or less, saving you time, and helping you get into your new property sooner. Another advantage is that there are usually fewer “hoops” to jump through to get approved, as long as you are dealing with a lender who specializes in this type of loan as opposed to one who might process one or two a year. The specialist knows this loan inside and out and can streamline the process, as well as make sure you are receiving all the benefits.

For more information visit http://www.thesmartchoiceloan.com

Chris Hurn is President, CEO and Cofounder of Mercantile Capital Corporation (MCC), a specialized, nationwide commercial mortgage lender based in Central Florida that provides 90% loan-to-cost financing with up to 25-year, fully amortizing terms and long-term, below-market, fixed interest rates.

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