Commercial real estate can be a tempting potential revenue source for property investors. Smart investors stay aware of the fact that commercial real estate is a different game from ordinary residential real estate, though. This article presents some of the specialized concerns real estate investors should keep in mind when they decide to enter the commercial market.
One important tip to remember when investing in commercial real estate is that you need patience. This is important to remember because just about every step along the way will take longer than purchasing or remodeling a home. This is due to stricter codes as well as much more intricate contracts and policies. With patience, your investment will pay off.
On the real estate market both buyers and sellers are well advised to remain open until a potential deal is well and truly sealed. It is tempting to commit to a particular offer or home when the sale process is just starting. There is a great distance between an interest expressed and money changing hands; homeowners who commit themselves to a deal too early risk getting taken advantage of.
Hire a professional to rent out your income properties. Saving money can be tempting when it comes to doing it yourself, but the time involved and the pitfalls of making a mistake with a renter are not worth it. Your time is valuable. Let a property manager take care of your investment for you.
Ask the rental agent if outside BBQing is allowed or not. If you enjoy summer BBQs, make sure the apartment complex you choose either has outside BBQs installed or they allow you to use your own. The lack of these facilities can completely ruin your summer party, as you can’t provide the food you want to.
To find the right commercial property, make sure you choose an optimal location. Choosing the right location could be the best way to ensure that those you wish to be your customers are able to see you clearly, access you easily, and find you even when they aren’t looking for you.
If you are considering investing in real estate, you should buy as many units as possible. You are going to need some kind of financing anyway, so why not borrow as much as possible? You will get more money from your investment, and when you buy many units together, the price of a single unit goes down.
Buying a commercial property is a process that takes much longer than purchasing a single family home. It is going to take more time to prepare the property so keep that in mind. Do not try to rush and do things too fast because you may end up making bad decisions as a result.
When you are ready to make the leap from residential to commercial real estate investing, think outside the box. Many people limit their scope to apartments and modular home parks because of their familiarity with the world of residential real estate. Keep in mind that there are a host of options in commercial real estate beyond residential housing, including commercial office buildings, retail establishments, warehouses, vacant land and industrial parks. Learn more about these options to see if they hold the key to your investment success.
When you have to decide between two commercial properties, think on a bigger scale. Acquiring enough money to finance a 10 or 20 unit apartment complex can be huge undertaking. You may have a better price, figured per unit, on the larger apartment complex than on the smaller one.
There is a learning curve that you have to face when you start investing in commercial properties. They are far more expensive than residential properties, and there is a lot to learn. It can take a considerable amount of time to make offers and screen deals.
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.
Networking is a great tool when you are getting into commercial real estate. Networking allows you to make contact with others who can help you. In return you might be able to help them as well. It is a win-win for everyone, and will help make real estate more profitable for you.
When considering the purchase of commercial real estate, it is important to understand that you may incur upfront costs that are significantly higher than those in normal residential transactions. You will still need to have the property you are considering appraised and assessed by property inspectors, engineers, and other appropriate tradespeople as you determine its worthiness. These inspections can cost upwards of several thousand dollars and may end up yielding information that will lead you to the decision that the property is not a viable investment after all. While this is valuable information you want to know before finalizing your contract, it is important to understand that these “sunk” costs can occur.
Your lease shouldn’t limit space improvements too strictly. If there is a clause limiting alterations, make sure there is room for smaller modifications. Ask for a reasonable consideration here; for example the right to make modifications that cost less than $2,500 or non-structural improvements without the consent of the landlord.
Consider using a new company for your commercial insurance needs. Automobile and homeowners insurance companies will not necessarily be able to provide you with the most competitive price on your policy; some do not even offer commercial insurance. Go outside of your comfort zone and find the best value for your money.
Investing in commercial real estate is more complex than residential home trading, for a very good reason: The potential profits are much greater. The traders who realize these profits are the ones who do their homework. A well-prepared, well-educated commercial real estate investor is less likely to fall prey to the common pitfalls and more likely to get the most out of his or her money.
