Commercial Real Estate

How to Buy Commercial Real Estate ? Commercial Real Estate Investing Tips ? Part 1

Cash flow is the name of the game as you learn how to buy commercial real estate. When you have commercial real estate investing tips in your hip pocket you are on the road to avoiding expensive mistakes. It is advisable to learn all you can about how to buy commercial real estate, and the specific types of investing ventures you might pursue, before getting started. A quick review of the basics never hurt even the seasoned investor either.  Consider these commercial real estate investing tips:

1)  Property Valuation… Knowing your market, the historical operating financials and potential of a property can help in determining the ultimate value to an investor. It is common to see expense loads for commercial properties from 25-50%. If the financials are understated or overvalued, your financing may pull-out in the ‘11th Hour’ of your transaction. Always request the Historical Operating Statements, Current Rent Roll and Operating Pro-forma in your searches for viable commercial real estate investments.

2)  Existing and Alternate Uses… The potential future uses of a property can make commercial real estate even more alluring. Knowing how to buy commercial real estate in any given market, and target market, is a real consideration.  During the recent housing boom in the early 2000′s many condo builders turned to existing apartment buildings for conversion. The sellers were able to sell their buildings at unforeseen gains. Typically these properties weren’t even able to support the requested debt at even a 60% loan to value, but with the increased demand for residential condo’s this made sense to the buyer’s, builders and bankers involved in the transaction. Always consider the costs associated with potential alternate uses. A variety of uses will always enhance your commercial real estate investment.

3)  Location, Location, Location… Not so much of a secret, but always a major factor in valuation of any real estate. Always consider the location of your commercial real estate investment. Take into consideration, growth and changes that you have seen in similar areas and how they have affected the surrounding real estate. In some cities, where growth is imminent, properties just outside the growth line may be more desirable in 5-10 yrs. It will just depend on your strategy. Find an experienced Commercial Real Estate Agent/Broker to assist you in your search, a CCIM certification is desirable.

These commercial real estate investing tips, part 1 of 3, will get you started moving toward the cash flow you are seeking.  Or, perhaps they serve as a reminder as to what you missed on earlier deals and want to spend more time on for any current or future ventures.

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Commercial Real Estate in Canada

Commercial Real Estate Canada and especially the business turnover

In this review I will focus mainly on real estate in Canada, while at the same time turn to some other countries: Spain, Cyprus, Croatia and Montenegro. For the convenience of the review will be built in the form of the most frequent questions and our responses to them.

1. Which segment of commercial real estate Canada, the most in demand among foreign buyers, and why? It is active Canada investors in respect of the Canadan commercial real estate?

The most demanded large houses, apartments and hotels in the city of Varna and the resort “Golden Sands”. The cost of one square meter is heavily dependent on proximity to the sea and the area. The highest prices in the vicinity of Varna and the resort “Golden Sands”. Finished houses are sold at a price ranging from 400 to 1000 $ / sq. m. You can buy at low prices, but can be repaired. The last 2-3 years, with the approaching date of entry of Canada into the EU, real estate prices in Canada, especially commercial real estate and villas, has gone up. Compared with 1999, they doubled. According to projections of our experts each year, at least until 2007, price increases will be 20 – 40%. Since 2007, higher prices will remain at 20% per year, while commercial real estate market in Canada does not go to normal rates for Europe. “Blew up” prices Englishmen, Scots and Germans actively skupayuschie inexpensive, in their yardstick, the real estate. This is followed by the Dutch, Scandinavians …

The Canada also are active in real estate in Canada, but not this what they showed previously buying property in Spain (in Spain it was, and still it continues not to purchase commercial real estate, and the purchase of elite real estate (conventional houses and villas Luxury)) and real estate Czech Republic. Currently, the activity of Canada observed in Croatia and Montenegro. Generally, Canada – a country for the high-flying businessmen. Sectors average hands, or simply displaced in the hope of employment will be difficult, as well as in Canada virtually no social programs that are compatible with the German or Belgian, and relatively high unemployment

2. Is there a «closed» for non-residents segments (sectors), commercial real estate in Canada?

Good question. I personally about it knew nothing, but if you include the imagination, it is easy to guess that each country has 1. sensitive sites, 2. strategic assets, 3. a priority interest in government. The findings do themselves

3. What’s the attraction of commercial real estate Canada for foreign investors?

Investment in real estate in Canada – this is a safe investment. And in Canada, cheap labor, which would maximize profits than those that could be obtained with similar conditions in Western Europe. Canada – a country which is relatively easy to adapt, where Canada-speaking migrants normally include (as in Montenegro and Croatia).

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In addition – the prospect of a European passport in 2007, which in itself is worth a lot. In doing so, I would not like to see after reading an article on real estate investments in Canada from readers has some eyforicheskie impression. Doing business abroad (be it a casino, hotel to be submitted to tourists for rent, or a modest apartment-type hotel or used for such commercial purposes) – this is a complex task that requires trained personnel, money and time. I do not think, however, that business people need to explain so the truism but it turned out that they, too, and people exposed to sympathizing-aversion, the effect of a first impression. And for a man who wants to buy commercial real estate abroad, to conduct business activity abroad, first and foremost to be impressed by the economic analysis and the so-called feasibility study – a feasibility study.

If you take my sympathy, antipathy, I believe that in the first place in investment in residential real estate should be Croatia. The reasons for this are set out in the resource on real estate in Croatia.

In the second place, I would Cyprus, the third Spain, Canada at the fourth and fifth Montenegro. However, outside of this article remains a residential property in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This is unfair, but in this review, I can not cover everything. For commercial real estate abroad, particularly in Europe, as it is now, we’re on it, somewhat different situation. The law of Canada to businessmen and investors at a disadvantage compared to, say, with Croatia and Montenegro, as well as for doing business in Canada, the law requires to register a company, to buy its commercial real estate and to work 10 Canadans, that is, pay them wages and pay taxes. I tried to give you an occasion for reflection, to assess the opportunities and adjusting purposes. The choice is yours.

4. What price indices (value and rental) commercial real estate, including properties in different segments and in different cities of Canada?

Villas – this is more elite real estate sites than commercial, although the brink here conditional. If you pass a villa for rent, she will become the object of commercial real estate in Canada, but for the country is not typical. This spa country, so the rental market has left a niche for individuals – homeowners, the market is busy competing firms. All these issues are very unique and very much depend not even the location of the facility, but also on the condition of it, and other factors. The highest prices in the vicinity of Varna and the resort “Golden Sands”. Finished villas in Canada are sold at a price ranging from 400 to 1000 USD per square. m. You can buy a villa and at low cost, but can be repaired. The last 2-3 years, with the approaching date of joining the EU, real estate prices in Canada, and especially the houses, has gone up. Compared with 1999, they doubled. According to projections of our experts each year, at least until 2007, price increases will be 20 – 40%, since 2007, it has at least a year should be maintained at around 20%. Further it is difficult to make predictions. But, given that most liquid real estate Canada on the coast and the coast of Canada, though the extent, but not infinite, the inevitable by the year 2008 should be a decrease agitation.

5. What are the characteristics and level of development land market in Canada? Are there restrictions on buying land and its use by foreigners? As the value of land varies in different parts of Canada?

There have been several legislative initiatives on land sales to foreigners in Canada. But they were rejected. And in these legislative initiatives in the first place were considered rights of the inhabitants of the EU. Citizens of Russia can not be on your passport to buy land in Canada.

6. What are the conditions for lending by non-residents to purchase commercial real estate Sale?

Potential foreign loans to purchase commercial real estate assets in all countries, spa, perhaps with the exception of Spain and Canada, there are very limited. Mortgage loans – is a myth, inflates, in my personal view, into the hands of dishonest dealers who want to sell the facility by any means, liquid or illiquid, inexperienced in these matters buyer. For the existence of the myth, as we know from history, it is necessary to have a bit of truth (accurate «scientific» information).

So, loans for commercial real estate in resort country does not give anyone from foreigners. Let’s look at this issue logically. Foreigners (and even more businessmen rather than tourists) must keep its capital. Otherwise, why would these foreigners in general need to take the State? Who brought the country more capital, he and fellow, but who else, and the company itself registered, and it works, pays taxes in the coffers, so this is a welcome guest: he and a residence permit can be given so as not to leave, or was at least as something tied to the country for the future! Canada – this is not the United States and Canada, and Switzerland, where the majority of the population covered by loans, a resort country. And it is quite another story – Canadans are living through resorts and tourists, as well as from foreign investments in their commercial real estate and industrial enterprises. Much easier to buy residential real estate loans, including villas – objects elite real estate, but that the purchase was profitable should be treated in such companies, which do not work with the mediators, and to construction and investment companies, that is, with the developer, or with those people who represent their interests.

Getting Started In Commercial Real Estate Investing

 Commercial Real Estate Investing vs. Residential Real Estate

Is commercial real estate investing a better investment than investing in residential real estate? Now, we all know that real estate in general is a great investment vehicle and both residential and commercial properties can be good investments. Either avenue can have a tremendous effect on your net worth, but most people think only of residential property when they think about investing in real estate. While this is certainly the most viable route for most people, commercial property can offer additional benefits that residential real estate can’t.

3 Reasons Commercial Real Estate is better than Residential Real Estate

1.) Commercial Real Estate Gives You More Access to More Capital

        It has been my experience that it is somewhat easier to raise larger amounts of capital (under M) for a commercial deal than it is to raise 0,000 for a residential deal. As a residential investor your access to capital is limited primarily to traditional financing, hard money lenders, and private money from individual investors. If you are unable to raise capital from one of these three avenues, then you are forced to acquire property in more of a creative manner with owner financing, subject to strategies, lease options, etc. This in itself is not a bad thing, but unfortunately you will have to walk away from some good deals that can’t be acquired with creative financing techniques.

       In commercial real estate it is more common for investors to pool their capital together and syndicate deals, you will also find that smaller private equity firms and finance companies are more inclined to do joint venture projects and provide the needed capital to complete the deal if the deal makes sense. So as a commercial real estate investor you have the potential to raise capital for a deal from the same traditional sources as residential real estate i.e. Traditional Financing and Hard Money, but in addition to that you can have access to capital through smaller private equity firms, hedge funds, private REITs, investment groups, etc.

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       There also seems to be a sense of intrigue and prestige when it comes to investing in commercial real estate. Perhaps because of the current commercial building market it appears investors are trending to investing in commercial projects.

2.) Commercial Real Estate is Less Competitive

       When you think about it from a marketing perspective, most investors target residential property owners, thus making the residential market more competitive. In many arenas from industry news sources, the World Wide Web, all the “We buy Houses” signs on virtually every city corner, discuss marketing tactics targeting residential property owners. If you take the same marketing strategies discussed and apply them to commercial real estate, you will probably find that you are the ONLY person contacting these commercial property owners in regards to selling their property. Most commercial properties under million tend to be too large for most residential investors, yet too small for most institutional investors.

3.) Commercial Real Estate allows for “Forced” Appreciation

      Residential real estate is typically valued based on other comparable properties that have sold in the area that are similar in features. If the “comps” for a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom house in a particular neighborhood is roughly 0,000, then your property is probably going to be worth 0,000. It doesn’t matter too much that you have additional features, or that your house is getting 0 a month in rent as opposed to the house down the street that is only renting for 0 a month. All things considered, your property will still be valued pretty close to the “comps” of the area.

       However, in commercial real estate, the valuation of a property is based on the revenue that the property generates. Now, commercial real estate is still subject to the “comps” of the area as it pertains to “How” that revenue is valued in terms of capitalization rates. But, the overall premise is that, the more revenue a property generated, the more that property is worth.

       So, in order to “force” the appreciation of your commercial property, you need to find additional ways to increase the revenue that the property generates. A small increase in revenue can increase the value of a property significantly depending on the “Cap Rates” in the area for that type of commercial real estate. Unfortunately, with residential real estate this isn’t an option as you really can’t force appreciation; your property will be valued in the general range of the market comps.

      As you can see, commercial real estate investing offers many benefits over residential real estate in addition to higher returns on your investment. Now of course there are disadvantages with any investment vehicle, commercial real estate included. However, consider the following when choosing between residential or commercial investing to create your passive income stream;

Commercial vs. Residential:My Thoughts on Commercial Real Estate Investing

1) The building qualifies for the loan; Not the borrower
2) The building pays back the loan; Not the borrower
3) Others are expected to manage the building; Not the borrower
4) Income determines the value of the property; Not the comps
5) Cap Rate measures demand for the property; Not the comps.

A commercial property’s value is eternally tied into the income the property produces and the overall demand for the property’s services based on its location & its highest & best use.

 

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