Is investing in Commercial Real Estate right for you?

Whether you are highly experienced in the realm of residential properties or you are new to real estate investing altogether, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind when dealing with buying and owning commercial real estate properties.

Net leased Jiffy Lube

Net leased Jiffy Lube

The first, and arguably most important, factor to consider is the property’s earning potential. A wise commercial investment can yield a far greater return than even multiple residential properties. The keyword here to note is “wise.” You’ll find that there are more complex details upfront, so it is important to make sure you do thorough research.

During your research you’ll find that calculating the valuation of a potential commercial property can be a bit more complicated than residential. You should become familiar with your market cap rate values and understand that this is a factor you can influence within your property. So it is something you can make work to your benefit. This is in contrast to residential properties, which often fluctuate in price. If you’re a homeowner you probably understand the emotional component at play here. Residential valuation tends to be much more subjective.

Some other vitally important differences in the two markets are the leasing structure and symbiotic business relationship at play in commercial real estate. Again, this can be a bit more complex on the commercial side, but it is something that can be an asset in the right hands. For instance, one way to increase the value of your property is to find tenants that are low-risk, long-term, and a good fit for your commercial building. There is more flexibility in the leasing terms for commercial property.

In this context the symbiotic business relationship means that both the property owner and tenant have a vested interest in the financial success of the property. As any residential property owner can tell you, this is not often the case with rental properties. The commercial property owner usually only pays for the mortgage of the building while the tenants maintain the integrity of their leased space. These are major contributing factors as to why there tends to be a great deal more stability within the world of commercial property.

Retail Strip Center For Sale

Retail Strip Center For Sale

Another desirable attribute of commercial property is that most businesses close at night and have fewer after-hours emergencies. This is another way in which it is a stark contrast to the unpredictable issues arising at a place of residence. Many commercial property owners even outsource their maintenance or other managerial aspects of running their building to a property management company. If you’re too busy to dedicate the time to run a commercial property it might be wise to look into this option. In this way you can further simplify your investment with peace of mind.

As you can see, doing your homework on the front end could ultimately result in some major financial gains for you as an investor. Commercial real estate is certainly not for everyone, but if you are willing to put in the time and effort to make a sound investment there is a lot of money to be realized, on both rental income and property appreciation.

 

 

Regioncy Banner LogoBased in Yucaipa, CA, Regioncy Real Estate provides commercial and residential property owners with advisory and management services. Regioncy focuses on multi family, retail, office, industrial, asset management and a broad menu of residential services. Our mission is to help our clients build, grow and preserve long term wealth by providing superior advice, strong representation, professional market knowledge and expert analysis.  Contact us here.

Hire a property manager for my apartment building?

If you are the owner of an apartment building you might be considering whether or not it is worth it to have a property management company step in to manage the day-to-day functions of your apartment building. Here are some of the important factors that might influence this decision and help make it easier to determine if it is the right path for you:

Experience

If this is the first apartment building you have invested in it would be to your benefit to learn from the expertise of a property management company. Even if only in the beginning, they can help get you started. This company will assist you with navigating the common pitfalls and unforeseen problems which might arise in running the daily operations. They handle the paperwork and guide you in the process of running a multiple unit building.

If you are well-versed in managing a property with multiple units it might not be as necessary to hire a property management company. Although you might have experience in this area, it is wise to consider investing in a property management team in the short-term as they can help you establish a routine with your new property, as well as a clear direction for the future.

Time versus Size

Garden Style Apartment Building

Recently Remodeled Garden Style Apartment Building

Depending on the size of your apartment building and the amount of time you have to dedicate to this task, a property management company could very well be what you need to be successful. Consider that issues with units or tenants often arise with little to no warning at all hours. The larger your building the less you are able to do on your own. Factor in the other commitments in your life: other investment properties or jobs, family, friends, hobbies, emergencies. Be realistic with your assessment of the amount of time you have to put into completing these tasks.

If you have a smaller building that you are focused on running yourself you might want to skip the property management company. Again, this is particularly true if you have experience running a building with multiple units. It can be a daunting task, so really take the time to weigh whether you are ready to take on all the responsibility.

However, if this is one of many investments and you are already on a tight schedule as it is, bringing a property management company on board will probably be your best bet. Otherwise you will likely find yourself with too many fires to put out. The result will be many unhappy tenants. In this day and age of online reviews, it is imperative to do your best to create happy tenants.

Age and Condition

Another important consideration is the age of the property, as well as its current condition. For newer buildings there is rarely much maintenance involved. Many of the appliances are still under warranty and other repairs are often minor and infrequent.

However, even with a newer building its condition is an important component to consider. A poorly maintained yet fairly new building can become just as costly as an older apartment. In either of these instances a property management company will be your best bet. As any apartment building owner will tell, maintaining the frequent needs of an older building can be a full-time job in itself.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

In the end it is ultimately a decision of how hands on you wish to be with your investment property. It is crucial that you take all of these factors into consideration before deciding if a property management company is right for you. If you need additional information or would like a free market analysis of your building please contact Regioncy Real Estate by clicking here.

About Regioncy Real Estate

Regioncy Banner Logo

Based in Southern California, Regioncy Real Estate is a full service commercial real estate services firm serving investors, landlords and tenants nationwide.   Regioncy focuses on multi family, office, retail, industrial and residential developments.   Core capabilities of Regioncy include real estate management, analysis, representation, acquisition and disposition.

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