Buying commercial property can be majorly rewarding for you or it can cause you a major headache. This kind of real estate buying is not rocket science, but it does require some knowledge so that you don’t end up losing money. This list of tips should put you “in the know” on how to be a smarter buyer.
In commercial real estate, go ahead and go big. If you are already going to have to go through commercial financing to work a deal, then why not look at bigger properties? The cost per unit decreases the larger the property and management of a bigger property does not require an exponential effort to the number of units. The management of a a few units is virtually the same as managing a complex.
When you are in the market to buy some property make sure that you get in touch with a commercial property broker. Since they will do most of the work and they have a deeper knowledge of the market, they will end up saving you a lot of money and time.
One tip to being a good landlord is to make sure you check the references of anyone you would like as a tenant. Sometimes people can put on a good show and seem like they would be good tenants when in reality they would create a lot of problems for you. Better to be safe than sorry.
Obtain and study information about the number and types of businesses surrounding each commercial property that you are considering, based upon the underlying type of business that will likely occupy the property. A deli or restaurant space might not be your best option if there are dozens of established eateries within a five-mile radius.
Put an advertisement in your local paper. These tend to be fairly inexpensive, but are also seen by many prospective clients, buyers, and sellers throughout your local area. Remember, many people (especially older people) do not use the Internet. Use this ad to your advantage by letting people know as many details about the property as you can, and give them an easy way to contact you.
Make sure that before you engage in the purchase of real estate, to meet with the architect for your company. An architect will give you a better idea of the blueprint for the buildings and structures that you will need to build on the new piece of real estate that you wish to purchase. This will help to facilitate your overall decision.
Take your time screening deals and making offers, especially in the beginning. Beginners often want to rush through the process of purchasing their first investment property. But doing so can lead to big mistakes, on both the buying and selling end. Take your time and understand that there is a learning curve. The longer you’re in this business the quicker the process will become.
Be prepared, as you will sometimes, lose due diligence money. Due diligence funds are those used to pay for inspections, appraisals, and other tests. There are times when you will spend this money only to discover you don’t want the property. Consider this part of your business investment and realize that it’s always smarter to walk away from a bad property, even if you have already invested due diligence money into it.
As you can see, there is a lot more to buying commercial real estate than most people think. It requires research and common sense, but it will be worth it, in the end, to get the commercial property you want. By following the above tips, you are well on your way to buying your perfect commercial real estate.