Real Estate Information Center

In the recent past, nearly 70% of all commercial appraisals were ordered by the banks that were going to fund the project. Now that banks are absent from the performing funding space, many developers are left with the responsibility of ordering an appraisal. Unfortunately, many of the appraisals they order and submit are simply unacceptable to 90% of our funding sources.

As a rule of thumb, if you don’t have an appraisal, don’t order one. Let the funder that has an interest in your project suggest one that you use. Otherwise, if you want to order your own appraisal, there are few bits of advice to follow:

1) Ask your mortgage broker who they use and have had success with. Be prepared to spend more than what the local guy quoted you. Your mortgage broker is always going to choose an appraiser he or she has had success with and gotten deals funded with, which is your primary objective.

Continue reading ‘The Facts About Commercial Real Estate Appraisals and How to Save Money’ »

I already feel your skepticism. Buy commercial real estate? This year? Doesn’t this guy know that vacancy rates are skyrocketing, unemployment is on the rise and market sentiment is that commercial real estate will be “the next shoe to drop”?

Actually, I do, and I want to be very precise with my strong buy recommendation. This article is specifically for business owners who are currently leasing space and who also intend to be in business for at least the next 10 years. If that’s you, the remainder of 2009 may present the best buying opportunity you will see in your lifetime. Consider the following:

1) You Need a Place to Operate Your Business

This may seem obvious, but unless you’ve set up shop in your home, every business needs space to operate. You’ve already decided to be in business, now you must choose to either rent or own your space.

Continue reading ‘Commercial Real Estate – 7 Compelling Reasons Business Owners Should Buy Commercial Property in 2009’ »

If you are considering leaping into the world of commercial real estate investment, be prepared to make some difficult decisions and spend time conducting lengthy research. Commercial real estate can be a tough business to get started in; however, it can reap great rewards for those who are savvy (or sometimes just lucky). If you are ready to venture into this new investment world, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Commercial real estate will not make you a quick dollar.

Most properties require a long-term investment before you will begin to see any profit at all. Many people are fooled by residential real estate television programs where sellers renovate a home in a few months and sell it for a massive profit. Commercial real estate works in a completely different way. If you’ve seen past success in the residential domain, proceed with caution before plunging into commercial real estate.

Continue reading ‘Commercial Real Estate – Tips For Investment’ »