Commercial Real Estate 101
Title: Exploring the Diverse World of Commercial Real Estate Properties 101
Once upon a time in the bustling world of real estate, there existed a fascinating array of properties that offered unique opportunities and experiences. These properties fell into various categories, each with its own distinct characteristics and stories to tell.
Let’s embark on a journey through these types of Commercial Real Estate (CRE) properties:
1. The Office Enclaves: Imagine a world of towering skyscrapers reaching towards the sky, small professional office buildings nestled in urban corners, and single-tenant properties that serve as business havens. From the grandeur of downtown high-rises to the intimacy of local offices, this category encompassed the entire spectrum of workspace possibilities.
2. The Industrial Labyrinths: In another part of the real estate realm, industrial spaces thrived. These spaces ranged from the flexible “Flex” or “R&D” properties to colossal office service or warehouse spaces known as “big box” properties. What set industrial spaces apart was their Clear Height – the height to the bottom of steel girders within the building. Smaller spaces boasted heights of 14 to 16 feet, while the larger ones soared to 40 feet and beyond. The type and number of docks a property had also played a vital role, ranging from Grade Level docks to semi-dock and full-dock options. Some even had Rail Spurs for train cars to load and unload, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
3. The Retail Wonderland: Along the highways and city streets, a vibrant world of retail and restaurants unfolded. Pad sites on busy roadways, single-tenant retail buildings, and quaint neighborhood shopping centers all had a story to share. Larger centers anchored by grocery stores or major retailers like Best Buy and PetSmart created bustling “power centers,” and regional and outlet malls offered a paradise for shoppers seeking diverse experiences.
4. The Multifamily Communities: High above the cityscape, the world of multifamily properties thrived. These communities included sprawling apartment complexes and towering high-rise apartment buildings. Anything larger than a fourplex was considered commercial real estate, bringing together a diverse array of residential options under this CRE umbrella.
5. The Land of Potential: In the heart of future development lay a category dedicated to land. Some properties were pristine, undeveloped land nestled in rural expanses, waiting for the touch of progress. Others were patches of opportunity within urban landscapes, known as infill land, where new dreams and structures could emerge.
6. The Miscellaneous Marvels: Lastly, there existed a category that defied definition – the catch-all realm of “Miscellaneous.” Here, one could find an eclectic mix of nonresidential properties, from the elegance of hotels to the warmth of hospitality venues. Medical spaces provided healing sanctuaries, while self-storage developments held untold secrets. This category was a treasure trove of surprises and hidden gems.
And so, in the world of commercial real estate, these diverse categories wove a tapestry of possibilities. Each type of property had its own story to tell, each with unique traits and potential for those who sought to explore their riches. With each property type, the realm of real estate expanded, offering a world of opportunities for investors, developers, and dreamers alike.
Commercial Vs Residential Real Estate Professionals
Do you know the difference?
Residential and commercial real estate brokerages differ in the properties they handle. Residential focuses on homes for individuals and families, like houses and apartments. These properties are bought or rented for personal use, like living spaces.
On the other hand, commercial real estate brokerages deal with properties used for business purposes. This includes offices, retail stores, warehouses, and more. Commercial properties are bought or leased by businesses to conduct their operations.
The two also vary in clientele and market dynamics. Residential brokers work with individuals looking for homes, while commercial brokers work with businesses seeking suitable spaces. Residential markets are influenced by factors like location, amenities, and personal preferences. Commercial markets are influenced by factors like location’s impact on business, zoning regulations, and potential for generating revenue.
In summary, residential brokers deal with homes for personal use, while commercial brokers handle properties for business purposes. The choice between them depends on whether you’re focusing on individual housing needs or assisting businesses in finding functional spaces.
Commercial REBest County Property Taxes
Is South Carolina a great place to live and own real estate based on value, quality of life, jobs and taxes. Let’s share a few facts about York County, SC…
Low taxes, great communities, close to major cities (Charlotte, Columbia or Greenville), major highway, solid employment opportunities, Lake Wylie, River Walk District and healthy area to retire and enjoy life.
York County
The seventh most populous county in South Carolina, York County has property tax rates close to the state average. The largest city in the county is Rock Hill. The total millage rate in Rock Hill is around 380 mills (as of 2013). The rate applies to assessed value, which for owner-occupied residences is equal to 4% of a home’s full market value.
How Your Property Taxes Compare Based on an Assessed Home Value of $78,000 (Example only)
| Lancaster County $396 | 0.508% of Assessed Home Value |
| South Carolina $448 | 0.574% of Assessed Home Value |
| National $945 | 1.211% of Assessed Home Value |
Tax Study by County
As the summer approaches and the weather leads us to the beach or water park
South Carolina is just 0.57%, fifth lowest in the country.
Real-Estate Property Taxes by State
Rank | State | Effective Real-Estate Tax Rate | Annual Taxes on $179K Home* | State Median Home Value | Annual Taxes on Home Priced at State Median Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | 0.27% | $487 | $515,300 | $1,406 |
| 2 | Alabama | 0.43% | $773 | $125,500 | $543 |
| 3 | Louisiana | 0.49% | $876 | $144,100 | $707 |
| 4 | Delaware | 0.54% | $959 | $231,500 | $1,243 |
| 5 | District of Columbia | 0.56% | $1,000 | $475,800 | $2,665 |
| 6 | South Carolina | 0.57% | $1,019 | $139,900 | $798 |
| 7 | West Virginia | 0.58% | $1,044 | $103,800 | $607 |
| 8 | Colorado | 0.60% | $1,073 | $247,800 | $1,489 |
| 9 | Wyoming | 0.61% | $1,097 | $194,800 | $1,196 |
| 10 | Arkansas | 0.62% | $1,111 | $111,400 | $693 |
| 11 | Utah | 0.68% | $1,218 | $215,900 | $1,472 |
| 12 | New Mexico | 0.74% | $1,324 | $160,300 | $1,188 |
| 13 | Tennessee | 0.75% | $1,335 | $142,100 | $1,062 |
| 14 | Idaho | 0.76% | $1,366 | $162,900 | $1,246 |
| 15 | Mississippi | 0.79% | $1,408 | $103,100 | $813 |
| 16 | Virginia | 0.80% | $1,420 | $245,000 | $1,948 |
| T-17 | California | 0.81% | $1,438 | $385,500 | $3,104 |
| T-17 | Arizona | 0.81% | $1,446 | $167,500 | $1,356 |
| T-19 | Montana | 0.85% | $1,525 | $193,500 | $1,652 |
| T-19 | Kentucky | 0.85% | $1,511 | $123,200 | $1,042 |
| T-19 | North Carolina | 0.85% | $1,524 | $154,900 | $1,322 |
| T-19 | Nevada | 0.85% | $1,523 | $173,700 | $1,481 |
| 23 | Indiana | 0.87% | $1,560 | $124,200 | $1,085 |
| 24 | Oklahoma | 0.88% | $1,569 | $117,900 | $1,036 |
| 25 | Georgia | 0.94% | $1,685 | $148,100 | $1,397 |
| 26 | Missouri | 1.00% | $1,790 | $138,400 | $1,387 |
| 27 | Florida | 1.06% | $1,894 | $159,000 | $1,686 |
| T-28 | Oregon | 1.08% | $1,929 | $237,300 | $2,563 |
| T-28 | Washington | 1.08% | $1,931 | $259,500 | $2,805 |
| 30 | Maryland | 1.10% | $1,956 | $286,900 | $3,142 |
| 31 | North Dakota | 1.12% | $2,000 | $153,800 | $1,722 |
| T-32 | Alaska | 1.18% | $2,112 | $250,000 | $2,956 |
| T-32 | Minnesota | 1.18% | $2,110 | $186,200 | $2,200 |
| 34 | Massachusetts | 1.20% | $2,139 | $333,100 | $3,989 |
| 35 | Maine | 1.30% | $2,321 | $173,800 | $2,259 |
| 36 | South Dakota | 1.34% | $2,389 | $140,500 | $1,879 |
| 37 | Kansas | 1.40% | $2,502 | $132,000 | $1,849 |
| 38 | Iowa | 1.48% | $2,649 | $129,200 | $1,916 |
| 39 | Pennsylvania | 1.53% | $2,725 | $166,000 | $2,533 |
| 40 | Ohio | 1.56% | $2,794 | $129,900 | $2,032 |
| 41 | New York | 1.62% | $2,899 | $283,400 | $4,600 |
| 42 | Rhode Island | 1.63% | $2,915 | $238,000 | $3,884 |
| 43 | Vermont | 1.74% | $3,116 | $217,500 | $3,795 |
| 44 | Michigan | 1.78% | $3,172 | $122,400 | $2,174 |
| 45 | Nebraska | 1.85% | $3,308 | $133,200 | $2,467 |
| 46 | Texas | 1.90% | $3,386 | $136,000 | $2,578 |
| 47 | Wisconsin | 1.96% | $3,499 | $165,800 | $3,248 |
| 48 | Connecticut | 1.97% | $3,517 | $270,500 | $5,327 |
| 49 | New Hampshire | 2.15% | $3,838 | $237,300 | $5,100 |
| 50 | Illinois | 2.30% | $4,105 | $173,800 | $3,995 |
| 51 | New Jersey | 2.35% | $4,189 | $315,900 | $7,410 |
Tiny House Rule 2018 – International Residential
Tiny house rule nearly set for the 2018 International Residential
Tiny homes are a step closer to having a place in the building code, after Public Comment RB168-16 received the required majority vote to be added as an appendix to the 2018 International Residential Code.
While the results are still subject to certification by the ICC’s validation committee and confirmation by the board, proponents of the appendix have hailed the decision. The code has no legal effect unless it is adopted by local governments, the ICC added.
If approved, the model code will allow people to receive Certificates of Occupancy for tiny houses when built to meet the provisions of the appendix and could help municipalities better manage the influx of tiny house projects and permit requests by providing a baseline for their own requirements.
Dive Insight:
Tiny houses, which typically have a footprint of less than 500 square feet, have grown in popularity in recent years as an alternative for housing the chronically homeless, veterans, young professionals and even empty nesters.
Although the segment will likely remain niche, the ICC’s move may go some way to boosting the sector as many state and local building codes do not accommodate tiny house requirements such as square footage minimums, smaller lot sizes and the ability to co-locate with an existing building.
The favorable vote follows a push by advocacy group Tiny House Build, along with a team of architects, builders, designers and educators, who put up and defended the public comment in the lead-up to the vote.
With many urban centers struggling to meet demand for affordable properties, tiny home projects are slowly building traction in the market. In September, a community organization unveiled the first of 25 planned homes in a $1.5 million effort to build Detroit’s largest tiny house development.
For more housing news, sign up for our daily residential construction newsletter.
Recommended Reading:
Tiny House Build
History is Made: Tiny Houses Approved and Incorporated into the International Residential Code
ResidentialCondo Lifestyle
1. Condo HOA Fees
A few important questions to ask before purchasing a condo are about the Home Owners Association Fees. How much are they and what do they cover? Generally, insurance for the outside of the building and surrounding property is covered as well as amenities such as lawn care, snow removal, pest control and outdoor maintenance of the building are usually covered.
2. Are Water And Sewer Included?
One of the benefits of living in a condo is the fact that these types of city services are usually covered. Water, sewer, and trash removal are usually included in the HOA fees. However, this is an important question to ask because in the rare case that it isn’t covered you’ll want to be sure to factor that into your budget.
3. What Is The Condo Management Fee?
Management fees generally cover maintenance of the outside of the property. It
is important to find out how much the fee is and also some background information about the company that is handling the maintenance. You’ll want to be sure that it’s someone you trust in order to protect your investment in the community.
4. Cable And Internet Included?
If cable and internet are an important part of your daily life you’ll want to be sure that you ask about what is available in the condo you are considering. Some of the questions you’ll need to ask include: Are basic cable and internet included? Is it something you’ll need to purchase yourself? Is Wi-Fi available or will you have to set that up as well? Most condos are equipped with basic cable and internet, which can be very convenient when considering a condo as opposed to a freestanding home.
5. Easier To Maintain Than A House?
When it comes to maintenance, one of the benefits of purchasing a condo is the limited amount of maintenance that will be required of you. No more worrying about unexpected emergencies or expensive repairs. Due to HOA and management fees you can rest assured that if something breaks or if the roof begins to leak it will be covered by these fees.
6. Easier To Maintain Than A Yard?
Another benefit of condo living is that you will have no need to maintain a yard. No more mowing and weeding and landscaping to worry about. You will also have numerous amenities that you may not be able to find in a single-family home. These might include a pool, a gym, and tennis courts all of which are maintained by the property. Also the landscaping around the building will be manicured and beautiful without you having to lift a finger.
7. Condos: Turnkey = Worry Free!
If do-it-yourself renovations are not your style then condos are an excellent choice. Generally condos are available without the need for any renovations or updates. There is no need to worry about things such as an outdated kitchen or bathroom. Simply find a condo that is up to your specifications and then move in!
8. Condo Insurance
Finally, if you do decide to take the plunge, be sure to research the best type of individual unit insurance to protect the interior of the condo including your personal belongings. While HOA fees usually cover insurance for the outside of the building you will still be responsible for the insurance on the inside of your unit. This is usually a requirement for purchasing a condo and it’s an important part of protecting your investment. If there is a leak from the condo above you, which damages anything in your unit, it is important that you have coverage.
Owning a condo can be a great investment as long as you do your homework and are prepared for any extra expenses that can accompany the condo lifestyle.
Negotiating a Commercial Lease
A commercial lease is an important part of your business. Negotiating a favorable lease places your business in the position to succeed. Remember that a real estate lease agreement is prepared by the landlord lawyers and leans toward them in terms. Your responsibility as a potential tenant is to read it completely and keep your Tenant Representation (like CREC Brokers) in your review circle, understand what it says, and then ask for modifications that will favor your business. It’s a business of numbers and credit so use your leverage to better the Deal.
Please have your lawyer review any legal agreement before signing and executing it.
1. Evaluate the Length of the Lease
Once you’ve locked down a Location, write-up a Letter of Intent (LOI). One of the first issues you need to work out is the length of the lease and the square foot rate. A term of three years is usually best for small businesses, with an option to renew included. This doesn’t tie you in for too long but gives you the option to stay if it is a good fit. If you feel that you could easily find a comparable location, a shorter lease is better for you in case rents in your area go down or it turns out to be an unfavorable location. However if your business is going to be very location-dependent (such as a restaurant), you will want security, so a longer term makes sense and could reflect in a better SF rental rate.
2. Research Comparable Rents
The amount of rent you will pay is an important consideration in a lease agreement. Do your homework and know what the going costs are in your area so you can negotiate a fair price. Part of negotiating renewal options includes specifying rent increases so your company has a future projection of expenses. Your landlord will likely want to increase the rent for each additional year. Try to work out a cap on these increases so it remains affordable for you to stay in that location. You can also negotiate the amount of your security deposit and the conditions for its return.
3. Look for Hidden Costs
Your lease may be a “gross lease,” in which all costs are included, or a “net lease” in which there are costs in addition to your rent. Many commercial leases make the tenant responsible for costs such as maintenance, taxes, insurance or upkeep of common areas (TICAM). Get the details on these costs up front and negotiate this section to be as favorable as possible however many landlords have a set SF price for TICAM. Find out if your business will be responsible for specific systems maintenance and learn the current conditions of those systems so you can estimate costs. Negotiate dollar amount caps to these costs or negotiate for a slightly higher rent in exchange for the landlord taking on all costs. Determine whether there are separate utility meters or if utilities are apportioned among tenants by square footage.
4. Ask for Favorable Clauses
Ask for modifications to the lease that will benefit you. For example, a clause allowing you to sublease the property can be important should your business suddenly relocate or close. You may want to ask for a clause that restricts the landlord from renting out any other unit on the premises to a business similar to yours. A co-tenancy clause will allow you to break the lease if a large anchor tenant (which drives business to you) leaves. It is also possible to negotiate for the landlord to be responsible for making improvements to the property before you move in (Tenant Incentive). Make sure you are permitted to put up signage for your business.
5. Check the Termination Clause Closely
Read the terms of your commercial property lease as it pertains to default and termination of the lease. You’ll want a clause that allows you time to cure a default before eviction, particularly one that allows you to pay one month’s rent instead of the entire amount owed on the lease. You will want to negotiate any penalties for early termination of the lease should you decide you need to leave before the lease term is up.
The most important thing you can do is read your commercial lease carefully and understand it completely. This allows you to realize what benefits you have so you can ask for changes and it also prepares you for your responsibilities as a tenant.
Commercial REWhat to Look for in a Commercial Real Estate Broker
Before starting your search for rental space, think carefully about the kind of location and building that will best suit your business, determine the maximum rent you’re willing to pay, and set other priorities, such as the size and configuration of the rental space. Then consider the working relationship you want with a broker. If your rental needs are fairly straightforward, the types of spaces you want are plentiful, and you’re comfortable negotiating lease terms with the landlord, you may find space on your own and forego hiring your own broker. But if you want to work with a real estate broker who represents tenants (ideally, exclusively), you’ll need to do some searching. Here’s how to get the best results.
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Finding a commercial real estate broker isn’t all that different from finding a good doctor, lawyer, or dentist. A hefty application of common sense, professional and personal connections, and some independent research usually does the trick. The same method works when looking for a broker. Here’s what to look for:
- Expertise in commercial real estate. Make sure the broker you choose is experienced in helping tenants find office, retail, and other commercial space (not someone who works primarily with houses, condos, and apartments).
- Experience in representing tenants in commercial real estate transactions. You’ll ideally want a broker who consistently works only with tenants, but it may be difficult to locate such a broker, especially if your business is located in a small community (in this case, you may need to find a broker who works for landlords and tenants).
- An established business in your geographical area. Look for someone who’s been in commercial real estate long enough to know how deals are done and how landlords and their brokers work. In addition, experienced and successful brokers will have the financial stability to enable them to firmly put your best interests at the front. Remember, in most situations a broker gets paid when the deal is done, according to the size of the rent. A broker who isn’t hungry will be less tempted to rush negotiations or settle for a more expensive result when patience might produce something better for you.
How to Find a CRE Professional
Other commercial tenants in your community will be the best source of leads for brokers. Ask businesses if they have engaged a broker and whom they would recommend. Look for tenants who appear to be running a healthy business (chances are that their good business sense was at work when they chose a broker, too).
You can narrow your field of inquiry by approaching tenants whose businesses are similar to yours, especially if you’re in a large city where brokers may have divided the market into niches, with some specializing in office space, others concentrating on restaurants and food stores, and others working mainly with light industry. For example, if you’re intending to open an art gallery, you’ll want to deal with a broker who’s familiar with the commercial space that is appropriate for a gallery. The owner of a currently operating gallery may have found just the broker.
In some cities, brokers may even concentrate on specific neighborhoods. If you want to locate in a particular area, to take advantage of adjoining businesses, traffic patterns, or expected rents, it makes sense to look for brokers who have already done deals in the neighborhood.
Be sure to check out brokers who represent buyers—but not sellers—of commercial real estate; they may act as tenants’ agents in leasing transactions too, or they may be able to direct you to a kindred spirit who represents tenants only.
Try to get recommendations from several tenants and business people. You may find that the same name or names pop to the top of everyone’s list. Once you’ve whittled down your list to two or three promising names, you’ll want to ask your contacts about the broker’s strong and weak points, before you interview and chose a CRE Broker.
Commercial REClient Lists
The following companies are current or past clients’ of engineering and design products:
Belmont Gateway, LLC
JHS Capital, LLC
JHS Equity, LLC
Reule Corporation
Sykes Industrial Solutions – Charlotte One, LLC
Sykes Industrial Solutions – Rock Hill, LLC
Sykes Realty, Inc.
Sierra Design Development
BMO Properties Group
Arkas Incorporation
Klein Family Holdings
Mansel Nash
Bell Lines, LLC
WE Hunt Family
Thomas Petroleum
Commercial REBurgess Concept – The Business of Design
In 2016, Burgess Concept (“BC”), changed from Burgess Design which was created after the Financial Meltdown in 2008.A unique time to start any business in the real estate service.
www.burgessconcept.com
www.facebook.com/brokerburgess
http://www.linkedin.com/in/brokerburgess
As a provider of “First Look” and “Conceptual Development Studies” in Commercial & Residential Real Estate, “BD” offers an inexpensive method to testing an acquisition target whether it’s an empty lot or an existing building with the option to expand. The First Look principal allows an efficient low cost tool to position “A Go or No Go”. Buying or selling property has several levels of due diligence that each side has to consider.
The team has prepared plans for site selection, office space and value proposition in several formats including CAD software. We have served our clients by looking at as many reasonably possible, benefits and obstacles that fit the assignment. Our clients have sent us the information about sites in various states across the United States, we have been able to develop concepts or show why we thought the site would not work for the intended use. When a site is not adequate based on the information we have available this preliminary study can prevent the loss of time and money.
Few Examples of Work:
bay-habour-pool-concept-model-v2Sierra Design – BOV Expansion
Foothills Property – Ft Mill SC
Investment Cash-flow In and Out
Commercial RE Facts on Income Producing
The basic elements of an investment are cash inflows, outflows, timing of cash flows, and risk. The ability to analyze these elements is key in providing services to investors in commercial real estate.
Cash inflows and outflows are the money that is put into, or received from, the property including the original purchase cost and sale revenue over the entire life of the investment. An example of this sort of investment is a real estate fund.
Cash inflows include the following:
- Rent
- Operating expense recoveries
- Fees: Parking, vending, services, etc.
- Proceeds from sale
- Tax Benefits
- Depreciation
- Tax credits (e.g., historical)
Cash outflows include:
- Initial investment (down payment)
- All operating expenses and taxes
- Debt service (mortgage payment)
- Capital expenses and tenant leasing costs
- Costs upon Sale
The timing of cash inflows and outflows is important to know in order to project periods of positive and negative cash flows. Risk is dependent on market conditions, current tenants, and the likelihood that they will renew their leases year‐over‐year. It is important to be able to predict the probability that the cash inflows and outflows will be in the amounts predicted, what is the probability that the timing of them will be as predicted, and what the probability is that there may be unexpected cash flows, and in what amounts they might occur.