This month’s newsletter has just been released! Check out the latest tips for tenants and users of commercial real estate space.
In this issue
- Determine Market Value With Appraisal
- Rising Rental Rates Make Apartments Most Popular
- How To Control Property With The Least Expense/li>
- Filling Vacancies In Office Buildings
- Creative Management Ideas
The purpose of any real estate appraisal is to determine the market value of the property being appraised. The handbook of the Appraisal Institute defines market value as;
“The most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller, each acting prudently, knowledgeably and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby: (a) buyer and seller are typically motivated: (b) both parties are well informed or well advised, and each acting in what he considers his own best interest; (c) a reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market; (d) payment is made in terms of cash in U.S. dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto; and (e) the price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.”
If we put this another way, the value of a particular property is made up of the future benefits that the owner of the property can expect to receive from rental or other income. In determining the future benefits that an owner can receive from a property, the current use of the property is considered, and all other uses that it may be capable of in the foreseeable future. As an example, a property that is being used as farmland could be usable for a residential subdivision in a few years, but later might be usable as commercial or industrial sites……..(more)
Many investors specialize in picking up run-down properties and renovating them for sale or lease. Profit can also be made in acquiring properties that offer extra land. It is sometimes possible to not only get your money back, but also make a profit on the sale of a remodeled house with a reduced amount of land (assuming the local zoning ordinances will so allow), while holding the additional land for long-term appreciation or building another house or small apartment on it. In addition, many larger houses that might otherwise be considered uneconomical can be trimmed down to accommodate a family seeking more spacious quarters. By reducing the structure’s surplus space, many sprawling houses can be made salable. It is also possible to buy a large house, remodel it to a duplex or more units (with zoning approval) and sell it with a good profit….(more)
In the world of investment real estate, multifamily housing is still the most popular type of real estate investment. Currently, it continues to account for nearly one third of real estate investment transactions. This has been the most popular type of investment because of rising rental rates. Investments in these properties are based on economic fundamentals. Lenders and investors closely scrutinize the financing of multifamily housing projects to be sure that the cash flows will cover expenses. The recession and the poor housing market has changed markets for new homes. But lower interest rates and lower prices have increased demand for new home purchases in some key areas. ….(more)
Office buildings are excellent commercial properties to own. In certain areas, however, there are still a number of vacancies reported. One of the most important jobs of a leasing agent for a building with available space is to analyze other buildings to see if any tenant could be induced to move. Newer buildings may fill up at the expense of older buildings. Since new buildings cost more to build than the older ones, rents may be higher. The actual dollars-per-square-foot costs must be compared, along with other benefits that the tenant may receive, before a final decision is made by the tenant on staying or moving. Here are some of the items for comparison…..(more)
Space Sharing Executive Suites- With the revolution in communications, building owners must keep up with the changing needs of the corporate tenant. Often the larger, well-organized businesses do not need the space that was necessary just a few years ago. Computers, faxes and e-mail have substituted for leased office space. Office personal are working from home or a small office near their home and coming into the office once in a while for a meeting. Managers are more willing to grant favorable lease terms to operators of shared space. The operator sometimes receives a monthly management fee for operating the shared space plus a portion of rent revenues over a certain amount. Tenants in an office suite are offered a private office within the suite that has a receptionist, secretarial help, conference rooms and other amenities. This can be a big saving for small space users or users who need a small office for only a short period of time…..(more)
