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Recent Blog Posts
Commercial Real Estate Valuation - What Investors Need to Know
Although there are many aspects that go into determining a commercial real estate investor's overall return on investment (ROI), the valuation of each property is one of the cornerstones. What do you need to know about property valuation to improve your overall ROI in commercial real estate (CRE), and how can a seasoned real estate lawyer help? The following explains.
There is More Than One Way to Valuate a Property
Property valuations are not as cut and dry as some might like you to believe. Instead, there are multiple approaches that one can use to determine what their final ROI on a property might be.
The first is the cost approach, which examines the amount of money that it might take to procure a property and, if necessary, rebuild it. This is typically used for unique properties, as well as those that need or have undergone extensive repairs or upgrades.
CBD Industry Offers New and Exciting Opportunities for Mall Owners
With widespread mall closures for retailers like Nordstrom, JC Penny, and Macy's, commercial real estate owners are scrambling to fill space. Two major mall franchises have announced plans to add CBD shops to their list of retailers. Learn more about this interesting development in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry, and how it could impact your bottom line.
Mall Franchises Partner with Major CBD Retailer
Two mall franchises, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties, recently announced their plans to partner with the major CBD retailer, Green Growth Brands. More than 200 CBD shops will be opened in malls across the country over the next year. With a strong growth history and high-quality products, the CBD company is expected to flourish inside of malls.
Specifically, Green Growth Brands will be featuring its health and beauty stores inside of malls. They own two specific (but different) brands - one focused on soaps and shampoos, the other on the empowerment and wellness of women. The opening of CBD flower shops is also expected in some locations.
Combatting the “Expectations Gap” in Commercial Real Estate
Most everyone knows what it feels like to plan something and set expectations on the outcome, only to encounter an obstacle along the way. Almost immediately, the bottleneck increases stress levels - because, as everyone knows, complications lead to delays and less than optimal results.
In the commercial real estate (CRE) industry, the space in which these losses occur in are known as “expectations gaps.” For the commercial investor and their team, the consequences of a gap can be dire, resulting in lengthy delays and lost income. Learn more about what causes these gaps, and how your firm can overcome them, in the following sections.
CRE Lawyers and CRE Investors - Results vs Expectations
Real estate attorneys are often seen as the “bad guy” in a real estate deal - the reason that bottlenecks occur. This is not the case, however.
Getting Started in CRE Investment - Which Commercial Real Estate Sector Should You Choose?
If you have toyed with the idea of commercial real estate investing, now is the time to take the plunge! Despite the previous concerns over an economic downturn, the market is expected to continue its growth. In fact, investors are likely to see some of the biggest gains in history over the next several years. Of course, that begs to question, where do you start? Also, what sector is most suited for a new investor like yourself, and how can you give yourself the best chance at success? Continue reading to learn the answers to these questions.
Examining the Different CRE Sectors
Commercial real estate is divided into categories known as sectors. Each has its own set of challenges, ROI opportunity, and nuances.
The Office/Occupier Sector: Deals with office space. As an investor, you would be working with corporations, medium-scale businesses, office shares, and the like. Economists expect office-use jobs to see their 10th consecutive year of growth, with a projected 1.6 percent rise in the upcoming year. This data suggests that investors will see a healthy return in the upcoming year.
7 Steps to Help You Break Into the Commercial Real Estate Sector
Savvy investors know the best protection against extreme financial loss is a diverse investment portfolio. Yet, many overlook the commercial real estate (CRE) sector. Perhaps it is because they fear the large, upfront investment, big risk, and long-term return on their investment. More likely, however, an investor may hesitate or even avoid the CRE market because they do not fully understand the benefits or the necessary steps for breaking in to this type of market.
Why Commercial Real Estate?
The first issue to address is the “why” behind commercial real estate. Certainly, there are other types of investments with lower risks. Yet, it is the high risk and large investment amount that make CRE properties so appealing. They offer a steady and stable return. Real estate is also considered a tangible asset, which investors can use as collateral on other investments.
Due Diligence Facts Every CRE Investor Should Know
Due diligence is a critical step in the acquisition of a property, especially for those dealing in commercial real estate. Done effectively, the process can protect you from lengthy project delays, zoning issues, and other negative consequences. In contrast, failures in your due diligence process may lead to extreme financial loss and an overall poor return on investment. Learn how to avoid mistakes and oversights in your due diligence with these crucial facts.
You Need to Spend Time at the Property
Far too often, investors rely on the “experts” to handle the due diligence process. They hire an inspector but do not attend the inspection, contact someone to value the property but are not present during the valuation process, and rely on reports to tell them whether the building is up to code. Sadly, this is a massive mistake.
Spending time at your property not only allows you to learn about it, it ensures you fully understand any potential issues. Rather than simply reading a report, you can talk to the fire martial or inspector to get an in-depth understanding of the issues (and the potential cost to fix). Simply being in the space can help you determine whether your goals and intent for it are realistic. So, if there is even just one thing that you change about how you conduct your due diligence, let it be a massive increase in the amount of time you spend at your properties.
How Can Zoning Affect an Illinois Renovation or Redevelopment?
In the business of commercial real estate, it can often be beneficial to purchase a property that has already been developed, rather than starting a new development project from scratch. Perhaps a developed property is located in the perfect place for your purposes, and you may even find that you can adapt existing structures to your needs. However, chances are that you will need to make some changes, either through a renovation or a complete redevelopment, and if so, you should be aware of zoning regulations that may impact your project.
Zoning Regulations in an Illinois Commercial Real Estate Renovation
You may find that you can adapt a new property to meet your needs by renovating structures that have already been built. A renovation may help you save time that you would need to spend on demolition, construction, and rezoning, but in most cases, you will still need to pay attention to zoning regulations in the local municipality that affect the development. For example, you may need to ensure that your renovation complies with local health, safety, and energy efficiency standards. You will also likely need to ensure that the property is authorized for use as the kind of business that will be operated there.
The Benefits of Force Majeure in a Construction Contract
A construction project often involves many moving pieces, including supplies, equipment, various contractors and their employees, negotiations with the city over zoning regulations, and more. Even under normal circumstances, it can be challenging to ensure that you are upholding all of the details of your construction contract, and it may be impossible during an unprecedented event like the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time like this, it is important to review your contracts to determine whether they include a force majeure clause that can provide relief.
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Construction Projects
COVID-19 and its effects may make it difficult or impossible to fulfill your obligations as a construction contractor for several possible reasons, including:
Which Type of Commercial Lease Is Right For My Business?
Whether you are the owner of a commercial real estate property, or you are looking to rent a space for your business, reaching an agreement on a commercial lease is a crucial part of your operation. There are a variety of lease structures available depending on the property's use and the preferences of both the landlord and tenant. The complexities of these different kinds of commercial leases can be challenging to interpret, but an experienced real estate attorney can help you determine the best options and negotiate a lease that addresses your needs.
Types of Commercial Leases in Illinois
Commercial leases vary based on the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both the landlord and the tenant. Some of the most common types of commercial leases include:
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