19 Nov How Much Do Commercial Brokers Charge?
The answer to this question is deceptively simple: It’s all negotiable. But the reason behind this answer dates back to 1890 when Congress passed the Sherman Act as a way “to protect the process of competition for the benefit of consumers” (source). Essentially, the Sherman Act along with the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Clayton Act ensure healthy competition in...
18 Nov What’s the best way to negotiate for a lower rent for my office space?
I have three suggestions for negotiating a lower rent for your office space: Go with a longer term lease. Commercial property leases can range from 1 year to 10 years. For a landlord, a shorter lease means that they’ll have to put work and marketing money into finding a new tenant sooner rather than later. This may mean that a shorter term...
15 Nov What amenities should I add to my office building to attract top businesses?
The answer to this question really depends on the specific market and type of business you’re targeting. In a large market like New York or San Francisco, the focus is on “smart” buildings. Buildings include things like temperature control, access control, very energy efficient windows. All things that make the building nicer and more secure. In a market like Baton...
14 Nov How do I evaluate a commercial property to purchase?
As a commercial real estate investor, it is crucial that you know how to properly evaluate a property before making an offer. You may be eyeing a commercial property to purchase, but before investing it is critical to know how much the property is actually worth. What will be the rate of return on the property? Is the asking price...
11 Nov What is the typical lease term for office space?
This is kind of a trick question. Unlike residential real estate where leases are typically for 1 year, lease terms for commercial real estate vary widely. Many times, the lease term will depend on the building type, whether it’s a one story garden type office or a multi-story/multi-tenant building that you’d see downtown and other areas of Baton Rouge. Lease terms...
11 Nov Can I request my landlord to make upgrades to my office space before I move in?
Generally, office space is tailored to each specific businesses' needs whether it be small things like paint colors or big things like locations of walls and offices. When you’re moving into a new office space, it’s likely that the decisions that the previous business made for the space will not meet your needs for the space. Because of this, you...
05 Nov Is there a Zillow for commercial real estate?
Zillow has taken the residential real estate market by storm and become the go-to for anyone looking to buy a home. So, if you’re in the market for commercial real estate, the next logical question is whether or not there is a Zillow for commercial real estate. While there are a few sites that compile commercial real estate information, none...
05 Nov How Do I Find a Commercial Property Online?
For people looking to purchase residential real estate, there is a wealth of websites to choose from. Sites like Zillow, Homes.com, and even individual brokerage sites include search tools and a wide variety of listings for you to browse from the comfort of your home. Things get a little more difficult if you’re trying to find a commercial property online. There...
23 Aug Preparing to Buy Your First Multifamily Property
Have you been thinking of buying a multifamily property? Finally ready to take the plunge? It can be as daunting as it is exciting. Remember, there are a multitude of things that you should consider prior to buying a multifamily property, especially if you plan to use the property for investment purposes as the multifamily sector can be incredibly lucrative....
14 Aug How To Save Money When Re-Signing Your Office Lease
For most businesses, the primary office space is a hub, home base and vital part of daily operations. However, leasing an office can be a company’s largest business expense. So, when it comes to re-signing your office lease it is important to be prepared. The following 5 tips will not only help you when re-signing your office lease but allow...