cre Archives - howardcommercial

Commercial Real Estate Owners…. Are You Prepared for the End of the Cycle?

Commercial Real estate is cyclical. No one can predict exactly when the economy will tip into the next recession, but most experts agree we’re in the later stages of this current cycle. The question commercial real estate owners and operators should be asking themselves is not when the next downturn will hit, but are they prepared for it when it does? Now is the time to take advantage of what’s left of the good times, while money is relatively cheap, vacancies are low and rents are high to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Here are some tips to get you started:…

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Looking for Office Space? Follow These Tips

Whether you're looking for your first office for a start-up, are opening a second office or need to relocate, the idea of finding the perfect space can be overwhelming. To simplify the process, follow these tips as you begin to consider office spaces. 1. Start with Location Before you start looking for new office space consider what you need at your new location. Is it advantageous to be in a part of town where businesses similar to yours are located? Do you need to be close to clients or others you do business with? Without question places that are easily…

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Relocating? A Guide to How Much Time You Need

Market conditions, the size and complexity of the transaction, and option notice dates can help determine when to begin the process of evaluating your office lease. Time should be your ally, not your enemy during negotiations with any landlord. Landlords know that other buildings you’re considering will most likely have to create a space plan, get construction pricing, agree on a rental rate, prepare and execute a lease document, apply for construction permits and prepare the space for occupancy. This is, at a minimum, a 4 to 6 month process. So a tenant who waits until there are only…

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WATCH OUT!…THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

The Restoration Provision When reviewing a multipage, landlord-centric commercial lease it’s easy to get glassy-eyed and often overlook seemingly harmless language. The restoration provision, usually tucked away under the Surrender of Premises Clause in your lease, is a perfect example and could be a potential tripwire hiding in plain sight. It’s a legal obligation for a tenant to restore, at the landlord’s request, the premises back to the condition it was in before you moved in or remove alterations and improvements as the landlord sees fit. This could be a very expensive parting gift to your landlord should they exercise this…

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Signing a Lease for Commercial Space? Follow These Tips

Many times, finding the right space for your business is the easy part. Negotiating a commercial lease, on the other hand, can be quite difficult. Follow these basic guidelines to avoid signing the wrong lease. 1. Consider the Length of the Lease Keeping you in your space for a longer period of time is something landlords encourage because it’s advantageous for them. There are some instances where a longer term lease is a smart business decision for your company - you may be able to save big on your monthly rent. On the other hand, signing a lease…

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Did I Budget For That?

If you’re planning to lease commercial space, you’ll need to be very strategic in your approach in order to get the best terms in your lease agreement. First and foremost you’ll want to start with a budget. We’ve listed some helpful #cre budgeting tips below. Rent: This is obvious but just one component of your budget. Your tenant advisor will know current rates for the particular property type and submarkets you're considering and whether you can expect an annual increase. Moving costs: Budget for the costs associated with moving furniture and equipment, including IT, as well as the costs of…

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Should I Stay or Should I Go?

As the life cycles of businesses mature and grow over time it becomes necessary to re-evaluate your office space when your lease is coming up for renewal. Square footage requirements factor as just one component of the decision process to remain where you are or look for new space. A comprehensive evaluation also includes the following issues in today’s modern business atmosphere and serve as a guide to stay or go. 1. Are You Using Your Square Footage Efficiently? Take a hard look at where your business is now and where it’s likely to be in 5-10 years. Do…

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What is CRE Dual Representation?

If you’re involved in any leasing/purchasing real estate process it’s likely you’ve come across the term “dual representation” and it’s basically this: dual agency representation happens when the same broker or firm represents both the tenant and landlord in the same transaction. It’s common to find this happening when big firms are involved in the process. What might seem like an ideal solution at the time can cause problems during the transaction because it’s not possible to represent both parties fairly in dual representation real estate transactions. There are too many conflicts of interest between the tenant and the landlord.…

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Here’s What You Should Know if Your Building Has Been Sold

If you occupy a building that’s been sold, be aware of the following changes. One immediate change that can happen is you will have a new property manager. If so you'll be notified of the change of address under the notices provision of your lease. Going forward all rent payments and correspondence will need to go to the new landlord or landlord agent. However, under new ownership your lease terms do not change. Your lease is a legally binding document until it expires. Before the sale finalizes you will be asked by your current landlord/seller to sign an estoppel agreement,…

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What Should You Expect From Your Commercial Real Estate Advisor?

The logic behind a commercial real estate advisor who specializes in tenant representation is that in order for a tenant to secure the best possible contract terms they will need access to market information, transaction expertise and negotiating skills equal to that of the landlord who utilizes professional representation. Tenants should look for a real estate advisor who specializes in tenant representation with the appropriate market knowledge, relative experience and most importantly is someone they can trust to assist them with an important business and financial decision. Your advisor should: Be willing to invest the time to truly understand your…