Why is commercial real estate investment considered to be one of the best ways in which you can earn money in the field of real estate investing? There are many reasons behind this. One of them is the fact that there is a relatively constant rental income when it comes to commercial investment properties. Thus, the cash flow as well as the long-term contracts and the fewer competitors are some of the huge benefits when investing in commercial real estate properties. But how to become a commercial real estate investor and do you need to be a commercial real estate agent before becoming a commercial real estate investor? Keep reading in order to find some useful information on the topic.
What is commercial real estate investing?
Commercial real estate investment property is an income property, which typically deals with offices, retail spaces, etc. Commercial real estate property is a space, used for business purposes only. Its purpose is providing a work space rather than a living one. When it comes to commercial real estate investing, we usually talk about big scale investments. This is due to the fact that commercial real estate investing involves high start-up costs, especially when compared to residential real estate investing. Another problem regarding this is the fact that banks are less willing to give loans for commercial real estate properties. Nevertheless, if a commercial real estate investor has found a good income property and manages it correctly, it can generate a great financial profit.
What is the difference between a commercial real estate agent and a commercial real estate investor?
A commercial real estate agent is a licensed real estate professional who commonly works on commission basis. Compared to a residential real estate agent, the commercial real estate agent takes much longer time to make a deal, and therefore, receives fewer commissions. However, these commissions are significantly higher. The main reason behind this is the fact that a commercial real estate agent needs to provide his/her clients with a lot of information not only about the building and its features. It is rather the case that the commercial real estate agent should give analytical data. Such data consists of: market demographics, financial data, and environmental information.
A commercial real estate investor is someone who buys a commercial real estate property. The commercial property is later sold or even more often rented out (also known as commercial real estate for rent). Nevertheless, it is regularly the case that the commercial real estate investor is not the one standing behind managing the investment property. Therefore, he/she does not take an active role in facilitating the place. Usually a commercial real estate agent is hired in order to make rental deals and provide information to clients. However, understanding the commercial real estate market is an essential part of being a successful commercial real estate investor. Thus, being a commercial real estate agent prior to being a commercial real estate investor is not necessary, but can be extremely useful in regards to having the right knowledge before investing in commercial real estate properties.
Related: 6 Tips on Becoming a Real Estate Investor On Your Own
Considering becoming a commercial real estate investor?
Thinking of becoming a commercial real estate investor, regardless of your background? Here are the answers to some of your real estate questions:
#1 How to start investing in commercial real estate?
Before knowing how to get started in commercial real estate investing, you should first be familiar not only with the benefits and prosper developments of commercial real estate investments, but also with the downsides and possible pitfalls. If you have decided that this is the right investing path for you, there are a few important things to consider before and while investing in a commercial real estate property: namely, creating a financial table and making sure how much money you can invest. One important characteristic is making a budget plan and keeping your finances maintained constantly before and during the investment. It is of huge importance to create a business plan. It should include your investment goal as well as the steps to achieving it and your investment strategy. Another key factor is being on track with the latest commercial real estate developments in addition to the needs and wants of your target group. Also, being patient and showing perseverance can only be a plus.
Related: 8 Tips to Make Money in Real Estate Investing
#2 How to invest in commercial property?
The best commercial real estate investments are the ones which you have researched well beforehand. It is crucial to know the market demographics, conduct environmental research, be well aware of the financial situation, etc. This is important because unlike residential real estate, where homeowners and tenants are falling in love mainly with the real estate property, businesspeople look for many more things when signing a commercial real estate property contract. For instance, the surroundings, the type of property, how the location relates to their business and organizational culture, etc. This is exactly the type of information that a commercial real estate agent would have and is of huge importance, when making an investment decision with commercial real estate properties.
#3 How to find commercial property?
When finding the right commercial real estate property, some factors need to be taken into account. Apart from the previously done research, you should also evaluate the location of the property as well as its accessibility. When leasing or selling the property, this might have a significant effect on return on investment and thus on your success. Another important feature is the structure of the property. This includes division and maintenance of the offices, availability of parking spots, and accessibility to cafes and restaurants nearby. These are only some of the things to look for. Another necessity is to review the opportunity for a possible future expansion. It is essential to check whether or not the commercial real estate property corresponds to your ideas and fits into your business strategy.
#4 How to buy commercial property for investment?
The previous steps included conducting all the needed research and finding the right location as well as the best property for investment. Afterwards comes the last and most important part of the process, namely, buying commercial property for investment. Before buying the property and investing in commercial real estate, make sure that this is the right step for you: double check your finances and carefully examine for any current or possible disadvantages of the commercial real estate property. A good idea is to have a team of real estate professionals behind your back, while making the purchase. This team might consist of real estate lawyers, an accountant, and a commercial real estate agent. Nevertheless, if you handle the previous steps of the process carefully, the actual purchase should be an easy move towards reaching your investment goal.
Related: Steps to Buying an Investment Property for Beginners
Commercial real estate agent or not, being patient, carefully making research, and choosing the right investment opportunities is likely to result in a great profit generator and successful real estate investment strategy. Owning commercial real estate property is not an easy task, but when maintained with diligence, it is a great opportunity for making money in the real estate investing world.
For more readings and advice on real estate investments, keep reading on Mashvisor.
