When any particular commercial building is under consideration for purchase, there are a number of factors that should be considered. Here are some of the more important points:
- Location is always at the top of every list of considerations in real estate. Always check not only the building itself but also the entire neighborhood. How does this building compare with others in the area? How do rents compare? How close is adequate transportation?
- Rentals and floor plans. What is the layout of the building and the average rent per space? How competitive is the rent level and is there any chance for increases? The rent level may not always be equal to the rental value. A commercial building that is rented at a bargain price in a good community may have more rental value than high-rent premises in a declining area.
- Condition of the property can be the difference between profit and loss after purchase. Check the building and the grounds. What is the age and type of any equipment used? Is there any deferred maintenance? If you have checked the other nearby buildings, your building and grounds must compare favorably with the others to get the same rents.
- Vacancies. How many currently vacant units? Based on comparisons with neighboring buildings and past history of this building, when do you feel that the vacancies will be filled?
- Amenities offered to your tenants must be in line with the type of neighboring buildings. Does each unit have air conditioning, a kitchen area and up-to-date bathrooms?
- The Income. As stated, the value of the property is based on the income. While everything should be checked thoroughly, anything to do with the cash flow and expenses should be double-checked. Income can come from many sources, not only from the business units but also, garages, parking spaces, vending machines or other vendors. You must see if there are any pre-paid rentals, rents in arrears, and contractual rent increases. Find out if there are any free rent concessions and be aware that these concessions may not appear in the rental agreements or leases, but in some side agreement.
The following may be a way to protect you from any problems with the income and possible concessions or side agreements:
- Have the seller state in writing the rent for each unit, the terms and amounts, any concessions or pre-paid rents, any written or unwritten arrangements between the tenants and the owner or his agent. A provision can be included that these representations will survive the transfer of title and any misrepresentation found before that time will be grounds for rescinding the contract, with the buyer to be entitled to costs and disbursement incurred.
- Verify the information on the seller’s statement against the leases and against seller’s receipt books. Interview several tenants to check terms of their leases against seller’s statement.
- Have the seller sign an affidavit that the statement reflects the correct rental amounts and terms, that there are no other lease agreements in existence, and that he is making the statements to induce the buyer to purchase, knowing that the buyer is relying on the affidavit.
- Also look into the possibility of options to cancel leases and commitments for future improvements to units.
- Finally, check whether the amounts that the seller has reported as tenant’s security deposits are correct. Check contracts with any outside vendors, food or sundries, for the terms and income.
The Expenses
Examine the expense statements for past years, not just for a few months or one year. See if there could be any under maintenance, which might not be apparent in an inspection. Maintenance could have been deferred recently to improve the current net income to facilitate the sale of the property. Check the number of employees, their jobs and the total payroll, and any requirements of union contracts. Are there any rent concession agreements with employees? Can you reduce costs by better staff management?
The following items of expense should be carefully examined:
- The loans on the property. Check all of the terms of any existing mortgage that will be assumed. Determine if refinancing is desirable and feasible.
- Real estate taxes. Are assessments and tax rates correct? What will the recording of the sale do to change the assessment? Will the property tax change after the purchase?
- Insurance. Is property adequately covered? Can premiums be reduced in any way? Will more insurance be required if you increase the mortgage?
- Utilities. Check the bills for the costs of heating, gas, water, and electricity. Check bills on an annual basis, rather than a few months. Are there separate sewer and trash charges? If so, how are they computed?
- Check all outside contracts. There may be contracts for maintenance, separate contracts for elevator maintenance, cable TV, and exterminating.
All of these checks and investigations are part of the routine of the real estate professional. Some of the duties of the broker or brokers representing the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction are to satisfy the buyer that all of the information about the property is correct and complete. Normally, when employing the most professional real estate firms, this research will be completed by the brokers before the information is presented to the purchaser. After the purchase, continue with the most professional actions by employing a professional real estate management company