Types of Commercial Leases

Types of Commercial Leases

If you have ever considered purchasing, owning, or renting commercial property, it’s critical to understand the different types of commercial leases. Not all commercial leases are created equal, and being familiar with the pros and cons of varying lease structures could save your business money. 

The three most common commercial lease types are gross leases, modified gross leases, and net leases. 

Gross Leases

In a gross lease, the landlord collects one lump sum rent payment from the tenant, which includes taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. Then, the owner is responsible for using a portion of the collected rent to pay their taxes, insurance, etc.

Rental amounts tend to be higher when using a gross lease as it includes all operating expenses and is the only payment the landlord receives.

Modified Gross Leases

A modified gross lease is similar to a gross lease, but the tenant pays a certain proportion of the operating expenses on top of the base rent. 

Properties with multiple tenants, such as office buildings, often use modified gross leases. Overall, this type of lease offers a great middle ground between gross and net leases. 

Net Leases

A net lease is where the tenant pays a base rent to the landlord and is also responsible for other costs associated with the building. 

There are three general types of net leases that each require the tenant to take on different costs. The cost categories the tenant may be required to cover are taxes, insurance, and maintenance. 

  • Single-Net Lease: The tenant is responsible for one of the three cost categories mentioned above.
  • Double-Net Lease: The tenant is responsible for two of the three cost categories mentioned above.
  • Triple-Net Lease: The tenant is responsible for all three cost categories mentioned above.

In general, these leases are a great fit for owners who don’t want to be responsible for coordinating building maintenance or paying taxes, insurance, and utilities. They can tend to favor landlords but also give tenants the ability to review the landlord’s operating expenses.

Have Questions?

Please contact Steve Longenecker at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 regarding any commercial real estate needs in Longmont, CO, and our neighboring communities.

We give out $250 gift cards for referrals that become our real estate clients.

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11 Commercial Real Estate Terms to Know

Commercial real estate, like many other industries, has its own vocabulary. Many people know the more common terms, such as tenant and landlord. There are, however, less common terms that you need to understand if you are considering investing in commercial real estate

Important Commercial Real Estate Terms

Here are 11 important commercial real estate terms to know:

  • Net Operating Income: Net operating income is the total rental income minus operating expenses.
  • Capitalization Rate: The capitalization rate, or “cap rate,” is the net operating income divided by the cost of the building to show a rate of return. 
  • Return on Investment: Return on investment (ROI) is the profit earned divided by the cost of ownership. 
  • Rentable Square Footage: Rentable square footage (RSF) is the amount of space in a building that can be rented to a tenant and is a significant factor in determining the rental rate.
  • Triple-Net Lease: A triple-net lease requires the tenant to pay all expenses associated with the building, including taxes, insurance, and maintenance. 
  • Full-Service Lease: Full-service leases require the tenant to pay a base rent while the landlord covers operating costs. 
  • Modified Gross Lease: A modified gross lease requires the tenant to pay a base rent and split the operating expenses with the landlord. 
  • Sublease: A sublease occurs when the current tenant leases a portion of their space to a subtenant. 
  • Vacancy Rate: Vacancy Rate is the amount of vacant space divided by the total space in the building. 
  • Real Estate Broker: A real estate broker or agent represents a buyer or seller through a real estate transaction. 
  • Property Manager: A property manager is in charge of operations, answering tenant questions, and arranging necessary repairs. 

Don’t Get Intimidated; Find a Partner

While commercial real estate and the associated vocabulary can seem intimidating, you just need to find the right real estate partner. Please contact Steve Longenecker at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 regarding any commercial real estate needs in Longmont, CO, and our neighboring communities.

We give out $250 gift cards for referrals that become our real estate clients.

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Remote Work Impacting Commercial Real Estate

Remote work became necessary during the global pandemic and continues to impact the commercial real estate industry. Tenants are looking for different options than they were a few years ago, and commercial property owners are learning to navigate the new normal.

Here are a few trends to be aware of as working from home increases in popularity. 

Digital Nomads

A digital nomad refers to employees who work remotely and use the flexibility to travel to and live in different locations throughout the year. This trend has broadened the demand for short-term rentals and more flexible lease agreements as workers choose to leave expensive cities for other areas.

Co-Living

Co-living spaces typically have individual rooms for rent and shared amenities such as kitchens, living rooms, and working areas. As the cost of renting and purchasing has skyrocketed, co-living spaces have become much more popular. 

With flexible and affordable lease terms, some remote workers have shifted away from renting traditional apartments and are choosing co-living as they explore new states and cities. 

Work-from-Home Amenities

Working from home means people spend much more time in one location and aren’t experiencing the social aspects of in-person work. Tenants are increasingly determined to live in buildings or areas with amenities like gyms, pools, and common working spaces that make remote work feel less isolated.

Have Any Questions?

If you currently own or want to purchase or lease commercial real estate, it’s essential to understand the current market trends. Please contact Steve Longenecker at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 if you have questions about the commercial real estate market in Longmont, CO, and our neighboring communities.

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Multi-family Developments Easing the Affordability Issue

Rising Real Estate Prices

Real estate all over the country has seen a dramatic increase in prices over the last two years. Historically-low interest rates, coupled with minimal supply and the ability to work remotely, sent residential real estate sales through the roof. The reshuffling of the real estate market saw consumers reimagining what they wanted in their perfect home.

Many external factors have created a real estate market unlike anything we have ever seen before. While every market is unique, there seems to be one central theme—high prices. 

The Affordability Issue

As real estate appreciated at double-digit rates, many people were left on the sidelines, unable to save fast enough to keep up with increasing values. Home builders can’t build fast enough, and land has gotten so expensive that developers can’t even take the first step.

So how do we cope with this affordability issue affecting the Northern Colorado real estate market and most other areas across the country? Multi-family developments may be the key.

Multi-family Developments to the Rescue

Multi-family developments are buildings or complexes that contain multiple housing units, such as townhomes or condominiums. Developers can cut costs by buying smaller pieces of land that become home to higher-density housing. Multi-family real estate is also less expensive to build than single-family residences as units share walls, roofs, utilities, etc. 

Prices remain high, and in the Colorado market, they continue to rise, meaning buyers need affordable options. With homebuyers on the hunt for a less expensive option, the demand for multi-family units presents an incredible opportunity for those interested in commercial real estate.

Many commercial real estate investors and developers have set their sights on multi-family developments as they consider their next projects. If you have any questions about the multi-family real estate market in Longmont, CO and our neighboring communities, please contact Steve at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513.

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Are Communal Work Spaces Changing Commercial Real Estate?

Commercial Real Estate During a Pandemic

The rapid rise of a global pandemic certainly changed the commercial real estate industry. Many companies shifted immediately to fully remote work and never looked back. Others took a brief hiatus from their corporate office buildings but knew they would return as soon as possible.

When working from home became a permanent reality for some, they relished the idea of never having to leave home. Quickly, however, many missed the office environment and thus began the recent dramatic increase in communal workspaces all across the country, including here in Northern Colorado.

Coworking Begins

San Francisco was the home to the first communal office or coworking space, opening in 2005. Since then, employees and employers alike have realized the benefits of the coworking sector. The combination of flexibility for the employee while creating a structured work environment proved beneficial.

Along with flexibility, communal office spaces foster creativity, productivity, and connection with others. Studies have shown that an overwhelming majority of people working from a coworking space perform better and enjoy the ability to collaborate with the diverse population working nearby.

Changing Commercial Real Estate

Companies like WeWork, one of the largest coworking providers, are causing the following changes in the commercial real estate industry:

  • Communal workspaces allow building owners to benefit from purchasing more space than one business can fill.
  • Some companies will not have to buy or rent a single piece of commercial real estate if communal workspaces are conducive to their business.
  • Commercial real estate owners with unused spaces in their building can collect passive income by leasing unoccupied portions for coworking.
  • More companies will continue to operate with employees across the county as they utilize the amenities that coworking spaces offer.

Is Communal Office Space Taking Over the Market?

The quick answer is no. Communal office space is increasing in popularity, but the reality is that it doesn’t work for every industry. Medical facilities, labs, and many other corporations will still need or want their own facilities for many years to come. Coworking spaces are a great addition to the commercial real estate industry and can benefit building owners, but they aren’t taking over the market anytime soon.

Contact Steve at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 to discuss any of your commercial real estate questions or needs in Longmont, CO and our neighboring communities.

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Sustainability in Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate is one of many industries worldwide that is feeling a push towards sustainability. From construction practices to how the building operates post-construction, small changes make big differences.

Cutting Down on Waste

Construction at any scale is a messy endeavor. Commercial real estate accounts for some of the most significant structures built, which can come with an equally large share of waste. 

We often think of recycling common materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, and metal. Commercial construction leaves many other types of waste that builders should divert away from landfills. Concrete, bricks, wood, asphalt, and salvaged building materials (HVAC components, doors, plumbing fixtures) can be reused, recycled, or sold for different purposes.

Using the Sun

Solar power has been gaining popularity dramatically over the last decade. In addition to traditional solar panels, some companies install solar canopies over parking lots to harness the sun’s energy or use solar shingles to create an aesthetically pleasing and efficient facade.

Owners of commercial spaces are finding many ways to use natural energy sources without hindering the functionality of their buildings.

Net Zero Commercial Real Estate

Some commercial real estate owners and builders are determined to be considered Net Zero Energy or Net Positive Energy. Net Zero buildings generate enough renewable energy on-site to operate, and Net Positive buildings generate energy above what is needed to run the facility.  

Additionally, some sustainably-focused builders use top-of-the-line materials to insulate their structures and install Building Automation Systems that monitor and control major systems to increase efficiency.

It is essential to work with a real estate professional that understands the most current industry trends. Contact Steve at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 to discuss any of your commercial real estate questions or needs in Longmont, CO and our neighboring communities.

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First Steps to Purchasing Your First Commercial Real Estate Investment Property

Make sure to follow these first steps to purchase your first commercial real estate investment property.

Educate Yourself on the Commercial Real Estate Industry

There are many avenues you can take in commercial real estate investing. You will want to narrow your focus to create the best possible strategy. Joining an investment group is a great way to get an in-depth look at how other investors have succeeded. Why reinvent the wheel if you don’t have to?

Books, podcasts, and online videos are other great resources to learn the basics of the commercial real estate industry.

Choose a Property Type

Now that you have a general understanding of commercial real estate investing, you should consider your property options. There are five main types of properties in commercial real estate:

  1. Retail – Shopping malls, restaurants, and grocery stores.
  2. Office – Smaller commercially zoned spaces to multi-floor office buildings.
  3. Industrial – Receiving warehouses and distribution centers.
  4. Multifamily – Large apartment complexes to a single duplex.
  5. Hospitality – Short-term rentals, hotels, and bed and breakfasts.

Pick the real estate category that interests you and fits your lifestyle.

Find the Right Real Estate Partners

Choose a broker that has experience in the property type you picked. Your broker will be able to explain the ins and outs of your local market and what to expect in the purchasing process. You will also want to find a commercial real estate attorney, go-to contractors, a commercial lender, and perhaps a property manager—Your broker will likely have recommendations for these.

Know the Math

Make sure you can quickly and easily run the numbers in a spreadsheet to determine the quality of the investment. Your new real estate partners will assist in

your calculations, but you want to be knowledgeable in rehab costs, projected rents, vacancy rates, and return on investment.

Commercial real estate can be intimidating, but you can guarantee success by taking the proper steps and choosing the right team. Contact Steve at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 to discuss any of your commercial real estate needs in Longmont, CO and our neighboring communities.

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WANTED TO LEASE: Up to 1000 SF shop space inside Longmont city limits

We have a new non-profit client who is looking to lease a small shop near Longmont, CO.   Here are the details:

  • Garage space for small bicycle repair shop with retail access
  • Ground floor open space with overhead or double-door
  • 3-5 year lease preferred, but flexible
  • Minimal power, heat and single bathroom needs
  • Close to major greenways and outside storage are also ideal
  • Ready to act quickly for the right opportunity !

Please contact me if you are aware of anything that might fit, thanks !

Steve Longenecker, Broker

Northern Colorado Commercial Real Estate
720-600-9513, WeBrokerCORealEstate.com
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Refer a Client to us and receive a $250 gift card!

WANTED TO PURCHASE: 1-2 acres of agricultural land near Longmont, CO

We have a new landscaping client who is looking to purchase a few acres of agricultural land near Longmont, CO.   Here are the details:

  • East of 287 out to I-25, preferably in Weld or Larimer (not Boulder) County
  • May consider a larger plot (5 acres max) and now even a home (NEW)
  • Need water rights included or at least available
  • Business is looking for nursery space

Please contact me if you are aware of anything that might fit, thanks !

Steve Longenecker, Broker

Northern Colorado Commercial Real Estate
720-600-9513, WeBrokerCORealEstate.com
Like, Share & Follow us on Linked-In & Facebook

Refer a Client to us and receive a $250 gift card!

Introducing our NEW commercial real estate website

As you may be aware, we’ve added commercial real estate services to our business earlier this year.   I’m happy to announce our stand-alone website is now available to better support our new and existing clients: WeBrokerCORealEstate.com

You can also click here for a PDF summary of our services.

If you are thinking about buying, selling or leasing commercial real estate, contact me today !

Thanks,

Steve Longenecker, 720-600-9513, WeBrokerCORealEstate.com
Northern Colorado Commercial Real Estate
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