Cash Flow vs. Appreciation: Which is More Important?

Cash Flow vs. Appreciation: Which is More Important?

Real Estate Investing

Real estate investing isn’t one size fits all. Each investor has their own goals, typically determined by a specific timeline.

Some investors are looking for quick returns (fix-and-flips), others are looking for long-term investments with no immediate return, and many are somewhere in between. 

Appreciation vs. Cash Flow

Often, appreciation and cash flow are the two main ways to analyze a real estate investment. 

Appreciation

Appreciation is the growth in property value over a given period. Geographic location, economic conditions, and renovations all factor into a property’s appreciation or depreciation. 

If a property isn’t well-maintained and the economy takes a turn right when the owner needs to sell, an investor may face a loss. On the flip side, booming economic conditions, well-done renovations, and other increased property values in the area may cause rapid appreciation. 

Cash Flow

Cash flow, on the other hand, is purely determined by owner expenses versus the income received. Typically, we think of this as a landlord-tenant relationship, where the landlord owns a property and manages the associated costs. In return, they receive rental income from the tenant.

This model hinges on the landlord’s ability to keep their expenses under control, rental rates high, and vacancies low. While economic conditions and renovations impact any investment, cash flow may withstand changes in outside factors better than appreciation.

Your Investment Strategy

Talking with an experienced real estate professional about your investment strategy is the best first step. Some real estate types naturally gravitate toward appreciation, while others tend to have a more robust cash flow. It’s crucial to choose the investment that supports your long-term financial goals. 

If you have questions about commercial real estate, please contact Steve Longenecker and Northern Colorado Commercial Real Estate at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513.

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

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Tips for Negotiating in Commercial Real Estate

Ready, Set, Negotiate

Negotiations are an essential part of every real estate transaction. The buyer is typically hoping for price and terms to favor their needs, while the seller may be pulling in the opposite direction. However, depending on how you navigate negotiations, a real estate transaction can be a win-win for both parties. 

Working with an experienced real estate broker who is well-versed in the best negotiating strategies will make the process painless for everyone involved. 

Tips for Negotiating in Commercial Real Estate

The following tips will help you negotiate a commercial real estate deal successfully. 

Budget Before

It is crucial to know your budget before you enter a conversation with a seller. If you haven’t set up solid parameters for your purchase, the seller may easily sway you as they suggest a specific price or terms. 

Business Mindset

A commercial real estate purchase is often an investment decision based on expected returns. Some people will try to pull at the heartstrings in negotiations, but remember that the numbers don’t lie. Use a business mindset and make your purchase solely on investment potential.

Communicate Well

Real estate transactions require strong communication. You will need to communicate well with your agent, and your agent will need to communicate with the seller and seller’s broker effectively. Communication is vital, especially when writing offers. 

Due Diligence

Much of purchasing commercial real estate revolves around doing your due diligence. You’ll need to analyze the rental history, have the building inspected, and review any documentation the seller has regarding the property. During this step, rely on your real estate agent to help you identify any red flags. 

Be Respectful

Negotiations should never be heated. Be sure to go into the process knowing that the seller is working for their best interest and you are working for yours. Respect must go both ways throughout a real estate transaction.  

Lean on Your Broker

Commercial real estate transactions are complex. Working with a highly qualified real estate broker and leaning on their expertise will help the process go as smoothly as possible. 

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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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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