Longmont , CO
(720) 600-9513
Longmont , CO
(720) 600-9513

How to Winterize Commercial Properties

Tag: Property Management

How to Winterize Commercial Properties

November 7, 2024

Winter on Its Way

With the first snowfall in Northern Colorado, it’s clear that winter is on its way. Each changing season signals a new set of maintenance items for your commercial properties. 

Maintenance in preparation for cold weather seasons is especially important. Neglecting these steps can lead to significant damage, as freezing temperatures wreak havoc on roofs, gutters, HVAC systems, and other components. Let’s take a look at what you should be aware of as you winterize your commercial real estate.   

Winterizing Commercial Properties

These are the crucial items to pay attention to as you winterize your commercial properties:

  • Roof: Snow and freezing temperatures are hard on roofing systems. Have your roof inspected by a roofing contractor to ensure it is ready for winter weather and moisture.
  • Gutters: Have gutters cleaned to remove leaf and debris build-up and repair any damaged areas. Free water flow through gutters and downspouts prevents ice dams. 
  • Doors & Windows: Examine all doors and windows to ensure they seal properly and address any drafts that allow cool air in. 
  • HVAC: Hire a professional HVAC contractor to inspect the building’s heating systems, make necessary repairs, and replace filters. Also, ensure any cooling systems are winterized or stored. 
  • Plumbing: Drain or insulate any exposed plumbing to keep pipes from freezing. 
  • Exterior: Inspect the entire property exterior and seal any seams or cracks that allow moisture penetration. 
  • Landscaping: Prune shrubs and trees to ensure they are prepared to handle snow loads and are at an appropriate distance from any structures.

How Can We Help?

If you are getting ready to winterize your commercial property for the first time and feel overwhelmed, let us know how we can help! We have a network of great contractors we can refer to help you work through your maintenance checklist.  

Please contact Steve Longenecker and Northern Colorado Commercial Real Estate at WeBrokerCORealEstate or 720-600-9513 for all your commercial real estate needs.

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

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What to Look for in Commercial Real Estate Leases

October 10, 2024

The Structure of a Commercial Lease

Before implementing a commercial lease as a landlord, be sure you understand its structure and ramifications. On the other hand, it’s crucial for tenants to be familiar with the different portions of a commercial lease agreement prior to signing to avoid any future confusion or conflict. 

While there are several different types of leases in commercial real estate, each with its own set of obligations, there are a handful of general things to know as you prepare to rent your property.

Parts of a Commercial Lease

The following are the different parts of commercial leases that should be considered:

  • Rent Amount: Most importantly, the lease will explain how much it costs to rent the property. 
  • Payment Due Date: Is rent paid on a monthly basis? If so, be sure your renter knows what date it must be paid by and how that aligns with the cash flow of their business. 
  • Security Deposit: Read the contract to understand if the landlord will collect a security deposit upfront and how they may use the funds once the lease has ended.
  • Lease Term: How long the lease agreement lasts should be clearly outlined. 
  • How to Renew: Will the lease automatically be renewed at the end of the first term? Is there an option for a month-to-month agreement after the first year? 
  • Type of Business Allowed: Typically, leases will explain what types of businesses may operate in a given building per the zoning guidelines. Ensuring the tenant’s business meets the criteria is paramount.
  • Common Area Maintenance: Many commercial spaces will have common areas that need to be maintained. Is this the tenant’s responsibility, the owner’s, or split?
  • Subleases: Depending on the size of the building, a tenant may want to sublease a portion of their rented space. Some leases will allow subletting, and some will not.
  • Improvements: If any improvements need to be made while a renter is in place, the lease will specify who is responsible for the associated costs. 
  • How to Terminate: Tenants and landlords have different rights when terminating the lease contract. The agreement will state if and how each party can end the lease. 

Not Sure What to Look For?

If you are a landlord or tenant and aren’t sure what to look for in commercial leases, we would love to help! Northern Colorado Commercial Real Estate is experienced in helping clients understand and negotiate the terms of commercial leases. 

If you have questions about commercial real estate or lending options, 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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Is an Apartment Building the Best Investment Right Now?

July 31, 2024

Increased Multifamily Development

Across the United States, and in Colorado specifically, multifamily development has dramatically increased. As real estate and land become more expensive, developers are turning to high-density housing to solve the issue.

The new multifamily development pattern also aims to ease affordability. With more options, consumers will have increased negotiating power, as there will be less demand for each unit. This leads us to the question many commercial real estate investors are asking: Should I invest in an apartment building right now?

Is an Apartment Building the Best Investment Right Now?

The short answer is that it depends on your portfolio and investment strategy. For some, an apartment building would make a great addition; for others, another investment type might suit best. 

The good news for the apartment sector is that rental growth has remained steady even with significantly more supply. Colorado isn’t seeing the rapid property value increases or rental demand that it saw a few years ago, but things haven’t gone sharply in the other direction either. Continued population growth in Colorado and a significant need for housing inventory have kept the market steady.

On the other hand, with buyers and renters having more housing options to choose from, owners of multifamily developments have certainly lost some of their leverage. To attract customers, investors must own properties with a specific value proposition (newly renovated, top-notch amenities, etc.) to ensure their building stands out.

Focus on Your Strategy

While some will tell you that now is the best time to invest in an apartment complex, and some will tell you it’s the worst, be sure to focus solely on your strategy. Each investor approaches their goals differently, so it’s up to you to decide which next step is right for you. 

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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Four Types of Property Management

June 6, 2024

Property Management Types

Property management is often a crucial part of owning commercial real estate. Before hiring a property manager to oversee your investment, ensure they have the necessary experience, as each building type requires a unique skill set. 

The following are the four most common types of property management to be familiar with before taking the dive into owning investment properties. 

Residential Property Management

Residential property management involves overseeing single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. A residential property manager is in charge of single units and up to a quadplex (4 units). Their main focuses are acquiring and retaining qualified tenants, collecting monthly rent, and managing maintenance requests. 

Commercial Property Management

Commercial property management relates to apartment complexes (5+ units), retail spaces, and office buildings. Lease management is the primary task of a commercial property manager, as each building type requires a different leasing structure. Commercial property managers also typically take on a larger scope of facility maintenance and need a solid understanding of zoning, building codes, and safety requirements to ensure the property stays compliant. 

Industrial Property Management

Industrial property management centers around warehouse space, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. A property manager in this field focuses mainly on security and efficiency. Often, industrial facilities manufacture, handle, or store costly goods, making security a top priority. Additionally, the efficiency of these properties can make or break the investment potential, so creating proper systems is vital.

Special-Purpose Property Management

Special-purpose property management involves specialized buildings such as hospitals, education facilities, and recreation centers. Each building requires expertise in specific maintenance and scheduling needs, as well as solid marketing and connections to find the right tenant for that niche.

Have Property Management Questions?

If you have questions about property management or 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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Gross Leases: Are They the Right Fit for Your Property?

February 2, 2024

What is a Gross Lease?

A gross lease is a type of lease that requires the tenant to pay one flat fee to the landlord to rent a given space. 

Rather than the tenant paying additional fees, the owner designs the rental amount to cover all operating expenses. These expenses generally include property taxes, insurance, and utilities, but the tenant could negotiate to have additional services such as cleaning included. 

In commercial real estate, there are several types of leases to choose from, depending on the property you own. Each variety of lease affects how your tenant-landlord relationship functions, so it’s best to consider all your options before making a choice. 

Types of Gross Leases

While all gross leases are similar, they fall into two general categories: modified gross and full service. 

A full service lease, as described above, includes all operating expenses in a flat rental amount. The tenant is not responsible for additional charges outside of their weekly, monthly, or yearly fee. 

Alternatively, a modified gross lease is tailored to the landlord’s needs. In this scenario, the rental amount may include property taxes and insurance but not utilities. A modified gross lease combines a gross lease and a net lease (where the tenant is responsible for operating expenses). 

Pros and Cons

Before deciding on a gross lease, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons. On the upside, a gross lease allows the landlord to collect a higher rental amount and pass along operating expenses to the tenant, especially as costs increase over time.

On the other hand, a gross lease requires more attention from the property owner as they are in charge of ensuring maintenance is taken care of, and bills are paid.

Be sure to partner with a real estate professional to help you decipher which type of lease is best for you and your property. 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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5 Common Mistakes of Commercial Landlords

December 20, 2023

We’ve all heard the horror stories of commercial and residential landlords. From tenants destroying property to simply not paying their rent, it’s easy to be scared away from being a rental property owner. There are, however, some tried and true methods to ensure the success of your investment.

Let’s take a look at a few common mistakes of commercial landlords and how you might be able to steer clear of potential issues.

Common Mistakes of Commercial Landlords

The following are a few of the most common mistakes of commercial landlords:

1. Negotiations

Whether you are purchasing commercial property or working on the details of a lease, understanding the negotiation process is crucial. Landlords and buyers often go into negotiations without proper representation and not having solidified their desired terms. 

2. Property Management

The wrong property manager or poor management systems can be the downfall of a commercial investment. Picking the best property manager for your building is equally as important as choosing the right tenant. 

3. Maintenance

Deferred maintenance leads to more significant expenses down the road. A landlord who notices an issue and immediately addresses it saves time, money, and energy in the long run. 

4. Due Diligence

Due diligence is paramount when buying commercial real estate or considering a prospective tenant. Investigating each aspect of the building and tenant to ensure they are a good fit for you and your portfolio will increase profitability. 

5. Leases

Any ambiguity in a lease can lead to conflict. A correctly drafted lease with black-and-white terms keeps everyone on the same page regarding rules and responsibilities. 

An Agent Ally

A commercial real estate agent ally can make all the difference. Your broker should be well-versed in the above-mentioned issues and will guide you toward success.

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.

Like, Share & Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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How to Attract the Best Commercial Tenants

December 6, 2023

The type of tenants you have in your commercial property can dramatically impact your return on investment. 

Hand-holding or excessive wear and tear can quickly reduce cash flow and increase staffing and building expenses. On the other hand, a renter who operates autonomously and goes above and beyond with building care and maintenance may increase the value of your commercial asset. 

Attracting tenants that best fit your space and management style is the key to being a successful landlord.

Attracting and Retaining Great Tenants

Here are a few things to consider in your attempts to attract and retain great tenants:

  • Location: Always at the top of the list when it comes to real estate, an appealing location will attract many tenants, allowing you a larger pool to choose from. 
  • Access: Buildings with easy access and plenty of parking can be hard to come by. Having great accessibility at your commercial property can help secure an exceptional tenant. 
  • Safety: Safety is typically at the top of the wish list of a high-quality tenant. Offering top-notch building security is extremely attractive for prospective renters.  
  • Appearance: Appealing interior and exterior appearance helps your building stand out amongst other options, driving higher cash flow and quality tenants.
  • Amenities: Shared amenities (conference rooms, lounges, kitchens, etc.) are great tools in marketing to a wide variety of renters. 
  • Responsiveness: As a landlord, responsiveness is crucial in attracting and retaining great tenants. Whether scheduling showings or following up on maintenance requests, quick responses are always appreciated.
  • Feedback: Collecting feedback and doing all you can to keep renters satisfied is the best way to keep solid tenants.

Use Your Broker 

Using your broker for property marketing and recommendations on best landlord practices will guarantee high-quality tenants. Experienced commercial real estate agents know where to look to find great tenants and the right questions to ask to ensure a smooth lease going forward. 

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.

Like, Share & Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Perks of Owning a Storage Facility

November 21, 2023

Office buildings and apartment complexes are often top of mind when it comes to commercial real estate. While these options make up two of the largest categories of commercial property, there are many other types of investments.

Storage facilities, although often overlooked, can provide a strong return and cash flow. 

Why Invest in a Storage Facility

Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider investing in a storage facility:

Demand

As the population and economy grow, so do our storage needs. Rising demand for storage space helps boost property values and rental income. 

Turn Time

Compared to other types of rentals (residential, office space, etc.), storage facilities typically have a very short turn time. Smaller self-storage units may take less than a couple of hours to have cleared out and ready for the next renter. 

Operating Expense

Operating expenses are relatively minimal compared to other commercial real estate investments. Lower taxes, fewer management requirements, and minor utility expenses (especially if your storage is not temperature-controlled) keep operating costs down.

Group of Renters

Storage facilities bring value to a broad group of renters. Both businesses and individuals consistently use self-storage for various needs, minimizing vacancies and turnover. 

Number of Units

Self Storage typically involves owning a large number of units. The greater quantity means that a single renter deciding to leave minimally impacts cash flow.

Make a Game Plan 

You should start by mapping out your long-term investment goals and making a game plan to get yourself there. Even if a storage facility is not your first investment, you may consider adding one to your portfolio in the future. 

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.

Like, Share & Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Top Strategies for Marketing Commercial Real Estate

October 13, 2023

Ready to Lease or Sell?

Whether you are getting ready to lease or sell a piece of commercial real estate, having a top-notch market strategy is essential. 

Online platforms mean that buyers and renters have access to massive amounts of real estate information in the palm of their hands. When you are in a position to lease or sell commercial space, you need to be sure your property stands out among the rest. 

Commercial Real Estate Marketing Strategies

The following commercial real estate marketing strategies will help you find the right buyer or tenant in no time.  

  • Know Your Audience: If you don’t know who you want to market to, it will be challenging to get the word out. Knowing your target demographic helps narrow your focus and lets your advertising connect more effectively.
  • Understand the Value Proposition: What do you and your property have to offer? It is vital to know your value proposition and how to present it to potential buyers or tenants. 
  • Showcase the Property: There are various ways to showcase a property, from professional photos and videos to 3D walkthroughs and even virtual reality tours. Determine the best way to showcase your property and get as many eyes on it as possible.
  • Use a Budget: Having a budget and sticking to it will ensure you stay within your means. Marketing is not all about who has the most significant budget but who is consistent and strategic.
  • Be Responsive: With rapidly available content everywhere and consumers looking for instant gratification, quickly responding to inquiries about your commercial space is paramount.

Talking with an experienced commercial real estate agent who is well-versed in the most up-to-date marketing strategies is highly beneficial. 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.

Like, Share & Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

#longmontcommercialrealestate #commercialrealestatebroker #northerncoloradocommercialrealestate

Best Practices for Commercial Property Maintenance

September 27, 2023

Managing Commercial Property

Acquiring commercial real estate is one piece of the puzzle; managing a property is another. Whether you hire a property manager or take on the responsibility yourself, it is an essential part of ownership. 

A property manager will help facilitate tenant relationships, negotiate leases, and preserve the building’s condition. Consistent property management maximizes your return on investment by increasing cash flow and boosting appreciation potential. 

Maintenance is Key

While there are many important aspects of property management, maintenance is key. A building that is well-cared for will not only be appealing to tenants looking for a new space to lease but also for future buyers if you end up needing to sell. 

Preventative Maintenance 

When people think of building maintenance, they often imagine a handyman fixing a broken light fixture or a plumber repairing a leaking pipe. Preventative maintenance, however, is even more essential. 

Preventative maintenance may include regularly scheduled plumbing, electrical, and HVAC inspections, checking roofs for leaks, and consistent cleaning to avoid general wear and tear.

Tenant Communication

In addition to preventative maintenance measures, having proper systems in place for tenant communication is critical. When issues arise, you want your tenant to understand what steps to take and how to efficiently communicate the situation to the property manager or owner. 

Quick Repairs

Once an issue is identified, the landlord or property manager should address repairs quickly. Strong relationships with contractors and vendors allow for speedy resolutions at fair prices. 

Overall, following best practices for commercial building maintenance is essential in preserving your real estate investment. 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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#longmontcommercialrealestate #commercialrealestatebroker #northerncoloradocommercialrealestate

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