Real Estate Condos, A Hot Market
by David A. Podgursky, MBA
These units are great as conversion opportunities and for
small business growth. Think about it... a big concrete
box that you can do anything from store cars to manufacture
screen enclosures to tint car windows. They're ultra versatile
and have a huge market.
Small businesses like these units because
they can pretty much convert their space into about anything
they like. If they need a little office and a lot of work
room or storage, they can build-out a small office. If they
are corporate with some equipment storage, so be it. These
are also great for catering companies, contractors and firms
that don't need the exposure of a retail front. Usually
these facilities are located near major arteries and airports
so they are convenient for businesses that need access to
highways or for shipping.
The nice thing for contractors and light
industrial users is that the complexes are like a mini-networking
group for them. When someone owns a tile company, their
neighbors might be cabinets and granite manufacturing -
so together they can do kitchens and baths and keep each
other busy. If one is a plumber, their neighbor might be
an electrician and a conduit distributor and both can team
up with the General Contractor next door to make competitive
bids.
Rates are fantastic on these properties
in many cases. I have seen everyday rates as low as 6.15%!
One bank has even offered 5.95% as recently as last week!!
With rates like this and comfortable terms, small businesses
are buying spaces for cheaper than they are renting. These
are great opportunities for small businesses that want to
expand and take on more space to grow their business.
Besides the benefits of ownership and the
tax benefits of a mortgage, the business can deduct expenses
and depreciation on the building. At the right price point,
a cost segregation analysis would also help reduce the net
monthly cost of the unit further benefitting the bottom
line of the company that occupies it.
As a commercial investment unit, these
are particularly interesting properties to hold. The reason
is that they are "clean hands" investments. As
Triple-Net (NNN) Leases, the tenant is responsible for all
costs, maintenance, taxes, insurance, CAM, repair, etc on
the property and they still have to pay monthly rent. Since
so many contractors and mechanical type businesses are drawn
to these units, you find that many times the tenants are
able and licensed to do their own repairs thus saving you
from having to call out for estimates. These leases are
typically also longer term, 3-5 years and tenants usually
stay even longer than that. Rates are not usually as good
on the investment side, but potential for appreciation and
cash flows still exist in the right areas.
In Palm Beach County, these units are in
high demand due to the dwindling supply of industrial land
in the central county area. Due to this, the properties
located in Lake Worth, near Palm Beach Airport in West Palm
Beach and especially West near the Florida Turnpike are
usually sold out shortly after a sign is posted announcing
construction.
Existing complexes in Boynton Beach and
up and down I-95 will prove to be more valuable as Scripps
moves into Jupiter, Florida and the spin off businesses
and peripheral industries scramble to find available space
to relocate their businesses.
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