Selling Commercial Real Estate
Have you considered getting into real estate investing as a career? It's a great opportunity for personal and financial reward. However, you should be certain to think critically when selling, especially when dealing in commercial properties. Going about investing the wrong way can cause you to lose money, not gain it. Here are a few tips to help those who are new to commercial property investment sell their properties and do well.
First, remember all of your resources. A Commercial Investment Multiple Listing Service (CIMLS) will get information about your properties out to more people than most forms of advertisement or listing can manage. Not only does CIMLS benefit you by increasing the exposure of your property, it's also free. Just sign up for an account, and you'll be able to put up an unrestricted listing. Get the most out of your marketing and advertising budget by taking advantage of free listings like CIMLS.
Likewise, local free real estate publications can be a great way to get the word out. You may have to pay for a listing in these publications, but some will allow you to add one at no cost. Many are looking for content, and will be willing to work with you. Since people pick these free publications up at many locations around the area, you'll be getting exposure you wouldn't have had before in exchange for a little time.
Remember to pay attention to the local legal structure, too. Paying capital gains taxes, making sure your property is up to code, and following local regulations requires knowledge of building codes, tax law, and city or local laws. If you're not sure that you have the information you need on these legal issues, consider talking to an experienced broker. When you're selling a major investment, the last thing you need is a hitch in the legal process.
It may seem simple, but many people just getting started in commercial real estate investing forget one of the basic sales methods. Put up a sign. This is a good way to stir local and passing interest in your property. Many people looking for a place to relocate their business won't know your property is for sale unless they see a sign telling them so. In addition, a sign stating that the property is for sale will be seen at the same time as the property, and will be able to stir more interest. If you have a commercial property located by a major road, be sure to invest in a quality, readable sign that lets the public know you'd like to sell.
If you know that your current level of experience isn't high enough to allow you to take advantage of all your options, or are worried about falling victim to a legal detail, you may wish to hire a broker. Of course, this isn't the best case, but when you have a commercial property you'd like to sell, losing some of the profits to a good broker is a better choice than not being able to sell, not getting a fair price, or losing a chunk to taxes. Especially if this is your first large commercial sale, a broker could be a smart choice. Once you gain more experience, you'll be able to handle sales without the involvement of a broker.
To defer payment of capital gains taxes on the sale of your property, consider using a tax deferred like-kind exchange. This is when you exchange your property with another commercial property owner, receiving a similar property in return. This will give you a deferment on paying your capital gains taxes, as the IRS, seems to be trying to encourage this kind of exchange as a vehicle for investment. Remember that there are some specific requirements for a like-kind exchange, and your properties must both meet these requirements for your tax to be deferred.
Commercial real estate investment offers many opportunities for the newcomer. Just be sure that you're taking everything into account, and proceeding in a well-reasoned, critical manner when you sell your property. It could mean the difference between making a profit and being unsuccessful. Don't be too proud to ask for advice or even hire a broker if you need to, and be sure to investigate all options before making a sale. In addition, remember that selling a commercial property requires you to let potential buyers know the property is available, through signs and local listings. By paying attention to all these factors, you'll have a much greater chance of success in a real estate investment career.
About the Author
Anthony Seruga and Yolly Bishop of http://www.maverickrei.com specialize in commercial and investment real estate. As of May, 2006, they and their partners are managing over $600 million dollars worth of new projects.
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