Category: Services

Site Selection: Key Elements in Finding the Right Commercial Space

Posted on 08/24/23

Brands include Church's Chicken, Costco, Bloomin' Brands, Jersey Mikes, Dillard's, Five Below, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls.

You know the old saying: “Location. Location. Location.” In the commercial real estate game, well-designed business plans, solid funding, and meticulous execution are all necessary pieces of the puzzle, but without the right location, success can be elusive. Finding the right commercial space for your business plays a pivotal role in determining its fate. The perfect location can be the catalyst for exponential growth, while a poor choice can lead to stagnant sales and missed opportunities. When it comes to selecting the right site, making an informed decision is paramount.

The site selection process involves a thorough evaluation of numerous factors to identify the most optimal location for a particular commercial use, be it a retail store, restaurant, office building, or industrial facility. Engaging the services of a trusted commercial real estate firm that is familiar with the local market can prove to be a prudent choice, as it can streamline the process and will likely yield potential cost and time savings. To kickstart the site selection journey, the first crucial step involves defining the project’s unique requirements and clear-cut objectives. This encompasses determining the ideal property size, type, location, budget, and project timeline. Armed with this comprehensive information, a commercial real estate agent can get to work to find options that make the most sense for a client.

Factors to Consider in the Site Selection Process:

Suitability: A site’s prime suitability almost always revolves around its accessibility to customers, employees, and suppliers. A strategic location near major roads, highways, and public transportation can be crucial. Additionally, the availability of utilities to the site as well as environmental considerations can often play a vital role in evaluating suitability. And of course, understanding the site’s zoning is essential, as it determines the permissible uses in the area. If zoning adjustments are needed to align with the intended use, an experienced commercial real estate agent can help navigate municipal requirements for a smooth process.
Demographics: A comprehensive evaluation of the surrounding area’s demographic profile is also imperative to ensure it supports the intended use of the property and aligns with the needs of the community and workforce in the area.
Market Conditions: Thorough analysis of real estate market conditions helps gauge the demand for properties or businesses similar to the one under consideration. This information is vital for predicting the potential return on investment. An in-depth market analysis includes studying current trends, the availability of land or commercial spaces in the desired location, traffic counts, and property values.
Competition: The presence of similar businesses or developments in the area also should be evaluated to determine the expected level of competition and the potential for market saturation.

Once potential sites have been selected, a tour of each site usually follows to help investors determine the best possible option.

How Kelley Commercial Partners Can Help

Over the years, we’ve helped numerous major brands and businesses navigate the complexities of site selection, so if you’re looking to embark on a successful commercial venture, Kelley Commercial Partners’ team of knowledgeable agents possesses the expertise to guide you through every step of the process. We understand that “location” is the cornerstone of prosperity, and our thorough evaluation process ensures we find the most optimal site tailored to your unique business needs. With a keen eye on suitability, demographics, market conditions, and competition, we meticulously identify prime locations that can serve as catalysts for exponential growth. You can trust KCP to provide unwavering support in achieving all of your business goals.

Brooke Miller Agent | Partner

Kelley Commercial Partners has an award-winning team of real estate professionals with the experience and knowledge to ensure you maximize your potential and reach your financial goals. Let us help you create a clear plan and provide the guidance you need to confidently move forward. Contact us today or click here to explore available properties.

Cap Rates: Understanding Commercial Real Estate’s Key Metric

Posted on 07/14/23

By Daryl Peeples

If you’re considering investing in commercial real estate, you’ve probably heard the term “cap rate” thrown around. Cap rates, short for capitalization rates, are a key metric used in commercial real estate to determine the value of a property and its potential return on investment. It’s essential to understand what cap rates are, how they are calculated, and how they affect the value of a property before you buy.

WHAT ARE CAP RATES?

Cap rates are used to determine the value of a property by calculating the net operating income (NOI) divided by the property’s market value. The NOI is the income generated by the property after all operating expenses have been deducted but before debt service and taxes. Cap rates are expressed as a percentage, with a higher percentage indicating a higher rate of return.

HOW ARE CAP RATES CALCULATED?

Cap rates are calculated by dividing the NOI by the market value of the property. For example, if a property generates $100,000 in NOI and is valued at $1 million, the cap rate would be 10% ($100,000 divided by $1 million). Cap rates can also be used to estimate the value of a property by multiplying the NOI by the cap rate. Using the same example above, if an investor is looking for a 12% return on investment, they would be willing to pay $833,333 ($100,000 divided by 12%) for the property.

HOW DO CAP RATES AFFECT THE VALUE OF A PROPERTY?

Cap rates play a crucial role in determining the value of a property. A higher cap rate means that investors are willing to pay less for the property, which can be an indication of higher risk, lower cash flow, or both. Conversely, a lower cap rate means that investors are willing to pay more for the property, which can be an indication of lower risk, higher cash flow, or both. Cap rates can also be used to compare the value of similar properties in the same market. For example, if two properties generate the same NOI but have different market values, the property with the lower market value and higher cap rate may be a better investment opportunity.

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT CAP RATES?

Several factors can affect cap rates, including the property’s location, condition, tenant mix, lease terms, and market conditions. Properties located in high-demand areas with strong economic growth and low vacancy rates typically have lower cap rates. Properties with long-term leases to creditworthy tenants and low operating expenses may also have lower cap rates. Conversely, properties located in areas with weaker economic growth, higher vacancy rates, and higher operating expenses may have higher cap rates.

HOW TO USE CAP RATES IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTING

Cap rates can be a useful tool for investors looking to get involved in commercial real estate. By understanding cap rates and the factors that affect them, investors can make informed decisions about which properties to invest in and at what price. Here are some actionable tips for using cap rates in commercial real estate investing:

Research the market: Before investing in a property, research the local market to understand the demand for commercial real estate in the area, vacancy rates, and economic growth.
Evaluate the property: Evaluate the property’s condition, tenant mix, lease terms, and operating expenses to determine its NOI and market value.
Compare cap rates: Compare the property’s cap rate to similar properties in the same market to determine if it is a good investment opportunity.
Consider the risks: Consider the risks associated with the property, such as changes in market conditions, tenant turnover, and maintenance costs.

Our team of trusted commercial real estate professionals has the knowledge and experience in the local market to guide you through all the above and provide valuable insights into the investment potential of a property. For more information, please contact us.

Daryl Peeples
President | Principal Broker | Partner

Daryl joined the firm in 1985 and currently serves as president and principal broker, and partner. As principal broker, he ensures that all business conducted by the firm and its real estate activities adhere to the rules and regulations set by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. Daryl provides strategic direction and leadership to advance the company’s mission and increase revenue, profitability, and growth as an organization.

The Shoppes at Colonel Glenn

Dollar General in Rose Bud, AR

Tenant Improvement Allowances

Posted on 03/03/23

Tenant improvement allowances, or TIAs, are a common aspect of commercial leases. They refer to the amount of money that a landlord is willing to contribute towards the cost of renovations or customizations made to a leased property by the tenant. These allowances can play a critical role in determining whether a tenant can afford to take on a lease, and they can also be a point of negotiation between the landlord and tenant.

The first step in determining the amount of a tenant improvement allowance is to establish the scope of the project. This typically involves creating a detailed list of all the renovations or customizations that the tenant would like to make to the property, including the materials and labor required. The list should also include any necessary permits or approvals that will be required for the project.

Once the scope of the project is determined, the next step is to estimate the cost of the project by obtaining quotes from contractors or suppliers for the materials and labor required. The landlord can then decide on an allowance amount they are willing to contribute, which is generally a percentage of the total project cost. The percentage will vary depending on the landlord and the specific circumstances of the lease.

It’s important to note that the tenant improvement allowance is typically applied to the rent. This means that the tenant will pay a higher rent to the landlord to compensate for the allowance. Tenants should carefully consider the total cost of the lease, rent plus allowance, when deciding about whether to take on a lease.

From the landlord’s perspective, offering a tenant improvement allowance can be a way to attract and retain tenants in a commercial space. It can also be used to incentivize tenants to improve or upgrade a space in a way that benefits the overall property. A tenant improvement allowance can also benefit a tenant as it can reduce the costs associated with outfitting a space to meet their specific needs. Additionally, the tenant may be able to negotiate a higher allowance from the landlord if the tenant improvements benefit the property overall.

Tenant improvement allowances can play a key role in commercial lease negotiations and greatly benefit both tenants and landlords. When discussing tenant improvements, it’s crucial to have a defined goal and a well-thought-out strategy. At Kelley Commercial, our experienced professionals are ready to assist you in creating a clear plan and provide the guidance you need to confidently negotiate the best possible outcome as a tenant or landlord. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you make an informed decision.

Due Diligence Explained

Posted on 02/01/23

Due diligence typically involves reviewing and gathering a variety of information about a property, including financial records, legal documents, appraisals, and physical inspections before a buyer or seller enters into an agreement. The role of a commercial real estate agent in the due diligence process is to act as a facilitator, helping to gather and organize information, and to serve as a resource for the buyer or seller as they assess the potential risks and liabilities associated with the purchase or sale of a commercial property.

Our job is to facilitate transactions for either buyers or sellers.

Due Diligence for Buyers

From the buyer’s perspective, due diligence is an important step in the process of purchasing commercial real estate because it helps them make an informed decision about whether to purchase the property and to understand the potential risks and liabilities associated with the purchase. Some specific tasks that may be involved in due diligence for a commercial real estate transaction from the buyer’s perspective include:

Reviewing financial documents, such as tax records, budgets, and income statements, to assess the financial health and performance of the property.
Examining legal documents, such as leases, contracts, and deeds, to understand the property’s ownership and any legal liabilities or obligations associated with it.
Conducting physical inspections of the property to assess its condition and identify any potential issues or repairs that may need to be addressed.
Reviewing environmental reports and assessments to ensure that the property is in compliance with local and national environmental regulations and to identify any potential environmental hazards.

Due Diligence for Sellers

From the seller’s perspective, due diligence is the process of providing information and documentation about the property to the potential buyer. The seller is responsible for disclosing any known issues or problems with the property, as well as providing any relevant financial and legal documents for the buyer to review. In addition to providing information to the buyer, the seller may also want to conduct their own due diligence on the buyer. This could involve reviewing the buyer’s financial situation and ability to purchase the property, as well as their plans for the property once they take ownership.

Our associates at Kelley Commercial Partners have the experience and knowledge to ensure seamless property transactions for either buyers or sellers. If you’re considering the acquisition of a property or the sale of property, consider representation from our team. Contact one of our experts today.

Rising Interest Rates Present Opportunities for Commercial Real Estate Investors

Posted on 12/27/22

When interest rates rise, it can potentially make borrowing more expensive for commercial real estate investors. This may lead some investors to shift their focus to properties that have stable, long-term cash flow, as these properties may be able to generate enough income to offset the higher borrowing costs. However, rising interest rates can also create opportunities for certain types of investments.

One potential opportunity for commercial real estate investors when interest rates rise is to focus on investments that are relatively insensitive to changes in borrowing costs. For example, properties with long-term leases or properties that have stable, predictable cash flows may be less affected by rising interest rates.

Another option for commercial real estate investors is to invest in properties with strong demand, such as properties in high-growth areas or properties that are leased to creditworthy tenants. These properties may be able to command higher rents, which can help to offset the higher borrowing costs associated with rising interest rates.

Investors might also consider exploring alternative financing options, such as private lending or crowdfunding, which may offer more favorable terms than traditional bank financing.

Finally, commercial real estate investors might negotiate interest rate swaps or caps with their lenders, which can help to mitigate the impact of rising rates on their investment portfolio.

For nearly 40 years, Kelley Commercial Partners has helped provide clients with a competitive advantage. We have the knowledge and experience to help clients navigate through the ever-changing market. Whether you are new to the commercial real estate market or an experienced investor, we are here to help you meet your real estate goals. Contact us today.