Monday, February 24, 2014

Finding the best place for your business



If you are a home-based business looking into a "brick and mortar" location or a small business that has grown out of their current space, finding and leasing a new commercial space may be a 2014 project on your plate. For any business owner not fluent in lease types and terminology, the process of researching spaces and navigating a lease may seem daunting. However, answering a handful of questions and knowing a few terms before beginning the process can provide focus and reduce apprehension.

Questions:

What can you afford? Generally, rent should be less than 10 percent of projected annual gross revenues.

*Word of caution: Make sure you know what type of commercial lease will be signed. For example, a Triple Net Lease is also known as Net Net Net Lease or NNN Lease. This is a type of lease in which the tenant pays all or part of the taxes, insurance, and maintenance associated with use of the property. These fees are paid in addition to the tenant's regular monthly rent. Another common type of commercial lease is a Modified Gross lease which usually stipulates that the Owner or Landlord is responsible for the major expense items, but the tenant is responsible for their directly related expenses (i.e. electricity, phone/internet).


Of course this depends on the type of business you own. For office space, the average is 200-250 sf per employee. For retail space, the square footage is based on annual sales and market data of average "sales-per-square-foot". For industry space, position of equipment, processes, and inventory affect the square footage needed.

Where do you think your business will thrive? Location is key to any business. You want to be near complementary businesses that are making money, but not right next door to a competitor. Is the location easy for you and your employees to commute to or your clients to find?

Does your type of business require specific zoning designations? Exposure and signage - how many cars drive by a day?

How long do you want to stay in an area and how fast you think you will grow? Tying yourself to a 10 or even 5 year lease may not be the right choice for your new or growing business. Negotiate a shorter lease term.

Once you have an area and rental rate in mind, your broker can begin making appointments to walk-through suitable spaces. When visiting spaces, be mindful of the building, landscape, and parking lot's condition; evaluate the surrounding vicinity and always carry a checklist with important must-haves (i.e. internet ready, signage, parking spaces).

The Management Group can help you find the perfect space, and also be in your corner during negotiations and signing. To speak with a TMG broker about commercial space, call Carmen Villarma or Jennifer Riddle at (360) 397-0334.

http://www.TMGnorthwest.com

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Buyers, sellers, renters and real estate agents - Is Kumbaya possible?



What happens when a rented home is put up for sale? The chain of events happens rather quickly and often times priorities of the parties collide. Not all owners can afford to have their property vacant while on the market so enlisting the cooperation of the tenant is crucial. The first thing an owner or real estate agent should do is check with the management company. Ask about the terms of the lease and what the state statutes may say regarding a lease termination and the proper notice required to show the property.

Cooperation, communication and flexibility are key to having a transaction that can meet everyone’s goals. Once you’re aware of the notice period to show the property, it’s also helpful to be somewhat flexible with the tenant’s schedule. Everyone has lives- kids, pets, and jobs. Allowing the tenant some say in a schedule will help you gain access for other showings, inspectors, appraisers and contractors. Moving a family unexpectedly is costly, stressful and often not on a time frame under their control. In the end, the goal is to sell the house, have the tenant leave the property in good condition, and be able to assist them in finding a new home.

Washington Landlord Tenant Law
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/59.18

••Oregon Landlord Tenant Law••
http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/chapter/90


Carmen Villarma, CPM
President



The Management Group
Property and HOA Management in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
http://www.TMGnorthwest.com
 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

More People Are Moving To Oregon Than Any Other State, Study Finds



Look out, California, there's a new West Coast hot spot on the map.

CNNMoney, just released that Oregon was the destination among people who moved from one state to another last year. The yearly review took into account 129,000 moves in the United States in 2013 and found more than 61 percent of all interstate relocations made in Oregon were for people coming to live in the state. So what's the draw? Housing costs? Business incentives? Or maybe just some room to breathe? Well, it's looking like all of the above.

"We're seeing continued migration to the Pacific Northwest as young professionals and retirees are drawn to amenities, including public transit, green space and the local arts and entertainment scene," said UCLA economist Michael Stoll.