After careful consideration, you decide to pursue a new way to diversify your assets. You want to invest in commercial real estate. Although you are an experienced investor, you are a novice when it comes to investing in commercial properties such as office buildings, hotels and medical centers.
Your cautiousness is understandable. Before making your decision, you should have already done plenty of research by investigating markets, determining what investments make sense and seeking any investor partners. And what you do not want to do is make serious mistakes that may sour your experience.
Know the market, properties and partners
Common setbacks made by commercial real estate investors include:
- Thinking you know the market when you do not: This strategy may cause you to commit to certain investments without having done thorough research. You may find that you have entered the market prematurely, especially in situations in which you are focused on a single investment. An asset manager may be the ideal ally. This person’s knowledge of markets and commercial properties is crucial.
- Lack of diversification: There are plenty of commercial real estate investment opportunities and plenty of markets throughout the country. Diversifying your investment portfolio is critical. Make sure to investigate different U.S. regions and the types of available property. A certain market may be sizzling hot, while another may have significantly cooled.
- Failing to understand your managerial role: A manager has so many tasks and responsibilities, which include securing tenants, negotiating leases and maintaining the properties. This may be a role better suited for an experienced property manager.
- Failing to realize that partnering with others takes work: Conflicts may arise, especially when different investors bring different personalities, ideas and priorities to the partnership. In such scenarios, it remains imperative to create contracts that describe the specific roles of each investor partner.
You want your experience in commercial real estate investment to go as smoothly as possible. Small missteps can be overcome, it is just the bigger missteps you must avoid.
Marching toward success
Before diving into commercial real estate investment, do your best to understand the markets, the available properties and potential investment partners. In doing so, you just may keep mistakes at bay and march toward success.