Real Estate
Investing in Commercial Real Estate? Ask These Questions First!

Are you thinking about investing in commercial real estate? It can be a great way to make money if you know what to look for and are willing to do your due diligence. Before you invest, however, it’s important to ask the right questions about the property. Let’s take a look at a few of the most important ones.
What is the Property’s Location?
The location of a commercial real estate property is its most important feature. You want to look for properties in areas with good potential for growth, such as business parks or near public transportation hubs. Areas with high foot traffic tend to attract more tenants, so look for properties near popular restaurants or stores. Also, make sure the area is safe and has low crime rates.
Do you know the area?
Othman el Ballouti, a commercial real estate investor with investments worldwide, says that local knowledge gives new investors an advantage. He says that larger investors have access to more research, statistics, and experience, but someone who knows the community from living there can leverage that advantage. If you know the people, the history, and what’s happening in the community, you can use that to make good investment decisions.
Plus, Othman el Ballouti says that local banks often prefer to work with commercial real estate investors who live in the area. This is partly because small banks (or local branches of national banks) are looking for investment options in their community. They also want to develop relationships with developers who will continue doing business with them.
What is Property’s History?
It’s also important to know the property’s history before investing. Find out if any major renovations have been done on it recently or if there have been any problems with pests or structural issues. If these issues haven’t been addressed, they could cost you extra money. Additionally, ask about any improvements planned for the area so you can factor them into your investment decision. This is another area where local investors have an advantage.
Who Will Be Your Tenants?
Your tenants will play an important role in determining your investment’s success. Make sure you research their backgrounds and find out what types of businesses they run and how long they plan on renting from you. You want tenants who stay around long-term and pay their rent on time every month! Additionally, ask about any other costs associated with renting out space, such as taxes or maintenance fees that might come up during the lease period.
Concluding Thoughts
Investing in commercial real estate can be very lucrative if done correctly—but it pays to do your homework first! Asking yourself these questions before investing will help ensure you get a good return on your investment and avoid costly surprises down the line. With all that is said, we hope this article has given you some food for thought when considering investing in commercial real estate! Good luck!
