Wednesday, November 17, 2010

NAI Ruhl & Ruhl Commercial Company Blood Drive

The NAI Ruhl & Ruhl Commercial Company blood drive held on November 16, 2010 was a success and could not have been done without the help of our 8 donors who's blood will be able to help a total of 24 patients. Several other staff members wanted to make a donation, but were unable due to recent travel outside of the U.S. NAI Ruhl & Ruhl Commercial Company would like to thank the Mississippi Valley Blood Center for spending their day with us setting up the event and collecting blood.  Thanks again to all those who donated.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Good news on the commercial front

original article published in National Association of Realtors- Realtor.org by George Ratiu in November 2010.

Research Economist, George Ratiu, states that "Amid signs of uncertainty, economic activity continued its moderate growth trend in the third quarter of this year." Ratiu goes on to say that growth came about due to double digit increases in spending, coupled with rising consumer expenditures.

"Against this backdrop of a moderately recovering economy, commercial real estate investments posted a significant jump in sales during the third quarter – up 115.0 percent from the third quarter of 2009." Ratiu infers that the increase in commercial investment signifies a shift in preferences among global investors.

According to Ratiu, "In addition to global investors, U.S. commercial real estate investors are finding improved conditions in certain markets and property types." Ratiu goes on to break down third quarter findings on a class by class basis, stating "While fundamentals for office, industrial and retail properties are still trying to shake off negative absorption and rents, demand for apartments has been strong – and continues to rise."


To view this article in its entirety and to see a break down class by class, CLICK HERE.



Thursday, November 11, 2010

Midwest Real Estate News asks, "Will only the strong survive today's commercial market?"

originally published November 9, 2010 in Midwest Real Estate News

Ted Jokerst, senior vice president and manager with Minnetonka, Minn.-based Welsh Capital, is confident that tough times will leave behind a stronger commercial real estate industry. Jokerst states, "It’s a challenging time right now. But there are opportunities in the marketplace to find new clients and provide value. We have the opportunity in such a challenging marketplace to really differentiate ourselves from other companies in what services we can provide clients. That’s how you have to look at a market like this one."

Jokerst believes the market will come back in time, but slowly.  Likewise, Jokerst finds the Midwest markets to be more risk-averse which he believes has been a real help during this economic downtown.

To read more of this article, CLICK HERE. 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Multi-Family Remains Strong in the Midwest

original article published in Midwest Real Estate News on October 26, 2010 by Dan Rafter

Bruce Gerhart, Senior Vice President and Midwest Regional Director based out of the Cleveland office of commercial mortgage banking firm Love Funding, says that the multi-family industry has remained strong due to its cautious nature.  Gerhart states, "Within the Midwest, there has been very little building over the past eight, nine or 10 years when it comes to multi-family. Multi-family really has been underserved with you compare it with single-family housing in the Midwest. This under-building has helped to keep multi-family steady even as the economy goes through its difficulties."

He goes on to say that due to the economic slump more people are looking to rent as opposed to owning a home, and therefore there is a higher need for multi-family buildings.  He also states that the multi-family industry took a hit early on, but has been able to take advantage of the tough economic situation.  When these multi-family units took a hit early on, landlords struggled to keep their building fully occupied, and thus, rents went down.  Today, rents are stable and in some cases, they are even going up.

To Read more of Gerhart's thoughts, CLICK HERE.

What are your thoughts?  Is the Multi-family industry really as solid as we think?

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Property Management, The Savior of Commercial Real Estate

According to Dave Petersen, Chief Executive Officer of the asset management company of Chicago's NAI Hiffman, believe that today’s challenging commercial environment, property management services have provided struggling brokerages with a reliable source of income.

Dave Petersen
Dave states, "When you are working in property management, you are creating other access to revenue streams. In the product that you lease and manage, other transactions occur. You are creating deal flow within that asset-managed portfolio. You are providing your leasing brokers an additional opportunity to call for business as they are out trying to fill space in buildings."

Dave goes on to say that being in the business of property management in today’s economy allows you  to be at the table with tenants.  Tenants today are gold in the eyes of investor clients.  Dave feels that nothing helps operating costs more so than being able to have a good tenant in place.

To view the rest of Dave's interview with Midwest Real Estate News, please CLICK HERE

Monday, October 11, 2010

Is it necessary to have a new survey when purchasing commercial real property?

There is no hard and fast rule. In general, it is always preferable to have a fresh survey so you know exactly what you are buying. But if there has been a survey within the past few years and you are convinced after looking at the property that nothing has changed, your lawyer may tell you that you can safely avoid getting a new survey.

Also, be aware that if you are borrowing money from a commercial lender, the lender will probably order a mini-survey (sometimes called a mortgage report). While this is not as good as a full survey ordered for your benefit, your lawyer may conclude that it is adequate for your needs. This is particularly true if, based on the lender’s survey, the title insurance company is willing to guarantee that there are no boundary line problems.