Commercial Estates

Described as the ugly duckling of the commercial real estate market, self storage investments in the United States experienced exponential growth since its inception in the mid 1960s where the first self storage or mini warehouse facilities were seen in Texas. These facilities epitomized through the 70s and 80s the word utilitarian.

This market has gone a long way since then, creating its own unassuming and matured niche in real estate investment throughout the U.S. It is now defined as facilities offering rental on a month to month basis where tenants apply their own locks. There is no bailment associated with this facility.

The construction of the initial building that will occupy the Phase 1 of the Altira Business Park has begun. Designed as a convenient and quality business destination, the Altira Business Park is also erecting a motor bike testing center with driving track to be used by the Driving Standards Authority or DSA and is expected to be ready for occupancy by June of 2008 implemented on a leasehold contract.

A target of sixteen other industrial units is proposed to be built on the first phase of the development project, which has already garnered various inquiries for the units, which are available on either a leasehold or freehold basis.

The boom of the real estate industry is directly proportional to the number of fraud cases and other illegal schemes across the United States. There are more than a hundred families that are being victimized by this kind of fraud every year. For the succeeding years, the number of these fraud cases even seemed to have doubled.

As an act to solve this growing dilemma, the IRSCI or the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation has initiated formal investigations regarding these fraud cases in the real estate industry. With the help of the IRS, real estate brokers and the typical buyers are beginning to see some light with regards to the resolution fraud issues.

Financing of commercial estates are entirely different from financing of residential estates. The process can be very difficult especially for first time borrowers. With commercial estate financing, the lender looks at the long term profitability of your property. For this purpose, it must be made clear to them how you intend to use property so they can appreciate future profitability. The actual location of the property plays a big role whether you will be able to secure that loan. Size and type of commercial property will also come into play with the history of the property being scrutinized carefully. And as with any financing, risk plays a major role, how risky will it be for them to lend you the money. Taking all of this into account will determine if you can close that loan.

Commercial estates cover a wide range and diverse group of structures and uses. This type of investment can also cover vacant or idle lands. Learning the types of commercial estates can help you to tailor fit the use of your investment depending on the location and the projected demands of the market.

The common types of commercial estates are:
1. Multi-Family – this type includes duplex and other structures that are meant of habitation and occupancy of various families. Condominiums may also fall under this category because they are constructed as a group.
2. Retail Space – usually included in this classification are restaurants, electronic stores, clothing stores and the like. This is for businesses involved primarily in retail.
3. Office Buildings and Complex – single commercial structure that houses one office or different offices fall under this type of commercial estate. Rental payments for the use of office space is the owner’s source of income.

In efforts to recover from the devastation that resulted from the 9-11 attacks on the US mainly in Manhattan where the World Trade Center Buildings stood, the New Yorn and New Jersey Port Authority (which owns the land on which the new Freedom Towers are being built on) have released a statement that Beijing Vantone Real Estates has expressed a nonbinding agreement to lease property on the Freedom Tower which is steadily rising from the ruins of the former WTC.

Port Authority chairman Anthony Coscia said, “China Center’s expression of interest in the Freedom Tower, even before we begin our formal leasing program, strengthens our conviction that the World Trade Center site is a world-class business location. Serious interest from the China Center is a major milestone in our efforts to secure Freedom Tower tenants from around the world.”

This boosts the confidence of developers that the Freedom Towers is to become a viable commercial space for many global businesses that they are seeking tenants for.

A nationally acclaimed real estate developer in all areas such as , residential homes, offices, hotels and retail properties they are respected by the world’s lading architects. With projects such as the renovation of New York’s Upper East Side Classic, 995 Fifth Avenue and the Orion in the theater district along with one of the tallest residential developments in the NY area; the Ariel East and West, they lead the pack in some of the most innovative developers the world over. They have also developed some of the most prestigious and luxurious hotels around such as the W Hotel in Times Square and the acclaimed Inter Continental Hotel that overlooks Boston Harbor. Their work is a reflection of the combination of functionality, perfection and sophistication that makes for nice commercial spaces anywhere on the planet.

Tubular Skylights have been around for a long time and they have been an easy way to green the many commercial spaces we have in and around our cities. Using state of the art manufacturing processes that has sheets of metal coated to a mirror finish, they bring in the natural light from the roof down into the space that needs light without any energy used in the process, clean and green.
Topped by clear domes that reflects the sun’s rays into the tube, they can be used in conjunction with diffusers that use opaque plastic sheets to soften the glare of the sun’s rays that gets in. Need more light, simply use ones without diffusers to light larger areas that used to require power guzzling light fixtures even during the day.

Commercial properties whatever purpose they may serve are some of the best candidates for green retro-fitting due to their apparent size and space. Solar panels on the roof to help with lighting gets you and your tenants onto the green revolution. You can even go and get wind turbines to handle more electrical loads that cannot be covered by the solar panels. With these two working together, you’re well on your way to get green and it can even save you in terms of taxes for green buildings are being given such incentives. Read the rest of this entry »

Many of the aging commercial properties all over are getting green retro-fits to get them into tune with the growing green revolution. Much can be done with simple retrofits for green technologies that are springing up from all over are making it possible to get these old buildings into a greener shape for the future. From efficient support systems such as solar water heaters and more efficient air-conditioning systems to smart-power delivery systems, they are all finally making their way into the many commercial properties also mainly due to pressure from city property managers and the Read the rest of this entry »