2011 Commercial Construction and Real Estate Cost Forecasting

Everyone knows that the commercial construction industry got hammered after the global financial meltdown. And it really hasn't recovered very well, and although the residential housing market got hit quite a bit harder than the commercial sector, there are plenty of unoccupied buildings with no tenants, unoccupied high-rises, and empty warehouse buildings. The question is, as we are moving into 2011; how does the industry look now?

Is there any money to be made in commercial construction in 2011? Yes and no, and most of the industry believes it will be a rebuilding year. Luckily, Land Costs should remain relatively decent in most US markets. Still, we can expect labor costs to skyrocket - mostly due to increases in illegal immigration enforcement, meaning sub-contractors will be hiring US citizens not cheap labor and paying them under the table. Plus, let's not forget the realities of the new ObamaCare phase-ins on health insurance.

Many Municipalities and County Governments are requiring LEEDs construction techniques and energy efficient structures. Some states are putting overlay laws on top of local ordinances, building codes, rules, and regulations. That will certainly drive up costs. Also, in some cases Union Labor may often be required because they will be the only folks certified to build LEEDs standard buildings.

But, those are not the only considerations, as you can expect Workmen's Compensation insurance is only going one-way, and that's up. And then there are materials, which must be considered in the cost analysis also. Chinese made materials such as aluminum, steel, and other products could be hit with significant tariffs and many building materials from China have already have been due to anti-dumping filings at the WTO.

Yes, 2011 will be a rebuilding year, but it will also be a war zone out there, and it will prove that only the strong survive in this industry. I hope you'll please consider all that.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 21,500 articles was a lot of work - because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off.

Commercial Songwriting

What is the major difference between songs written by an amateur and a professional song writer? The gap to differentiate can be humongous as one imagines, but the reality is that all it requires is the right blend of promoting, recording and advertising. You might say an immense advertising campaign including radio and television airplay could be the reason for a musical hit and you'd more than likely be correct, or at least partly correct. All of us need to start somewhere no matter how much backing or talent we have. This usually involves getting people to:-

1) Listen to our song
2) Like our song
3) Want to hear our song again

Though this may seem like a short list, it involves painstaking labor and commitment to get people to listen to you.

Record and Publishing company executives go through a process before they can establish the band or artist in the music industry. Their job involves:-

1) Listen to all the songs
2) See a market for those songs
3) See if the public like the songs
4) See if the public would like to hear the songs again

After signing a recording deal with an artist or band, Recording and Publishing company executives have to:-

1) Be interested in the target market
2) Have resources, or expect to have resources, to devote to that market either short term or long term
3) Match that with whether they see you as a short or long term investment
4) Believe that other companies are or would be interested. This doesn't hold true for all cases but it does take care of a lot of them! In order to be a successful commercial songwriter, you need to do a little ground work to prepare and pave the way for your chances of success in the music industry.

This should help to focus your efforts and clarify the direction you are going in as a songwriter and make a lasting impression on the recording and publishing company executives as well as the public.

The most important element of commercial songwriting is the "hook".

Can you survive as a commercial songwriter without a firm command of how to write a hook?...in a word NO! If some of you don't get what I'm saying, I will give a detailed explanation on the term "hook".

The "Hook" can most easily be described as that part of the song that is most memorable, usually most catchy lyrically and musically, and usually most repeated. Musically this word can be the most dynamic part of the song. It can consist of the song's title, words from the chorus or a catchy phrase which just can't be erased from the mind. The Dire Straits tune Sultans of Swing is a fine example of this technique.

Most successful commercial songwriters write hooks before they write songs. They do this because a great song is more easily born of a great hook. Writing a great commercial song based on an average hook is a near impossibility. So all you have to do is decide on the prospect of writing good meaningful songs and paying close attention to the hit songs of today. There can never be hard and fast rules for writing songs, because there are in fact none! All these points are just written to give a little foundation for would be songwriters and musicians. There will always be writers that break every possible rule and still manage to achieve commercial success. You just need to do some research on the present trend in the industry and build up on that. In essence I am saying that while many great commercial songs don't follow the rules, most do! Write your next song from the hook. Make it interesting, accessible, catchy, and memorable and you're there!

Samritha Subhash

Writer

[http://www.mediaarrow.com]

Investing in New Orleans Commercial Real Estate

Right now is a great time to invest in New Orleans commercial real estate. Katrina devastated the region, but they are rebuilding. You can not only find a great deal, but you will also be a participant in the rebuilding process and returning all of New Orleans to its former glory. Real estate agents in the area are seeing an increased interest in commercial property.

If you are worried about the lack of customers, don't worry. People are coming back to the city. In early '07, Jefferson parish's population hit about 460,000 and the Orleans parish increased to over 200,000. The people of New Orleans love their city and they want to support the business endeavors that will bring money into their economy.

Now, if you are interested in New Orleans commercial real estate, you may have some work ahead of you. Warehouses and store fronts were all damaged by the flooding and wind that Katrina brought.

Some business owners simply packed up and left with no intentions of coming back and reopening. So, you can get a great deal on the property, but there may be extensive repair and remodeling work ahead. Saving money on the purchase allows you to take care of what needs to be done

If you are concerned about the extent of the damage, bring a contractor with you when you go shopping for New Orleans commercial real estate property. That way you have an idea of how much work is needed and the expenses to get the building in grand opening shape.

Because the city of New Orleans wants your business, they are working with all potential business owners. The Office of Economic Development has worked on providing tax incentives, such as the Renewal Community Tax Incentive, and workforce development opportunities for new businesses.

Under the RCTI, you get credits for employee wages, commercial revitalization credits, equipment deductions and welfare and work opportunity credits. You also qualify for a zero capital gains tax if you keep the property at least five years before selling. You can visit the Business Center to get your licenses and to find out what kinds of programs are available to you as a new business.

The city government is determined to make New Orleans an attractive option for start-ups and business expansions. They know the city is on the way back and it will get the faster as businesses open and the money flows into the economy. The more the city has to offer, the people will return home to New Orleans and entice new people to come and make a life there as well.

Agents predict it will take about 10 years for New Orleans commercial real estate development to return to normal, but it can happen one business at a time. If you have dreams of opening a coffee shop, a bar or a boutique, why not give New Orleans the opportunity to make your endeavor a success? It is a win-win situation for you and the area.

This is the best time to invest in real estate in New Orleans. Real sale will pick up since tax incentives are being offered to attract businesses and property. Visit them online at http://www.realestatelouisiana.com.

Is it Simply Weight Loss? - Finding the Truth in Commercial Diets

How many times have you or a friend gotten excited about the newest 'diet craze' to hit the market? You see an ad full of thin, smiling people doing active things highlighted by the many benefits of the product? From prepackaged meal plans to pills, it is not just simply weight loss anymore. For many business people, there is money to be made in the world of dieting. This can have an adverse effect on the quality and effectiveness of new products. The downside for consumers is that, it really is not simply weight loss anymore. It is possibly a way to lose money on a product that does not work. Before you run out and spend hundreds or more on a commercial diet or product, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Amazing Promises of Fast Weight Loss

"Their website says it's simply weight loss at its best!" Of course the company is going to talk their product up. You might even find customer comments everywhere, praising the product. However, remember there is a buck to be made here. Always check other sources for reviews on the product. There are many websites dedicated to presenting an unbiased look at a product, scrutinizing it's potency with a sounding board for real customers. If you notice confliction between what you read on their website and what you read off of it, think twice before buying.

The Label says it Works!

Bad press would do little to help sales, so of course the company will keep things positive on the label. Whether it is simply weight loss focused or intended to do more, make sure you get the facts about how it works. Research the ingredients list and find out what is really in the product and how it will make you drop weight. Some manufacturers will put a lot of information on the label that can become confusing, and all of it is meant to sell you on the product's effectiveness. Always search for a list of potential side effects or health risks, no matter how small the print is.

Don't be a Sucker

It's simply weight loss, right? What's the big deal? Your health is the big deal, and these products can greatly affect it. Some can really damage your body without you realizing it until it is too late. Make sure you do your homework and find out what previous customers thought of the product. Also check for discrepancies on the website versus what you find through other, more reliable sources. One of the best pieces of advice you will hear is: if it is too good to be true, then it probably is! Know what you are buying and avoid thinking it is "simply weight loss." You should take your body and health seriously. Make sure you know what you are putting in it and avoid relying on companies to give you 'good' information. You can lose weight fast, but make sure you do so safely

Wendy Livermore of WeightLoss-User-Reviews.com, specializes in helping you shed the pounds fast and rid your body of excess fat naturally without expensive pills that don't work. Wendy, a weight loss specialist by trade constantly reviews new resources that help you discover the most effective fat loss techniques to get your body back into shape that work! Turn your body into a natural 24/7 fat burning machine. Check out actual user reviews and feedback of the most popular get your weight loss resources at WeightLoss-User-Reviews.com.

What is Required For Commercial Liability Coverage? What is Optional?

Is a small service company less likely to have a lawsuit brought against it than a manufacturing plant? No, but this is a common misconception among office-based businesses. The fact is, in today's dynamic and complex business climate, businesses small and large, office-based, or physical-labor intensive, are all equally susceptible to various claims.

Typically, with Commercial Liability insurance coverage, four types of claims are covered: bodily injury; property damage or loss; personal injury, such as libel or slander; and advertising injury. While commercial liability insurance is fairly inexpensive, costs for defending a claim are not and if the company does not have adequate commercial liability insurance coverage, it may have to foot the bill. This, in turn, could lead to financial hardship or bankruptcy. Commercial Liability insurance coverage will pay for all damages, legal fees and settlement charges up to the policy limits.

Commercial Liability insurance for office-based businesses is absolutely essential for financial planners, mortgage brokers, medical offices, architects, and engineers, to name a few. Too often, however, a business owner will forego liability insurance in an effort to reduce operating costs. This may save the company some money on paying premiums, but it also exposes the business's assets to paying for damages, if found liable, as well as legal defense expenses, regardless of whether the business is found liable or not.

Small business owners can take several proactive steps towards reducing their insurance costs, including:

Shop around: Business liability insurance coverages range by company; read up on what is covered and what is not. Review policy plans from several insurers and compare rates.

Consider a Business Owner's Policy (BOP): Rather than purchasing separate types of insurance from various companies, consider purchasing a package of policies. This will help eliminate costly duplication of benefits and, in some cases, special rates are offered on packaged policies.

Enlist a specialist broker: If the small business operates in a niche, it will often require specialized insurance to safeguard against unique risks. Insurance brokers will know what coverages are necessary for the business and know where to go for the best rates.

In some cases, operating without insurance is not an option. Federal and state law requires certain businesses to have liability insurance coverage, referred to as Workers' Compensation insurance. Additionally, some states also require auto insurance. This typically provides coverage for injury, damage or theft on company-owned vehicles, as well as for employees who may be involved in an accident while driving a personal car on company business.

Business owners can also purchase specialized, optional coverages specific to their industry. In fact, there are a number of products and services that compliment Commercial Liability insurance for office-based businesses. These include:

Directors and Officers - this protects directors and officers against claims of alleged negligent conduct committed in their role as director or officer.

Errors and Omissions - protects individuals and organizations against claims of professional negligence and errors or omissions in professional work.

Umbrella/Excess Liability - this provides additional coverage when insurance limits on an underlying policy are exceeded.

Optional coverages offer an extra layer of protection and are designed to meet unique needs. For small business owners who may not want to spend the additional money, Commercial Liability insurance is good coverage to start out with. When searching for proper coverage, an agent can help assess what will best fulfill the needs of a small business.

James Cochran is the founder of Business Insurance Now, a company specializing in commercial liability insurance. Business Insurance Now also offers professional liability insurance for those in the consulting industry and workers comp insurance to cover your company's employees.

Tips on Commercial Loans Refinancing

This article has been written for New Zealand businesses and makes reference to banks in New Zealand.

The amount that banks are prepared to lend depends on a number of factors including the security you have to offer and your capacity to fulfil your repayment obligations.

The more successful your business is, and the stronger your cash flow - the more the bank will be willing to lend.

How much can I BORROW for my business?

1) Generally the banks will lend between 35% and 65% of the purchase price of the business.
2) If you are buying a reputable franchise it could be from 50% to 75%.
3) A stand alone business can be more towards 35% or possibly more.

What BANKS look at when you apply for a business loan:

• Type of business,

• Management systems,

• Past performance trends,

• Cash flows,

• Your experience in running the business,

• Goodwill and fixed assets are also taken into account.

% Interest Rates

It is important to note:

• Interest rates are lowest for loans secured by residential property,


• Higher when secured by commercial property, and


• Possibly even higher when secured by business assets, with no other collateral.

Security

Banks tend to lend 50% - 60% of collateral security to specialist businesses such as hotels etc. The servicing of the debt from business and other resources needs to be to the banks satisfaction.

Your Business Loan VS Your Home Mortgage - being smart with your structures

Businesses that have been running for a number of years would have arranged their banking facilities and securities on day one. As time goes by and the business has progressed, there is a chance of separating business and personal assets by re-structuring the finance between bank and non-bank lenders at the same competitive rates.

Scenario

Bank 'A' had cross collateralised the client's home, investment house, beach and commercial property as security for the business' overdraft, term loan and their personal facilities, including credit cards. Simply, all lending facilities were secured by all available property including the family home.

The clients required further facilities for a business acquisition and the bank declined the request. The clients found an experienced mortgage broker, who reviewed their finances isolating their business loans from their personal debts and refinanced the residential properties with Bank 'B', repaying this current bank in full. This left the commercial property debt free to allow a mortgage to acquire further products.

TOP TIP

Whether you are considering buying a new business or have been in business for many years - find an experienced mortgage broker who deals with business owners, and complete a review of your current loans structures. This may help you with your cash flow and save you money.

Co-Author Gary Hey, Mortgage People, Auckland, New Zealand.

Dodge Sprinter Leads Commercial Vehicle Market

Today, worldwide almost one in five new vehicles sold is a commercial vehicle and Dodge has done an excellent job of providing buyers with plenty of options. Their commercial vehicles are now among the best selling in the world, and a great deal of that success has been due to their Sprinter model.

- Dodge Is an Industry Leader in Commercial Vehicle Sales
During the first half of 2008, the company experienced a 123 percent increase from the first six months of 2007 in commercial sales with 20,177 units sold. That allowed Dodge's share of the total retail market for Class 3-5 vehicles to grow to 21 percent, with sales of its Sprinter also jumping up 21 percent last year. This boost in sales has made them the fourth largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles worldwide.

"While continuing to conquer new territory and set new commercial standards, the commercial car market remains a white-space opportunity for the Dodge brand," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand Marketing in an interview. "Dodge has introduced six all-new cars since 2003 and we will continue to fill this space with bold, powerful and capable commercial-grade vehicles."

- Dodge Offers Best-in-Class Fuel Economy and Price
Since returning to the commercial vehicle market in 2004, they have created several trucks and vans that have earned "best-in-class" awards for fuel economy, including the Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab models. Their cars also boast of low maintenance costs, which have resulted in a 16 percent market share of the Class 4-5 segments.

"Delivering maximum uptime, dependability, capability, safety and increased savings, Dodge is continuing its commercial market onslaught with a barrage of product enhancements and upgrades intended to further improve an already great commercial line-up while better serving our business customers' specialized needs," Accavitti added.

- The Dodge Sprinter Provides Exceptional Value
And of course, the Sprinter, introduced in 2003, is one of their crown jewels in its commercial fleet. It has the lowest ownership costs of any van in its class and leads its segment in fuel economy, getting about 25 freeway miles to the gallon. In terms of its specifications, the Sprinter cargo van offers two wheelbases of 144 and 170 inches, as well as three body lengths of 233, 273, or 289 inches.

Consumers may choose from standard, high, or Mega Roof heights. While many features like antilock brakes and automatic climate control come standard, there are lots of great things like rear parking assist, heated front seats, and integrated phone connectivity that can be added as options. The Sprinter has a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine, with 154 horsepower, but buyers can opt for more horsepower by choosing the 3.5-liter V6 engine instead.

The full-size van continues to be a major hit with consumers. During the first seven months of 2008, the company sold more than 9,500 Sprinters, a 21 percent increase from the previous year. One of the reasons for its long-lived success is that at least three of the world's most recognizable courier services chosen to invest heavily in Sprinter fleets. Its fuel efficiency and practical design make it a great buy as both a passenger and cargo vehicle.

It's no surprise that the Dodge Sprinter is a winner in the commercial vehicle market. Whether you need a vehicle that can be used as a delivery van, chassis cab or a minibus, the Sprinter is the perfect car for you. Find the right one for you at www.sprinterdealer.net.

Highlight Your Business With the Brightest in Commercial Lighting

To have great products or services is all well and good however if nobody enters your place of business to inquire about or employ your services you'll quickly find yourself out of business. It's also a good bet that there is another business whose services and products are very similar to yours. Furthermore businesses similar to yours may have been in the area longer and will therefore have established repeat business. A business located in an area that's full of activity must do something to draw attention to itself, something that will help it stand out amid the other businesses residing in the same region.

One way to accomplish such a thing is to apply classy decor to the exterior of your business. Things like color, signs, and objects can lure people in off the street and into your business. In addition to these effects a business owner can implement commercial lights into his/her exterior and interior decor.

Commercial lights placed on the outside of a business are almost always eye catching and if nothing else will get passerby's to read your sign. If commercial lights are used creatively however there's a very good chance that people will not only read your sign but will venture through your door. The same can be said about interior commercial lights. If the lighting inside your place of business is used to create a specific or surreal mood people on the street will often stop inside to take a closer look at the lights they see through your window.

Of course once these would be customers enter your store your interior must impress them as well. A layout that is conducive to free moving traffic is always beneficial as it will keep those in your store from feeling crowded or stuffy. Allowing customers easy access to your best products is also a good idea. In business like all other aspects of life you should be putting your best foot forward. Once a customer enters your store the time for teasing is over. Show them your best and make it hard for them to ignore it from the moment they walk through your door. Commercial lighting will help you do just that.

Though there are a large number of things that a business owner must do the aforementioned are basics that if done with careful and creative planning can help a business, especially a new business stand out amongst the crowd. Drawing attention to a business with Commercial lighting is the first ingredient in the recipe for success. Keeping things simple yet imaginative can really help your business hit the ground running.

Kimberly Green is helping businesses put their best foot forward with interior commercial lighting to shed some light on the subject. While exterior commercial lighting will get your customers through the door.

Television Workouts to Do During Commercial Breaks

Watching television is the most common leisure activity along with surfing the internet. Once in awhile (with emphasis on the "Once"), you may watch television especially on shows on the History Channel, National Geographic Channel, or other better channels. You may watch some of these "reality shows" but there does not seem to be any redeemable value on those types of show. But, I digress. You can keep physically active while watching television. Here is a workout routine you can do during commercials.

Do a round of push-ups. You can vary the kinds of push-ups for variety. If you have a pull-up bar available, that would be great. But, if you can do some push-ups, then that is better than doing nothing. Push-ups are great for the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Try to work on getting 100 push-ups in a few sets. Also, try to vary your hand-position. When your hands are closer together, you will be working on the triceps more. Later, try clapping push-ups, plyrometric push-ups, or even one-armed push-ups.

Sprint in place. Sprinting in place will get your metabolism in gear. Sprint in place for 20 seconds then rest for 10 seconds. Then, do this round again until the commercials are over. Sprinting is an excellent anaerobic activity for your body. You will continue to breath hard long after the exercise is over. This is a key for muscle tone and even fat loss.

Do crunches together with back flexor exercises. Do about 25 reps of crunches. Then, flip over and do about 25 reps of back flexors. You will hit the abdominals and lower back at the same time. I am not a big fan of crunches. But, done together with back flexors, it is a good exercise to do during commercial breaks.

In one thirty-minute span, you should be able to go through all three of these routines (push-ups, sprints, crunches/back flexors). Keep active. Now, if you are watching over 2 hours of TV every night, you may want to cut back on your TV and do some quality workouts. Do not watch too much TV. If you do watch some TV, you can do these exercises during commercial breaks:

* Push-ups
* Sprint in place
* Crunches/Back-flexors

Activity is always better than inactivity. It is best to set aside a time and place when you do your exercise routine. On those rare instances where you find yourself watching television, try out this exercise routine.

Learn more about Health, Fitness, and Exercises.
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Florida Commercial Real Estate - The Potential Expenses of Owning a Commercial Property

If you have grown weary of putting money into the lease of your existing business space, or if you have thought about buying a Florida commercial real estate property as a long-term investment, you need to know a number of essential factors that can help you get the most of your financial opportunities. To begin with, you have to do some research about the different overheads involved.

Unlike residential realty, a Florida commercial real estate property entails additional fees and expenditure that are not instantaneously apparent. Therefore, you need to see to it that you're able to get the whole picture before making an actual purchase. More often than not, probable property expenses comprise, but are not restricted to, the following:

Property Taxes

When it comes to the costs of a Florida commercial real estate tax, financial backers usually make use of the actual tax numbers rather than its ballpark figure. The latter is only applicable for residential real estate properties and should therefore not be used to compute for commercial property taxes.

Management Costs

The expenses typically differ depending on your chosen arrangement. In case you decide to deal with things like building maintenance and landscaping contracts, you will most likely shell out a minimal flat fee for the management of tenant administration. On the other hand, if you choose to subcontract everything to the company -- for a building that houses several renters, the bill may be derived from a percentage of the RSF (rentable square feet) or USF (usable square feet) per tenant.

Insurance Overheads

In most cases, the insurance requisites of the financial backer are different from what the owner/buyer typically carries. As a rule, the owner/buyer is obliged to conform to the backer's insurance necessities regardless of the costs.

Replacement Funds

These are resources reserved for the operating cost of replacing things such as HVAC, pavement and other essential structures or systems that have an inevitably short lifespan. On numerous deals, replacement funds are instituted with the help of a qualified engineer that conducts the PCA (property condition assessment) on the Florida commercial real estate property. The sum of the funds required is normally ascertained based on the engineer's estimation of the major systems' remaining life.

Know that these operating costs do not include current expenses like managerial fees and upkeep expenditure. You need to factor in such overheads, as well as the expected money flow, when mulling over the total cost of the Florida commercial real estate property. After you've determined the amount of your estimated outlay, it's now time to review your financing options.

Seeing as these overheads may seem heavy on the pocket, you would probably want to be familiar with your funding options. Your financing alternatives typically include business partners, investors, your personal funds, bank loans, and financial assistance from other commercial real estate properties or investments.

With a good credit record and a minimum of 10-20% down payment, you should be capable of securing some type of financing. Your company's present bank is a good place to start given that you already have a relationship with them. If you wish to find better options and more cutthroat rates, consider going to commercial brokerage companies that specialize in matching up commercial lenders with prospective buyers of Florida commercial real estate properties.

http://commercial-realestate-florida.xon.us -- Florida Commercial Real Estate

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

Commercial Real Estate - The Next Implosion Coming

Analysts are bracing themselves for a stream of highly negative news in the Commercial loans department very soon. Failing businesses who have pre-existing loans agreements and are not meeting their rent payments are causing development companies and other banks a lot of drama.

The Federal Reserve and other officials have done their best to try and cool down the problems but as the economy tumbles so to to peoples job and incomes. This is only going to make the situation worse. Like a domino effect almost all industry sectors will be affected, both commercial and industrial.

Some of the lenders are totaling up their losses but these have not been reported in the mainstream media just yet. As residential foreclosures mount up what no one realizes is that at the same time businesses have been suffering just as bad and there was a big surge in commercial property carrying organized mortgages that were sold as bonds on wall st many years ago. Before the market crashed at the end of 2008 there was allegedly $700 billion dollars in these mortgage securities and now some of them have lost as much as 40% of their value.

Officials are still tallying up all the numbers and analysts say that when these figures come out in the media it won't be pretty. It could even be the next catalyst for a downturn / sell off on the equities market again.

Those with bigger loans in the commercial industry realize that if the economy takes anther bigger hit at the end of this year (as feared), they are at a bigger risk of not only losing their business but their livelihoods as well. Time will tell.

Learn How to how to profit from future trends, and what to do to avoid pitfalls. We provide insights, strategies and opportunities to help you navigate these treacherous, unprecedented times. Join Us At http://www.forecastfortomorrow.com/newsletter.

5 Ways the Current Market is Affecting Commercial Financing

These are unprecedented times. No one has ever seen anything like this in the real estate world. It is now safe to say the residential bubble has not only burst, but has burst atomic style.

The residential real estate market has been hit the hardest with homes in certain areas selling below 50% of their appraised value only a year ago. The swing in home values have sent banks, non-bank lenders, insurance companies, and investors running frantically desperately searching for any last ditch effort to avoid shutting their doors.

commercial financing has historically been approved based off of the cash flow of the property or operating company located at the property, but many of the consequences of the residential market are seeping quickly into the commercial market.

While it would be absurd to say that these are the only 5 things that are affecting commercial financing, they are 5 of the most significant consequences of the real estate market meltdown:

1. Stricter underwriting guidelines imposed by banks and non-bank lenders

2. No concrete financing programs

3. Rising interest rates

4. Business deposit relationships being required

5. Longer approval process and loan closing time frames

These 5 areas of change will affect the way borrowers, sellers, brokers, and lenders should look at obtaining commercial financing. To disregard any of these things would be poor judgment on the end of any of these parties and inevitably cause further problems.

No one knows how long this crisis will last, and it is expected to be awhile before lenders are comfortable with stable real estate values and financially stable borrowers, so it would be wise to take these 5 changes into consideration when seeking commercial financing.

Posted by Chad Pitt, Sr. VP of Commercial Alternative

(714) 594-3426

cpitt@commalt.com

http://www.commalt.com

Commercial Real Estate, The Financial Crisis, and The Media

"Always do right - this will gratify some and astonish the rest." -- Mark Twain

I like the media. I watch enough news to keep up to date with what is happening and spend most of my time reading trade journals. But did you know something...

In many areas of the country commercial real estate sales have hit records in recent years? Don't get me wrong - it is not ALL completely rosy, but it is not completely horrid either. When the media does seem to present good news, they seem to put some spin on it like the following:

"Commercial Real Estate Sales Explode But Trouble Looms!"

OR

"Commercial Real Estate Sales Take Off in 2010 But Will Take A Nose Dive In 2011!"

Etc.

Do yourself a favor and always have your media filter on.

I was brought thinking that the media was about explaining the facts to us NOT about explaining someone's agenda or what will sell more periodicals...

Am I saying put your head in the sand? No. I am saying always use your media filter OK? Make sure you keep in mind of the FACTS and not the agenda of the publications you are reading.

Anyway, my two rules going forward for the rest of this year is:

1. Use Your Media Filter. What is REALLY Going On Here?
2. Have Your Antenna Up ALL the Time for Opportunity. It will be there for you...

By the way, this ALL spells good news for commercial real estate investors. The panic will have many people thinking they need to get out and many will -- prematurely. That spells opportunity.

Do you want to learn more about investing in commercial properties? Click the link below for my FREE 7-Part Investment e-Course. I'll also send you my FREE special report and teleseminar access "How to Buy Apartments and Commercial Real Estate With No Or Low Money Down."

Download it free here: Commercial Real Estate.

How to Design Great Marketing Adverts When Selling Commercial Property

Marketing commercial real estate for sale of lease is not just an exercise in spending money in the media. If you want to be successful in the industry you should devote time in designing each and every marketing campaign to match the target market that the property needs to reach.

Some key goals must be reached in each marketing campaign:

1. Advertising is to be timely to the market
2. Advertising is to use the most effective 'channels'
3. Advertising is to be cost effective
4. Advertising is to be to a budget (usually 1% of the sale price)
5. Advertising should be vendor paid (in advance)
6. Advertising should be monitored so that you know what works and what doesn't
7. Advertising should focus on the initial 4 to 6 weeks of the campaign, after which the property becomes 'stale' if unsold or unlet
8. Advertising results should be reported in writing to the vendor at least weekly
9. Advertising should be adjusted as the campaign proceeds and results are tracked

What types of buyers will be the most interested in your property? It is a prime question and needs review so that your campaign to sell the property is as effective as possible. In the first instance you need to know if the property is attractive to all or any of these:

o Investors
o Developers
o Businesses in the area
o Occupants of the building
o Neighbouring property owners

At least one of these will be your target market to get the best price for the property.

Highest and Best Use

As part of the advertising considerations you also need to know if the property has a highest and best use that stands out above everything else that the property could be used for. Whatever that best 'use' is, will likely be the core element of your target market and the advertising campaign. From that you should select the most relevant 'channels' of advertising that will reach your market.

The most common channels of advertising available to you include:

o Internet websites (this of high value to most campaigns)
o Newspapers
o Radio
o TV
o Brochures
o Direct mail
o Telemarketing (this of high value to most campaigns)
o Signboard (this of high value to most campaigns)
o Email marketing (this of high value to most campaigns)

The use of the property is always analysed prior to the advertising campaign being designed and implemented. To handle this matter, ask yourself this question;
'What 'needs' can the property best satisfy in its current or future condition?'

AIDA

So property advertising is designed to match the target market. In some agencies it is common for the advertising to be written by a specialist advertising consultant that is contracted to the business for that purpose. This practice all depends on the authorised budget that you are to work to.
Many adverts when designed by expert consultants are constructed to a principle of advertising called 'AIDA'. It stands for:
o Attention
o Interest
o Desire
o Action

The advert you are designing is simply built around the four main points above and in that order. Consider this in more detail:
o The top lines or headers of the advert are to create or attract the 'attention' of the reader
o The following area below the 'header' is to encourage interest through providing more and yet simple information
o The following area is to create desire from the reader so that they are really interested
o The base of the advert is to encourage people to take action and call you now

Property adverts today are less 'wordy' and utilise carefully selected 'dot points' that are simply read and attract interest. Lengthy sentences should be avoided where possible as people generally do not read them. The 'white space' principle of advertising is used extensively today so that more white space appearing on the advert both simplifies the layout and also allows the key focus points to be seen.

Channels & Search Engine Optimisation

So what is the most common 'channel' of property advertising? Internet based property promotions from websites and direct email marketing is by far the most effective methods of promoting properties today. That will get even stronger as time passes. The internet is also the most cost effective for reaching most markets.
To use this channel of advertising most effectively, you will need a well constructed and maintained website that is 'search engine optimised' on an ongoing basis. This is a specialised field of business communication that many agents are yet to fully appreciate and undertake. You can seek specialists in the field to advise you and help you should you wish to 'optimise' your website and attract higher levels of enquiry or market presence.

Advertising Processes

The decision you make in the selection of marketing alternatives should be the result of the following process of review with the seller of the property:
1. Define seller objectives
2. Define target market
3. Examine outside influences
4. Business environment
5. Interest rates
6. Supply and demand
7. Construction costs
8. Financial constraints
9. Change opportunities
10. Buyer sentiment
11. Seller budgetary constraints
12. Timing influences
13. Select best marketing tools for your target market
14. Establish a 'point of difference' or 'competitive edge' strategy that applies to your property
15. Design the Marketing Plan
16. Discuss Marketing Plan with Seller and seek written approval
17. Implement the Marketing Plan
18. Evaluate the plan progress weekly
19. Adjust plan strategy if and when necessary
20. Review and evaluate all results at campaign end

REMEMBER - A good marketing process always involves asking your buyers or prospects the source from which they found out about the sale or lease of the subject property. This allows you to appreciate real value from the campaign while also allowing you to make adjustment when necessary.

John Highman is a prominent commercial real estate speaker and trainer. His other articles for commercial real estate agents and brokers can be accessed at http://www.commercial-realestate-training.com

How is Commercial Fitness Equipment better than General Fitness Equipment?

Commercial gym equipment is used in "commercial gyms" and training centers. Commercial gym equipment is 'heavy duty' and can take a lot more weight and usage compared to general gym equipment used in private homes.

Commercial gym equipment is quite a bit more expensive as well due to the 'heavy duty' aspect of the materials used. In some parts of the world, it's actually illegal to use general home-style gym equipment in commercial businesses set up such as gyms, and personal training studios.

Some examples of commercial gym equipment found in gyms and personal training centers are equipment like Smith Squat machines, leg presses, bench press machines, chin-up machines, leg-extension machines.... just to mention a couple!!

Some commercial gym equipment may have many more features than the general home gym equipment; it's longer lasting, and can take a lot more weight loaded onto it. It's definitely more expensive...but at the end of the day you only get what you pay for.

If you're thinking of getting commercial gym equipment for your home gym, make sure you think you are going to get the use from it. On the whole, commercial gym equipment is still the best value for money and you will less likely have problems with it.

Used fitness equipment is a great option if you can find it! If you're either setting up a home gym or even a commercial gym, whether the equipment is new or used is of small relevance if the used fitness equipment is in a good, safe working order.

Used Fitness Equipment is also much cheaper than brand new. You can paint it and bring it up to scratch looking almost brand new! If you are using the used fitness equipment for commercial use, its a must that you have it serviced by a professional and make sure it is in perfect working order before you let anyone use it!

All in all, used fitness equipment is definitely the way to go if you want to save money, and still have the best equipment on the market!

We successfully ran a personal training studio for years, helping thousands of people like you get the goals they wanted in a safe, results driven environment. To get more of your questions answered check out... http://www.freeinformationonline.com/Index2/index2.htm

Commercial Real Estate Market Showing Signs of Bottoming Out

According to many experts, the commercial real estate market appears to have finally bottomed out. This is certainly good news for those in the commercial sector, as previous predictions did not expect the market to bottom out for several more months.

One of the main reasons experts believe the commercial market has bottomed is because the Commercial Property Price Index (CPPI), which is produced by Moody's and REAL Indexes and utilizes the data that is collected by Real Capital Analytics on transactions that are $5 million or more, went up by 1% in November and by 4.1% in December of last year. This past January, the index saw another 1% increase.

The Commercial Property Price Index isn't the only measurement that saw this type of activity. In fact, the Transaction Based Index (TBI), which is maintained by MIT and is based on property sales within the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries Property Index saw a 4% increase in the third quarter of 2009. During the fourth quarter, however, it fell by 4.9%, which gave the impression that the bottoming process had begun.

According to Reis Inc, which is a New York research firm, commercial rents appear to support the bottoming theory. The firm says the average net rents within the office sector fell by 0.8% throughout the country during the first quarter of 2010. When comparing year-over-year data, they were down by 7.4%. Reis also found that 23 of the 79 markets being tracked were either stable or showed rising rents. This is far better than the fourth quarter of 2009, at which time 70 out of the 79 markets were experiencing falling rents.

In terms of the residential sector, Reis found that rents increased in 60 out of the 79 markets it tracks during the first quarter of 2010. Furthermore, the vacancy rate remained steady at 8% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. On the downside, this figure is the highest Reis has seen since the company started collecting the data in 1980.

With rents moving upward, it is a good sign that the commercial market has already hit bottom and is ready to start moving up as well. It is also a positive sign that the economy is back on track and that it is not doomed to fall backward once the homeowner's tax credit dries up. Although there are no guarantees on what the economy will do from here on out or how the housing and commercial real estate markets will fare, things are certainly looking much brighter in most markets throughout the country.

Jim Olenbush is the owner of an Austin real estate brokerage. He manages a team of experienced Austin Texas Realtors and they specialize in luxury real estate.

Commercial Coffee Brewer

Are you a coffee lover? Consider getting a commercial coffee brewer to provide you with coffee shop quality coffee.

It's an understatement to say that most people own a java maker. But coffee-making machines suffer from a lot of limitations. If you just have a regular machine, your java can often come out pretty inconsistent. One day it's great, the next day it's bad. It's also a hassle to change the filters and add in coffee.

So what's the solution, other than having to pay a lot money hitting coffee houses. The solution is a commercial coffee brewer. These coffee makers deliver professional coffee at the hit of a button.

Now there are many models and types of java brewers. The first thing you should know is that these coffee makers are hundreds of dollars. But they deliver premium java. There are many features offered by these machines that regular java makers don't, but the main advantages can be summed up by this: convenience and better taste.

Commercial coffee brewers can brew coffee faster and hotter than regular machines. Most models have a boiler tank that maintain the temperature of the coffee at the ideal temperature. This ensures that java is so much better tasting.

Now, without a doubt you are going to pay more money for a commercial coffee machine. That means if you want one, you should spend the necessary time trying to get the best price online - you can literally save hundreds of dollars like this.

Look online to get the a deal on a commerical coffee brewer. If you like the convenience of a coffee maker, consider looking at the Breville panini press to make the best sandwiches ever.

When Do Hard Money Commercial Mortgage Loans Make Sense

Privately funded, often called "hard money" commercial mortgage loans typically carry annual interest rates of more than 10% and charge origination points of 2%-4%. These kinds of rates and terms may seem restrictive, but when the situation calls for it, taking advantage of private lending is a smart business move.

When Time is of the Essence

In the commercial real estate game time truly is money. Experienced property owners, investors and developers will tell you that often speed of execution can trump interest rates and points. When facing a looming purchase option expatriation date, a pending balloon payment that's coming due fast, an unexpected cost overrun or, worse, a foreclosure scenario business people don't have time to wait the 60-90 days it can take to close a conventional bank loan. Unfortunately, there are times when your property or you project are on the line and nothing short of quick cash can solve your problem. Hard money lenders can make on-the-spot decisions and can close fast. One week funding is very possible and any legitimate private lender can close almost any deal in less than 3 weeks. Hard money is relatively expensive but it's a heck-of-a-lot less expensive than losing your deal.

When You Have Credit or Documentation Issues

Conventional lenders will insist on large amounts of documentation and that the borrower(s) have decent credit. To start with, real estate investors must produce 3 years tax records, profit and loss statements, copies of leases, bank statements, building maintenance records and much more. Details will be verified and a deal can be killed because of an "I" that was not dotted or a "T" that was not crossed. Private loans, on-the-other-hand, are usually equity based and not driven by the strength of the borrower. Your credit may not matter at all. Hard money lenders do not have the bureaucracy and the regulations that banks, Wall Street and the insurance companies do. They routinely do deals with minimal documentation, sometimes without even a property appraisal. If your record keeping is in disarray, if you are missing required documents, if you have poor credit or you simply don't wish to share so much personal financial information, then hard money may be your best (and only) option.

When You Need a Bridge

Private lenders are among the most efficient and professional bridge lenders in the financial services industry. When a commercial property owner or developer finds themselves in need of a bridge loan (short term, interim financing) they are well served turning to private funding sources. Very often bridge loans are used to "bridge" the time gap that can exist between their permanent financing coming on line and their immediate need for cash, such as when they have a closing in days but their bank can't close their loan for weeks. Bridge loans are also an important method of dealing with construction cost overruns, when a few million dollars can get the project finished and ready for sell-out quickly. There are many situations that call for bridge financing and many private lenders exist for the sole purpose of providing it quickly.

When You Need To Make an Attractive Offer

Cash is still king and having a reliable hard money lender on your team is like money in the bank. If you tell a seller you can close on a prize piece of property in 10 days with all cash, you will get that sellers attention. Your competition is likely asking for a 30 day due diligence period and as-much-as 60 days to close. If you can establish credibility with a dependable private lender and you know what their loan criterion is, you can bid with confidence and the cash to back it up.

There is no denying that private loans are more expensive than conventional loans but consider that they are usually short term and can often make the difference between a deal closing and a deal falling through. A successful commercial development project or a profitable income producing building can make an investor millions over its life cycle. When all factors are considered, and your deal is on the line, hard money can be down-right cheap.

Privately Funded Commercial Mortgage Loans. Answers Quickly. Closings in Days. Online at: http://www.masterplancapital.com

Mr. Fydenkevez spent more than 20 years on Wall Street, the last 14 as an officer with one of the world's largest investment banks. His firm, MasterPlan Capital, arranges financing for the purchase, refinanced and development of commercial real estate. He can be contacted via e-mail at: glenn.fydenkevez@masterplancapital.com

Commercial Auto Insurance Quotes - Compare and Save

Do you own or drive a vehicle that you use for commercial purposes? Are you a business owner or a company's sales rep that does supplies, pickup and delivery etc, using many commercial automobiles? If yes, you need to get the right commercial auto insurance for you vehicle(s).

The question now is, how do you get the right insurance coverage for these vehicles? Getting the right coverage simply means that your vehicles are adequately insured and you are not over paying for insurance. Here are some steps that will help you get the right coverage at the most affordable price.

Start your research by using car insurance quote comparison websites. You are advised to know your coverage needs before using any quotes comparison tool. This is a very important step if you must get the best insurance deal at the right price for your commercial automobile(s).

These comparison websites are equipped with quote calculator tools. These tools connect you with different insurance companies in its network. When you use this tool, the quotes you get are those from trusted insurance companies providing quality insurance coverage in your area.

When getting quotes, it is necessary you indicate the model, capacity, make and year of your commercial vehicle. Having good information of your vehicle will help by making the quote sourcing process less stressful.

It is easy to save by getting and comparing commercial auto insurance quotes correctly. Your premium must not hit the sky simply because you own, use or drive a commercial automobile.

Start correctly, get your commercial auto insurance quotes and save!

Where To Start?

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Commercial Real Estate Definitions - Don't Get Scammed

Title represents ownership while a deed is the instrument used to transfer the title of real property from one person to another. A person holding the deed to a parcel of land holds the title as specified by the writing in the deed. Don't confuse a deed with a deed of trust which we will discuss later. A deed transfers the title of real property while a deed of trust is a means of financing a land purchase. Different types of deeds are used in the United States such as the Warranty Deed, Bargain and Sale Deed and the Quitclaim Deed. The Warranty Deed is sometimes called the Full Covenant and Warranty Deed or General Warranty Deed.

The advantage of the Warranty Deed is that when the title is transferred, specific warranties are included. The seller warrants that he or she is the fee simple owner and has the right to sell the property. And that there are no mortgages, liens, easements or encumbrances on the property other than those in the public records. The seller guarantees the statements and is liable in court if the buyer finds otherwise. The seller also warrants quiet enjoyment to the buyer. Should a problem arise such as a previous owner with a claim, the seller will work with the title company to take care of the problem. The seller will do whatever is necessary to provide the buyer with the title promised in the deed.

A Warranty Deed basically means that any information provided by the seller to get you to buy the property has to be true or else you have legal recourse. A Bargain and Sale Deed transfers title and establishes that some form of consideration has been transferred. The consideration can be money or something else with value. The seller warrants that they do in fact own the property and that they have done nothing to encumber it. For the best protection when buying a property with this type deed, ask for a Bargain and Sale Deed with Covenant Against Grantor's Act. Even with this, the seller is liable only if he or she has caused a problem with the title, such as an encumbrance, but not the activities of previous owners. With a Warranty Deed the seller is liable for any encumbrances on the title. So, the Bargain and Sale Deed is called a Special or Limited Warranty Deed.

Remember - Buy Low, Sell High - Now is the time

Step-by-Step, Affordable Training Videos on How to Build or maintain a Powerful commercial property Portfolio, covers land, apts, multifam, retail and more!

http://www.commercialprofitblueprint.com

By: Raymond Pedersen