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Schecter Law

Posts Tagged ‘Commercial Foreclosures’

Buy Unfinished Commercial Property in South Florida?

February 1st, 2010

By Mark Schecter | No Comments »

unfinished-commercial-propertyAs South Florida’s real estate market attempts to rebound, there is a large supply of commercial properties available for purchase. While many are ready to go, other properties have been left unfinished and require more building to complete.

For the most part, the stall in building can be attributed to the real estate market crash and frozen credit lines. When the capital stopped flowing, builders were forced to halt several commercial building projects indefinitely.

When you purchase an unfinished commercial property, you can save a substantial amount of money. This can help keep your monthly mortgage payments low and enable you to secure a property you otherwise could not afford.

Investing in unfinished properties can be tricky as well. Before you invest, it is important that you thoroughly research the property and determine what is needed to finalize the building. Mandatory repairs may include new plumbing, wiring, roofing, framing or all of the above. If you know beforehand the costs associated with finishing the property, you can decide if the investment is worthwhile for you

If you are considering buying an unfinished commercial property, you may want to confirm with your bank or lending institution that the property, in its unfinished condition, is eligible for a loan. As lending remains tight, banks have strict criteria for deciding which properties they will finance. In most situations, lenders require that the property complies with the local building codes and is in a condition that will allow you to start occupying the property right away. If the property is lacking a lot in its unfinished state, the bank may deny your application for a loan. It is imperative that you check with you lender before investing in an unfinished commercial property.

Buying an unfinished property can provide a good way to acquire prime commercial real estate at a fraction of its value. In this market, builders are looking to get rid of unfinished real estate they are holding on to. If you do your research you can find a property that’s suitable for you.

If you are interested in buying an unfinished commercial property in South Florida, you should speak with our real estate attorneys as soon as possible. They can help you negotiate with builders and help you secure a loan to purchase the property. In no time, you can have the commercial real estate you’ve dreamt of and save money in the process.

Florida Real Estate Foreclosures: Good for Investors?

January 21st, 2010

By Mark Schecter | No Comments »

When you invest in foreclosures, you can find prime real estate without breaking the bank.

Most property investors prefer to invest in real estate at a price that will enable them to turn a profit. Considering foreclosures and other distressed properties that are being sold for far less than their value is a good place for investors to start.

What is a foreclosure?

A foreclosure is a property that has been taken back by the lender because the owner refuses or is unable to afford the mortgage or loan payments. Because foreclosures are often owned during times of financial distress, investors may find they haven’t been maintained and may have remained vacant for some time before being sold.

The need for repairs to many foreclosures is a factor that keeps the prices low. Another is the fact that the lenders are essentially accepting offers to recover what they’ve invested in the property. Because of this, they are often willing to accept substantially less for the real estate than it’s worth.

Foreclosures are not ideal for every property investor.

Some foreclosures require considerably more renovation than real estate that is in live-in, ready condition. There are several reasons foreclosures may require more attention, but the primary is lack of money available for repairs and upkeep.

When the property owner is struggling to make mortgage payments, their last concerns are repairing roof leaks, replacing carpet, and termite control. And, when the lender receives the property back, they tend to be more occupied with getting the property re-sold and recovering their losses, and less with the maintenance and security of the home during its vacancy.

During your search for commercial foreclosures, you are bound to come across all kinds of deals and low prices. Despite the need for improvement, when you add the cost of repairs to the bargain purchase price, you may find that the property is well worth the investment. The more you know about the property’s condition prior to the purchase the better for you.

Hire a Real Estate Attorney Early in the Purchase Process

One of the biggest mistakes clients make when purchasing commercial foreclosures is they fail to get the help of a real estate attorney prior to negotiating the price and signing the letter of intent. Although the letter of intent is a “non-binding” document, once the information is memorialized in writing, it can be more difficult to renegotiate the terms of the transaction. You should hire a real estate attorney early in the purchase process.