Real estate has always been the refuge of investors burned by volatility in the stock market. After the tech bubble in the early 2000s and yet again after the financial crash of 2008, money poured from the stock market into what many investors considered a safer bet due to its tangibility and insulation from market shocks: Real estate.

Commercial real estate brokerages aren't commodities—who you choose to represent your interests matters. While we advocate selecting the agent, not the agency, there are some big differences in the way a brand-name brokerage works versus a boutique brokerage, with important distinctions for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB).

In areas where COVID restrictions are starting to ease, we’re seeing the reemergence of the hub-and-spoke model—a business model once considered the norm but relinquished years ago in favour of the open concept workplace many offices use today.

You would expect that your dentist went to medical school, or that your kid’s teacher went to teacher’s college, and I'm sure you would ensure your financial advisor at least has a BA in Economics—but what about your commercial real estate agent?

Ever since the first emergency lockdown order was issued in Ontario in mid-March 2020, the same question has been on everyone’s mind, “when are we getting back to normal?”.

Have you heard the expression, “Never take advice you didn’t pay for”? Yeah, I hate that expression. Mainly because it’s just so darn true, especially in real estate where agents are highly incentivized to encourage you to act in their best interests, not yours.

Generally, in lease negotiations, the tenant is at a disadvantage. It is typically the landlord that provides the initial draft of the lease and if you think your landlord hasn’t tried to include some highly favourable clauses he or she hopes you don’t read too carefully, think again.

So, what do you do when your tenant, especially one you’ve had a decades-long relationship with, can no longer pay their rent? Do you ride it out, taking the financial hit yourself, or do you make the agonizing call to evict and find a new tenant?

Even in a sellers’ market, getting the absolute best possible offer for your property can be challenging without the help of an experienced commercial real estate agent. In addition, navigating the complex legalities of commercial property sales without knowledgeable help can not only be a huge headache but also open you up to the potential of legal action should something go wrong.

When expectations are not met, one or both parties usually end up frustrated and unhappy. This is a lesson I’ve learned from over 25 years in commercial real estate and one that agents just starting out typically have to learn the hard way.

Landlords—having trouble filling your vacant space? As commercial real estate agents, if there’s one thing we’ve learned from our decades of experience, it’s that landlords far too often offer incentives to the wrong person.

Even with the best representation on your side, commercial leases can still seem daunting, but they’re actually constructed using a very simple formula at the heart of every lease. We broke down the commercial lease process into its component parts and came up with five steps for tenants to follow that will make the process easier to understand, less intimidating, and we hope even fun!

What’s the most important decision you can make concerning your commercial real estate needs? Why, finding a competent and experienced commercial real estate agent (like the incredible team at MCRE), of course! But what’s the second most important decision? Selecting another member of your team—your commercial real estate lawyer. 

Are you a tenant looking for new office space to lease? Perhaps you've had some attractive offers from potential landlords promising everything from new paint to a custom lunch room—don't be fooled into thinking these "extras" or "upgrades" are a bonus because as the tenant, the question is not whether you'll pay for them, but how.

Are you looking to invest in commercial real estate? Perhaps you’re a seasoned investor who knows exactly what you’re looking for, or perhaps you’ve been a residential landlord and wish to transfer your skills to a commercial investment, or perhaps you have no experience whatsoever—whatever your reasons for wanting to make a commercial investment, the following are essential to consider before making any purchase.

Welcome to Part 2 of our Waiver Date series! If you haven’t read Part 1, you can do so here, or you can keep reading as the first section provides a brief overview of the topics covered in Part 1.

What’s the most important date in commercial real estate investing? It’s the Waiver Date! Learn why this little date is so important and how it can literally make or break deals. In Part 1, we introduce the concept of the Waiver Date and strategies for building more effective deals

Congratulations, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge—you’ve decided to become the owner and landlord of a multi-residential property!

But before you start celebrating there’s a lot that needs to be done. Knowing where to start and focusing your efforts can make the difference between a successful commercial investment and a flop.

MCRE has been finding tenants the ideal office space in Oakville for over 10 years. We know the community, the buildings, and the landlords—we’ll find you the right space at the right price!

Location matters. Contact us today to set your business up for success and discover how office space in Oakville can give you the edge you need!

Is it time to renew your commercial lease? Don’t simply sign on the dotted line—as an existing tenant, you’ve got a powerful bargaining chip that may be worth a lot more than you think!