One issue that can kill a real estate transaction is the gap between the offer and the appraisal. Banks typically will only lend the amount they think the property is worth. For example, the buyer's offer for an apartment building may be $10 million, but the bank's...
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6 Commercial real estate indicators to watch in 2023
The white-hot real estate market here in Texas and throughout the country has been a prime reason for the Federal Reserve to raise its interest rates four times in 2022, going to the highest rate since 2008. This change caused a modest and slow decline in prices in...
What to consider before buying a property with an easement attached
Commercial property with an easement can be an excellent investment, but it is essential to understand precisely how it will impact the property and its value before closing the deal. Easements are legally binding interest in a property that enables non-owners or...
Owners may need variances or exceptions for unusual properties
Houston famously does not have zoning laws, but most major cities do. Despite the lack of zoning laws, there is a complex system of codes, ordinances and rules in place. Zoning rules and other real property codes foster organized growth in a community to ensure that...
Mixed-use buildings continue to grow in popularity
Real estate development types change with the times. The 1950s saw the rise of suburban tracts of single-family housing. More recently, there was a push to renovate and repurpose industrial spaces and old buildings to serve new users. In future decades, the current...
Environmental details impact real estate deals
Property buyers and sellers must understand the impact of environmental regulations when trading in real property, whether for residential or commercial use. Regulations have the force of law and must be followed. Failure to do so sometimes puts a deal in jeopardy and...
Forming successful family partnerships
Creating and growing a lucrative business with a spouse, parent, sibling or other close family member is a dream come true for many Texans. It is also a common theme in the nation’s business landscape, as Cornell University says over half of the country’s GDP comes...
Report: Houston well positioned to lead energy transition
Houston has long been known as the Energy Capital of the World and as a headquarters for every traditional energy industry sector, such as oil and gas. A new report says the city and region are also primed to lead the way for the transition to green, renewable energy....
What to expect when selling your company to a private equity firm
There are pros and cons to selling your business to a private equity firm. The following is a quick breakdown of what to expect if you choose to go this route. They often will not buy 100% of your business To ensure a smooth transition, private equity firms often...
Large investors target student housing real estate opportunities
The student housing industry has proved to be one of the most resilient asset classes during the pandemic and continues to grow during the current turbulent economic period. In Texas and other states, student housing has largely resisted the impacts of inflation while...