Many commercial lending organizations have adjusted their lending approval process in light of the current economy and market upheaval. As a business owner looking to acquire a commercial loan, it is vital to educate yourself and prepare for, not only the loan submission and loan review process, but also to be able to make an informed decision when deciding on the loan amount, lender and repayment terms. There are numerous lenders for you to choose from and in order to better understand the commercial real estate investment market, it is imperative to master some of the terms used in commercial real estate. The list below will help you acquire a basic knowledge of commercial real estate investments and lending.
Capitalization rate or cap: Net operating income (NOI) divided by the purchase price.
Net operating income (NOI): gross operating income minus operating expenses.
Cash on cash return: Cash Flow Before Taxes (CFBT) divided by the initial investment. Best indicator of the quality of investment.
NPV (Net Present Value): A method for calculating the present value of future cash flows. Useful for comparing different investments and their returns. Most of the calculators on the NPV calculations.
IRR (Internal Rate of Return): Calculated by setting NPV = 0 and find out what discount rate would be. Use a calculator to make this calculation.
Coverage Ratio of debt: NOI / loan payment. This is what your bank will want to know before lending money for investment.
Return on Equity (ROE): CFBT divided by equity. Same as cash during the first year, then declines because their heritage is growing faster than NOI (due to depreciation and the withdrawal of mortgage).
Discount Rate: Rate of future cash flows are discounted (devalued) per year.
Capital Performance: the most complex of the capitalization of income that is more in the future and tries to estimate return on a planned waiting period (usually 10 years).
Projected Gross Operating Income: Annual income of the Property, if all the spaces were rented and all income actually collected less an allowance for vacancy and credit loss. This information is important to financial business professionals and lenders
Optimal retention period: Number of years for a property in order to maximize ROE. After this period it is best to sell or trade the property.
Triple Net (NNN) Lease: This lease whereby the tenant pays for common area maintenance (CAM), real estate taxes and insurance for the construction and property. Most retail leases triple net are considered. Tenants who have a triple net lease is responsible for payment of these items in addition to base rent on a pro rata basis.
Usable square feet: Total square feet within the walls of the space leased. Actual space available for the exclusive use of the tenant.
Profitable square feet: Total square footage to calculate the rental rate, and may include a cast of lobby, hallways and other areas in the building available to and used by all tenants of the building. Expressed as a multiplier or SF load factor usable. Example: Profitable usable x SF SF = 1.15 (or load factor multiplier).
Load factor: If the tenant is entitled to hallways, elevators, bathrooms outside the room, lobby, etc., the owner will determine the number of square feet of this area exist and apportion able to other tenants. The tenant will pay rent for their prorated share of this number when the owner is calculated minimum income.
Learning these terms used in commercial real estate investment will help you to better understand the commercial real estate market and make informed business decisions.