Chew's News

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

When looking at commercial real estate in Niagara and Hamilton, you'll eventually encounter the question of usable or rentable square feet. If you're making a commercial investment, you know the value of income producing properties in the commercial real estate market and will be looking to expand your real estate portfolio. If you are not investing, you may be examining the commercial office market and looking to move your business to a larger office. Whether you're an investor or a renter, it is crucial to understand the difference between usable and rentable square feet. While the difference between the two may seem obvious, it will have an effect on the price you ultimately pay or receive from your tenants. 

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

One of the greatest things about working in commercial real estate is the number of unbelievable people I have the opportunity to meet and work with. Recently I was speaking with the top gun at one of Ontario’s largest private Real Estate Trusts. What an amazing story of growth they have experienced over the past 40 years and it all started with one man, one building and likely some creative 1970’s financing. I have heard success stories similar to this one before; however, I have never heard it from a man with such humility. 

All of us may not aspire to handle a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio spread over the country; however, reflecting on the success story of one man starting with one building is powerful for those just getting started in commercial real estate investment, especially after coming through a major recession.