🏢 CRE Without the BS: A Real-World Guide for Small Business Owners

Commercial real estate shouldn’t feel like a secret society. If you’ve ever tried to lease or buy a space and felt buried in jargon, mystery fees, or broker-speak, you’re not alone. This guide is for the doers, the dreamers, and the gritty entrepreneurs who want clarity, not confusion.

🔍 What Counts as Commercial Real Estate?

Let’s break it down:

• Retail spaces (think storefronts, salons, boutiques)

• Office spaces (from solo suites to full floors)

• Industrial/flex spaces (warehouses, workshops, hybrid zones)

• Mixed-use buildings (live/work setups, combo retail + residential)

If it’s used for business, it’s CRE. 

🧠 Lease Lingo Decoded

Here’s are some common terms and what they really mean:

Triple Net Lease (NNN) - You pay rent plus taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

CAM Charges - Common Area Maintenance - can spike unexpectedly.

Build-out Allowance - Money the landlord may offer to customize a space.

Option To Renew - Your chance to stay longer, if you catch the deadline.

I translate every lease into plain English so you know exactly what you’re signing.

📍 Southern NH Market Snapshot

Right now, the CRE landscape is shifting:

• Industrial flex spaces are hot—especially in Londonderry and Salem.

• Retail corridors are seeing a revival in Derry and Exeter.

• Office demand is leaning hybrid—smaller footprints, smarter layouts.

I track the trends so you don’t have to. And I’ll tell you when a “deal” isn’t one.

💬 Real Talk: Why This Space Matters

Your space isn’t just square footage—it’s your brand, your workflow, your customer experience. It’s where your business builds momentum. And you deserve a space that works as hard as you do.

I bring the no-BS energy to help you find it.

🚀 Ready to Ditch the Fluff?

If you’re tired of vague listings, confusing leases, and brokers who ghost you after the tour, let’s talk. I’ll help you cut through the noise, find the right space, and move forward with confidence.

📩 Call, text, DM me or email me

-Barb

What Everyone’s Googling About Commercial Real Estate (And What You Should Know First)

If you’ve ever typed “What’s my property worth?” into the search bar while sipping lukewarm coffee and dodging spam calls, you’re not alone. Commercial real estate (CRE) is full of questions and confusion. So, let’s cut through the noise and answer the top 3 questions people are actually asking (and what you should be asking instead).

💰 1. “What’s My Commercial Property Worth Right Now?”

Spoiler alert: it’s not just about square footage and curb appeal. Your property’s value depends on:

•             Income potential (aka: how much rent it can pull in)

•             Cap rate (the investor’s version of a vibe check)

•             Local comps (what similar properties sold for nearby)

•             Market momentum (vacancy rates, demand, and economic trends)

📌 If your space is leased to a solid tenant with a long-term agreement, that lease is gold. Investors love predictable cash flow. Want to know what your NH property might fetch? Let’s run the numbers.

🧐 2. “How Do I Evaluate a Commercial Property Before Buying?”

Translation: “How do I avoid buying a money pit with a pretty facade?”

Here’s your pre-purchase checklist:

•             ✅ Zoning and permitted uses (don’t assume!)

•             ✅ Structural condition and age of major systems

•             ✅ Tenant quality and lease terms

•             ✅ Location trends (foot traffic, nearby businesses, future development)

•             ✅ ROI potential (rent vs. expenses vs. purchase price)

📌 Don’t just fall for the aesthetics. A charming brick storefront with a leaky roof and a month-to-month tenant is a liability in disguise.

📄 3. “What Documents Do I Need to Sell or Lease My Property?”

This one’s a paperwork party. To start, you’ll need:

•             📂 Rent roll and lease agreements

•             📂 Property tax records and utility bills

•             📂 Maintenance contracts and warranties

•             📂 Floor plans and site maps

•             📂 Environmental reports (if applicable)

📌 The more organized you are, the faster your deal moves. Bonus: it makes you look like a total pro to buyers and brokers alike. If you think this looks like a lot of work, you’re right!

🎯 Final Thoughts: Ask Smarter, Invest Sharper, and Hire A Professional 😉

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, the right questions lead to better deals.