Asset Management Strategies for Commercial Properties

Running a commercial property comes with many responsibilities that no single person can handle without help. That’s why many commercial property owners enlist the help of an asset manager to manage their real estate portfolio. Thoughtful asset management strategies for commercial properties can boost income and increase property value.

Tenancy reviews are among the most important asset management strategies for commercial properties. Asset managers manage income and losses to develop strategies to cut costs and increase revenue. This sometimes includes investing in renovations and upgrades to boost property value and income. Asset managers also develop strategies to identify, minimize, and address risks.  

Property managers and asset managers often work closely to stay on top of maintenance and address problems before they arise. This is essential for commercial properties which have the potential to generate lots of income. Follow along as we highlight key asset management strategies for commercial properties.

What Do Asset Managers Do in Commercial Real Estate?

Asset managers manage the assets on behalf of a property owner. They help guide property owners in making important investments to maximize growth. This involves extensive market research to discover trends and opportunities for the businesses they represent.

Asset managers also track income from these properties and assess tenants. This information, along with information about tenants, helps asset managers strategize. In some cases, this involves property negotiations and enforcing compliance.

As the name suggests, asset managers handle various aspects of properties, such as hiring. That includes hiring maintenance staff and managers to help run properties. Budgeting is arguably the biggest part of asset management, as it helps to boost a property’s value. 

Asset Management Checklist for Commercial Properties

1. Manage Income

Asset angers manage and track income for commercial properties. They weigh how much money comes in versus expenses. For example, they track how much money is spent on managing and maintaining a property compared to rent income.

That is the only way to set a price on the lease that will make the investment worthwhile. After all, renting out and managing commercial properties can be quite expensive. Asset managers help stabilize income and minimize expenses to ensure the best return on investment.

One of the ways they do this is by forecasting income and expenses based on current data. For example, asset managers can take note of upcoming expenses and income losses, such as tenant leases ending. This lets them develop a strategy to incur expenses and supplement lost income.

2. Risk Mitigation

No business or property is without risks. However, wise asset management strategies help ensure you can minimize risks. Experienced asset managers can also devise strategies to address problems as they arise.

This can make the difference between an expensive problem and an inconvenient, albeit inexpensive problem. Commercial property asset managers need to work closely with their maintenance teams. Seasoned maintenance professionals can quickly identify risks at any given property with routine inspections.

Asset management also helps mitigate risks by ensuring organization and mindfulness. For example, great asset managers keep track of all permits, leases, and tenant information. This information is essential in scheduling maintenance and identifying risks early.

3. Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the key to keeping a commercial property value. Countless properties lose value because of a backlog of deferred maintenance. Not only does this delay the inevitable, but it also holds your property’s potential back.

The longer a maintenance problem goes on, the worse and more expensive it becomes. Deferred maintenance can sometimes result in code violations and even lawsuits. Great asset managers know how to appoint and manage strong maintenance teams to stay on top of problems.

4. Tenant Management

Asset managers often handle tenant relations on behalf of commercial property owners. This includes fielding questions, communicating with potential tenants, vetting their backgrounds, and verifying financial information.

Asset managers can also conduct tenancy reviews, which is especially essential at properties with several tenants. This lets asset managers identify which tenants are the best investments. Such information is essential when it comes to setting rent prices and even moving on to new tenants.

5. Stabilize Your Property

Commercial property stability is among the most important duties that asset managers have. Many factors can reduce a property’s stability, such as vacancy. The longer a property is vacant, the longer you must go without income.

In that case, asset managers must develop strategies to quickly gain tenants. This can include renovations, remediation, and gaining supplemental income from your property. A strong asset management plan helps keep occupancy at 80% or higher among your commercial properties.

6. Fraud Prevention

Unfortunately, property owners often become victims of fraud. Whether it be checks bouncing or fraudulent income documents, it’s essential to avoid such problems. Luckily, experienced asset managers know how to identify red flags before fraud occurs.

Property owners can also fall victim to cybersecurity threats exposing important financial information. This can put property owners and their tenants at risk of financial crimes. Today, fortifying cybersecurity is among the most important asset management strategies.

Asset managers can also take a hands-on approach to handling payments and verifying a tenant’s financial information. That way, you won’t have to worry about tenants missing payments or misleading your management team.

7. Boosting Property Value

It’s quite common for commercial properties to become stagnant and stay at the same income level for years. That’s why many property owners specifically hire asset managers to boost property values. This often requires an investment, which an asset manager can oversee to manage the budget.

Asset managers are adept at identifying trends and mainstay renovations that typically boost property value. That way, they can ensure you only invest in renovations and upgrades that will boost income. Sometimes, this entails looking at competitors and following their example while maintaining your property’s best interest.

8. Managing Debt Structure

Many businesses and property owners incur debt early on, and that is normal. However, managing and structuring your debt is difficult while overseeing commercial properties. Asset managers can optimize debt structures to ensure it is manageable.

This can include negotiating terms and cutting costs to pay the debt off as soon as possible. Many other asset management strategies also help minimize debt. For example, an asset manager may develop new revenue streams to quickly pay off debt without incurring more debt. 

Asset Manager Vs. Property Manager

Asset managers and property managers differ in their primary responsibilities, but there is some crossover. For example, property managers handle the day-to-day of a property, which sometimes involves maintenance. In that case, they may collaborate with an asset manager who manages the investment.

Asset managers primarily manage the financial side of a property. Granted, property management is a big part of keeping a property on budget. Property managers and asset managers typically work in tandem when it comes to upgrades and renovations.

For example, an asset manager may set a renovation budget while a property manager handles the execution. Both positions are essential when it comes to maximizing a real estate portfolio’s return on investment.

We Provide Proactive Asset Management for Commercial Properties

Asset management is about much more than simply overseeing your budget. At CurCo, our approach to asset management is focused on maximizing your commercial property’s potential. We carefully examine financial data, tenant information, and trends to develop growth strategies.

After all, a well-managed real estate portfolio is one of the best assets someone can have. Call CurCo Properties at (914)-815-2563 and ask about our tried and true asset management strategies.

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