If you’re in the business of buying or selling commercial property, and especially if you are the property manager of commercial property, you are no doubt aware that there are some common problems that seem to occur time and time again and may be harming your business. The vacancy rate of commercial property in the US right now is around 20%, so fixing some of these issues as they appear is of utmost importance.

Five Common Commercial Property Complaints

  • Maintenance Issues
  • Bad Communication
  • No Privacy
  • Pests and Vermin
  • Problems With The Neighborhood

Maintenance issues are the number one complaint because they can make or break your business. If the toilets are backed up, that’s an emergency and it needs to be handled, regardless if it’s 3 am on a Sunday. Make sure you have appropriate, responsive vendors to handle these issues.
Communication issues arise under the best of circumstances, so the best policy is to have multiple ways for people to contact you. Email, text, and phone are necessary. Follow up verbal communication with written communication about what was said and what the action plan is. This way, you also have a paper trail, should you need it.
If you rent commercial property, make sure you give businesses the same respect you’d give home tenants – at least twenty four hours notice that you’re coming for an inspection, etc., unless there’s an emergency. Put this in writing, again, so that you have a record that this occurs. It’s bad business for the landlord to come barging into a business during business hours and start an inspection – bad for your renters and bad for you.
Pest and vermin plague everyone, and commercial property is not excluded. It may be even more of an issue if your commercial property houses places where food is prepared. You need to have contracts with termite and roach control companies, handle any other issues that arise such as wasps nests, reports of snake skins being found, etc., and handle it pronto. The possibilities of lawsuits are limitless. Yikes!
Problems with the neighborhood are not within your control, and nobody thinks you are able to fix all the problems of the world, but it is your problem to be responsible and proactive about the area. If you know that it’s a major drug-trafficking area, it makes sense to hire security, have gated entrances, well-lighted parking lots, etc. The same is true regarding weather-related issues – you can’t control the weather, but if there’s areas of the parking lot prone to severe flooding and terrible potholes, that is your responsibility to be proactive about.

Hot Key West Business Opportunities

Are You Looking for Commercial Property in the Florida Keys?

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In the meantime, check out these 1-click searches:

Newest Key West Commercial Properties on the Market

Exceptional 6-unit multi-family commercial property conveniently accessible from both 51st Street and 50th Street. This property offers unparalleled convenience and charm in the heart of Marathon. Comprised of three buildings surrounding a serene courtyard oasis complete with a sparkling pool, tiki bar, and grill. Boasting a total of five efficiencies and a separate two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit, making it an investor's dream. Each unit has undergone extensive remodeling, featuring tile floors, impact windows, AC systems, state-of-the-art appliances, cabinets, and quartz countertops. Ample off-street parking for over eight vehicles. Zoned MU Commercial with six TBRs (Building Rights), this property offers versatile opportunities for investors, whether for short-term rentals, long-term leasing, or commercial endeavors. CA/NDA and proof of funds or bank pre-approval is required. $1,600,000 Active

295 51St Street Gulf MARATHON, Florida

7 Beds 7 Baths 2,614 SqFt

One of a kind Investment & trophy property in Key Largo.This is a State of the Art security facility and very few properties comparable anywhere in the Keys. Property is leased & guaranteed by the Federal Government. Newly constructed in 2016, concrete building & interior improvements were designed and specially built for US Customs & Border Protection. This is their main office in Key Largo. Main property is fenced with private levered gate and secure with restricted access. Paved parking lot. Property totals 1.5 Acres with 1/2 acre of unbuildable hardwood hammock. 6,674 sf. building has 5,177 sf. of net leaseable area & is a concrete bunker. Poured CBS construction, Bullet proof windows, Kevlar lined walls, enhanced video surveillance, elevator, fully ADA compliant with full elevator. Propane Generator with automatic transfer backs up entire building.Full service lease started June, 2017, five years with one five year option. 2 years remain on existing term and then rent to be substantially increased for a new lease. This is a full service lease. Landlord responsible for certain maintenance & Tenant reimburses Landlord base rent and those operating costs.Tenant also pays Real Estate Taxes and Insurances. One could not replicate this building or its features in today's market. $3,500,000 Active

101350 Overseas Highway KEY LARGO, Florida

2 Baths 6,674 SqFt

Tranquil ''Old Keys'' style marina nestled on a rare 1 + acre Oceanside lot with many possible uses! Deep water protected harbor with 18 large boat slips that can handle 50+ ft. yachts. Approach depth approx. 6 ft.+ at high tide with clearly marked channel. Successful Boat Rental Business with 17 Boats included in the sale. Lucrative Vacation Rental Business with (10) Aqua Lodges and 1 houseboat also included. Water, New 30 Amp and 50 Amp electric at each slip. Fuel dock, concrete building w/office, ship store, workshop, and garage/storage. 2 Outdoor Showers, 2 Bath houses with indoor showers, stalls, and dressing area. New Waste / Pump Out Station, and fuel station. An additional separate concrete building used for storage on North side of property. Private marina, Must call for an appointment and sign an NDA/CA for more information. $9,750,000 Active

200 Treasure Harbor Drive ISLAMORADA, Florida

4 Baths 1,069 SqFt

Prime retail location on busy 300 block of Duval St. Good visibility in the 6 unit strip center located at the corner of Eaton St.Unit E is approx. 800 sf. and has been totally renovated including new flooring, ceilings, lighting and AC fixtures. Exterior of the entire building has been renovated as well. Private ADA compliant half bathroom. Ample customer and employee parking in the rear. Great mix of tenants including Wendy's, Kermits Key Lime Pie store, Nitro Ice Cream and Mystic Lobster Roll. Potential for retail or small restaurant. Tenants to pay their own Utilities incl. Electric, Water and Trash.Base rent is $80/sf. plus current NNN estimated at $24.50/sf. plus sales tax. Total rent is $104.50/yr x 800 sf. + $83,600/yr. or $6,966.67/mos. plus sales tax.Interior photo's coming soon. $5,334 Active

335 Duval Street E KEY WEST, Florida

2 Baths 6,495 SqFt


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