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Tag Archive: For Lease

  1. Did you know…There are three classifications of office buildings?

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    Did you know…There are three classifications of office buildings?

    Class A, Class B, and Class C are three classifications of commercial office buildings. The classifications are based on quality, condition, location, price, and amenities (Hamann, 2024). Class A, B, and C commercial office building classifications are considered subjective as price and availability of real estate varies by geographic location. For example, a Class A building in a suburb might be considered a Class B building in a city. Generally, characteristics of the three classes include:

    Class A – Class A properties are regularly the newest in their market. These buildings are characterized by high-quality construction and have the most up-to-date features and in-demand amenities. Class A office buildings often attract professional tenants like law firms and can be the most expensive (Hamann, 2024).

    Class B – Class B buildings are typically at least 10 – 20 years old and fall in the middle range in terms of quality of location and amenities. These buildings may not boast a prime location or top-of-the-line amenities but are well-maintained and functional (Tross, 2024).

    Class C – Class C office buildings are often at least 20 years or older and may need repair. The tenants of Class C buildings are more likely to be small and family-run businesses in smaller markets. While Class C buildings may be less desirable aesthetically, the rent is usually lower.

    Here are a few Black Diamond Realty’s office offerings and their features and amenities:

    315 High Street – 315 High Street is a two-story office building located in the heart of downtown Morgantown. The 9,240 (+/-) square foot building boasts a prime Morgantown location with high foot traffic, off-street parking, storage space, and proximity to many popular Morgantown amenities including WVU’s main campus. Learn more about 315 High Street.

    2004 White Willow Way – This 4,000 (+/-) square foot office space is in a great location with excellent visibility and frontage along Point Marion Road in Morgantown. The suite features a reception/waiting room, four private offices, two open office areas, one conference room, a large file/storage room, and off-street parking. Learn more about 2004 White Willow Way.

    1000 Technology Drive – Located within the I-79 High Technology Park in Fairmont, 1000 Technology Drive offers multiple office suites ranging in sizes form 1,090 (+/-) to 4,888 (+/-) square feet. The office suites feature top-of-the-line amenities including high security, free parking, a fitness center with group fitness classes, a large outdoor courtyard, and more. Learn more about 1000 Technology Drive.

    45 Professional Place – Located in White Oaks Business Park in Bridgeport, 45 Professional Place’s available suite offers a reception area, large open office/work room, conference room, storage closet, and ample parking. White Oaks Business Park is a modern, campus style business park conveniently located adjacent to West Virginia’s growing I-79 corridor. Learn more about 45 Professional Place.

    Cambridge Place – Also in Bridgeport, Cambridge Place Office Park offers premier office suites in a pristine setting. The office park, located off Thompson Drive, features high end finishes, manicured landscaping, convenient parking, and on-site management. Learn more about Cambridge Place.

     

    References

    Hamann, J. (2024, March 12). Class A, B, and C office buildings in commercial real estate. Commercial Real Estate Loans. https://www.commercialrealestate.loans/commercial-real-estate-glossary/building-classes/
    Tross, K. (2024, July 12). Class A vs Class B Office Buildings: Understanding the Key Differences. VTS. https://www.vts.com/blog/the-3-office-buildings-classes-what-do-they-really-mean

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  2. Did you know…Conducting thorough due diligence before investing in commercial real estate can reduce risk

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    Did you know…Conducting thorough due diligence before deciding to invest in a commercial real estate property can reduce risk and help the investor avoid mistakes and evaluate their bottom line.

    Generally, due diligence in commercial real estate refers to the research, investigation, and assessment stage that occurs before purchasing or investing in a commercial property. Due diligence helps the potential investor identify risks involved with the investment and allows the investor to make the most informed decision possible. The most common factors to consider in the process are the property’s physical condition, environmental risks, zoning laws, financials, tenant leases, and the seller’s background (Junaid, 2024).

    There are many websites where investors can find due diligence checklists. The checklists all vary slightly, but, in general, a commercial real estate due diligence checklist may include:

    General

    • Physical inspections of the property
    • Obtain site plan / survey
    • Obtain property history of capital improvements
    • Reiew environmental reports

    Financial

    • Obtain most recent property tax returns
    • Review leases
    • Review rent roll and tenant history
    • Review utility bills and other property expenses

     Legal

    • Title report
    • Obtain Certificates of Occupancy, any appraisals, and all relevant contracts
    • Insurance quote
    • Zoning information, approvals, and permits
    • Licenses and warranties
    • Property management matters


    We are the experts in commercial real estate, to speak to a specialized Associate, call 304.413.4350. Click HERE to visit us online.

    Resources for Due Diligence Checklists:
    https://propertymetrics.com/real-estate-due-diligence-checklist/
    https://safetyculture.com/checklists/real-estate-due-diligence/
    https://www.tylercauble.com/blog/commercia-real-estate-due-diligence#checklist

    References:
    Junaid, J. (2024, February 16). How to conduct a due diligence for commercial real estate. Property Management Blog | SnapInspect. https://blog.snapinspect.com/how-to-conduct-a-due-diligence-for-commercial-real-estate/

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  3. Did you know…Triple Net (NNN) leases can provide steady, hassle-free income for property owners

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    Did you know Triple Net (NNN) leases can provide steady, hassle-free income for property owners?

    A triple net lease, or NNN, is a common type of lease agreement in commercial real estate. With a triple net lease, the tenant pays all expenses, like building insurance, real estate taxes, and maintenance, in addition to rent and utilities (Chen, 2024).

    With tenants responsible for expenses, investors benefit by limiting expenses and realizing nearly all the revenue (minus income taxes and debt payments).  Triple net lease investment properties can provide reliable income for an investor without the burden of property management.

    Below is a list of Black Diamond Realty NNN Properties:

    Office/Retail/Restaurant
    5000 NASA Blvd: Office | 1,622 – 15,000+ SQ FT Available | 9 Suites  View Marketing flyer
    50 Middletown Loop, Suite 200: Office/Retail | 6,200 SQ FT | 1 Suite  View Marketing Flyer
    1000 Technology Drive: Office | 1,090 – 4,888 SQ FT Available | 9 Suites  View Marketing Flyer
    430 Drummond Street: Office | 2,100 – 6,000 SQ FT Available | 2 Suites  View Marketing Flyer
    1111 Van Voorhis Road: Office Building | 7,000 SQ FT | 1 Suite  View Marketing Flyer
    699 Burroughs Street: Office Building | 5,800 SQ FT | Two-story office building  View Marketing Flyer
    1451 Earl L. Core Road, Suite 2: Office/Retail | 5,320 SQ FT | 1 Suite  View Marketing Flyer
    45 Professional Place: Office | 3,114 SQ FT | 1 Suite  View Marketing Flyer
    311 Medical Court: Office | 1,010 – 1,300 SQ FT | 2 Units  View Marketing Flyer
    1189 Pineview Drive: Office: 3,050 SQ FT | 1 Suite (spread across 3 floors)  View Marketing Flyer
    635 Pittsburgh Street: Office/Retail | 6,880 SQ FT  View Marketing Flyer
    2 Highland Park Drive: Office | 3,400 SQ FT | 1 Suite  View Marketing Flyer
    223 Everhart Drive: Office Building | 7,200 SQ FT | Three floor office building  View Marketing Flyer
    1370 University Avenue: Office/Retail/Restaurant: 1,536 SQ FT (restaurant space), 9,011 SQ FT (retail/office space) View Marketing Flyer
    215 Don Knotts Blvd: Restaurant Space | 4,625 SQ FT  View Marketing Flyer
    4922 Williamsport Pike: Retail/Restaurant: 7,000 SQ FT | building sectioned into three parts  View Marketing Flyer

    Industrial/Flex/Warehouse
    209 Venture Drive: Retail/Flex/Warehouse | 2,400 SQ FT  View Marketing Flyer
    56 Distributor Drive: Industrial Warehouse/Office Building | (total) 28,450 SQ FT  View Marketing Flyer
    255 South Plant Street: Flex Industrial Building | 21,800 SQ FT  View Marketing Flyer
    1700 Grafton Road: Industrial Building | (individual bay size) 2,400 SQ FT | 5 bays  View Marketing Flyer
    13, 15, 17 Excavation Lane: Industrial | (total) 7,500 SQ FT | can be divided into three spaces  View Marketing Flyer
    624 Armory Road: Industrial | 72,000 SQ FT  View Marketing Flyer
    5671 Benedum Drive: Flex/Industrial/Land | 26,240 SQ FT  View Marketing Flyer
    123 Turkey Run: Industrial | 2,200 – 5,600 SQ FT | Two buildings. View Marketing Flyer
    452 Industrial Park Road: Industrial | 7,626 SQ FT  View Marketing Flyer
    300 Technology Way: Industrial/Mixed-Use | 11,000 SQ FT | two floors with ability to be subdivided View 300 Technology Way

    We are the experts in commercial real estate, to speak to a specialized Associate, call 304.413.4350. Click HERE to visit us online.

     

    References

    Chen, J. (2024, July 30). Triple Net Lease (NNN): What It Means and How It’s Used. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/triple-net-lease-nnn.asp

     

     

     

     

  4. Did you know…The Commercial Real Estate Market has Four Cycles

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    Did you know understanding market cycles is crucial to commercial real estate?

    The commercial real estate market cycle has four phases: recovery, expansion, hyper supply and recession. Understanding these market cycle phases can help guide decision making when it comes to commercial real estate investing.

    Professor Glenn Mueller of the University of Denver’s Burns School of Real Estate is considered the authority on market cycle phases. He describes the phases as:

    Recovery – This is the first phase (normally following a recession), it is characterized by low demand for commercial real estate and minimal new construction products.

    Expansion – This phase is characterized by balanced supply and demand levels and a stabilized GDP.

    Hyper Supply – During the hyper supply phase, supply begins to outpace demands and construction slows.

    Recession – The recession phase is an extreme continuation of hyper supply with supply outpacing demand. This phase is characterized by falling prices and a declining market; this is when commercial real estate prices hit their lowest.

    (The Commercial Real Estate Cycle & CRE Investment Strategies, 2023)

    What CRE sector is popular right now? According to a recent Moody’s report, because of the popularity of ecommerce, industrial properties like warehouses and distribution centers are in demand (LaSalvia, 2024). Industrial properties with efficient, flexible designs that can be used as warehouses and distribution centers will be the go-to choices to fill ecommerce needs.

    Check out some of Black Diamond Realty’s versatile industrial properties:

    13, 15, 17 Excavation Lane – This industrial warehouse in Morgantown has versatile features to meet your business needs. The 7,500 (+/-) square foot property boasts four overhead doors, is available for sale or lease and can be divided into three separate spaces if desired. Learn more about 13, 15, 17, Excavation Lane. 

    1700 Grafton Road – 1700 Grafton Road is a newly built industrial building available for lease in Morgantown. The 12,000 (+/-) square foot building sits on 2.5 (+/-) acres. Features like five overhead doors, a storage yard and 20’ ceilings add to the efficiency of this property. Learn more about 1700 Grafton Road. 

    56 Distributor Drive – This industrial warehouse/office building is comprised of 28,480 (+/-) square feet and located in Morgantown. The building is equipped with five overhead doors, full drive-through capability, two loading docks, a security system and ample signage opportunity. 56 Distributor Drive can provide the efficiency and functionality your business needs! Learn more about 56 Distributor Drive.

    452 Industrial Park Road – This for lease warehouse building in Jane Lew offers versatility in a convenient location. The property is 7,626 (+/-) square feet on 3.36 (+/-) acres with easy access to I-79, Exit 105. 452 Industrial Park Road features two overhead doors, office space and a large industrial area that would make it a great option for stocking and inventory uses. Learn more about 452 Industrial Park Raod

    123 Turkey Run – 123 Turkey Run Road is a 5.5 (+/-) acre industrial property located in Salem, WV. It consists of two buildings totaling 7,800 (+/-) square feet, two flat, fenced areas for outdoor storage, two covered storage buildings and around 2.5 acres of additional land that could be developed. Learn more about 123 Turkey Run. 

    164 Eyster Road – This offering is a Jefferson County mill that has been in continuous operation since 1869! 164 Eyster Road in Halltown is comprised of 201,380 (+/-) gross square foot industrial manufacturing facility. Learn more about 164 Eyster Road. 

    We are the experts in commercial real estate, to speak to a specialized Associate, call 304.413.4350. Click HERE to visit us online.

    Did You Know: Market Cycles from Black Diamond Realty on Vimeo.

     

    Resources
    For detailed market cycle analysis – Mueller Real Estate Market Cycle Monitor

    References
    LaSalvia, T. (2024, July 2). Q2 2024 Preliminary trend announcement. Moody’s CRE. https://cre.moodysanalytics.com/insights/cre-trends/q2-2024-preliminary-trend-announcement/

    The Commercial Real Estate Cycle & CRE Investment Strategies. (2023, February 3). Avistone. https://avistone.com/learn/understanding-the-four-phases-of-the-commercial-real-estate-cycle/

     

     

     

  5. Tax Incentives on Opportunity Zones Sunset in 2026, But There Is Still Time to Invest

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    Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) were created by Congress in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to spur investment into distressed communities around the country. Investors are allowed to place capital gains from the sale of stocks, real estate or businesses into OZ funds without having to pay taxes on those capital gains. This is an investment strategy similar to 1031 exchanges except OZs allow the elimination of tax obligation whereas 1031s only defer tax obligations.

    If the investment is held for five years, a 10% exclusion of the deferred gain is realized; after 7 years that exclusion increases to 15%. After holding the investment in the fund for 10 or more years, the investor can realize a benefit of paying no taxes on the investment.

    Seven years into the 2017 Act, what do investors, future investors and potential land holders in QOZ areas need to know now, and is it still a wise investment?

    While one of the bigger benefits of investing in OZ funds expired at the end of 2021 (the ability to qualify for a 10 percent step-up in investment), the opportunity provided in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is still beneficial. The tax cut incentive has gained traction slowly, but 2022 marked the strongest year for OZ investment since its inception. Through 2026, investors can still access OZ incentives with no capital gains taxation if they hold the investment for at least a decade. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was designed with a 10-year lifespan and will sunset on December 31, 2026. Investing in Opportunity Zones is a generational opportunity to improve your community and reap tax incentives, and, with the Act sunsetting in 2026, investors have a limited time to take advantage. How to get started:

    To invest in an OZ, the investor must either:

    Create a Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund or

    Invest directly into a QOZ fund where at least 90% of the holdings are invested into businesses located within a QOZ.

    OZ funds can invest in either real estate development or start-up/spin-off businesses whose primary office/place of business is located inside the boundaries of the OZ.

    In West Virginia, 55 areas have been designated as Opportunity Zones over 30 counties. Regionally, parts of Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg, and Grafton have been designated as OZs. Click here for a map of OZs.

    In commercial real estate, there are a couple ways to invest into a QOZ. The goal of the program is to spur development into distressed communities; therefore, one cannot purchase land under the QOZ program and just sit and hold the property. A developer can purchase raw land and make improvements to the land by developing a site where a working business entity is to be located. A developer can also purchase property with existing structures but must make investment into the property to ‘significantly’ increase the value of the property; significant is defined as at least doubling the value of the property.

    A popular new trend in Opportunity Zone investing is the chance to take advantage of the Act’s class of land identified as “the energy sector”. The energy sector includes fossil fuels and many designated QOZs are in areas renowned for energy production, like the Marcellus Formation in Pennsylvania.

    The details of the OZ fund program are fairly extensive. Please contact us at Black Diamond Realty or call your accountant or financial planner/advisor to further discuss the benefits of the OZ program.

    The properties below are Black Diamond Realty offerings that are available and located with an Opportunity Zone. Click on the addresses below to learn more about each offering.

    MORGANTOWN

    FAIRMONT

    CLARKSBURG

    GRAFTON

    MARTINSBURG

    Important Dates
    June 28, 2025 – Eligible capital gains recognized in 2024 must be invested by this date.
    June 28, 2026 – Eligible capital gains recognized in 2025 must be invested by this date.
    December 31, 2026 – Capital gains deferral benefit on Opportunity Zones expires.
    December 31, 2047 – The program is scheduled to fully sunset; after this date QOZ zones designations become inactive.

    Helpful Links
    IRS Website – Opportunity Zones
    Map of Opportunity Zones

  6. June Newsletter

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    View our June Newsletter: Summer Fun Awaits! See Where…

    Click Here!