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When the NAIOP, the commercial real estate development association, conducted its analysis to determine the top states for commercial development, it looked at GDP, salaries, wages, and the amount of jobs created and supported from the development and operation of commercial real estate.
People in South Florida, though, merely had to look at the number of cranes and construction projects filling the skyline to realize that Florida is in the top 5.
The compiled data indicates that Florida’s future is very bright, indeed. The Sunshine State ranked:
Additionally, $7.59 billion was spent on commercial real estate in 2016, which resulted in more than 134,000 jobs, contributed nearly $16 billion to the state’s economy, and earned workers more than $5 billion. The end result is new job creation, infrastructure improvements, and opportunities to develop new spaces in which to work, shop, and play.
For decades, Florida’s climate had always played a major role in attracting developers to the state. While weather is still an influence, it’s difficult to ignore a dynamic economy, a low tax burden, and a growing population that is culturally diverse and globally connected.
According to a report from the CBRE Group, foreign investors are attracted to the state’s strong cultural and economic connection to Latin America and the Caribbean. It also helps that many of the state’s cities, like Miami and Orlando, are strong global brands that are familiar to investors and developers from around the world.
Florida is in a great position to meet the needs of a changing labor market and a new work model. Technology has created a workforce that is able to work remotely, while at the same time shrinking the average square footage needs of employees when they’re in the office.
At the same time, smaller businesses and start-ups are sharing workspaces. As a result, traditional office spaces are being repurposed or new spaces need to be built from the ground up. New opportunities will be available in all areas of the region, from multi-building complexes in suburban areas to mixed-use facilities in downtowns.
In terms of industrial space, a growing e-commerce economy means there is a greater need for warehouse space to promote faster delivery of goods. It also means that some large box stores are closing down, and these spaces will have to be torn down to become something else, or converted into something smaller. In other words, it’s a chance for developers to think outside the box store.
Morris Southeast Group is excited by the possibilities of Florida’s excellent development ranking. Our team of professionals is able to connect investors and developers to the right property so that the economy can continue to thrive.
For a free consultation, call Morris Southeast Group at 954.474.1776. You can also reach Ken Morris directly at 954.240.4400 or via email at kenmorris@morrissegroup.com.
“Man is an animal that makes bargains; no other animal does this – no dog exchanges bones with another.”
Economist Adam Smith wrote these words in 1776 in his seminal Wealth of Nations, and this macroeconomic maxim is just as appropriate for today’s CRE market. Everyone loves a good bargain, from BOGOs at their local grocery store to businesses looking to lease office space.
Bargain hunting, however, is easier said than done. While not impossible, it takes due diligence and negotiation before signing on the dotted line, as well as an honest evaluation of whether a bargain is truly a bargain, long-term.
Saving money on an office lease requires a degree of homework. Rather than waiting to do it just before your current lease is set to expire, take advantage of the stretch of time that’s given to you before renewal. The size and complexity of your business will dictate the approximate length of time necessary to evaluate the current lease and to consider options and alternatives to better meet your needs:
With time on your side, you can now begin the task of looking into the following cost-saving tips.
Landlords know that most tenants will take the path of least resistance and renew a lease. This equation changes, though, if that landlord believes you can and will relocate. To that end, it’s important that you know what else is available so you:
While evaluating available properties, keep an eye open for unique opportunities. If a company is shutting its office with years left on its lease, a landlord may be willing to offer the space for a reduced price. In addition, many municipalities offer tax incentives and low interest loans to attract businesses to redevelopment zones.
It’s one thing to want all the bells and whistles; it’s quite another to be able to afford them. Keep your overhead in check by not going overboard.
It’s also a good idea to be aware of cost-saving real estate trends. For example, thanks to more efficient furnishings and technologies, the required square footage for each employee is shrinking – from an average of 225 square feet in 2010 to 176 square feet in 2012 to just 151 square feet in 2017. This trend is likely to continue with the adoption of automation technology in the office and industrial workspace.
When considering real estate trends, take a look at one of the hottest ones: collaborative workspaces. This idea means at least two companies can work independently while sharing common spaces, such as the reception area and break room. Frugal companies that are willing and able to share without compromising privacy or brand image can reap significant discounts.
Some commercial spaces have received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Through the use of smart design and green technology, landlords and tenants alike can realize significant utility savings, not to mention the appeal and positive branding associated with working in an energy-efficient space.
Another way to save money and a tremendous amount of time – and to avoid doing a lot of the homework listed above – is to hire a professional tenant representative. Quality reps are intimately aware of local and national CRE opportunities, availabilities, and trends, and they will negotiate with landlords on your behalf. A quality tenant rep also thoroughly gets to know your company and its needs, applying to them to find the right space.
In addition, these professionals can spot when a bargain isn’t really a bargain. For examples, a low price per square foot will actually wind up costing money in the long run if:
These are just a few of the factors that a tenant representative will take into account when finding a bargain for your business – determining if any deal is simply too good to be true.
For more than 40 years, Morris Southeast Group has negotiated office leases throughout South Florida and the entire United States. We’ve seen the CRE market in the best of times and the worst of times; we’ve seen trends come and go. Through it all, we have successfully met the needs of countless tenants, landlords, and owners.
If you’re looking for a tenant representative who can help you negotiate your next office lease, call Morris Southeast Group at 954.474.1776 for a free consultation. You can also reach Ken Morris directly at 954.240.4400 or via email at kenmorris@morrissegroup.com.
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Morris Southeast Group | 13798 NW 4th Street, Suite 310, Sunrise, FL 33325
Phone: (954) 474-1776 | kenmorris@morrissegroup.com
