Your Trusted Houston Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

Viking Enterprise LLC is part of eXp Commercial, an agent-led, cloud-based commercial real estate brokerage with agents across the globe.

Your Trusted Katy / Fulshear & Houston Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

Viking Enterprise LLC is part of eXp Commercial, an agent-led, cloud-based commercial real estate brokerage with agents across the globe.

Looking to invest, buy, sell or lease? We can help.

Looking to invest, buy, sell or lease? We can help.

OUR FEATURED TENANTS & CLIENTS

eXp Commercial - Viking Enterprise Team's real estate network provides unparalleled commercial real estate services to Tenants and Landlords around the Katy- Houston area. Our knowledge, experience, and reputation sets us apart from many firms.


A commercial property owner might have various plans that would necessitate the services of a commercial real estate broker. Some of the common scenarios include:

1. Selling the Property: If the owner decides it’s time to sell the property, a commercial real estate broker can help determine the market value, market the property effectively, and negotiate with potential buyers to get the best possible price.

2. Leasing Space: For property owners looking to lease out part or all of their commercial space, a broker can help find suitable tenants, negotiate lease terms, and ensure the lease agreements meet all legal requirements and serve the owner’s best interests.

3. Acquiring More Properties: Owners looking to expand their portfolio would benefit from a broker's knowledge of the market, access to listings, and negotiation skills to secure additional properties at favorable terms.

4. Property Management: While not all brokers offer this service, some commercial real estate brokers or their affiliates offer property management services. This can be particularly appealing for owners who prefer a hands-off approach or are managing properties from a distance.

5. Market Analysis: Owners considering future developments, renovations, or rebranding of their property might engage a broker for a comprehensive market analysis. This helps in understanding current market trends, the demand for different types of spaces, and potential returns on investment for various strategies.

6. Refinancing: In situations where a property owner is looking to refinance their property, a commercial real estate broker can provide valuable insights into the property’s current market value, assist in gathering necessary documentation, and even help in finding the best financing options.

7. Partnership or Investment Opportunities: Owners interested in exploring partnerships, joint ventures, or seeking investors for expansion or development projects might use a broker to find and vet potential partners or investors.

8. Consulting on Zoning and Use Changes: When contemplating a change in the use of the property or dealing with zoning issues, a broker with experience in local regulations and the specific property type can provide guidance and strategic planning assistance.

9. Exit Strategy Planning: For owners looking to plan an exit strategy from their investment, whether it’s through a strategic sale or a gradual winding down of operations, brokers can provide market insights, timing advice, and valuation services to optimize the exit process.

In any of these scenarios, the expertise and services provided by a commercial real estate broker can save the property owner time and money, while also providing access to a wider network of potential buyers, tenants, and industry professionals. Give us a call today!

Reviews

🏢 Phase I ESA Explained: Protect Your Commercial Real Estate Investment ⚠️

⚖️ What Is a Phase I Environmental Report? 🏗️ CRE Investors Must Know This!

August 05, 20252 min read

⚖️ What Is a Phase I Environmental Report? 🏗️ CRE Investors Must Know This!


🏢 Phase I ESA Explained: Protect Your Commercial Real Estate Investment ⚠️


⚖️ Environmental Reports: What Is a Phase I?

If you're buying, selling, or financing commercial real estate, chances are you’ve heard of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). But what is it—and why does it matter?

Whether you're a developer looking at raw land or a business owner purchasing an industrial building, a Phase I report is more than just a checkbox. It could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential environmental liabilities.


🧪 What Is a Phase I ESA?

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a standardized report that identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. It's governed by the ASTM E1527 standard and often required by banks, SBA lenders, and investors before closing a deal.

Phase I ESAs do not involve soil or groundwater testing. Instead, they focus on:

·         Historical property records

·         Aerial photos and land use maps

·         Regulatory database reviews

·         Interviews with owners or tenants

·         A physical site inspection

If anything concerning is discovered—like a history of gas station use or chemical storage—the report may recommend a Phase II ESA for sampling and testing.


🔍 Why Does It Matter for CRE Deals?

1.      Lender Requirement:
Most lenders won’t finance commercial property without a clean Phase I. It protects them—and you—from future cleanup costs.

2.      Liability Protection:
Under CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act), buyers can be held responsible for environmental issues—even if they didn’t cause them. A Phase I, if properly done, provides a legal shield known as “Innocent Landowner Defense.”

3.      Deal Negotiation Power:
If contamination is found, you may use it as leverage to renegotiate price or require the seller to remediate.


🧾 When Is a Phase I Required?

·         Commercial property purchases (especially with financing)

·         SBA 7(a) or 504 loans

·         Industrial, medical, or gas station sites

·         Land previously used for agriculture, manufacturing, or automotive purposes

·         Redevelopment projects


💸 How Much Does a Phase I Cost?

·         Typical cost: $1,800–$3,000+

·         Turnaround time: 2–4 weeks

·         Who pays for it? Usually the buyer, but it’s negotiable in contract


Final Thoughts

If you're investing in commercial real estate, don’t skip the Phase I ESA. It’s a small price to pay for major peace of mind—and often the key to unlocking financing.

At Viking Enterprise Team, we help business owners, investors, and developers navigate the due diligence process and connect them with reputable environmental consultants and SBA/CRE lenders.

🧭 Need help getting started? Let’s talk.


https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/

https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/houston-cre-navigator

https://www.commercialexchange.com/agent/653bf5593e3a3e1dcec275a6

http://expressoffers.com/[email protected]

https://app.bullpenre.com/profile/1742476177701x437444415125976000

https://author.billrapponline.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F32Z5BH2

https://veed.cello.so/FOmzTty6oi9


© 2023-2024 Bill Rapp, Broker Associate, eXp Commercial Viking Enterprise Team


Phase I ESAPhase I Environmental Site AssessmentSBA environmental reportCommercial real estate due diligencePhase 1 report costCRE environmental liability
blog author image

Bill Rapp, CRE Broker

I am a Houston commercial broker, with residential experience, as well as a lending background. I have been in the real estate industry for 14 years and counting, and I have worked in many roles within the industry and each has given me a unique perspective of the industry as a whole. My dedication to clients is rooted in this industry knowledge, but also includes my desire to go the extra mile in networking to source off market opportunities for my clients. Me and my team at eXp Commercial have a cutting-edge technology package that gets the widest exposure for each transaction. eXp Commercial offers a nationwide network through which we can deliver the best exposure and professional advice to achieve our clients’ goals while also minimizing their risk. Clients appreciate my methodical method of discovery in our initial consultation. Through which we can get to know each other and their specific’s business’s needs and objectives on a granular level. Our processes help navigate each transaction and its potential pitfalls through to a successful outcome for our clients. It is my stated goal to provide our clients with extensive market analysis and expertise that fosters innovative solutions and rewarding commercial real estate opportunities.

Back to Blog

eXp Commercial - Viking Enterprise team real estate network provides unparalleled commercial real estate services to Tenants and Landlords around the greater Katy & Houston MSA area. Our knowledge, experience, and reputation sets us apart from many firms.

A commercial property owner might have various plans that would necessitate the services of a commercial real estate broker. Some of the common scenarios include:

1. Selling the Property: If the owner decides it’s time to sell the property, a commercial real estate broker can help determine the market value, market the property effectively, and negotiate with potential buyers to get the best possible price.

2. Leasing Space: For property owners looking to lease out part or all of their commercial space, a broker can help find suitable tenants, negotiate lease terms, and ensure the lease agreements meet all legal requirements and serve the owner’s best interests.

3. Acquiring More Properties: Owners looking to expand their portfolio would benefit from a broker's knowledge of the market, access to listings, and negotiation skills to secure additional properties at favorable terms.

4. Property Management: While not all brokers offer this service, some commercial real estate brokers or their affiliates offer property management services. This can be particularly appealing for owners who prefer a hands-off approach or are managing properties from a distance.

5. Market Analysis: Owners considering future developments, renovations, or rebranding of their property might engage a broker for a comprehensive market analysis. This helps in understanding current market trends, the demand for different types of spaces, and potential returns on investment for various strategies.

6. Refinancing: In situations where a property owner is looking to refinance their property, a commercial real estate broker can provide valuable insights into the property’s current market value, assist in gathering necessary documentation, and even help in finding the best financing options.

7. Partnership or Investment Opportunities: Owners interested in exploring partnerships, joint ventures, or seeking investors for expansion or development projects might use a broker to find and vet potential partners or investors.

8. Consulting on Zoning and Use Changes: When contemplating a change in the use of the property or dealing with zoning issues, a broker with experience in local regulations and the specific property type can provide guidance and strategic planning assistance.

9. Exit Strategy Planning: For owners looking to plan an exit strategy from their investment, whether it’s through a strategic sale or a gradual winding down of operations, brokers can provide market insights, timing advice, and valuation services to optimize the exit process.

In any of these scenarios, the expertise and services provided by a commercial real estate broker can save the property owner time and money, while also providing access to a wider network of potential buyers, tenants, and industry professionals. Give us a call today!

Find the perfect location for your business.

Let us help your business succeed.

🏢 Phase I ESA Explained: Protect Your Commercial Real Estate Investment ⚠️

⚖️ What Is a Phase I Environmental Report? 🏗️ CRE Investors Must Know This!

August 05, 20252 min read

⚖️ What Is a Phase I Environmental Report? 🏗️ CRE Investors Must Know This!


🏢 Phase I ESA Explained: Protect Your Commercial Real Estate Investment ⚠️


⚖️ Environmental Reports: What Is a Phase I?

If you're buying, selling, or financing commercial real estate, chances are you’ve heard of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). But what is it—and why does it matter?

Whether you're a developer looking at raw land or a business owner purchasing an industrial building, a Phase I report is more than just a checkbox. It could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential environmental liabilities.


🧪 What Is a Phase I ESA?

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a standardized report that identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. It's governed by the ASTM E1527 standard and often required by banks, SBA lenders, and investors before closing a deal.

Phase I ESAs do not involve soil or groundwater testing. Instead, they focus on:

·         Historical property records

·         Aerial photos and land use maps

·         Regulatory database reviews

·         Interviews with owners or tenants

·         A physical site inspection

If anything concerning is discovered—like a history of gas station use or chemical storage—the report may recommend a Phase II ESA for sampling and testing.


🔍 Why Does It Matter for CRE Deals?

1.      Lender Requirement:
Most lenders won’t finance commercial property without a clean Phase I. It protects them—and you—from future cleanup costs.

2.      Liability Protection:
Under CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act), buyers can be held responsible for environmental issues—even if they didn’t cause them. A Phase I, if properly done, provides a legal shield known as “Innocent Landowner Defense.”

3.      Deal Negotiation Power:
If contamination is found, you may use it as leverage to renegotiate price or require the seller to remediate.


🧾 When Is a Phase I Required?

·         Commercial property purchases (especially with financing)

·         SBA 7(a) or 504 loans

·         Industrial, medical, or gas station sites

·         Land previously used for agriculture, manufacturing, or automotive purposes

·         Redevelopment projects


💸 How Much Does a Phase I Cost?

·         Typical cost: $1,800–$3,000+

·         Turnaround time: 2–4 weeks

·         Who pays for it? Usually the buyer, but it’s negotiable in contract


Final Thoughts

If you're investing in commercial real estate, don’t skip the Phase I ESA. It’s a small price to pay for major peace of mind—and often the key to unlocking financing.

At Viking Enterprise Team, we help business owners, investors, and developers navigate the due diligence process and connect them with reputable environmental consultants and SBA/CRE lenders.

🧭 Need help getting started? Let’s talk.


https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/

https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/houston-cre-navigator

https://www.commercialexchange.com/agent/653bf5593e3a3e1dcec275a6

http://expressoffers.com/[email protected]

https://app.bullpenre.com/profile/1742476177701x437444415125976000

https://author.billrapponline.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F32Z5BH2

https://veed.cello.so/FOmzTty6oi9


© 2023-2024 Bill Rapp, Broker Associate, eXp Commercial Viking Enterprise Team


Phase I ESAPhase I Environmental Site AssessmentSBA environmental reportCommercial real estate due diligencePhase 1 report costCRE environmental liability
blog author image

Bill Rapp, CRE Broker

I am a Houston commercial broker, with residential experience, as well as a lending background. I have been in the real estate industry for 14 years and counting, and I have worked in many roles within the industry and each has given me a unique perspective of the industry as a whole. My dedication to clients is rooted in this industry knowledge, but also includes my desire to go the extra mile in networking to source off market opportunities for my clients. Me and my team at eXp Commercial have a cutting-edge technology package that gets the widest exposure for each transaction. eXp Commercial offers a nationwide network through which we can deliver the best exposure and professional advice to achieve our clients’ goals while also minimizing their risk. Clients appreciate my methodical method of discovery in our initial consultation. Through which we can get to know each other and their specific’s business’s needs and objectives on a granular level. Our processes help navigate each transaction and its potential pitfalls through to a successful outcome for our clients. It is my stated goal to provide our clients with extensive market analysis and expertise that fosters innovative solutions and rewarding commercial real estate opportunities.

Back to Blog

Find the perfect location for your business.

Let us help your business succeed.

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27815 Astoria Brook Ln

Katy, TX 77494 USA


9600 Great Hills Trail, Suite 150w Austin, TX 78759 |
855.450.0324 xx255

Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice Texas Real Estate Commission

Information About Brokerage Services eXp Commercial LLC #9010212

Viking Enterprise LLC #9009614

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Contact Us

27815 Astoria Brook Ln

Katy, TX 77494 USA

901 S Mopac Expwy, Bldg 2, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78746 | 512.474.5557Texas Real Estate Commission

Consumer Protection Notice Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services Reliance Retail, LLC #603091

Texas RS, LLC #9003193 | RESOLUT RE Is Licensed In Louisiana #0995694083