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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.

View Properties

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

View Properties

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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!

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💼 First-Time Investor? Here’s How to Buy Your First CRE Property 🏬

🏢 How to Buy Your First Commercial Property 🛠️ (Even If You’ve Only Bought a House)

Commercial Real Estate

June 18, 2025•4 min read

🏢 How to Buy Your First Commercial Property 🛠️ (Even If You’ve Only Bought a House)

💼 First-Time Investor? Here’s How to Buy Your First CRE Property 🏬

🏢 How to Buy Your First Commercial Property (Even If You’ve Only Bought a House)

Buying commercial real estate isn’t just for millionaires. Here’s how to start smart.

If you've ever bought a house, you're already ahead of most people. The process of buying commercial property is different, but not as complicated—or exclusive—as it might seem. With the right strategy, even first-time investors can break into the commercial real estate (CRE) market and start building long-term wealth.

Whether you're looking to own office space, retail, industrial buildings, or even a small multifamily property, this guide walks you through the essential steps.

🧠 Why Commercial Real Estate?

Unlike residential properties, commercial real estate often brings higher returns, longer leases, and fewer tenant headaches. It’s not uncommon for savvy CRE investors to earn passive income with less hands-on management—especially when compared to single-family rentals.

Benefits of Commercial Real Estate:

· 📈 Higher cash flow potential

· 🏢 Tenants often pay for taxes, insurance, and maintenance (triple net leases)

· 🕒 Longer lease terms = more stability

· 💼 Professional relationships vs. emotional tenants

📋 Step-by-Step: How to Buy Your First Commercial Property

1. Define Your Investment Goals

Are you looking for long-term cash flow, a place for your business, or appreciation over time? Your goal determines the property type—office, industrial, retail, medical, or multifamily.

➡️ Pro Tip: Many first-timers start with small retail strip centers or mixed-use buildings.

2. Understand the Financing Options

You won’t be using a 30-year fixed mortgage this time. Commercial property loans are based on the property’s income-producing ability.

Top CRE Loan Types:

· SBA 504 / 7(a) loans for owner-users

· DSCR loans for investors

· Bridge loans for short-term repositioning

· Bank conventional and portfolio loans

📄 Download our FREE PDF:
👉 [Commercial Property Loan Roadmap – click here to get it*]

3. Get Pre-Qualified Before You Shop

Just like buying a home, you need to know your purchasing power. A good commercial mortgage broker can walk you through your loan options and determine your budget.

🔍 They’ll review your credit, down payment, and the property's income potential.

4. Build a Team of CRE Experts

This isn’t the time to DIY. Find a:

· 🧑‍💼 Commercial real estate broker (not a residential agent!)

· 🏦 Commercial loan advisor

· 📑 Real estate attorney

· 🧮 CPA familiar with investment tax strategies

Having the right team in place can save you tens of thousands of dollars—and headaches.

5. Analyze the Property Like a Pro

Use a pro forma to evaluate:

· Net Operating Income (NOI)

· Cap Rate

· Return on Investment (ROI)

· Value-add potential

➡️ Don’t get caught up in emotions—this is a numbers game.

6. Make an Offer & Go Under Contract

Commercial deals use an LOI (Letter of Intent) before the full contract is drafted. This outlines the key deal terms before attorneys get involved.

✅ Negotiate wisely. ✅ Know your walk-away number.

7. Due Diligence & Close

You’ll inspect:

· Leases

· Property condition

· Zoning & use compliance

· Environmental reports (Phase I, etc.)

Once all boxes are checked, it's time to close the deal and collect your keys!

🧾 Common Mistakes to Avoid

· ❌ Using a residential agent to buy a commercial building

· ❌ Not analyzing the income potential (NOI, not vibes)

· ❌ Underestimating renovation or tenant improvement costs

· ❌ Skipping zoning and permit research

💼 Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Not Big

Commercial real estate is one of the best tools to build wealth and diversify your portfolio. You don’t need to buy a skyscraper to get started. A small mixed-use building or strip center can be your entry point into a more financially free future.

🔽 Grab our FREE “First Commercial Deal Checklist” PDF to keep you on track.
📥 [Download Now – No Email Required]

🔔 Want Expert Help?

If you're serious about buying your first commercial property in the Houston, Katy, or Fulshear area, schedule a call with me directly. I help first-time investors and business owners make smart CRE moves every day.

👉 Visit: https://houstonrealestatebrokerage.com

📘 Free Download (Lead Magnet CTA)

🎯 Free Resource: Download our Commercial Property Starter Checklist to know exactly what to look for when buying your first deal.

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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.

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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.