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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.

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

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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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📊 Buy or Lease in 2026? Why More Businesses Are Choosing to Own Their Building 🔑

🏢 Should Your Business Buy a Building in 2026? The Owner-User Advantage Explained 📈

Commercial Real Estate

January 08, 2026•3 min read

🏢 Should Your Business Buy a Building in 2026? The Owner-User Advantage Explained 📈

📊 Buy or Lease in 2026? Why More Businesses Are Choosing to Own Their Building 🔑

Should Your Business Buy a Building in 2026?

For years, leasing commercial space felt like the “safe” decision. Lower upfront costs, flexibility, and fewer responsibilities made it appealing—especially during uncertain markets. But as we move into 2026, the math for many business owners is changing.

Higher lease renewals, tighter space availability in key submarkets, and improving access to owner-user financing are pushing more businesses to ask a critical question:

Does it finally make sense to buy instead of lease?

The answer, for many operators, is increasingly yes—if the strategy is right.

Why 2026 Is a Turning Point for Owner-Users

Several macro and market-specific trends are converging:

• Lease rates reset faster than debt
• Interest rates are stabilizing, not spiking
• Owner-user loan programs remain underutilized
• Supply constraints in industrial, medical, and flex space

Unlike tenants, owner-users can lock in long-term occupancy costs, build equity, and control their operating environment—all while benefiting from tax-advantaged financing.

Buying vs. Leasing: The Real Cost Comparison

When evaluating lease renewals versus ownership, many business owners overlook three critical factors:

1. Rent Increases Are Permanent
Lease escalations compound. A 3–5% annual increase becomes a major expense line item over a 10–15 year horizon.

2. SBA Debt Is Predictable
Programs like SBA 504 and SBA 7(a) allow long-term amortization with fixed or semi-fixed rates—often with 10% down.

3. Equity Replaces Rent
Instead of paying a landlord, a portion of every payment builds balance-sheet equity.

In many cases, ownership cash flow is comparable—or even lower—than market rent by year two or three.

Who Should Strongly Consider Buying in 2026?

Ownership is not for every business. However, 2026 is especially favorable for:

• Medical practices (doctors, dentists, clinics)
• Trades and service companies (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
• Professional firms (law, accounting, engineering)
• Light industrial and logistics users
• Businesses with 5+ year operating history

If your business plans to stay in one location for 7–10 years, ownership should be analyzed seriously.

Financing Options Business Owners Are Using

The most common owner-user capital stacks include:

SBA 504 Loans
• ~10% down
• Long-term fixed rate on the CDC portion
• Ideal for stable, owner-occupied properties

SBA 7(a) Loans
• Flexible use (purchase, renovation, expansion)
• Good for mixed-use or specialized properties

Bank & Credit Union Owner-User Loans
• Competitive rates for strong borrowers
• Often paired with local relationship banking

A properly structured loan often matters more than the purchase price itself.

Risks to Evaluate Before Buying

Ownership brings advantages—but also responsibility.

Key considerations include:
• Maintenance and capital reserves
• Property management (even for single-tenant)
• Exit liquidity and resale timing
• Zoning and expansion limitations

This is where advisory guidance—not just brokerage—becomes critical.

The Strategic Question for 2026

The real question is not “Can my business buy a building?”

It’s:
“Does owning real estate strengthen or weaken my operating position over the next decade?”

In 2026, with improving capital certainty and persistent rent pressure, ownership is becoming a competitive advantage—not just a real estate decision.

If you’re considering buying, selling, leasing, or financing a commercial property in Houston or West Houston, the conversation should start now—not at lease expiration.

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

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Buy vs lease commercial real estateowner-user commercial real estateSBA 504 loan for business ownersSBA 7A commercial real estateShould my business buy a buildingcommercial real estate outlook 2026Business property ownership benefitsmedical office real estate financingindustrial owner-user real estateHouston commercial real estate brokerKaty commercial real estate brokerFulshear commercial real estate brokerBrookshire commercial real estate brokerRichmond commercial real estate broker

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.