Seaport Real Estate Services Blog

Embracing the Value-Driven Approach

In today's fast-paced and competitive real estate market, many realtors are experiencing frustration with the current business landscape. The growing emphasis on marketing, lead generation, and sales tactics has overshadowed the fundamental principles of the profession: providing exceptional value and service to clients. However, there is a better way to succeed in this evolving industry by focusing on adding value to the consumer through extensive research, advanced valuation techniques, and personalized service rather than solely relying on marketing strategies and Lead generation. 

The Value-Driven Approach

At its core, the value-driven approach emphasizes the importance of understanding client's needs, preferences, and goals. This approach…

216 Views, 0 Comments

The Low-Interest Bridge Loan Dilemma: A Financial Tightrope

Commercial real estate projects can be a lucrative investment opportunity for those who are willing to take on the associated risks. While financing options for these projects vary, bridge loans are often used to cover the gap between the initial investment and the eventual long-term financing. However, recent trends in the market have shown a rise in bridge loans with radically lower interest rates than the current rate. This may seem like an excellent opportunity to save on interest costs, but it poses significant risks to investors and lenders alike.

First, it's essential to understand what a bridge loan is. A bridge loan is a short-term loan used to finance the gap between the purchase of a property and long-term financing. Typically, these…

249 Views, 0 Comments

Depreciation Hacks: How Cost Segregation Can Give Your Commercial Building a Quick Depreciation Makeover

Looking to accelerate the depreciation schedule of your commercial building? There's a tax strategy that can do just that - cost segregation. It's like going through your closet and separating the designer pieces for a unique, more rapid depreciation treatment.

Cost segregation is the process of identifying and reclassifying components of a commercial building that can be depreciated over a shorter period, such as five, seven, or 15 years, instead of the usual long-term schedule. To make this happen, you'll want to enlist the help of a qualified cost segregation specialist, who will identify assets such as electrical, mechanical, and plumbing components that can be reclassified for faster depreciation.

But don't forget to consider the long-term…

387 Views, 0 Comments

Networking Groups: Are They Holding You Back from True Professional Success?

Networking groups can be an excellent way to connect with like-minded professionals and build valuable relationships within your industry. However, it is essential to recognize the potential downsides of relying solely on these groups for your networking needs.

One potential disadvantage is the insular environment that can be created within a networking group. Members may primarily interact with each other and be less likely to seek out connections beyond the group. This can limit exposure to new ideas and opportunities from networking with a diverse range of people.

Additionally, networking groups can reinforce existing social hierarchies and limit access for those not already in the group. This can result in missed opportunities to connect…

280 Views, 0 Comments

How can AI change the Real Estate Industry?

Artificial Intelligence is expected to have a significant impact on the real estate industry in several ways:

1. Improved Efficiency: AI tools can automate repetitive tasks such as data entry and analysis, speeding up processes and increasing productivity.

2. Predictive Analytics: AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of data to predict real estate trends, helping agents, investors, and developers make informed decisions.

3. Virtual Tours and 3D Visualization: AI-powered virtual tours and 3D visualization can provide a more immersive and interactive experience for potential buyers, making it easier for them to visualize properties.

4. Smart Home Technology: AI-powered smart home technology can improve energy efficiency,…

249 Views, 0 Comments

The importance of Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is an important type of insurance for anyone living in an area that is at risk of flooding. Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters, and it can cause significant damage to homes and other structures. Standard homeowners insurance policies do not typically cover flood damage, so it's important for property owners to have separate flood insurance coverage.

Having flood insurance can protect your home and belongings from the financial impact of flooding. If your home is damaged by a flood, your flood insurance policy can provide financial assistance to help you repair or rebuild your home. It can also help to replace any personal belongings that were damaged or destroyed in the flood.

269 Views, 0 Comments

1031 Exchange. What are they and how can they be of benefit

A 1031 exchange, also known as a like-kind exchange or a Starker exchange, is a tax strategy that allows investors to defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of a property. This is done by reinvesting the proceeds from the sale into a similar property.

To qualify for a 1031 exchange, the property being sold and the property being purchased must be considered "like-kind," according to the IRS. This generally means that the properties must be used for the same purpose, such as for investment or business purposes. The properties do not need to be identical, but they must be of a similar type or nature.

There are several benefits to using a 1031 exchange. The most significant benefit is the ability to defer paying…

308 Views, 0 Comments

New London County Multi Family Market Rent/Bedroom

The vacancy rate in the New London Submarket has remained stable over the past year, but at 2.6%, is somewhat below the long-term average. While developers have been active in recent years, nothing has been delivered over the past 12 months. But construction has started back up, and about 340 units are underway, which will substantially expand the existing inventory. Rents have increased by an impressive 7.9% over the past year, which significantly exceeds the average annual growth of 4.0% over the past decade. Investors have been active in the New London Submarket over the past three years. The market price, which is an estimated price of all properties in the submarket, has risen dramatically over that time period and now stands at $152,994/unit.

319 Views, 0 Comments

2022 Connecticut Real Estate Mill Rates by Town

Real Estate Taxes in Connecticut can vary greatly depending on the municipality and districts within them.  The graphic above illustrates the base rates for each town. Additional rates are applied to specific locations where services are provided.  These services can include public water, sewer, trash removal,  police services, or a firehouse.  A town or district with a lower Mill rate may not offer these services.  Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average property tax rate in CT for 2022 is $31.29 with the highest being Hartford at $74.29 and the lowest being Salisbury at $11. 

How to Calculate Connecticut Property Taxes

The…

16569 Views, 0 Comments

2022 Rhode Island Commercial Mill Rates by Town

Commercial Real Estate Taxes in Rhode Island vary greatly by town and are typically correlated to the services which each town provides.  A town with a lower Mill rate may not offer services such as public water and sewer, perhaps waste disposal, or a firehouse. Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average commercial property tax rate in Rhode Island for 2022 is 20.41 with the highest being Central Falls at 42.33 and the lowest being Little Compton at 6.04.  Please note that Property taxes can have a substantial impact on the cash flow of a property making it more or less appealing to a lender, investor, or potential owner occupant.  Contact a…

856 Views, 0 Comments