gmwebservices, Author at NorthBridge

5 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Property Manager Before You Hire Them

The Cost of Choosing the Wrong Manager

Hiring a commercial property manager is one of the most important investment decisions you can make as a property owner or asset manager. A poorly managed asset can quietly erode years of returns through deferred maintenance, tenant turnover, and missed financial opportunities.

The right manager, on the other hand, does more than protect value. They help your investment grow. Before you hand over the keys, here are five essential questions every property owner or asset manager should ask:

1️⃣ How Do You Align Your Strategy With Our Investment Goals?

Every investor has a strategy. It might focus on long-term yield, a value-add play, or a short-term disposition. Your property manager should be able to explain how their management approach supports your specific investment goals. A strong manager tailors everything from lease negotiations to capital improvements to match your financial objectives and timeline. If they cannot clearly show how operations adapt to your goals, it may be a sign to keep looking.

At NorthBridge, we start each engagement by understanding your ownership structure, risk tolerance, and desired return. From there, we build a management plan designed to achieve those results.

2️⃣ What’s Your Approach to Financial Transparency and Reporting?

Both institutional and private investors expect accuracy, consistency, and transparency. Monthly statements and rent rolls are not enough. You need true insight, not just data. Ask how your manager handles reconciliations, reporting cadence, and owner visibility. Can you view performance metrics in real time? Are expenses audited and compared against budgets? Financial reporting is not only about compliance. It is the foundation of trust.

At NorthBridge, we deliver clear, audit-ready financials supported by systems that give owners full visibility into portfolio performance. No surprises. No delays.

3️⃣ How Do You Manage Risk and Prevent Value Erosion?

Risk comes in many forms. Deferred maintenance, uninsured vendors, lease exposure, regulatory noncompliance, and tenant disputes can all reduce an asset’s value. The best managers view risk as a measurable factor to manage proactively, not a problem to react to.
Ask about inspection schedules, preventative maintenance programs, and insurance oversight. A strong manager has systems in place to identify potential issues before they become expensive problems.

NorthBridge’s preventative approach ensures that every asset under our care operates safely, efficiently, and with long-term performance in mind.

4️⃣ What’s Your Tenant Retention Strategy?

Your tenants are your revenue stream. Each renewal preserves net operating income and reduces downtime. That only happens when your property manager focuses on building strong tenant relationships. Ask how they track tenant satisfaction and response times. Do they measure service quality or communicate regularly with occupants? A manager who prioritizes retention will have clear processes to anticipate tenant needs, not just respond to them.

At NorthBridge, we emphasize consistency, responsiveness, and communication. These are the three pillars of tenant loyalty. Our goal is simple: create an environment where good tenants want to stay.

5️⃣ How Do You Use Technology to Improve Efficiency and Insight?

Technology is not a gimmick. It is a competitive advantage. Modern property management uses automation, predictive maintenance, and data analytics to make smarter decisions and lower costs. Ask your prospective manager how they use technology to monitor performance, track work orders, or forecast capital expenditures. If their systems are outdated or rely on spreadsheets, that is a clear warning sign.

NorthBridge invests heavily in technology that gives clients a data-backed advantage. From maintenance automation to real-time reporting dashboards, we believe informed decisions create stronger assets.

You’re Not Just Hiring a Manager, You’re Hiring a Steward

The right property manager is more than an operator. They are a steward of your investment. Their job is to protect, enhance, and grow your asset’s value through disciplined execution, transparency, and strategic foresight.

At NorthBridge, we treat every property as if our own capital were on the line, because that is how it should be.
If you are ready to experience a property management partnership built on alignment, accountability, and measurable results, contact our team today.

By gmwebservices|2025-11-11T22:46:05+00:00November 11, 2025|Brad Andrus|Comments Off

What Passive Real Estate Investors Should Demand from Their Sponsor

Over the years, I’ve seen countless real estate deals come across my desk, many of them packaged with pitch decks that are sharp, professional, and full of promise. The IRRs are sky-high. The story feels bulletproof. The asset class is ‘hot’. And the proforma always seems to point to a big win.

But here’s the truth: most of the time, the difference between a good deal and a bad one isn’t in the deck, it’s in the assumptions.

A spreadsheet can tell you anything you want to hear if you ask it the right way. The real test of a sponsor isn’t how the deal looks on paper but whether they’ve historically been right in their underwriting.

The Illusion of the Pro Forma

In today’s market, it’s easier than ever to build a “great-looking” model:

Inflate rent growth expectations

Compress the lease-up period

Ignore potential delays, overruns, or tenant churn

Cut reserves or expense assumptions to juice cash flow

Anyone can present a 20% IRR by pushing the right variables around. But that’s not a strategy, that’s a sales pitch.

What Smart Passive Investors Should Actually Be Looking For

If you’re evaluating a deal as a passive investor, here’s what really matters:

Track Record
Ask for actual results, not just marketing slides. What were the projected returns on previous deals, and what actually happened? Can the sponsor walk you through where they were accurate and where they missed?

Transparency of Assumptions
A strong sponsor will share the full pro forma, including the detailed assumptions behind every number: rent growth, operating expenses, vacancy expectations, lease-up timing, and exit cap rate.

Stress Testing
Ask to see a downside case. What happens if rents stay flat? If interest rates rise? If construction takes longer than expected? Quality sponsors model this because they know things rarely go exactly to plan.

Aligned Incentives
How are fees structured? Are there preferred returns and catch-up provisions? The structure should reward the sponsor for performance, not just for putting the deal together.

Communication and Reporting
Once the deal is live, how often will you get updates? Are the updates comprehensive? Will they share financials? Will they explain variances from the pro forma clearly and directly? Or will you get silence when things go sideways?

Common Red Flags

These are signs you should dig deeper or walk away entirely:

The IRR looks too good to be true (and no downside case is offered)

The sponsor can’t show any historical performance

Assumptions are vague or generalized with no backup

Heavy use of financial engineering (preferred equity, mezz debt, or hidden developer fees) without clear disclosure

No sponsor equity in the deal

If the deal relies entirely on perfect execution to hit its targets, it’s not a deal, it’s a gamble.

Our Approach

At NorthBridge, we typically underwrite deals with a 5-year hold period. That doesn’t mean we’re locked into that timeline. Market conditions may present an earlier or later exit, but it gives us a realistic framework to model rent growth, expenses, lease-up, and return expectations.

We underwrite conservatively, build in contingency, and test how our numbers hold up in less-than-ideal scenarios. When we bring a deal to investors, we share the model, not just the highlight reel. And once the deal is live, we deliver regular quarterly reporting, including variances and explanations.

If we miss, we say so. If we beat our pro forma, we explain how. It’s about treating underwriting as a discipline, not a sales tool.

Final Thought

If you’re a passive investor evaluating a real estate opportunity, don’t let the marketing flash distract you. Focus on the fundamentals. The quality of a sponsor’s underwriting, the honesty in their assumptions, and their ability to perform over time will matter far more than what the IRR says on page three of the pitch deck.

Ask the tough questions. Demand the details. And partner with sponsors who view your capital the same way they view their own: with caution, respect, and accountability.

By gmwebservices|2025-10-16T21:18:50+00:00October 16, 2025|Terry Brockett|Comments Off

AI won’t replace property managers. But property managers who use AI will replace those who don’t

Commercial property management is full of moving parts: leases that run hundreds of pages, tenant calls that must be documented, never-ending work orders, and financial reports that eat up entire afternoons. Most leaders in our industry know the feeling: we’re buried in the details, and it can slow down the decisions that really move the business forward.

That’s where AI is beginning to make a real difference. Tools like large language models and transcription platforms such as Plaud aren’t about replacing property managers or accountants. They’re about clearing the clutter so teams can focus on higher-value work.

Imagine having a new lease summarized in minutes instead of hours or days. The key dates, rent escalations, and unusual clauses are all highlighted, so leaders can move quickly without fearing they missed something in the fine print. Think about tenant and vendor calls. Instead of relying on memory (or hoping someone took notes), transcription tools capture the conversation automatically, tag action items, and even draft follow-up emails. Suddenly, communication is sharper, accountability improves, and nothing falls through the cracks. Maintenance is another area where AI shines. Work orders don’t just sit in a system waiting for someone to respond – they can be categorized, analyzed, and even used to predict when equipment is likely to fail. That shift from reactive to proactive saves money and keeps tenants happier. And then there’s reporting. Anyone who has worked on monthly reporting packages knows how much time it drains. With AI, first drafts are generated instantly, anomalies are flagged, and trends are surfaced. Leaders still review and approve, but the insight comes faster and often better.

Of course, AI isn’t perfect. Data privacy and accuracy matter, and no tool should replace human judgment. But when used wisely with clear guardrails and people in the loop, AI becomes a force multiplier.

Those of us who embrace this shift now will stand out. Owners, tenants, and investors will gravitate toward platforms that are smarter, faster, and more reliable. For CRE leaders, the real question is no longer if AI belongs in property management. It’s how quickly you’re willing to bring it into your operation.

By gmwebservices|2025-09-16T21:21:01+00:00September 16, 2025|Rebecca Andreasen|Comments Off

How a Good Property Manager More Than Pays for Themselves

Most property owners look at management fees as just another expense on the P&L. But here’s the truth: a good property manager doesn’t cost you money, they make you money. The right manager delivers returns you don’t always see until it’s too late.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

A surprising number of owners lose money simply by overlooking the basics. Maybe it’s a missed maintenance item that turns into a $20,000 repair. Or a lease clause that wasn’t enforced, leaving you on the hook for expenses the tenant should have covered. A good property manager stays on top of every detail: lease compliance, CAM reconciliations, renewals, and market rent adjustments so you don’t leave money on the table.

Increasing Property Value

Your property’s value is tied directly to tenant stability and operating performance. Professional management creates a better tenant experience, which leads to longer leases and less turnover. Well-run operations also attract established business who are willing to pay more for reliability and service. On top of that, proactive maintenance preserves the physical asset and protects its long-term value, something every buyer or lender notices.

Efficiency at Scale

Property managers have vendor relationships that individual owners simply can’t match. From maintenance contractors to landscaping crews, they negotiate better rates and deliver higher-quality work because of the scale they manage. Professional managers also handle complex legal and regulatory requirements, reducing your risk of costly mistakes or fines.

Peace of Mind = Real ROI

Not all returns show up in a spreadsheet. A good property manager gives you back something you can’t buy more of: time. Instead of juggling tenant calls, scheduling repairs, or double-checking lease terms, you can focus on other investments, your career, or your family. Less stress, more freedom, that’s real ROI too.

The Bottom Line

When you add it up, the right property manager pays for themselves many times over. At NorthBridge, we don’t just manage properties, we maximize them. If you’re ready to protect your investment, increase its value, and take the stress off your plate, let’s talk. Give Rebecca a call today at 940-765-2665 or send her a line to Rebecca@northbridge.inc

By gmwebservices|2025-09-09T14:56:46+00:00September 9, 2025|Brad Andrus|Comments Off

Inflation’s Impact on Texas Land Values

Inflation has reshaped the commercial real estate landscape in Texas, softening demand for most property types and driving down land values in major metro areas like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. In early 2022, when interest rates hit historic lows, land zoned for single-family, multi-family, self-storage, office, and retail development saw record-high prices fueled by eager buyers and cheap financing. By 2025, the picture has changed dramatically. Higher interest rates, surging construction costs, and rising insurance premiums have curbed buyer appetite, pushing land values down by 20 to 30 percent from their 2022 peaks. Landowners now face tough choices: get creative by partnering with developers, lower prices to attract investment buyers willing to hold until the market rebounds, or wait out the cycle themselves.

The Inflationary Squeeze on Demand

The 2022 market was a high point for Texas land values. Low borrowing costs—mortgage rates dipped below 3 percent—enabled developers to bid aggressively on parcels for single-family subdivisions, multi-family complexes, self-storage facilities, office spaces, and retail centers. Fast forward to 2025, and inflation has shifted the dynamics. Interest rates for 30-year fixed mortgages are projected at 5.6 to 6 percent by year-end, making financing costlier and squeezing returns. Construction costs have climbed significantly, with nonresidential prices rising at a 6 percent annualized rate in the first half of 2025, driven by 15 to 25 percent increases in materials like lumber, steel, and concrete since 2022. Potential tariffs could add another 1.5 to 2.5 percent to costs. Insurance premiums have also spiked, with commercial property rates up 5.3 percent in Q1 2025, particularly for multi-family and retail projects in high-risk areas where costs can inflate budgets by 10 percent or more.

These pressures have softened demand across nearly all real estate classes. Single-family land, once a hot commodity, faces reduced buyer interest, with Austin seeing continued price softening due to higher financing costs. Multi-family demand remains relatively stable but not immune, with national rental vacancy rates at 7.0 percent in Q2 2025 and urban markets holding below 5 percent, yet elevated costs deter new projects. Self-storage, despite earlier strength with Q1 2025 sales at $855 million, is no longer a robust development market as financing and construction hurdles limit new starts. Office land has been soft since 2020, with older spaces struggling, though stabilization may occur if rates ease. Retail land, especially for mixed-use, sees pockets of demand in high-traffic corridors but faces the same inflationary constraints. As a result, land values across these asset types have dropped, with rural land prices (often near metros) up only 2.68 percent year-over-year in Q1 2025 but projected to decline 1 percent by year-end.

The Impact on Land Values

The math is clear: higher costs mean lower land prices. Buyers, facing pricier loans and inflated development expenses, are offering 20 to 30 percent less than 2022 peaks. A parcel valued at $5 million in 2022 might now fetch $3.5 million, reflecting higher cap rates and construction costs. Single-family land in oversupplied areas like parts of DFW faces similar declines. Industrial land, while still drawing interest in logistics hubs like Houston, struggles to justify 2022 prices as development slows. Office land remains a tough sell, and even multi-family parcels, buoyed by rental demand, require price adjustments to attract buyers. Fewer buyers are in the market, as lenders and equity markets tighten criteria, further pressuring values.

Options for Landowners

Landowners holding parcels zoned for these asset types face a stark reality: the 2022 market is gone. Those expecting to match peak prices often see their land sit unsold, sometimes for months or years. One path forward is to get creative by partnering with developers. Joint ventures or phased development deals can spread financial risks, leveraging developers’ expertise to navigate high costs and secure financing. For example, a landowner with multi-family-zoned land in Houston might partner with a developer to phase a project, aligning costs with market recovery timelines.

Alternatively, landowners can lower prices to attract investment buyers—those with the capital to hold land until the market cycle rebounds. These buyers, often institutional or high-net-worth investors, are selective but active in Texas metros with strong growth, like DFW and San Antonio, where population gains still drive long-term potential. Pricing competitively—reflecting today’s higher cap rates and costs—can unlock these deals. For instance, land in logistics-heavy areas might still move if priced 25 percent below 2022 levels.

The final option is to wait out the cycle. Landowners with the financial flexibility to hold properties may choose to sit tight, betting on future rate cuts or economic recovery to lift values. However, with forecasts suggesting persistent inflation and rates above 5 percent into 2026, this approach carries risks, especially for office and retail land in oversupplied markets.

Looking Ahead

Texas’ major metros remain growth engines, but inflation’s grip has softened demand for single-family, multi-family, self-storage, office, and retail land, driving values down from their 2022 highs. Landowners must decide whether to partner with developers, lower prices for investment buyers, or hold firm and wait. Each path depends on market conditions, financial goals, and patience. The days of cheap money are over, but Texas’ long-term potential endures for those who navigate this cycle wisely.

By gmwebservices|2025-08-07T18:53:47+00:00August 7, 2025|Alex Payne|Comments Off

Don’t Overpay: A Practical Guide to Protesting Commercial Property Taxes

Editor’s Note:
Tax season may be over, but property tax protests are a different beast entirely. Ralph just finished protesting valuations across our commercial portfolio and is sharing timely insights while the process is still fresh. If you’re a commercial property owner, this guide is worth your time.

Each year, commercial property owners receive assessment notices that can have a major impact on their bottom line. Property taxes can eat up 10 to 15% of revenue, often making them the largest single expense for commercial real estate assets.

If you own commercial real estate, it’s critical to properly account for all traditional operating costs, including management fees, insurance, and especially property taxes. And when valuations come in too high, you have the right, and the opportunity, to protest.

Understand Your Valuation

Appraisal districts typically use one of three approaches to value commercial real estate: Income approach, Cost approach, or Sales Comparison. These models are often flawed, especially if:

Your building has high vacancy
Rental income is down
You recently acquired the property at a lower price
There are deferred maintenance or structural limitations

Build a Strong Case

Start by identifying which valuation method applies best:

New construction? Cost method may be most appropriate.
Stabilized income-producing property? Income or sales comparison will usually apply.

Support your case with clear, credible evidence:

Rent rolls & operating statements
Photos of condition issues
Third-party appraisals or broker opinions
Comparable sales or lease data
Cap rate support (if using the income approach)

Request an Informal Meeting

This is your best chance to resolve the protest before a formal ARB hearing.

Ask the appraiser:

Which valuation method was used
What cap rate and market rent assumptions were applied
For a copy of their cap rate schedule

Compare their assumptions to your actual performance to identify gaps.

Lessons from Experience

After years of protesting property taxes, here are a few things I’ve learned that can make a big difference:

Be courteous and professional. Appraisers handle thousands of properties. Respect goes a long way.
Build rapport. You may see the same appraiser year after year, so treat it like a working relationship.
Don’t bluff or be outrageous. Start with a defensible number. Leave negotiating room, but don’t go overboard.
Double-check your evidence. Make sure it strengthens your case; never submit anything that could backfire.
Always protest. Even if you’ve been denied in the past, appraisers often make a settlement offer up front.
Stay organized. Clean, well-prepared documentation helps your credibility and makes a strong impression.

Why It’s Worth It

Even a small reduction in appraised value can lead to substantial tax savings. Multiply that across several years, and the impact on cash flow and value is meaningful.

Bottom Line

Don’t assume your property’s assessed value is accurate. Errors happen, and you don’t have to accept them. With the right documentation and a professional approach, you may be able to achieve meaningful relief.
If you’ve received an assessment that doesn’t reflect reality, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to offer perspective or help you get started in the right direction.

By gmwebservices|2025-07-24T17:55:07+00:00July 10, 2025|Ralph Bishop|Comments Off

Why Smart Developers Are Watching the Bond Market

In the dynamic world of commercial real estate, staying ahead means anticipating changes before they unfold. While location, design, and tenant demand often dominate discussions, a less obvious but critical factor shapes the industry: the bond market. As of June 24, 2025, U.S. Treasury yields are sending signals that savvy developers cannot ignore. Here’s why monitoring this financial compass is essential for success in today’s market.

Borrowing Costs: The Foundation of Financing

U.S. Treasury yields, particularly the 10-Year Treasury, serve as a benchmark for interest rates across the economy. When yields rise, borrowing costs for construction loans, bridge financing, or refinancing climb, directly impacting project budgets. For instance, a 1% increase in rates on a $50 million mixed-use development could add millions in interest over the loan term. Conversely, falling yields reduce borrowing costs, creating opportunities to secure favorable financing.

As of June 24, 2025, the 10-Year Treasury yield stands at 4.35%, down from a high of 4.48% in mid-April (TradingEconomics). This decline reflects market expectations of two Federal Reserve rate cuts by the end of 2025, potentially in September and December (CNBC). For developers, this suggests borrowing costs may ease further, making it a strategic time to lock in financing or refinance existing debt. By closely tracking yield movements, developers can save significantly on large-scale projects.

Date	10-Year Treasury Yield (%)
April 11, 2025	4.48
April 30, 2025	4.17
June 20, 2025	4.38
June 24, 2025	4.35

Capital Flows: Where Investors Place Their Bets

Bond yields influence not only borrowing but also investor behavior. At 4.35%, Treasury yields are relatively attractive but lower than earlier in 2025, prompting some investors to seek higher returns in real estate (MarketWatch). This shift can increase demand for commercial properties, particularly in high-return sectors like industrial warehouses or logistics hubs.

However, if yields rise, institutional investors may favor the safety of bonds, reducing capital for speculative or long-term real estate projects. Developers who monitor these trends can adapt by targeting alternative funding sources, such as private equity, or focusing on markets with strong fundamentals. Misreading the bond market could lead to stalled deals or over-leveraged portfolios, making it a critical gauge of investor sentiment.

Inflation’s Ripple Effect

Bond yields also signal inflation expectations, which directly affect construction costs. Higher yields often indicate rising inflation, driving up prices for materials like steel or lumber and labor costs. Earlier in 2025, as inflation concerns grew, developers saw concrete prices spike by 10-15%. Forward-thinking firms use bond market trends to anticipate these cost increases, opting for strategies like modular construction, securing bulk material deals early, or adjusting lease terms to offset costs. Ignoring these signals risks budget overruns mid-project.

Tenants Feel the Impact

The bond market’s influence extends to tenants. Higher borrowing costs, driven by rising yields, can strain business budgets, limiting their ability to lease premium spaces. However, with the 10-Year Treasury yield at 4.35% and potential Fed rate cuts on the horizon, businesses may face lower borrowing costs, improving their capacity to sign leases (Fidelity). Developers who track yields can better predict tenant demand, offering flexible lease terms or targeting resilient sectors like logistics or healthcare. For example, a developer in a secondary market recently shifted from office to industrial properties after noticing yield-driven demand changes, leasing up months ahead of schedule.

A Roadmap for Success

Why are smart developers so focused on the bond market? Because it’s more than a financial metric, it’s a roadmap for navigating uncertainty. In a year where economic conditions could shift rapidly, those who interpret these signals can seize opportunities others miss: acquiring land when yields deter competitors, securing financing before rates rise, or positioning projects in high-growth markets. At NorthBridge, we’re not just building properties, we’re crafting strategies that turn market insights into real estate success.

Ready to explore how bond trends can shape your next project? Contact our team for tailored insights into today’s market. The future belongs to those who see it coming.

By gmwebservices|2025-07-24T17:48:50+00:00July 3, 2025|Terry Brockett|Comments Off

Commercial Insurance Strategy: A Core Part of Asset Management

Commercial property owners across DFW, and nationwide, have been navigating rising insurance costs for several years now. Since 2020, premiums have increased steadily due to weather-related losses, rising construction costs, and a shrinking pool of carriers. As we move through 2025, it’s clear: this is not a short-term correction. It’s a structural shift in how the insurance market operates.

For owners and asset managers, insurance can no longer be treated as a routine renewal or passive line item. In today’s market, a proactive and strategic approach to insurance is essential to maintaining performance, protecting NOI, and supporting long-term asset planning.

Understanding the Pressure in Today’s Market

DFW is one of the most heavily impacted markets due to a unique combination of factors:

Severe weather volatility – Hailstorms and high winds have made North Texas one of the most loss-intensive regions in the country.
Construction cost inflation – Higher replacement costs are increasing premiums across all property types.
Carrier contraction – Many insurers have exited or capped policies in high-risk areas, resulting in an unprecedented number of non-renewals.
Reinsurance pullback – Global reinsurers are tightening capacity, driving up premiums even in lower-risk regions.

While these issues are national in scope, DFW’s exposure profile has placed it on the front lines of the hard market.

Why a Passive Approach No Longer Works

Many owners have historically relied on the same broker and simply renewed coverage year after year with minimal review. In the current environment, that strategy presents significant risk.

Premiums are rising by 20–40% annually in many markets.
Carriers are non-renewing policies, often with little notice.
Underwriting timelines are longer, with stricter requirements and more documentation needed.

Even in NNN leases where tenants reimburse insurance expenses, ineffective planning can impact NOI and disrupt tenant relations.

Key Strategies for Today’s Insurance Environment

To manage risk and control costs, we recommend a more deliberate and structured approach:

1. Start Early and Shop Broadly

Initiate renewals 60-90 days in advance and work with brokers who have access to both admitted and non-admitted carriers, particularly those who understand market variations across regions.

2. Request Loss Runs Immediately

If you’re planning to explore new quotes or change carriers, request your loss runs as early as possible. These are required by underwriters and often cause delays if not secured promptly.

3. Reevaluate Deductibles

Adjusting wind/hail deductibles, such as increasing from 1% to 2% or 5%, can generate significant savings. However, this should be carefully modeled against your risk tolerance and capital reserves.

4. Review Exclusions and Sub-Limits Closely

Policy exclusions have become more common. Be aware of:

Cosmetic roof damage exclusions
Ordinance & law limitations
Named-storm deductibles
Water intrusion caps

Ensure that your policy terms still meet lender requirements and adequately protect your asset.

5. Invest in Risk Mitigation

Underwriters continue to favor well-maintained, lower-risk assets. Consider upgrades such as:

Fire suppression systems
Monitored alarms and security systems
Certified roof inspections
Documented preventative maintenance programs

These enhancements can improve your insurability and reduce long-term claims exposure.

Communication and Budgeting Are Just as Critical

Even when insurance costs are passed through to tenants, transparent communication is key. Providing context, data, and proactive messaging helps maintain tenant trust and minimizes pushback.

From a financial standpoint, budgeting needs to reflect today’s realities. Flat year-over-year estimates are a thing of the past! Owners should model 20–30% increases, particularly for assets in high-risk regions or those with legacy coverage terms expiring.

Looking Ahead

The volatility we’ve seen in commercial property insurance is not temporary. It reflects broader shifts in underwriting risk, climate exposure, and global reinsurance dynamics.

To succeed in this environment, insurance must be treated as a strategic pillar of your asset management plan.

Shop thoroughly
Structure thoughtfully
Communicate proactively

Exploring Captive Insurance Options

At NorthBridge, we are currently evaluating a Single-Cell Captive Insurance Strategy. Over the past five years, captive insurance programs have helped owners retain more than $9.4 billion that would have otherwise gone to traditional carriers.

If your portfolio pays over $500,000 annually in insurance premiums and has a strong loss history (few claims), forming a captive may provide long-term cost stability, greater control, and profits on invested premiums.

I will provide Captive program updates as we navigate the complexities of this process! Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions.

By gmwebservices|2025-06-25T20:52:57+00:00June 25, 2025|Rebecca Andreasen|Comments Off

Occupancy vs. Revenue: Striking the Right Balance

In today’s dynamic self-storage landscape, the balance between occupancy and revenue has become a sophisticated dance driven by data, market trends, and customer experience. Operators who effectively manage this balance can not only maximize short-term cash flow but also enhance long-term property value.

Occupancy vs. Revenue: A Strategic Tradeoff

While it’s tempting to chase higher rents in every scenario, many seasoned operators recognize that occupancy itself can be a key driver of property value. A fully or nearly completely occupied facility often translates to higher appraisals, greater stability, and more predictable income streams – factors that are increasingly important to investors and lenders alike.

Strategically, this means sometimes opting for slightly lower rents or offering move-in specials to keep units filled, particularly in competitive or soft markets. The goal is long-term value creation, not just short-term gains.

Market-Specific Strategies: No One-Size-Fits-All

Every market has its own rhythm. For example, facilities in underserved areas with limited competition can often command higher rates without sacrificing occupancy. Conversely, in oversaturated markets, aggressive pricing or promotional strategies may be necessary to stand out.

Operators must remain agile, constantly analyzing local trends and adjusting their approach. What works in one metro area may be completely ineffective in another.

Seasonal Dynamics: Timing Is Everything

Understanding seasonal demand is another critical piece of the puzzle. In most markets, the prime move-in season occurs between May and July. Operators often use this period to optimize rates, knowing that increased demand allows for stronger pricing power.

To stay ahead of these cycles, many rely on early indicators such as search volume data from platforms like Google Trends. These insights help forecast demand and appropriately time marketing spend or pricing adjustments.

Promotions That Work: Beyond Deep Discounts

Move-in specials are a common tool to boost occupancy, but their success depends on more than just the size of the discount. Operators have found that offering incentives such as multi-month discounts, auto-pay enrollment perks, or tenant protection plans can be just as effective – especially when paired with a seamless rental experience.

Ultimately, the ease and convenience of the rental process (particularly online) can have a greater impact on conversion than the promotion itself. A smooth digital leasing experience builds trust and encourages prospects to follow through, even if the incentive is modest.

Conclusion

Effective occupancy management in the self-storage industry is a nuanced process that requires a deep understanding of both customer behavior and local market dynamics. Operators who can skillfully navigate this terrain – leveraging data, timing, and customer-centric incentives – are well-positioned to enhance both immediate performance and long-term asset value.

By gmwebservices|2025-07-24T17:49:11+00:00June 5, 2025|Kevin Michels|Comments Off

Why Real Estate is Still the Best Hedge Against Inflation

Why Real Estate is Still the Best Hedge Against Inflation, If You Buy Right

In an environment where prices keep climbing and every dollar buys a little bit less, investors are right to ask: What still holds its value?

For decades, commercial real estate has been one of the most reliable hedges against inflation – and that hasn’t changed. But like any asset, it only works if you approach it strategically.

Inflation Can Be a Friend, If You’re on the Right Side of the Table

When inflation rises, so do replacement costs, construction costs, and, eventually, rents. That’s bad news for tenants and developers starting from scratch, but it can be great news for owners of existing, well-located properties.

In most asset classes, inflation eats away at your returns. In commercial real estate, it can drive them. Why? Because as your expenses rise, so does the value of your lease income, especially with leases that have built-in rent escalations or are tied to CPI.

Hard Assets Beat Paper Promises

Owning a physical asset like real estate gives you something that can’t be printed, manipulated, or erased. Land doesn’t disappear. Buildings, if maintained, appreciate with time and demand.

In a world flooded with dollars, owning the right kind of “dirt” is a time-tested way to protect wealth, and in many cases, grow it.

The Key Phrase: If You Buy Right

Not all real estate is created equal. A bloated office building with long-term leases to outdated tenants isn’t going to ride the inflation wave the same way as an industrial property in a high-growth corridor.

Here’s what I’m looking for right now:

Triple Net Leases (NNN): Tenants cover taxes, insurance, and maintenance. That keeps expenses predictable as inflation rises.
Strong Rent Escalations: 3-5% annual bumps or CPI-indexed increases protect yield.
Location, Location…Exit Strategy: Not just “good areas,” but properties in markets where growth is real, not just projected.

Bonus: Real Estate Gives You Levers

You can’t call the CEO of a mutual fund and ask them to cut costs or boost returns. But with a real estate asset, you have levers—lease negotiations, value-add improvements, new revenue streams, tax strategies.

That level of control is worth a lot, especially in volatile economic times.

Bottom Line

Inflation isn’t going away anytime soon. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

If you’re thoughtful about what you buy, how you structure it, and how you manage it, commercial real estate remains one of the best tools available to preserve and grow wealth in any market.

If you’re interested in what that looks like in practice, I’m happy to share what we’re doing at NorthBridge, and how we’re helping investors ride the current wave with confidence.

By gmwebservices|2025-05-22T17:30:48+00:00May 20, 2025|Brad Andrus, Uncategorized|Comments Off

About gmwebservices

The Cost of Choosing the Wrong Manager

1️⃣ How Do You Align Your Strategy With Our Investment Goals?

2️⃣ What’s Your Approach to Financial Transparency and Reporting?

3️⃣ How Do You Manage Risk and Prevent Value Erosion?

4️⃣ What’s Your Tenant Retention Strategy?

5️⃣ How Do You Use Technology to Improve Efficiency and Insight?

You’re Not Just Hiring a Manager, You’re Hiring a Steward

Understanding the Pressure in Today’s Market

Why a Passive Approach No Longer Works

Key Strategies for Today’s Insurance Environment

1. Start Early and Shop Broadly

2. Request Loss Runs Immediately

3. Reevaluate Deductibles

4. Review Exclusions and Sub-Limits Closely

5. Invest in Risk Mitigation

Communication and Budgeting Are Just as Critical

Looking Ahead

Exploring Captive Insurance Options

Occupancy vs. Revenue: A Strategic Tradeoff

Market-Specific Strategies: No One-Size-Fits-All

Seasonal Dynamics: Timing Is Everything

Promotions That Work: Beyond Deep Discounts

Conclusion