business plan for commercial real estate

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• Writing a Business Plan

Writing a business plan may seem a daunting task as there are so many moving parts and concepts to address. Take it one step at a time and be sure to schedule regular review (quarterly, semi-annually, or annually) of your plan to be sure you on are track to meet your goals.

Why Write a Business Plan?

Making a business plan creates the foundation for your business. It provides an easy-to-understand framework and allows you to navigate the unexpected.

Quick Takeaways

• A good business plan not only creates a road map for your business, but helps you work through your goals and get them on paper
• Business plans come in many formats and contain many sections, but even the most basic should include a mission and vision statement, marketing plans, and a proposed management structure
• Business plans can help you get investors and new business partners

Source: Write Your Business Plan: United States Small Business Association

Writing a business plan is imperative to getting your business of the ground. While every plan is different – and most likely depends on the type and size of your business – there are some basic elements you don’t want to ignore.

Latest on this topic

NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles ( E ) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.

Defining Your Mis​sion & Vision

Writing a business plan begins by defining your business’s mission and vision statement. Though creating such a statement may seem like fluff, it is an important exercise. The mission and vision statement sets the foundation upon which to launch your business. It is difficult to move forward successfully without first defining your business and the ideals under which your business operates. A company description should be included as a part of the mission and vision statement. Some questions you should ask yourself include: 

• What type of real estate do you sell?
• Where is your business located?
• Who founded your business?
• What sets your business apart from your competitors?

What is a Vision Statement ( Business News Daily , Jan. 16, 2024)

How to Write a Mission Statement ( The Balance , Jan. 2, 2020)

How to Write a Mission Statement ( Janel M. Radtke , 1998)

Using a SWOT Analysis to Structure Your Business Plan

Once you’ve created a mission and vision statement, the next step is to develop a SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for “Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.” It is difficult to set goals for your business without first enumerating your business’s strengths and weaknesses, and the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors. Evaluate by using the following questions:

• Do you offer superior customer service as compared with your competitors?
• Do you specialize in a niche market? What experiences do you have that set you apart from your competitors?
• What are your competitors’ strengths?
• Where do you see the market already saturated, and where are there opportunities for expansion and growth?

Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) ( Investopedia , Oct. 30, 2023)

How to Conduct a SWOT Analysis for Your Small Business ( SCORE , Apr. 28, 2022)

SWOT Analysis Toolbox ( University of Washington )

Setting ​Business Goals

Next, translate your mission and vision into tangible goals. For instance, if your mission statement is to make every client feel like your most important client, think about the following:

• How specifically will you implement this?
• Do you want to grow your business?
• Is this growth measured by gross revenue, profit, personnel, or physical office space?
• How much growth do you aim for annually?
• What specific targets will you strive to hit annually in the next few years?

Setting Business Goals & Objectives: 4 Considerations ( Harvard Business School , Oct. 31, 2023)

What are Business Goals? Definition, How To Set Business Goals and Examples ( Indeed , Jul. 31, 2023)

Establishing a Format

Most businesses either follow a traditional business plan format or a lean startup plan.

Traditional Business Plan

A traditional business plan is detailed and comprehensive. Writing this business plan takes more time. A traditional business plan typically contains the following elements:

• Executive Summary
• Company description
• Market analysis
• Organization and management
• Service or product line
• Marketing and sales
• Funding request
• Financial projections

Lean Startup Plan

A lean startup plan requires high-level focus but is easier to write, with an emphasis on key elements. A lean startup plan typically contains the following elements:

• Key partnerships
• Key activities
• Key resources
• Value proposition
• Customer relationships
• Customer segments
• Cost structure
• Revenue stream

Creating a Marketing Plan

You may wish to create a marketing plan as either a section of your business plan or as an addendum. The Marketing Mix concerns product , price , place and promotion .

• What is your product?
• How does your price distinguish you from your competitors—is it industry average, upper quartile, or lower quartile?
• How does your pricing strategy benefit your clients?
• How and where will you promote your services?
• What types of promotions will you advertise?
• Will you ask clients for referrals or use coupons?
• Which channels will you use to place your marketing message?

Your Guide to Creating a Small Business Marketing Plan ( Business.com , Feb. 2, 2024)

10 Questions You Need to Answer to Create a Powerful Marketing Plan ( The Balance , Jan. 16, 2020)

Developing a Marketing Plan ( Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation )

Forming a Team

Ensuring the cooperation of all colleagues, supervisors, and supervisees involved in your plan is another important element to consider. Some questions to consider are:

• Is your business plan’s success contingent upon the cooperation of your colleagues?
• If so, what specifically do you need them to do?
• How will you evaluate their participation?
• Are they on-board with the role you have assigned them?
• How will you get “buy in” from these individuals?

How to Build a Real Estate Team + 7 Critical Mistakes to Avoid ( The Close , May 17, 2023)

Don’t Start a Real Estate Team Without Asking Yourself These 8 Questions ( Homelight , Jan. 21, 2020)

Implementing a Business Plan and Reviewing Regularly

Implementation and follow-up are frequently overlooked aspects to the business plan, yet vital to the success of the plan. Set dates (annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly) to review your business plans goals. Consider the following while reviewing:

• Are you on track?
• Are the goals reasonable to achieve, impossible, or too easy?
• How do you measure success—is it by revenue, profit, or number of transactions?

And lastly, think about overall goals.

• How do you plan to implement your business plan’s goals?
• When will you review and refine your business plan goals?
• What process will you use to review your goals?
• What types of quantitative and qualitative data will you collect and use to measure your success?

These items are only a few sections of a business plan. Depending on your business, you may want to include additional sections in your plan such as a:

• Cover letter stating the reasoning behind developing a business plan
• Non-disclosure statement
• Table of contents

How To Write a Business Proposal Letter (With Examples) ( Indeed , Jul. 18, 2023)

How To Implement Your Business Plan Objectives ( The Balance , Aug. 19, 2022)

The Bottom Line

Creating a business plan may seem daunting, but by understanding your business and market fully, you can create a plan that generates success (however you choose to define it).

Real Estate Business Plans – Samples, Instructional Guides, and Templates

9 Steps to Writing a Real Estate Business Plan + Templates ( The Close , Apr. 3, 2024)

How to Write a Real Estate Business Plan (+Free Template) ( Fit Small Business , Jun. 30, 2023)

The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Real Estate Business Plan + Free Template ( Placester )

Write Your Business Plan ( U.S. Small Business Administration )

General Business Plans – Samples, Instructional Guides, and Templates

Business Plan Template for a Startup Business ( SCORE , Apr. 23, 2024)

Guide to Creating a Business Plan with Template (Business News Daily, Mar. 28, 2024)

Nine Lessons These Entrepreneurs Wish They Knew Before Writing Their First Business Plans ( Forbes , Jul. 25, 2021)

How to Write a Business Plan 101 ( Entrepreneur , Feb. 22, 2021)

Books, eBooks & Other Resources

Ebooks & other resources.

The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:

The Straightforward Business Plan (eBook)

Business Plan Checklist (eBook)

The SWOT Analysis (eBook)

The Business Plan Workbook (eBook)

Start-Up! A Beginner's Guide to Planning a 21st Century Business (eBook)

Complete Book of Business Plans (eBook)

How to Write a Business Plan (eBook)

The Easy Step by Step Guide to Writing a Business Plan and Making it Work (eBook)

Business Planning: 25 Keys to a Sound Business Plan (Audiobook)

Your First Business Plan, 5 th Edition (eBook)

Anatomy of a Business Plan (eBook)

Writing a Business Plan and Making it Work (Audiobook)

The Social Network Business Plan (eBook)

Books, Videos, Research Reports & More

As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.

Writing an Effective Business Plan (Deloitte and Touche, 1999) HD 1375 D37w

Have an idea for a real estate topic? Send us your suggestions .

The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this page complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.

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10-step checklist for writing a 2023 real estate business plan

If you're a real estate agent planning on opening a real estate company, you need a business planning lesson. Every successful business operates off a template defining its operations and goals. Your real estate business plan is the founding document of your organization, and every new business owner must take the time to plan their venture.

If it's your first time writing a business plan, you probably have mixed feelings of excitement and frustration. It's a thrilling experience to bring all the elements of your new company into realization, but it's upsetting when you realize you don't know what you're doing.

Writing a business plan helps to show you the flaws in your business skillset. You might be a marketing genius, but you have no idea how to manage operations cash flow. Similarly, you could have excellent administration skills but know nothing about marketing.

Writing out your business plan shows you where you need assistance. You identify areas where you're weak and build a strong team around you to support the places you need help. In this post, we'll unpack a 10-step checklist for writing your first real estate business plan.

Step 1 – Define your real estate business

The first step in writing your real estate business plan is understanding your limitations and strengths as a real estate broker and a business owner. Do you know what you want to achieve with your business? Your real estate brokerage needs defined goals and targets to chase, or your organization has no purpose.

Every small business relies on a team. The team you select needs to complement your strengths and weaknesses. Use this stage of your plan to define the organizational roles of each team member. Identify their skillsets and what they bring to your company.

Real estate brokerages need to understand the type of business you want to run and the personality types of the agents you wish to attract to your company. As the firm's founding partner, you get to decide who you want to add to your team.

After identifying the team, and each member's roles, it's time to work on your mission statement and executive summary.

An executive summary defines the aspects of your business plan and what you want to achieve with your business outcomes. It also describes the culture of the firm and your values.

The mission statement clarifies the purpose of your business and what you're trying to achieve. It also mentions how you intend to get to those goals. We recommend writing out both your mission statement and executive summary and revisiting them after completing your business plan.

In the initial planning stage, wiring out your mission statement and executive summary helps you clear the cobwebs and focus on the task at hand. However, when revisiting your mission statement and executive summary at the end, you might find you left something out or want to make a change to clarify your business directives.

After you have an understanding of your business, it's time to work on your goals.

Establishing your business goals is the most crucial part of the planning process. Your real estate business plan needs clear and defined goals for growth, sales, finances, marketing, and every aspect of your business.

Each section, like finance, for example, drills down into sub-goals for each category. For instance, your financial goals should feature an overall sales target for the year. However, there should be sub-goals in each section for monthly sales targets, and you can break that down into a different sub-category with targets for individual agents.

The idea of goal setting is to set achievable business goals with measurable results. You'll have both short term and long-term goals attributed to each of your business functions. Here are some examples of measurable goals you can use in your planning process.

• How many transactions do you want your company to do each week, month, year?
• How many leads do you need to capture in a day, week, month, or year?
• How many new agents do you want to work on your team?
• What's your earnings goal for the year?
• What do you want to achieve with your brand?

All these questions are vital to setting targets for your business. Without goals, you're like a car rolling down the hill with no engine. You'll hurtle down the hill at first, but when you reach the bottom, and the momentum dies out, you have no engine to pull you along. It's the same with your business planning and goal setting. If you don't have goals, you have no targets, and you'll run out of enthusiasm in a few months when the momentum in your company starts to fade.

Step 2 – Identify your target market

The first stage of the planning process involves structuring your company and defining your business goals and purpose. The second step of building your real estate agent business plan consists of understanding your target market.

What market are you operating in with your business? Do you want to sell luxury homes? Or are you looking at specializing in selling single-family units or condos? Specialization is a popular strategy for real estate firms, giving you the chance to build a reputation in a specific market segment.

Take your time identifying your target market, and dig into the MLS listings to determine which areas offer you the best return. As a real estate agency, you'll have to specialize in a specific region and build your reputation in that area.

Look for the following metrics when examining potential markets.

• What is the average price of properties in the area?
• How many days do they stay on the market?
• What is the average listing commission?
• What is the average pricing trend for properties in a prospective market?
• How many new listings come up in your target market each week, month, or year?
• How does the data compare month-on-month and year-on-year?

Step 3 – Complete a competitive analysis

All business owners need to understand the competitive landscape. The real estate industry has thousands of operators, and there are probably dozens of firms in your local area. Understanding the performance and structure of your competitors allows you to uncover the most successful firms.

When you identify the leaders, you can model what they're doing right and bring it into your real estate business plan. Check out your competitor's websites and review their social media accounts to gain insight into their marketing strategy and operations.

Who are the realtors that have the most industry clout in your area? Who are the leading firms, and what makes them stand out? Ask yourself these questions and unpack the top real estate firms' characteristics and components in your local area.

Step 4 – What services are you offering?

Real estate is a massive industry, and there are dozens of sub-industries within the real estate market. You need to understand your business model, specializing in a specific segment of the market. For instance, do you want to sell single-family homes to first-time homebuyers? Are you looking at providing commercial leases? Maybe you want to build a rental portfolio?

Spreading yourself thin across too many markets results in a lack of focus and direction. Startups will do better if they identify a profitable market and specialize in servicing that specific niche. Identify the areas with the biggest opportunities, and set up your services to cater to those areas.

Step 5 – Identify customer personas

Without accurately defined customer personas, you diminish your marketing efforts and prospecting outcomes. Understanding your customer profile and persona in the real estate market is essential to formulating your marketing strategy.

Your customer persona needs to describe demographic elements like average age, income, occupation, and other defying criteria that help you nail down your ideal customer. If you're a brokerage or realtor offering multiple services like sales and rentals, make sure you identify customer personas in each category.

You can further drill-down on your personas by identifying demographics in clients that buy luxury homes, single-family units, apartments, and condos.

Understanding your client persona gives you a better direction for your marketing strategy. For example, if you specialize in selling apartments to young professionals under 30, you're going to need to advertise through social media. Mediums like outdoor and print bring you less ROI on your advertising dollars.

Step 6 – Complete a SWOT analysis

Completing a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is an essential component of real estate business plan templates. In this analysis, you unpack everything you know about the strengths and weaknesses in yourself, your company structure, and your team.

Think of the SWOT analysis as a basic summary of everything you've done with your real estate business planning so far. Combine the know your learning during the exercise with what you know about your working habits and personality characteristics.

For instance, you might be a champ in closing deals, but your prospecting skills are weak. That's an example of identifying your limitations and performance parameters.

Maybe there is no real estate brokerage in your area that catering specifically to millennial first-time homebuyers? That's an example of a market opportunity your business can fill.

Perhaps your target market involves new construction, and industry news states that there's a big strike happening at the end of next month. That's an example of a threat facing your business. Revisit your SWOT analysis every quarter to see if you can identify any new developments to add to your business plan.

Step 7 – Build a marketing plan

Now we get into the serious stuff with the development of your marketing strategy. Marketing is the single-most-important function of your business. The purpose of marketing is to drive new real estate leads to your business, allowing you to convert them into customers.

Your marketing strategy needs to focus on the things you learned when completing your customer persona. Where are you going to get the best bang for your marketing buck? Real estate marketing is a competitive space, and you need to make every dollar in your budget count.

Your marketing plan needs to include your online and offline strategy development. Your online strategy is the most important, and you'll need to build a website to promote your company and your listings. Social media marketing, referrals, brand building, sales funnels, and lead generation are essential online marketing strategies you need to succeed in your business.

Today, all your customers are online, and you need to market where your audience is hanging out. Most of them are on social media. Therefore, you'll need a social media marketing expert on your team to develop and direct your social strategy across all platforms.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software is another critical component of your business that integrates with your company's function. The CRM helps you manage clients, your sales funnels, and your marketing efforts through one dedicated platform.

You'll need to hire a marketing team to help you develop and implement your marketing strategy and CRM. Experts create a dedicated online marketing plan that includes all team members.

Your marketing plan is the foundation of your business plan. Investors will want to know your strategy and the results you expect to implement in your target market.

Related: 20 easy real estate marketing ideas to grow your agency

Step 8 – Complete your financial plan

Your financial plan is crucial if you intend to seek investment for your company. Whether you're dealing with private angel investors or the bank, they want to see your financials and sales projections to complete due diligence on loans.

If they decide to loan your money, they need to know when they can expect you to return the money and the ROI you offer on the deal.

You'll need to include information like your commission pricing and average commissions, your sales forecasts for three years, and cash flow projections. When completing this section of your real estate business plan, you'll need to sit down with your accountant and get their advice on structuring your financials.

You'll need to account for your business expenses and the costs of setting up your company with a website, CRM, and digital marketing services. Remember to include memberships to marketing sites like Zillow Premier Agent and ProspectPLUS.

Your financial plan forms the backbone of your investor's interest in involvement with your real estate firm. The numbers need to make sense, so make sure you run them past your accountant.

Step 9 – Periodically revisit your real estate business plan

Your business plan is a living document, and it changes with your business. Having a rigid plan won't work. The reality is that nothing in business works out 100% the way we plan. You'll need to have a flexible document you can update as your business grows.

During the first year of your operations, we recommend revisiting your business plan every quarter. As the business matures, you can push this exercise back to once every six months or once a year.

Revisiting your business plan gives you a chance to follow up on your goals and targets, giving you ideas on where you need to improve. Real estate professionals understand the importance of remaining responsive to change in a dynamic business environment.

Periodically revisiting your business plan gives you a chance to reflect on your progress and plan the future with clarity and certainty.

Step 10 – Visit B12 for your digital business needs

Your real estate website forms the foundation of your marketing efforts. It acts as the touchstone for your company online, providing a virtual storefront to your prospective clients. Inefficient and ineffective website design can derail your business plans, costing your company vital leads during the startup phase, where you need to generate as much income as possible. For website design inspiration, check out the best real estate websites and this guide on how to design a website !

If you need help with your real estate business website, reach out to the professionals at B12.

B12 specializes in helping professional services companies create beautiful sites that enable them to operate effectively online. Built-in tools like SEO , email marketing, and online scheduling make it easier to reach your audience.

Plan with Professionals

As an individual starting out a new real estate business, you have many things to consider for your real estate business plan and might not have the time to create a website from scratch. Relying on the expertise of design professionals ensures you get a website that helps you achieve your business goals.

Sign up to see a free draft of your new real estate website or learn more about how B12 uses artificial intelligence and experts to help businesses like yours grow online.

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Building a Solid Foundation: How to Create a Real Estate Business Plan That Works

A killer real estate business plan isn't just about setting a goal to hit 1 million in sales next year. (It would be a lot easier if it were!) 

A truly great real estate business plan defines exactly what drives your business, where you're headed, and how you'll navigate the market's unpredictable currents. It should be a razor-sharp action plan to scale your real estate empire. 

So, how do you craft this master blueprint without getting bogged down in the details? 

If you’re ready to join the cast of Million Dollar Listings—or if you just want to grow your modest real estate business—we can help.   

We’re going to break down how to create an actionable real estate business plan in just six steps. Your future self, with a thriving real estate portfolio, will thank you. 

What Should a Real Estate Business Plan Include?

A real estate business plan is a comprehensive document designed to help you navigate the ups and downs of the real estate industry and plan for long-term growth. 

TL:DR: A great business plan serves as a complete roadmap to help you get from where you are now to where you want to be. 

So, what should your real estate business plan include? The best plans include these eight sections: 

• Executive Summary: A concise introduction to your real estate venture. Highlight your primary goals, the niche you're targeting, and your unique value proposition in the real estate market.
• Business Description: Discuss the scope of your real estate operations—whether you're focusing on residential sales, commercial properties, rentals, or a mix. Also, mention the regions or neighborhoods you're targeting.
• Market Analysis: Delve into housing trends, regional property demand, and average property values in your selected areas. Study growth patterns and forecast potential shifts in the market.
• Marketing and Sales Strategies: Explain how you'll attract listings and buyers. This might include leveraging MLS, hosting open houses, using digital marketing tactics, or networking at community events.
• Service Offerings: Detail the range of services you plan to offer. This could include buying/selling, property management, consultation, or even staging homes for sale.
• Organizational Structure and Management: As a solo realtor, this might be about your role and responsibilities. If you have or plan to have a team or build a brokerage, describe team member roles, responsibilities, and expertise.
• Financial Projections and Strategy: Outline anticipated earnings from property sales or rentals, operational expenses, and commissions. Factor in marketing costs, licensing fees, and other industry-specific expenses.
• Growth Plan: Since real estate is as much about scaling and expansion as it is about individual sales, describe how you plan to grow—by expanding into new areas and niches, or by adding more agents to your team.

Keep in mind—these sections are suggested, not required. If some of these sections don’t make sense for your business, feel free to drop them. Maybe you want to add something else? If you’re not sure where the heck to start—that’s where this list comes in handy. 

Why Do I Need a Real Estate Business Plan?

Honestly—you don’t have to have a business plan. If you’re feeling good about your business and happy with your growth, feel free to click away. But, if you’re not closing as many deals as you’d like or if you’re just not feeling great about your business’s direction, you might want to stick around. 

In addition to increasing your sales, an effective business plan can help you: 

• Gain a Competitive Advantage : The world is full of real estate professionals. To succeed in this industry, you need an edge. A real estate business plan gives you an advantage in the market because so few competitors will create one. You'll know the exact steps to take to grow your business. Case in point: a well-crafted business plan can boost your chances of success by 12 percent .
• Mitigate Risk: Every new business venture is a risky proposition. Back in 1994, nobody thought Jeff Bezos could sell books online. Now, Amazon is one of the biggest companies in the world, and Mr. Bezos has a cool net worth in the $150 billion range. While your real estate business plan might not help you hit the billion-dollar range, it will help you mitigate risk by helping you identify potential threats and weaknesses.  
• Gain a Deeper Understanding of Analytics: Drowning in data? A great business plan will outline your goals and campaigns, and help you track the metrics that really matter. You can look at your plan in a year and assess your progress toward your goals, and adjust your approach accordingly. This will help you eliminate poor tactics or destructive behaviors and double down on what works for your business.

A business real estate plan also gives you something to celebrate. When you hit the milestones in your plan, reward yourself with a fancy dinner or pop open a bottle of champagne. Treat yo’self. Then get back to selling! 

6 Steps to Create an Effective Real Estate Business Plan Fast 

Now you know what your real estate business plan should include and why they matter. Cool. Now it's time to actually create that killer plan that will help your business grow. Ready? Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a proven plan of action you can use to grow your business.

1. Start With Your Story

Who are you as a real estate professional? Are you a master of landing the right deal? Love helping families find their forever home? 

All good business plans start with a story that explains who the individual or company in question is, what they do, and the business goals they want to achieve.

To accomplish this, make sure your business plan includes:

• An executive summary: A sentence or two that summarizes what your business does.

Example: "I sell homes to middle-income buyers in the greater Denver area."

• Your mission statement: A few sentences that explain why you do what you do.

Example: "At Smith Real Estate Group, we strive to provide our clients with amazing experiences they'll remember for the rest of their lives. Buying a home is a monumental responsibility. Our goal is to make the process simple, fun, and stress-free for our clients so they're delighted with their purchases."

• Your vision for your business: A couple of sentences that illustrate what the world will look like once you've achieved your mission. 

Example: "Eventually, I want to be the most trusted name in Boise real estate, effectively serving a range of clients who come to me to get the highest possible price for their homes."

• The SMART goals you want to achieve: The individual objectives you'll work to accomplish, i.e., "Sell 15 homes next year," or "Make $150,000 annual salary." Remember, the best goals are SMART, which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. 

Example: "I'll start making $150k a year (or more) within 36 months. To accomplish this, I'll invest in new marketing techniques to promote my services so I can sell 15+ homes every year."

2. Research Your Target Market

Which area of the real estate market do you specialize in? Do you sell high end luxury condos? Help businesses find the right place to expand? Maybe you’re all about helping folks find tiny homes. 

To answer this question, I suggest a fair bit of research—especially if you're brand new and don't have an established client base. Look for sections of the market that are growing and ones that are slowing down.

It's important to look at data for the location you’re serving . Nation-wide trends are useful to a point. But you really need to know what's happening in your corner of the world.

Also, research your city's other agents, brokerages, etc., as you'll compete with them for potential clients. The more you know about them, the easier it will be to differentiate yourself and achieve your short and long-term goals in the real estate industry.

3. Identify Your Ideal Clientele

Now it's time to zero in on the specific people you sell to.

There are plenty of options. You could be a condo specialist and only engage new leads who want to buy condos in your area. Or focus on real estate listings for new home buyers. Or work in the top end of the market and help wealthy individuals settle into their second homes. You do you. 

The specific demographic you choose to serve should depend on the local market, your unique skill set, and your passions. Find a balance between these three things.

When you know your ideal clientele, take a moment to define buyer personas .

Not familiar with the term? Don’t worry—it's not as weird as it sounds. A buyer persona is a fictional person you invent to represent your real-world target market. Feel free to get weird with it—your persona could be Fred the Family Man, or Suzy the Soup Maker. Just be sure to include personal details, such as goals and pain points to make it useful. 

While it may seem silly, a buyer persona keeps you focused on your ideal clientele so you can ensure your marketing efforts always match the people who want to help. 

4. Perform a SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis helps you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and find the opportunities and threats in your chosen real estate market. Think of it like a battle plan to help you conquer your real estate market. Here's a quick example:

• Strengths: Maybe you have amazing people skills, so you host open houses for your clients on a regular basis. This helps you meet potential buyers and sell clients' homes. It also acts as a terrific lead generation strategy . Or, maybe you’re really, really good at staging older homes. 
• Weaknesses: Maybe you hate social media, so you never use platforms like Facebook and Instagram—even though other agents use them to close deals . This would be a weakness, but it doesn’t mean you need to change things. Instead, acknowledge it and adjust your strategy accordingly. 
• Opportunities: If most of the real estate professionals in your town focus on low- to mid-priced real estate listings, you could target the small collection of luxury buyers in the area.
• Threats: Are there a ton of other real estate agents in your area? Maybe a nationwide brokerage is opening a new office and threatening to take your knees out with a bat. (Who knew real estate could be so brutal!) The point is: being aware of threats helps you target your services effectively so you can become a real player in the game. 

5. Set a Clear Marketing Strategy

You might run the best real estate brokerage in the United States. But if nobody knows about your real estate team's supreme skill set, you’re not likely to make many sales. Which won’t be an issue if you’re running a mob front—but if you actually want to make a profit, marketing is crucial. 

Fortunately, you've defined your target market, ideal clientele, and personal strengths and weaknesses. So, building an effective marketing strategy should be easy. 

Think about your target audience: how can you reach these people? Social media is probably your best bet if you serve young, first-time homebuyers. If you serve an older, more affluent crowd, in-person meetups and cold-calling techniques might be a good option.

Consider your competitors, too. What channels do they use to connect with new leads? Use another approach to differentiate your services better.

Finally, take a hard look at your abilities. Just because a marketing plan works for one person or company doesn't mean it will work for yours. Since you're building your business, you need to assess your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you implement strategies that suit your skills and disposition.  

6. Make a Financial Plan

Yes, we gotta talk about money. Adding financial details to your real estate business plan gives you a strong starting point to drive growth. 

How much will you spend on licensing, lead generation, and a real estate CRM ? Remember to budget for everyday expenses while working, like gasoline for your car and meals while traveling. (Just no two martini lunches!) 

You should also include the amount of money you want to make after expenses and taxes and the number of deals you'll need to close to make the numbers work together.

Most people shy away from their finances. Don’t make this mistake. You need to know what your operating expenses are to know what your cash flow is. If you don't know that, you won't know if you're on track to reach your short-term or long-term goals.

One more thing: make sure your financial plan is realistic . Dreaming of million-dollar closings might feel nice, but those numbers won't help you. Do your research and input proper cost estimates. 

3 Tips to Create a Real Estate Business Plan That’s Actually Useful 

BOOM! Now, you know how to create a business plan for your real estate business. Go you. But to make sure your plan is top-notch, keep these three best practices in mind:

KISS: Keep it Super Simple

It’s easy to get lost in the weeds and wind up overwhelmed. Don't overcomplicate the process.

Your real estate business plan doesn't need to be professionally designed unless it’s being shared with business partners or investors. You can write it in Word on your laptop computer. Or scribble it on a napkin while you sip a cocktail at the bar. Whatever feels good to you. 

The most important thing is that you actually create a plan for your real estate business . The way it looks is less crucial. Don't get caught up in the details. 

Differentiate Yourself

What makes you special? No, not just in the “My mom says I'm special!” way. Like, what really makes you stand out from the other real estate agents and brokers in your local area?

Ask yourself questions like " What can I do better than everybody else?", “Why would clients want to work with me over another agent?” or "What am I willing to do that my competitors aren't?"

Did you come up with a few things? Good, now add them to your real estate business plan.

Being average is boring—so figure out where you stand out. Then, infuse it into every aspect of your business, from your website to how you engage with clients. That way, people know what sets you apart.

Revisit Your Plan Regularly

One more thing: your real estate business plan should be a living document. In other words, you should revisit it regularly to make sure it's actually benefiting your business.

Did you choose the right market? Are you serving the right clientele? Is your marketing plan actually working? Assess your business quarterly to see what's working and what isn't. Then use the takeaways to adjust your approach. That way, you can “always be closing” more deals. 

Pro tip: when starting out, use a business plan template . This gives you a starting point and makes it easy to edit your plans at any point. 

Level Up Your Real Estate Business 

If you want to build a successful real estate business, you need a plan. Luckily, you’ve already got one. 

Once you create your plan, you'll have a clear vision you can implement systematically to grow your business faster.  

Know what else will help you succeed in this industry? A solid CRM software with proven contact management, cold calling, email marketing, and sales reporting features.

Sound good? Give Close a try. We make it super easy to track leads, follow up with prospects, generate referrals, and turbocharge your real estate business.

Sign up for a free 14-day trial today to experience the power of Close!

START YOUR FREE 14-DAY TRIAL→

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a real estate business plan

• Nirit Braun
• 10 min read

A real estate business plan is a strategic document that outlines the objectives, strategies and tactics a person or a team will employ when starting a business in the real estate industry. This comprehensive and clear plan not only defines the business' mission, vision and goals but also delineates the steps necessary to achieve them.

When starting a business, especially in a dynamic and competitive sector like real estate, a well-crafted business plan becomes an indispensable tool for success. Beyond helping business in their first steps to understanding how to start a service business , a business plan provides a structured framework that helps entrepreneurs make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively and stay focused on their objectives. By articulating the business' value proposition, rental business ideas , target market, competitive landscape and revenue streams, the plan offers a holistic understanding of the venture's potential and challenges.

Looking to kick off your real estate business? Create a business website today with Wix. These real estate agent websites can help you get started.

In this section, we'll break down the key components involved in crafting a successful real estate business plan in six steps.

Executive summary

Company and domain name

Market analysis and research

Operations plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

An executive summary is a concise overview of your entire real estate business plan. It serves as a snapshot that captures the essence of your venture, highlighting its key components and objectives. A well-crafted executive summary should provide a clear understanding of your real estate business' purpose, market opportunity, strategies and potential for success. It's typically the first section of the business plan and should be written after the rest of the plan has been completed.

To write a clear executive summary for a real estate business, follow these steps:

Start with a brief introduction: Describe your business’ mission, vision and the services you intend to offer. Highlight what sets your business apart in the competitive real estate landscape.

Summarize the market demand: Explain what kind of opportunity you aim to address with this type of business . Mention key trends in the real estate industry that support the viability of your venture.

Identify your target audience: Whether it's first-time homebuyers, property investors or commercial clients, briefly describe their demographics and needs.

State the unique value you offer to clients: This could be exceptional customer service, a specialized focus or innovative technology solutions.

Outline your key real estate marketing strategies : Highlight how you plan to reach and engage your target market.

Provide a high-level overview of your projected financials: Include revenue projections, startup costs and funding requirements.

Introduce the key members of your team: Highlight how their skills contribute to the success of the real estate business.

Example of an executive summary for a real estate business: “ABC Realty is a dynamic real estate agency that specializes in helping first-time homebuyers navigate the complex property market. With a strong commitment to providing personalized guidance and support, we aim to simplify the buying process and empower our clients to make informed decisions. Our target market consists of young professionals and families looking for their dream homes in urban areas. Leveraging the latest technology and data analytics, we offer a seamless search experience that matches buyers with their ideal properties. Our marketing strategy involves a mix of social media engagement, local partnerships and educational workshops to establish our brand as a trusted resource in the real estate industry. Backed by a team of experienced agents and industry professionals, we are well-positioned to make homeownership dreams a reality while achieving sustainable growth and profitability. Our projected financials indicate a steady upward trajectory, with a goal of reaching profitability within the first two years.”

02. Company and domain name

Knowing how to name a business is crucial for a real estate venture and a key step before you register your business . It shapes your brand identity, influences client perceptions and establishes trust.

Additionally, selecting a suitable domain name for your real estate website is crucial for online visibility and accessibility. Your online presence should be in top form taking into account that 97% of homebuyers search for their homes online. Here's how to approach these decisions:

Company name

Should reflect your business' values and services

Keep it concise, memorable and easy to spell

Check for trademark conflicts to avoid legal issues

Consider using the free business name generator from Wix for inspiration

Be inspired by these real estate business name lists.

Domain name

Align it closely with your company name if possible

Choose a domain extension (.com, .net, .org) that's commonly recognized

Keep it short and free of complex words or hyphens

Ensure it's easy to pronounce and type

Learn more: How to make a website

03. Market analysis and research

Incorporating comprehensive market analysis and research into your business plan is essential for understanding the competitive landscape and formulating an effective business strategy. Conduct market research to identify trends, competitors and potential gaps in the market. Analyze your target audience's preferences, behaviors and pain points to tailor your services and marketing efforts accordingly.

Understanding the market dynamics allows you to position your real estate business strategically and offer unique value propositions that resonate with clients.

04. Operations plan

An operations plan outlines the logistical aspects of your real estate business, ensuring its smooth day-to-day functioning. This section should cover:

The physical location of your business office or headquarters

The size and layout of your office space

The equipment and technology required to run your real estate business

The roles, responsibilities and qualifications of your team members

05. Marketing and advertising plan

In the competitive real estate industry, a robust marketing and advertising plan is vital for attracting clients and establishing your brand presence. Your plan should encompass various marketing strategies , including:

Social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and online advertising

Creating valuable content like blog posts, videos and guides

Establishing partnerships with local businesses and industry associations

Hosting events and workshops that educate clients about real estate trends

You’ll also need to develop a suite of brand assets to use in your marketing efforts, starting with a company logo. You can use a free logo maker or real estate logo maker to get a professional design in minutes. Learn how to make a real estate logo that suits your brand.

06. Financial plan

The average cost to start a real estate brokerage can range from $10,000 to $200,000 , so odds are you will need to secure financing. The financial plan outlines your real estate business' financial projections, funding requirements and path to profitability. It should include all your startup costs including starting an LLC , licensing, office setup, marketing materials and technology needs.

Next, estimate income based on property sales, commissions and other revenue sources. Alongside this outline ongoing operational costs, such as rent, salaries, marketing and utilities. Then take the time to specify how your business will be funded initially, whether through personal savings, loans or investor contributions. Finally, predict when your real estate business is expected to reach profitability based on your revenue and expense projections. You can include within this the exact ways to make money as a real estate agent .

Real estate business plan examples

Here are two templates for hypothetical real estate businesses, each including the main parts discussed in our how-to steps.

Real estate business plan template 1: ABC Realty

ABC Realty is a forward-thinking real estate brokerage focused on serving residential clients in urban areas. With a mission to simplify the home buying process for first-time buyers, we aim to provide personalized guidance and a seamless search experience. Our market research indicates a rising demand for affordable housing solutions and our team's expertise positions us well to address this need. Leveraging digital platforms and local partnerships, we're dedicated to establishing a brand known for trust, transparency and professionalism. Our financial projections show steady growth, with profitability projected within 18 months.

Company name: UrbanNest Realty

Domain name: www.urbannestrealty.com

Market analysis: Our research reveals a growing trend of Millennials seeking starter homes in urban areas.

Competitive landscape: Competitor analysis highlights the need for tailored customer service and simplified processes. We will tap into this by offering comprehensive support and leveraging technology to streamline transactions.

Location: A prime urban location with easy accessibility.

Premises: A modern office space designed for client consultations and agent collaboration.

Equipment: State-of-the-art computers, customer relationship management (CRM) software and virtual tour technology.

Staffing: Agents, property management experts and administrative staff.

Digital marketing: Social media campaigns, targeted online ads and search engine optimization.

Content marketing: Regular blog posts on home-buying tips, neighborhood insights and market trends.

Networking: Partnerships with local lenders, moving companies and interior designers to provide added value.

Events and workshops: Monthly homebuyer seminars and virtual property tours.

Startup costs: $60,000 (licenses, office setup, marketing materials)

Revenue projections (first year): $300,000

Revenue projections (section year): $500,000

Expenses: Monthly rent, salaries, marketing expenses and administrative costs

Funding: Personal savings and a small business loan

Profitability timeline: Projected within 18 months

Real estate business plan template 2: Empire Investments

Empire Investments is a dynamic real estate investment firm specializing in commercial properties. With an aim to provide high-value investment opportunities, we focus on acquiring and enhancing properties with substantial growth potential. Our strategy involves leveraging market trends, identifying undervalued assets and optimizing their value through strategic renovations and management. Our team of seasoned professionals ensures a comprehensive approach to portfolio management, driving investor returns. Our financial outlook is promising, with steady revenue growth projected over the next five years.

Company name: Empire Investments

Domain name: www.empireinvestmentsre.com

Market analysis: Our research highlights an increasing demand for mixed-use properties in urban areas.

Competitive landscape: Competitor analysis reveals a gap in the market for value-add properties. We'll focus on acquiring underperforming assets with the potential for repositioning and strong cash flow.

Location: Central business district for easy access to commercial properties.

Premises: A professional office space for meetings and deal analysis.

Equipment: Advanced financial analysis tools and property management software.

Staffing: Investment analysts, property managers, legal experts and administrative support.

Networking: Building relationships with commercial brokers, property managers and industry experts.

Content marketing: Thought leadership articles, market reports and investment guides.

Webinars and seminars: Monthly webinars on commercial real estate investment strategies.

Direct marketing: Targeted outreach to potential investors based on investment preferences.

Startup costs: $150,000 (licenses, office setup, due diligence expenses)

Revenue projections (first year): $1,000,000

Revenue projections (second year): $2,000,000

Expenses: Office overhead, salaries, marketing campaigns and property management costs

Funding: Combination of private equity, investor capital and personal investments

Profitability timeline: Positive cash flow projected within the first year, substantial returns expected over five years

Top benefits of writing a real estate business plan

Starting a business in real estate requires careful planning and a well-structured business plan offers a multitude of benefits that contribute to the venture's success. A business plan helps you in the following ways:

Attracting investors and funding: A well-developed business plan serves as a persuasive tool to attract potential investors and secure funding. It outlines the business's unique value proposition, market opportunities and growth strategies. By clearly articulating the revenue model and projected financials, entrepreneurs demonstrate their preparedness and potential returns, increasing the likelihood of obtaining an investment and raising money for a business .

Resource assessment: Writing a business plan helps entrepreneurs understand the resources, supplies and staff required to launch and operate the real estate business. This comprehensive assessment ensures that nothing is overlooked, from property acquisition and renovation costs to marketing expenses and administrative needs. By listing these requirements, entrepreneurs can plan for adequate funding and efficient resource allocation.

Strategic direction: A business plan outlines the business's short-term and long-term goals, providing a strategic direction for the real estate business. Entrepreneurs can define their target market, geographic focus and property types, enabling them to make informed decisions aligned with their objectives. This clarity prevents aimless pursuits and helps maintain focus on strategies that align with the business' vision.

Risk mitigation: A well-structured business plan anticipates potential challenges and outlines strategies to mitigate risks. Entrepreneurs can identify industry-specific challenges, such as market fluctuations or regulatory hurdles and devise contingency plans. By acknowledging these risks upfront, entrepreneurs can proactively address them and adapt their strategies as needed.

Operational efficiency: The business plan details the organizational structure, roles and responsibilities required to run the real estate business smoothly. Defining these elements helps entrepreneurs allocate tasks effectively and ensure that the right people are in place to execute the business strategies. This clarity enhances operational efficiency and minimizes the potential for confusion or overlaps.

Measurable progress: A business plan sets clear milestones and metrics to measure the real estate business' progress. Entrepreneurs can track key performance indicators (KPIs) against the projected goals, enabling them to assess their success and identify areas for improvement.

Real estate business plan FAQ

What is a business plan in real estate.

A real estate business plan is a document that outlines your goals and strategies for starting or growing a real estate business. It should include a market analysis, a business model, an operational plan and a financial plan.

Which real estate business is most profitable?

Can you become a millionaire from owning real estate, is it a good idea to start a real estate business, how do i organize my real estate business, want to create another type of business plan.

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How To Write A Real Estate Business Plan

What is a real estate business plan?

8 must-haves in a business plan

How to write a business plan

Real estate business plan tips

Success in the real estate investing industry won’t happen overnight, and it definitely won’t happen without proper planning or implementation. For entrepreneurs, a  real estate development business plan can serve as a road map to all of your business operations. Simply put, a real estate business plan will serve an essential role in forming your investing career.

Investors will need to strategize several key elements to create a successful business plan. These include future goals, company values, financing strategies, and more. Once complete, a business plan can create the foundation for smooth operations and outline a future with unlimited potential for your investing career. Keep reading to learn how to create a real estate investment business plan today.

What Is A Real Estate Investing Business Plan?

A real estate business plan is a living document that provides the framework for business operations and goals. A business plan will include future goals for the company and organized steps to get there. While business plans can vary from investor to investor, they will typically include planning for one to five years at a time.

Drafting a business plan for real estate investing purposes is, without a doubt, one of the single most important steps a new investor can take. An REI business plan will help you avoid potential obstacles while simultaneously placing you in a position to succeed. It is a blueprint to follow when things are going according to plan and even when they veer off course. If for nothing else, a real estate company’s business plan will ensure that investors know which steps to follow to achieve their goals. In many ways, nothing is more valuable to today’s investors. It is the plan, after all, to follow the most direct path to success.

8 Must-Haves In A Real Estate Business Plan

As a whole, a real estate business plan should address a company’s short and long-term goals. To accurately portray a company’s vision, the right business plan will require more information than a future vision. A strong real estate investing business plan will provide a detailed look at its ins and outs. This can include the organizational structure, financial information, marketing outline, and more.  When done right, it will serve as a comprehensive overview for anyone who interacts with your business, whether internally or externally.

That said, creating an REI business plan will require a persistent attention to detail. For new investors drafting a real estate company business plan may seem like a daunting task, and quite honestly it is. The secret is knowing which ingredients must be added (and when). Below are seven must-haves for a well executed business plan:

Outline the company values and mission statement.

Break down future goals into short and long term.

Strategize the strengths and weaknesses of the company.

Formulate the best investment strategy for each property and your respective goals.

Include potential marketing and branding efforts.

State how the company will be financed (and by whom).

Explain who is working for the business.

Answer any “what ifs” with backup plans and exit strategies.

These components matter the most, and a quality real estate business plan will delve into each category to ensure maximum optimization.

A company vision statement is essentially your mission statement and values. While these may not be the first step in planning your company, a vision will be crucial to the success of your business. Company values will guide you through investment decisions and inspire others to work with your business time and time again. They should align potential employees, lenders, and possible tenants with the motivations behind your company.

Before writing your company vision, think through examples you like both in and out of the real estate industry. Is there a company whose values you identify with? Or, are there mission statements you dislike? Use other companies as a starting point when creating your own set of values. Feel free to reach out to your mentor or other network connections for feedback as you plan. Most importantly, think about the qualities you value and how they can fit into your business plan.

Goals are one of the most important elements in a successful business plan. This is because not only do goals provide an end goal for your company, but they also outline the steps required to get there. It can be helpful to think about goals in two categories: short-term and long-term. Long-term goals will typically outline your plans for the company. These can include ideal investment types, profit numbers, and company size. Short-term goals are the smaller, actionable steps required to get there.

For example, one long-term business goal could be to land four wholesale deals by the end of the year. Short-term goals will make this more achievable by breaking it into smaller steps. A few short-term goals that might help you land those four wholesale deals could be to create a direct mail campaign for your market area, establish a buyers list with 50 contacts, and secure your first property under contract. Breaking down long-term goals is a great way to hold yourself accountable, create deadlines and accomplish what you set out to.

3. SWOT Analysis

SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A SWOT analysis involves thinking through each of these areas as you evaluate your company and potential competitors. This framework allows business owners to better understand what is working for the company and identify potential areas for improvement. SWOT analyses are used across industries as a way to create more actionable solutions to potential issues.

To think through a SWOT analysis for your real estate business plan, first, identify your company’s potential strengths and weaknesses. Do you have high-quality tenants? Are you struggling to raise capital? Be honest with yourself as you write out each category. Then, take a step back and look at your market area and competitors to identify threats and opportunities. A potential threat could be whether or not your rental prices are in line with comparable properties. On the other hand, a potential opportunity could boost your property’s amenities to be more competitive in the area.

4. Investment Strategy

Any good real estate investment business plan requires the ability to implement a sound investment strategy. If for nothing else, there are several exit strategies a business may execute to secure profits: rehabbing, wholesaling, and renting — to name a few. Investors will want to analyze their market and determine which strategy will best suit their goals. Those with long-term retirement goals may want to consider leaning heavily into rental properties. However, those without the funds to build a rental portfolio may want to consider getting started by wholesaling. Whatever the case may be, now is the time to figure out what you want to do with each property you come across. It is important to note, however, that this strategy will change from property to property. Therefore, investors need to determine their exit strategy based on the asset and their current goals. This section needs to be added to a real estate investment business plan because it will come in handy once a prospective deal is found.

5. Marketing Plan

While marketing may seem like the cherry on top of a sound business plan, marketing efforts will actually play an integral role in your business’s foundation. A marketing plan should include your business logo, website, social media outlets, and advertising efforts. Together these elements can build a solid brand for your business, which will help you build a strong business reputation and ultimately build trust with investors, clients, and more.

First, to plan your marketing, think about how your brand can illustrate the company values and mission statement you have created. Consider the ways you can incorporate your vision into your logo or website. Remember, in addition to attracting new clients, marketing efforts can also help maintain relationships with existing connections. For a step by step guide to drafting a real estate marketing plan , be sure to read this guide.

6. Financing Plan

Writing the financial portion of a business plan can be tricky, especially if you are starting your business. As a general rule, a financial plan will include the income statement, cash flow, and balance sheet for a business. A financial plan should also include short and long-term goals regarding the profits and losses of a company. Together, this information will help make business decisions, raise capital, and report on business performance.

Perhaps the most important factor when creating a financial plan is accuracy. While many investors want to report on high profits or low losses, manipulating data will not boost your business performance in any way. Come up with a system of organization that works for you and always ensure your financial statements are authentic. As a whole, a financial plan should help you identify what is and isn’t working for your business.

7. Teams & Small Business Systems

No successful business plan is complete without an outline of the operations and management. Think: how your business is being run and by whom. This information will include the organizational structure, office management (if any), and an outline of any ongoing projects or properties. Investors can even include future goals for team growth and operational changes when planning this information.

Even if you are just starting or have yet to launch your business, it is still necessary to plan your business structure. Start by planning what tasks you will be responsible for, and look for areas you will need help with. If you have a business partner, think through your strengths and weaknesses and look for areas you can best complement each other. For additional guidance, set up a meeting with your real estate mentor. They can provide valuable insights into their own business structure, which can serve as a jumping-off point for your planning.

8. Exit Strategies & Back Up Plans

Believe it or not, every successful company out there has a backup plan. Businesses fail every day, but investors can position themselves to survive even the worst-case scenario by creating a backup plan. That’s why it’s crucial to strategize alternative exit strategies and backup plans for your investment business. These will help you create a plan of action if something goes wrong and help you address any potential problems before they happen.

This section of a business plan should answer all of the “what if” questions a potential lender, employee, or client might have. What if a property remains on the market for longer than expected? What if a seller backs out before closing? What if a property has a higher than average vacancy rate? These questions (and many more) are worth thinking through as you create your business plan.

How To Write A Real Estate Investment Business Plan: Template

The impact of a truly great real estate investment business plan can last for the duration of your entire career, whereas a poor plan can get in the way of your future goals. The truth is: a real estate business plan is of the utmost importance, and as a new investor it deserves your undivided attention. Again, writing a business plan for real estate investing is no simple task, but it can be done correctly. Follow our real estate investment business plan template to ensure you get it right the first time around:

Write an executive summary that provides a birds eye view of the company.

Include a description of company goals and how you plan to achieve them.

Demonstrate your expertise with a thorough market analysis.

Specify who is working at your company and their qualifications.

Summarize what products and services your business has to offer.

Outline the intended marketing strategy for each aspect of your business.

1. Executive Summary

The first step is to define your mission and vision. In a nutshell, your executive summary is a snapshot of your business as a whole, and it will generally include a mission statement, company description, growth data, products and services, financial strategy, and future aspirations. This is the “why” of your business plan, and it should be clearly defined.

2. Company Description

The next step is to examine your business and provide a high-level review of the various elements, including goals and how you intend to achieve them. Investors should describe the nature of their business, as well as their targeted marketplace. Explain how services or products will meet said needs, address specific customers, organizations, or businesses the company will serve, and explain the competitive advantage the business offers.

3. Market Analysis

This section will identify and illustrate your knowledge of the industry. It will generally consist of information about your target market, including distinguishing characteristics, size, market shares, and pricing and gross margin targets. A thorough market outline will also include your SWOT analysis.

4. Organization & Management

This is where you explain who does what in your business. This section should include your company’s organizational structure, details of the ownership, profiles on the management team, and qualifications. While this may seem unnecessary as a real estate investor, the people reading your business plan may want to know who’s in charge. Make sure you leave no stone unturned.

5. Services Or Products

What are you selling? How will it benefit your customers? This is the part of your real estate business plan where you provide information on your product or service, including its benefits over competitors. In essence, it will offer a description of your product/service, details on its life cycle, information on intellectual property, as well as research and development activities, which could include future R&D activities and efforts. Since real estate investment is more of a service, beginner investors must identify why their service is better than others in the industry. It could include experience.

6. Marketing Strategy

A marketing strategy will generally encompass how a business owner intends to market or sell their product and service. This includes a market penetration strategy, a plan for future growth, distribution channels, and a comprehensive communication strategy. When creating a marketing strategy for a real estate business plan, investors should think about how they plan to identify and contact new leads. They should then think about the various communication options: social media, direct mail, a company website, etc. Your business plan’s marketing portion should essentially cover the practical steps of operating and growing your business.

Additional Real Estate Business Plan Tips

A successful business plan is no impossible to create; however, it will take time to get it right. Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind as you develop a plan for your real estate investing business:

Tailor Your Executive Summary To Different Audiences: An executive summary will open your business plan and introduce the company. Though the bulk of your business plan will remain consistent, the executive summary should be tailored to the specific audience at hand. A business plan is not only for you but potential investors, lenders, and clients. Keep your intended audience in mind when drafting the executive summary and answer any potential questions they may have.

Articulate What You Want: Too often, investors working on their business plan will hide what they are looking for, whether it be funding or a joint venture. Do not bury the lede when trying to get your point across. Be clear about your goals up front in a business plan, and get your point across early.

Prove You Know The Market: When you write the company description, it is crucial to include information about your market area. This could include average sale prices, median income, vacancy rates, and more. If you intend to acquire rental properties, you may even want to go a step further and answer questions about new developments and housing trends. Show that you have your finger on the pulse of a market, and your business plan will be much more compelling for those who read it.

Do Homework On The Competition: Many real estate business plans fail to fully analyze the competition. This may be partly because it can be difficult to see what your competitors are doing, unlike a business with tangible products. While you won’t get a tour of a competitor’s company, you can play prospect and see what they offer. Subscribe to their newsletter, check out their website, or visit their open house. Getting a first-hand look at what others are doing in your market can greatly help create a business plan.

Be Realistic With Your Operations & Management: It can be easy to overestimate your projections when creating a business plan, specifically when it comes to the organization and management section. Some investors will claim they do everything themselves, while others predict hiring a much larger team than they do. It is important to really think through how your business will operate regularly. When writing your business plan, be realistic about what needs to be done and who will be doing it.

Create Example Deals: At this point, investors will want to find a way to illustrate their plans moving forward. Literally or figuratively, illustrate the steps involved in future deals: purchases, cash flow, appreciation, sales, trades, 1031 exchanges, cash-on-cash return, and more. Doing so should give investors a good idea of what their deals will look like in the future. While it’s not guaranteed to happen, envisioning things has a way of making them easier in the future.

Schedule Business Update Sessions: Your real estate business plan is not an ironclad document that you complete and then never look at again. It’s an evolving outline that should continually be reviewed and tweaked. One good technique is to schedule regular review sessions to go over your business plan. Look for ways to improve and streamline your business plan so it’s as clear and persuasive as you want it to be.

Reevauating Your Real Estate Business Plan

A business plan will serve as a guide for every decision you make in your company, which is exactly why it should be reevaluated regularly. It is recommended to reassess your business plan each year to account for growth and changes. This will allow you to update your business goals, accounting books, and organizational structures. While you want to avoid changing things like your logo or branding too frequently, it can be helpful to update department budgets or business procedures each year.

The size of your business is crucial to keep in mind as you reevaluate annually. Not only in terms of employees and management structures but also in terms of marketing plans and business activities. Always incorporate new expenses and income into your business plan to help ensure you make the most of your resources. This will help your business stay on an upward trajectory over time and allow you to stay focused on your end goals.

Above all else, a  real estate development business plan will be inspiring and informative. It should reveal why your business is more than just a dream and include actionable steps to make your vision a reality. No matter where you are with your investing career, a detailed business plan can guide your future in more ways than one. After all, a thorough plan will anticipate the best path to success. Follow the template above as you plan your real estate business, and make sure it’s a good one.

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NAR Settlement: What It Means For Buyers And Sellers

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Sample Real Estate Business Plan

Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a real estate business. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring real estate business owners, having access to a sample real estate business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own real estate business plan.

Download our Ultimate Real Estate Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful real estate venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A real estate business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The real estate business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your real estate as Growthink’s Ultimate Real Estate Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a real estate business plan of your own.

Real Estate Business Plan Example – HomeHorizon Realty

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

Welcome to HomeHorizon Realty, a forward-thinking real estate company based in the heart of Tampa, FL. We specialize in providing a wide range of real estate services tailored to the unique needs of our clients, including Property Buying and Selling, Property Management, Real Estate Investment Consulting, Real Estate Development, and Real Estate Consultancy and Advisory services. Our deep understanding of the Tampa market, combined with a commitment to personalized service, positions us as the preferred partner for individuals and businesses seeking comprehensive real estate solutions. Our mission is to bridge the gap in the market for high-quality, local real estate services, making us the go-to choice for real estate needs in Tampa.

Our pathway to success is paved by a combination of our founder’s extensive experience and our commitment to delivering superior real estate consultancy and advisory services at affordable rates. Since our launch on January 1, 2024, we have rapidly established ourselves as a key player in the Tampa real estate market. Our early accomplishments include the creation of a unique brand identity, securing a prime location for our operations, and laying a strong foundation for future growth. These achievements reflect our dedication to exceeding client expectations and leading the way in local real estate services.

The real estate industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, influenced by factors such as economic trends, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. In Tampa, FL, the market is experiencing growth due to an increasing population and a strong demand for both residential and commercial properties. This environment presents a significant opportunity for HomeHorizon Realty to excel by leveraging our deep market knowledge and innovative service offerings. Our ability to adapt to industry trends and meet the specific needs of our clients sets us apart in a competitive landscape.

Our target customers encompass a broad range of individuals and businesses in Tampa, FL, seeking to navigate the complexities of the real estate market. This includes first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, property owners in need of management services, and clients looking for reliable real estate development and consultancy. Understanding the diverse needs of these customer segments enables us to tailor our services effectively, ensuring that we provide value and exceed expectations at every touchpoint. Our focus on personalized service and client satisfaction positions us as a trusted partner in their real estate journey.

HomeHorizon Realty differentiates itself through superior real estate consultancy and advisory services, personalized strategies, and deep local market knowledge. Our experienced team, combined with our use of technology and strong industry connections, provides a competitive advantage that ensures better outcomes and a smoother process for our clients. This unique approach, focused on meeting individual client needs at an affordable rate, establishes us as the preferred choice in the Tampa real estate market.

Our marketing plan revolves around highlighting our comprehensive suite of real estate services, competitive pricing, and the unique value we bring to our clients. We emphasize our ability to provide tailored solutions for buying, selling, managing, and investing in properties, ensuring our clients have access to insightful and strategic advice. Our promotions plan leverages both traditional and digital marketing channels, including social media, SEO, content marketing, and targeted advertising campaigns. This dual approach aims to build brand awareness, attract potential clients, and establish HomeHorizon Realty as a leading real estate company in Tampa, FL.

HomeHorizon Realty’s operations plan focuses on executing key milestones essential for our growth and success. These include launching our business, obtaining the necessary real estate brokerage license, building a team of skilled realtors, developing strategic partnerships, implementing effective marketing strategies, securing our first listings and sales, achieving positive customer feedback, reaching significant revenue targets, expanding our market reach, and establishing a robust online presence. These milestones are designed to ensure we provide exceptional service, build our brand, and achieve our financial goals.

Our management team is composed of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in real estate, business development, and customer service. Their collective expertise ensures that HomeHorizon Realty operates with a strategic vision and executes our business plan effectively. This leadership team is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and integrity, positioning HomeHorizon Realty for long-term success in the Tampa real estate market.

Welcome to HomeHorizon Realty, a new and vibrant real estate firm serving the dynamic city of Tampa, FL. As a local real estate business, we have noticed a gap in the market for high-quality real estate services. Recognizing this opportunity, we are poised to elevate the standard of real estate transactions and consultations in our community. Our mission is to offer personalized, top-tier real estate services that cater to the specific needs of our clients in Tampa.

Our range of services encompasses the entire spectrum of real estate needs. We specialize in property buying and selling, ensuring our clients receive the best deals and smoothest transaction processes. For property owners, our property management services provide peace of mind and profitability, handling all aspects of property upkeep and tenant relations. For those looking to invest in real estate, we offer expert real estate investment consulting to guide investment decisions and maximize returns. Additionally, our team is skilled in real estate development, capable of leading projects that transform visions into valuable properties. Lastly, our real estate consultancy and advisory services are designed to offer insightful, strategic guidance to clients navigating the complex real estate market.

Based in Tampa, FL, HomeHorizon Realty is strategically located to serve customers throughout the Tampa area. Our deep understanding of the local market dynamics, combined with our commitment to our community, positions us as a leading real estate service provider in the region.

We are uniquely qualified to succeed in the competitive Tampa real estate market for several reasons. Our founder brings a wealth of experience from running a successful real estate business, ensuring that HomeHorizon Realty is built on a foundation of proven strategies and industry insights. Moreover, our commitment to providing superior real estate consultancy and advisory services at an affordable rate sets us apart from the competition. We understand the needs of our clients and are dedicated to exceeding their expectations.

HomeHorizon Realty was founded on 2024-01-01 as a Limited Liability Company, marking the beginning of a new era in Tampa’s real estate scene. Our journey so far has been marked by significant milestones, including the creation of our distinctive logo, the development of our company name, and securing an ideal location for our operations. These accomplishments are just the beginning, as we continue to build on our vision of transforming the real estate landscape in Tampa.

The Real Estate industry in the United States is currently valued at over $1.6 trillion, making it one of the largest sectors in the country’s economy. With steady growth over the past few years, the market is expected to continue expanding at a healthy rate. Experts forecast a 5% annual growth rate for the industry, driven by factors such as population growth, low interest rates, and increasing demand for housing.

One of the key trends in the Real Estate industry is the shift towards digitalization and technology adoption. This trend is particularly beneficial for new players like HomeHorizon Realty, as it allows for more efficient operations, better customer service, and increased market reach. With the rise of online platforms and virtual tours, HomeHorizon Realty can showcase properties to potential buyers more effectively, ultimately driving sales and revenue growth.

Another trend that bodes well for HomeHorizon Realty is the increasing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in real estate development. As more customers prioritize eco-friendly features and green building practices, HomeHorizon Realty can differentiate itself by offering properties that align with these preferences. By staying ahead of these trends and incorporating sustainable practices into its business model, HomeHorizon Realty can attract a broader customer base and establish itself as a leader in the Tampa real estate market.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

HomeHorizon Realty’s primary target market will include local residents looking to either purchase their first home or upgrade to a larger property due to expanding family needs or lifestyle changes. These individuals or families are seeking a seamless and personalized home buying experience that aligns with their specific needs and budget constraints. The company will tailor its services to guide these customers through the entire process, ensuring that they find a home that perfectly matches their requirements.

Another significant customer segment HomeHorizon Realty will target comprises individuals relocating to Tampa, FL, for work or personal reasons. This group is likely unfamiliar with the local real estate market and will benefit from HomeHorizon Realty’s in-depth knowledge of Tampa’s neighborhoods, schools, and amenities. The firm will also focus on providing these clients with information on the local community and lifestyle to facilitate a smooth transition to their new environment.

In addition to serving buyers, HomeHorizon Realty will also cater to sellers in the Tampa area looking to list their properties. This includes homeowners who are downsizing, relocating, or seeking to capitalize on their investment. HomeHorizon Realty will employ strategic marketing techniques and leverage its network to ensure these properties reach potential buyers effectively, optimizing the selling process for its clients.

Customer Needs

HomeHorizon Realty understands the diverse needs of Tampa residents looking for their dream homes or seeking to sell their properties. Customers can expect comprehensive expert real estate consultancy and advisory, catering to their unique preferences and financial situations. This service ensures clients make informed decisions, whether they’re first-time buyers or seasoned investors.

Aside from offering expert advice, HomeHorizon Realty identifies the importance of a personalized approach. Each client receives tailored solutions that best match their individual requirements and lifestyle aspirations. This level of customization enhances the customer experience, making the process of buying or selling a property as seamless and efficient as possible.

Moreover, HomeHorizon Realty recognizes the value of having an in-depth understanding of the Tampa real estate market. Clients can rely on the firm to provide up-to-date information on market trends, property values, and investment opportunities. This empowers them to make strategic decisions, whether they’re expanding their investment portfolio or finding their forever home.

HomeHorizon Realty’s competitors include the following companies:

Sanchez & Co. specializes in residential real estate services, catering primarily to buyers and sellers within the Tampa Bay area. Their services encompass property listings, buyer representation, market analysis, and property management. With competitive pricing strategies, they offer tailored service packages designed to meet various budgetary requirements. Their key strengths lie in personalized customer service and a deep understanding of the Tampa real estate market. However, their geographic focus is relatively narrow, and their marketing reach might not be as extensive as larger firms.

McBride Kelly & Associates offers a broad spectrum of real estate services, including residential sales, commercial real estate transactions, and property management services. This diversity allows them to serve a wide range of customers, from individual homebuyers and sellers to investors and businesses looking for commercial spaces. They operate across multiple locations within Florida, providing them with a broad geographical footprint and enabling them to cater to a diverse clientele. Key strengths include their comprehensive service offering and extensive market coverage. A potential weakness is the complexity of managing a wide array of services, which could impact the personalized attention they can provide to individual clients.

SI Real Estate Tampa Bay focuses on providing a holistic approach to real estate transactions, integrating services like relocation assistance, investment consultancy, and international real estate services. Their pricing model is designed to offer competitive rates while ensuring high service quality, appealing to both domestic and international clients. They generate significant revenue from their niche in catering to international buyers and investors interested in the Tampa Bay area. Their strengths include a strong online presence and expertise in the international market. However, their specialized focus might limit their appeal to a broader domestic audience lacking international interests.

Competitive Advantages

At HomeHorizon Realty, we understand the unique needs of our clients in the real estate market. Our commitment to providing superior real estate consultancy and advisory services sets us apart from the competition. By focusing on personalized strategies tailored to each client’s specific goals, we ensure a more effective and satisfying buying or selling experience. Our team of experienced professionals possesses deep local market knowledge, empowering us to offer insights and advice that truly make a difference. This expertise, combined with our dedication to service excellence, means clients can expect better outcomes and a smoother process at an affordable rate.

In addition to our top-notch consultancy services, we leverage the latest technology to streamline the real estate transaction process. This includes advanced property search tools, virtual tours, and an efficient, secure document handling system, all designed to save our clients time and reduce stress. Furthermore, our strong network of industry connections, from financial service providers to home inspection companies, enables us to guide our clients through every step of the real estate journey with confidence. These competitive advantages ensure that HomeHorizon Realty is not just a choice but the best choice for those seeking comprehensive support in the Tampa real estate market.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

HomeHorizon Realty offers a comprehensive suite of real estate services catered to meet the diverse needs of property buyers, sellers, and investors in the vibrant Tampa, FL real estate market. With a focus on customer satisfaction and leveraging the latest market insights, HomeHorizon Realty ensures that clients receive the best possible service at competitive prices.

For those looking to buy or sell property, HomeHorizon Realty provides expert guidance through the property buying and selling process. The average selling price for this service is typically a commission based on the sale price of the property, usually around 3% for buyers and 3% for sellers. This ensures that clients have access to a seamless buying or selling experience, backed by professional advice and negotiation skills to secure the best deal.

Understanding the complexities of property management, HomeHorizon Realty offers comprehensive property management services. These services are designed to alleviate the burden from property owners, ensuring that their investments are well-maintained and yield optimal returns. The pricing structure for property management services is generally a percentage of the monthly rental income, averaging between 8% to 10%. This includes tenant screening, maintenance, rent collection, and financial reporting.

For clients interested in real estate investment, HomeHorizon Realty provides specialized real estate investment consulting. This service is aimed at helping clients identify lucrative investment opportunities, analyze market trends, and develop strategies to maximize returns. The consulting fees are typically project-based, with average prices ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity and scope of the investment plan.

HomeHorizon Realty also delves into real estate development, offering expertise in the planning, execution, and marketing of real estate projects. Whether it’s residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments, clients can expect comprehensive support throughout the development process. The pricing for these services is highly customized, based on the project size and requirements, usually involving both fixed fees and a percentage of the project cost.

Last but not least, HomeHorizon Realty provides real estate consultancy and advisory services, tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether it’s market analysis, property valuation, or strategic planning, clients can rely on informed advice grounded in current market dynamics. Fees for consultancy and advisory services are often charged on an hourly basis or as a fixed project fee, with prices typically ranging from $100 to $300 per hour or $2,000 to $10,000 per project.

HomeHorizon Realty prides itself on offering a diverse range of real estate services designed to cater to the needs of the Tampa, FL community. With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the local market, HomeHorizon Realty stands ready to assist clients in achieving their real estate goals.

Promotions Plan

HomeHorizon Realty employs a dynamic blend of promotional methods to attract customers in the competitive Tampa, FL real estate market. At the forefront of these methods is a comprehensive online marketing strategy. This strategy encompasses the use of social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, to engage with potential buyers and sellers. Through these channels, HomeHorizon Realty will post regular updates, listings, and valuable content that appeals to its target audience, building a community and establishing a strong online presence.

In addition to social media, HomeHorizon Realty will leverage search engine optimization (SEO) to increase the visibility of its website in search engine results. By optimizing content with relevant keywords related to Tampa real estate, the company expects to attract more organic traffic to its site, converting visitors into leads. Email marketing campaigns will also play a crucial role, providing subscribers with insightful market analyses, property listings, and company updates, thus keeping HomeHorizon Realty top of mind for when decisions are made.

However, HomeHorizon Realty recognizes the importance of integrating traditional marketing methods with its online efforts. Local networking events and open houses will allow the company to establish a personal connection with potential clients, offering an opportunity to showcase properties directly and answer any questions in real-time. Additionally, partnerships with local businesses and community organizations will enhance HomeHorizon Realty’s visibility and reputation within the Tampa area.

To further amplify its reach, HomeHorizon Realty will invest in targeted advertising campaigns. Utilizing platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads allows the company to reach potential clients actively searching for real estate services in Tampa. By targeting specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, HomeHorizon Realty expects to maximize its advertising efficiency and attract high-quality leads.

Lastly, HomeHorizon Realty acknowledges the power of customer testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals. Encouraging satisfied clients to share their positive experiences will serve as a powerful endorsement, attracting new customers and reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence in the Tampa real estate market.

In essence, HomeHorizon Realty employs a multi-faceted promotional strategy that combines the strengths of online marketing with traditional methods and personal interaction. This approach will not only attract customers but also build a lasting relationship with them, ensuring HomeHorizon Realty’s success in the Tampa real estate scene.

Our Operations Plan details:

• The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
• The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of HomeHorizon Realty, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

• Market Analysis: We continuously monitor the Tampa real estate market for trends, pricing, and demand to provide clients with the most current and actionable information.
• Property Listings Management: We diligently update and maintain property listings on multiple platforms, ensuring they are accurate, compelling, and reach the widest possible audience.
• Client Communication: We prioritize prompt and clear communication with both buyers and sellers, scheduling regular updates, feedback sessions, and meetings to keep all parties informed and engaged.
• Networking: We actively network with other real estate professionals, including agents, brokers, and service providers, to create partnerships that benefit our clients and enhance our listings’ exposure.
• Property Showings: We efficiently organize and conduct property showings, open houses, and virtual tours, accommodating the schedules of both buyers and sellers to maximize the opportunities for property exposure.
• Transaction Management: We expertly manage the entire transaction process, from offer to closing, ensuring all paperwork is correctly completed, deadlines are met, and the process moves forward smoothly.
• Marketing and Advertising: We implement targeted marketing and advertising strategies, including social media, online real estate platforms, and local advertising, to promote properties and attract potential buyers.
• Client Feedback and Service Improvement: We actively seek feedback from our clients to continuously improve our services, tailoring our approach to meet the evolving needs and expectations of the Tampa real estate market.
• Compliance and Legal Updates: We stay informed on all local, state, and federal real estate regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring our practices are up to date and legally sound.
• Education and Training: We invest in ongoing education and training for our team to ensure they possess the latest knowledge and skills in real estate practice, technology, and customer service.

HomeHorizon Realty expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

• Launch Our Real Estate Business : Establishing a legal business entity, setting up an office in Tampa, FL, and launching our website and social media presence to start operations.
• Obtain Real Estate Brokerage License : Ensuring all legal requirements are met and obtaining the necessary license to operate as a real estate brokerage in Florida.
• Build a Network of Realtors : Recruiting experienced and novice realtors to join our team, offering them training and support to ensure they can provide excellent service to our clients.
• Develop Strategic Partnerships : Forming partnerships with mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and other relevant service providers to offer a comprehensive service package to our clients.
• Implement an Effective Marketing Strategy : Launching targeted marketing campaigns to build brand awareness and attract potential buyers and sellers in the Tampa area.
• Secure First Listings and Sales : Acquiring our first property listings and closing sales to generate revenue and build our portfolio.
• Achieve Positive Customer Feedback : Ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent service delivery, leading to positive reviews and referrals, which are crucial for our reputation in the local market.
• Get to $15,000/Month in Revenue : Reaching this significant financial milestone to demonstrate the viability of our business model and support further growth and expansion strategies.
• Expand Market Reach : Broadening our service offerings to include rental and property management services to cater to a larger segment of the market.
• Establish a Robust Online Presence : Developing a strong online presence through SEO, content marketing, and social media engagement to become a go-to resource for real estate inquiries in Tampa, FL.

HomeHorizon Realty management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Isaac Gutierrez, CEO

With an impressive track record in the real estate industry, Isaac Gutierrez brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to HomeHorizon Realty. His previous venture, a real estate business, was a testament to his leadership and strategic planning abilities. Isaac’s entrepreneurial spirit and understanding of the real estate market dynamics make him a pivotal figure in guiding HomeHorizon Realty towards its goal of becoming a leader in the market. His ability to navigate the complexities of real estate investments and his visionary approach in adopting innovative strategies are vital assets that will drive the company towards achieving lasting success.

HomeHorizon Realty requires significant investment to achieve our growth objectives and solidify our position in the market. Our financial plan outlines the necessary funding to support our operational milestones, marketing strategies, and service expansion. This investment will enable us to build a strong foundation, attract and retain clients, and achieve a sustainable revenue stream, ensuring our long-term viability and success in the competitive real estate industry.

Financial Statements

Balance sheet.

[insert balance sheet]

Income Statement

[insert income statement]

Cash Flow Statement

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A Comprehensive Annual Business Plan For Commercial Real Estate

John Bridges

If you’re a commercial real estate owner, it’s the time of year when your management company will create an annual business plan and budget for the property of yours that it services. This plan should give you evidence that your property manager is carefully analyzing and modifying your investment goals and objectives to reflect market and economic pressures. A robust plan with a budget (the plan’s implementation tool) that is accurate, appropriate, and attainable, should take a comprehensive approach.

Here is a five-section table of contents with all the elements of a comprehensive annual business plan. Is your property management company delivering this kind of plan to you?

PROPERTY OVERVIEW

• Building Attributes:   Lists the building’s name, location, description, square footage, year built, date purchased, major tenants, parking capacity, stacking plan, rent roll, and its property profile.
• Strategies/Objectives/Value Enhancement:   Discusses the long-term strategies and objectives associated with the asset. Includes value enhancement possibilities that exist and how they will be carried out, tenant survey results and what steps were implemented to address issues raised, as well as property sustainability programs such as LEED and Toby initiatives.
•  Critical Issues:   Discusses any topics including, but not limited to, redevelopment plans, environmental issues, legal issues (tenant bankruptcy, eviction, defaults, etc.), real estate tax appeal status, reductions, eminent domain proceedings/negotiations, and proceeds.
•  Competitive Project Profiles:   Provides an aerial map of the facility. Identifies competing projects in the area, primary competitors to the property, and supplies the relevant information.

MARKETING AND LEASING  

• Market Review:   Briefly discusses market conditions at both a macro and micro level, using available research reports from third-party sources as necessary.
•            Macro:  Describes MSA economics, any pending ordinances, laws, and tax changes that will affect the property.
•            Micro:  Notes real estate related market conditions, both city and submarket, with average rental rates, occupancy rates, absorption rates, rental concessions, new buildings coming online or under redevelopment, availability of large blocks of space, potential or planned development.
•  Leasing and Marketing Plan:   Describes the property’s leasing and marketing plan, listing major objectives to be accomplished. Also, it identifies probable changes in the occupancy status of major tenants (e.g., renewals, non-renewals, expansions, etc.).

CURRENT YEAR BUDGET  

• Review of Current Year Budget:   Compares the current year budget to the forecasted budget, noting significant variances and their causes.
• Review of Current Year Goals:    Describes the status of goals and objectives outlined in the current year business plan.
• Current Year Reforecast to Current Budget Year Comparison:   Compares, in a brief narrative, the current year reforecast to the current budget year, noting significant changes and reasons for those changes.
• Capital Plan for Budget Year:   Discusses in narrative form capital projects budgeted for the coming year, including their estimated costs, commencement and completion dates, justifications for projects, and payback periods, if applicable.
•  Five-Year Capital Plan:   Identifies major capital expenditures, other than tenant finish, that are anticipated over the next five years, beginning with the budget year.
• Property Goals for Budget year:   Lists all operational and leasing objectives.
• Leasing Parameters for Budget Year:   Provides suggested leasing benchmarks for new leases and renewals, including original proforma terms for comparison and budgeted occupancy.
• Expense Details:   Provides a list of all service contracts. Includes contract costs for the current year and budget year, showing percent change, insurance amortization, and real estate tax calculation.
• Current Year Budget to Coming Year Budget Comparison:   Provides explanations for variances in excess of $5,000 and/or 10 percent, as well as key performance indicators, such as BOMA/IREM comparison.
• Budget Summary
• Budget Detail
• Ten-Year Cash Flow with Assumptions

For more information, please email John Bridges at [email protected] .

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November 5, 2019

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RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., is an S corporation domiciled in the state of Texas. This corporation is capitalized by one single stockholder and one principal investor, Regina Wagner.  Regina Wagner is a licensed broker and the sponsoring broker for this firm. The licensed broker of this firm will sponsor licensed real estate agents (independent contractors) in the state of Texas. This corporation will formalize the real estate services offered.

RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., will open its doors for operation in July.  The office is located in Houston, Texas (Champions area) in the Greenwood Square Shopping Center, to provide services to the higher income section of Metropolitan Houston.

Credibility and reputation excel with the broker of this firm, with a published real estate book and real estate organizational programs placed in the Houston Association of Realtors and the Dallas Association of Realtors bookstores and superstores. For the past year novice licensed agents have enjoyed the organizational tools and guidance offered in the book Texas Real Estate/The Mobile Mentor.

1.1 Objectives

The primary objectives of our organization are to:

• Become a profitable organization allowing us the freedom of taking advantage of other real estate investment opportunities as they become available.
• Recruit and hire self-motivated, success-oriented, and hardworking sales agents.
• Maintain an office of at least 15 sales agents who meet the previous requirements.
• Develop a solid, corporate identity in our specified targeted market area.
• To establish good working relationships and begin working as a team, promoting communication and suggestions from all participants.
• Become one of the top brokerage firms in operation in the Champion area by our third year of operation, or before.
• Realize a positive return on investment within the first 12 months.

We believe the above-mentioned objectives are obtainable because of the professionalism of the manager and sales associates this corporation will hold.  Individuals gaining a real estate license leave school with the knowledge of the real estate laws and procedures. The turnover rate in this business is high since agents have no training outside the laws and regulations of the business itself. Once they have a license, only then, they may obtain the sales and marketing training that is needed upon entering the profession. This training is available at a high price to the agent. When starting out, most agents are not able to obtain this training at the high prices set forth, and without the proper training the average earnings of a beginning real estate agent is very low in comparison to industry standards.

The office environment we will be providing will be productively arranged yet inviting to the agent as well as the client. There will be a location in the office each day with a daily marketing routine/schedule to follow.  Agents have the opportunity to be guided each day through a marketing plan to gain clients. They may choose to follow the guidelines and  training provided or they may follow their own daily routines. We will be supplying a program allowing the new agents to earn more than the average real estate agent by providing guidance and stability.

If an agent with our company sets a goal to obtain only one seller and one buyer for the month, on an average of $150,000 sale on each side, would earn the agent $6,750 per month X 12 months = $81,000 per year. Regina’s goal as the broker is to assist each agent in conquering this goal.

The same sales as noted above would profit the corporation $2,250 per month X 12 months =  $27,000 for the year X 15 agents = $405,000. This is not including sales from the active broker of this corporation which would be $4,500 commission from each side to total  $9,000 (100%) to the corporation.   The broker will receive a salary from the corporation.

1.2 Mission

This plan is written as a guide for starting and managing this new business, and will also serve as the basis for a separate, detailed marketing plan. Following is a summary of the main points of this plan.

• The objectives of RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., are to generate a profit, grow at a challenging and manageable rate, and to live up to the ethical codes set forth by the Texas Real Estate Commission.
• The first mission of RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., is to first recruit Texas real estate agents. The agents choosing this firm will receive top commission allowing them more financial advantage for advertising in order to gain more business.
• The ongoing mission will be to assist both homeowners selling their homes, as well as homebuyers purchasing the home of their future, by providing professional and personal assistance. Ensuring customer’s best interest are always of the utmost importance.
• The keys to success for RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., are marketing and networking, responsiveness and quality of customer service and generating repeat customers.
• We wish to establish a successful partnership with our clients, our staff members, and our title companies, that respect the interests and goals of each party.
• The local market for this business, while not new, is wide open for new and expanding brokerage firms.
• An initial financial analysis of the viability of this venture shows outstanding promise and results. Several sources note that the real estate business has proven to be quite lucrative in today’s fast-paced world.

While so doing, the company will always continue to strengthen its position in the target market area by providing superior customer service to clients and to sales associates.

In conclusion, as shown in the highlights chart to follow, this plan projects rapid growth, as additional agents join, and high net profits over the next three years. Implementing this plan, in conjunction with a comprehensive and detailed marketing plan, will ensure that RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., rapidly becomes a profitable venture for the owner as well as for the contracting agents.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., is a new company that provides high-level expertise in real estate sales in the state of Texas.  It will focus initially on homesellers and homebuyers, as well as in-house sales agents. Our customer service philosophy is unique. In a philosophic sense, RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., has three distinct customer groups: sellers, buyers, and agents.

Sellers of real property are our first customers. Listers of properties (sellers) pay commissions from the sale of their property and are the direct clients of the real estate brokers. We will never lose our focus that clients who have retained RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., to list and sell their properties are our first obligation.

Our second real customer is the buyer of residential real estate. We will provide superior personal services to buyers.

Our third real customer is the licensed real estate sales agent. It is the agent’s job to provide a professional service to both sellers and buyers, specifically in this order. Therefore, it is the direct responsibility of RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., to provide service to our sales agents.

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2.1 Company Ownership

RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., has been formed as an S corporation domiciled in the state of Texas.  This corporation is capitalized by one single stockholder and one principal investor, the owner and broker of this firm, Regina J. Wagner.  

2.2 Start-up Summary

Our start-up costs are outlined in the following chart. Said start-up costs derive from website design, office equipment, main computer station (complete with all realtor information for agent usage), stationery, legal costs, furnishings, office advertising and services, and expenses associated with opening our first office.  The start-up costs are to be financed by direct owner investment and credit. The assumptions are shown in the following table and chart.

Lease office space averages $1.10 – 1.60 per square foot to equal an approximate of $1,500 per month, plus utilities, for efficient leased office space.  Commercial lease will be for a three to five year agreement with the first month and a security deposit equal to the monthly lease rate payable at the time of lease start date. 

At RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., our principal service consists of selling residential real estate in a targeted market area. Our services provide our clients with an international network of buyers and sellers through the multiple listing service (MLS). Because of our capabilities to network with other brokers, we will sell homes faster than our clients could if they tried to market their home without the assistance of a licensed real estate agent.

In addition, our customers will list their homes with our agency because of our aggressive and highly-skilled professionals. We will continuously have an above-average sales force to generate and close residential listings.

The owner and broker of RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., is committed to success in the real estate market and adheres to the strict rules handed down by the Texas Real Estate Commission.  Our high level of commitment will enable the company to attract top professionals as sales associates and clients looking to buy and sell residential real estate. 

Agents with this firm will be provided with the following services:  

• Top commissions.
• 24/7 hour office access.
• Own Web page.
• Marketing/sales guidelines to follow each day.
• Personal goal setting training
• Professional/commercial office setting in a highly visible and reputable location in the city of Houston.
• 24-hour answering service.
• Free inside/outside panoramic photography of each property listing.  All photos are placed on HAR/MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and to the Internet realty sites.
• Full broker support.
• Professional flyer will be furnished complete with property photos for advertisement.
• Yard signs will be supplied and installed for the agent.
• Flyer distribution to other broker sites/agents.

Sellers will be provided with the following services:

• Free CMA (Comparative Market Analysis).
• Inside/outside photos in panoramic view placed on MLS (Multiple Listing System) and real estate Internet sites. This allows potential buyers to view our seller’s property online.
• Advertising in local real estate publications.
• We design an attractive pamphlet with all property information, room dimensions, tax information, a letter from the seller, and a complete history of the home for potential buyers to read while viewing the property. This pamphlet is for the seller to keep or to give to the new owner when the home sells. 
• Attractive yard signs with flyer tubes attached for potential buyers driving by.
• “Just Listed Post Cards” mailed to surrounding neighborhoods.
• Listing flyers distributed to other broker sites.
• Circulated open house invitations (per seller approval).
• Supra System Computerized Lockboxes (we know when and who entered premises at all times).
• Excellent follow-up system on each showing.
• If no contract is submitted within the first listed month, we re-analyze our future marketing procedures with the seller.

Buyers will be provided with the following services:

• We match buyers to homes. We have an extensive questionnaire for our buyers to list their wants and needs.  We then take this questionnaire and put the supplied information into our Passport program to match buyers to the homes matching their criteria. (Passport is the latest software available to licensed real estate agents and brokers in the state of Texas.)
• We go a step further with our buyers and we go on-site for them.  We visit the homes of their choice and take inside and outside panoramic photos for their viewing. We can email the photos or have a face to face showing with the buyer. The buyer does not have to go on-site unless they choose to. We bring the home to them.
• We present their offers and comply with all negotiating for them.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., will be focusing on supplying homebuyers and homesellers professionalism and expertise in reaching a successful sale and/or purchase in their real estate needs. Our concentration also lies with our in-house agents. We feel by providing our in-house agents the support program they need our productivity should excel at a rapid pace.

Due to the strengthening of the economy in Houston area, more homebuyers today are looking to purchase homes. These changes in attitudes of homebuyers are a tremendous boost to real estate firms.

We are poised to take advantage of these changes, and expect to become a recognized name and profitable entity in the Houston real estate market.  We chose to locate our office in the area of most revenue potential. Our targeted market area, the Champions area, shows stability and growth. We have a beautiful office, centered in the Champions area. This location will enable our sales associates to work in an area that will allow them to make more money in a shorter period of time.

The first quarter home values were up 8.8% from the same period in 2000, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight says. The gain reflects an increase from the previous quarter, when residential real estate values saw year-over-year growth of 8.1%.

As stated in the Objectives section–we outline the profits to be gained with each agent striving for one seller and one buyer each month. We also state the extensive marketing plans, goal setting and training provided by this corporation to assist each agent in reaching this goal.

As the outline following will indicate–our agents will earn top commissions, be supplied with the latest in marketing and advertising assistance, and have on-site broker assistance at all times. This coupled with the teamwork and excellent marketing programs provided, we feel we have a recipe for success.

4.1 Market Segmentation

• Our most important market segment is the homeseller. The seller will be calling upon RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., for our excellent marketing strategies and techniques, and our ability to deliver personal consulting, professionalism and a follow up system.
• As important would be the homebuyer. These buyers will be calling on RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., to “match” their criteria selections.  This corporation will be previewing matching criteria homes for the buyer, thus providing the buyer with on-site viewing capabilities without actually visiting the home site.
• Individuals desiring to lease will also be guided to lease properties of their matching criteria needs.
• When referring a  client outside our expertise range, we would search for a reputable and knowledgeable agent to assist them at their destination. When this corporation is the recipient of a referral–we would match the buyer to homes meeting his/her criteria specifications.
• Last, but not least, would be the corporation in-house agents. We view each one as a customer and are sensitive to their needs. Tools, training, marketing techniques and strategies, and guidance needed is available at all times. Each agent will have the opportunity to be assisted in designing a work schedule that adheres to their work style, hence allowing greater productivity. All agents will receive on-site guidance in all areas needed.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

We cannot survive just waiting for the customer to come to us. Instead, we must get better at focusing on the specific market segments whose needs match our offerings. Focusing on targeted segments is the key to our future.

Therefore, we need to focus our marketing message and our services offered. We need to develop our message, communicate it, and make good on it.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

RJ Wagner & Associates Realty, Inc., will focus on the real estate needs in the Houston and surrounding areas.  Our target customer will be, and our concentration will focus on the representation of, homesellers, homebuyers, relocation clientele. 

To be the success we are striving to become this corporation realizes it must place a tremendous concentration on its in-house licensed agents. The agents with this firm will be supported and assisted to the best of our ability.

5.1 Competitive Edge

The corporate broker of this firm has a published real estate book (Texas Real Estate/The Mobile Mentor). This book  and the accompanying organizational programs, are distributed throughout the state of Texas in real estate book stores and associations. This book was written for the novice agent which will be provided to oncoming agents as a reference tool, therefore, allowing a fast start program. 

This firm allows “Top Commissions” to the agents allowing for more agent advertising and marketing promotions. This firm is highly supportive to the agent it sponsors in the respect of compliance with agent listing tasks. All of which free the agent’s time to do what the agent is trained to do and that is to sell and gain clients.

This firm has a marketing plan in place for agents to utilize.  The company will be assisting all agents in goal setting/planning and in their marketing techniques/strategies. Even though the agents are independent contractors, this firm will run as a team. The open door policy will be in place at all times inviting new ideas and suggestions.

In addition, please reference the Services section for an outline of our services offered to in-house agents, our sellers and our buyers.  All services offered to each provide this corporation with a competitive edge, for we know of no other firm offering the extensive services we provide.

5.2 Sales Strategy

• Sales in our business is gaining property listings and utilizing a marketing plan that works best for the client.
• We locate and match homes to buyers according to the criteria submitted by the buyer.
• We assist in relocating clients to their new destinations and/or assist clients relocating to our area in their home search. We offer an excellent referral service anywhere in the United States.
• We search for lease properties for individuals wishing to lease versus purchasing.
• We allow above-standard commission percentage rates, then provide excellent marketing and advertising programs.
• We provide our selling agents with an excellent support program as well as guidance.

Each potential seller listing or buyer representation we receive should be treated as an individual mission. Each client and client property must be analyzed to ensure our marketing program supplied fits their particular property and promotes it in the best possible way.

5.2.1 Sales Forecast

The following table and chart give a run-down on forecasted sales. We expect sales to be slowest during September through December, building between January through March and the most growth during the months of March through August.

5.3 Milestones

The accompanying table lists important program milestones, with dates and managers in charge, and budgets for each. The milestone schedule indicates our emphasis on planning for implementation.

What the table doesn’t show is the commitment behind it. Our business plan includes complete provisions for plan-vs.-actual analysis, and we will hold monthly follow-up meetings to discuss the variance and course corrections.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

At this time, this broker is an active listing broker.  Recruiting licensed agents is now in process in the Houston and surrounding areas. This firm estimates to add a total of three licensed agents in 2001, with a minimum of 12 agents to be added throughout the year of 2002. (A minimum of one agent per month gain in 2002). This firm strives to obtain a minimum total of 15 licensed real estate agents contracting under this sponsored broker. Agents with this firm have the option to work in-house or out of a home-based office.

In addition to the real estate services provided by this corporation to homesellers and to homebuyers, this firm offers inside/outside photography services in-house as well as to other broker firms. This service is free to in-house agents and a service fee is charged to other broker sites and agents utilizing this service.

As RJ Wagner is a sole proprietorship, the principal’s personal net worth is given below.

6.1 Personnel Plan

This firm will not have employees but rather independent contractors.  Therefore, the firm will not be issuing payroll to employees. Payroll will be issued to the broker of the corporation alone.  All reception/secretarial needs will be complied with by the on-site/on duty agents on any given day.  There will be two licensed agents on duty at all times.

Licensed agents will receive 3% commission on “one” side (seller or buyer side) of the sale spectrum. Of that 3% commission earned, 25% is awarded to the company. If an agent performs the act of the selling agent and also the buyer agent of the same property sale, then this agent would gain the full 6% commission (both sides of the agency), therefore, the corporation would be awarded 25% from each agency side.

We believe this plan is a fair compromise between fairness and expedience, and meets the commitment of our mission statement. The detailed monthly personnel plan for the first year is included in the appendix.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

• We want to finance growth mainly through cash flow. We recognize that this means we will have to grow more slowly than we might like.
• The most important factor for R.J. Wagner & Associates Realty is the closing sales days. These dates will be determined ultimately by the seller and the buyer and a  move out/move in schedule will be complied with. Immediately following the closing sale commission will be disbursed by the title company conducting the closing.

7.1 Important Assumptions

The financial plan depends on important assumptions, most of which are shown in the following table as annual assumptions. The monthly assumptions are included in the appendix. From the beginning, we recognize that collection days are critical, but not a factor we can influence easily. At least we are planning on the problem, and dealing with it. Interest rates, tax rates, and personnel burden are based on conservative assumptions.

Some of the more important underlying assumptions are:

• We assume a strong economy, without major recession.
• We assume that there are no unforeseen changes in the economy that would change our estimations.

7.2 Projected Profit and Loss

Our projected profit and loss is shown in the following table.

As with the break-even, we are projecting very conservatively regarding cost of sales and gross margin.  Initially, we will depend on our associates for most fulfillment, which is why costs should be lower than shown. We prefer to project conservatively so that we make sure we have enough cash.

We are spending less on marketing expenses due to our paid memberships with the associations. This broker has a published real estate book and organizational programs placed in the Houston Association of Realtors and also the Dallas Association of Realtors. The associations advertise these marketing tools free to this broker.

The detailed monthly projections are included in the appendix.

7.3 Break-even Analysis

The following table and chart will summarize our break-even analysis. Most of our cost of fulfillment is actually the sales of the agents as well as the sales of the active broker. We don’t expect to reach break-even until a few months into the business operation.

7.4 Projected Cash Flow

Cash flow projections are critical to our success. The monthly cash flow is shown in the illustration, with one bar representing the cash flow per month, and the other the monthly balance. The annual cash flow figures are included here and the more important detailed monthly numbers are included in the appendix.

7.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The balance sheet in the following table shows managed but sufficient growth of net worth, and a sufficiently healthy financial position. The monthly estimates are included in the appendix.

7.6 Business Ratios

The following table outlines some of the more important ratios from the Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers industry. The final column, Industry Profile, details specific ratios based on the industry as it is classified by the Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code, 6531.

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How to Start a Real Estate Investment Company

11 Min Read

Are you thinking about growing your wealth? Consider the power of real estate! This industry has a strong track record, with an average annual growth of around 5.4% over the last six decades.

With a whopping $5.16 trillion market, the opportunities are huge. But it’s not just about owning buildings—it’s a chance to really make a difference in our communities and shape the way cities evolve.

If you’re ready to learn how to start a real estate investment company , let this guide be your roadmap to success. We’ll cover market trends, smart real estate investing strategies, and everything you need to build your own thriving investment business.

Benefits of Starting a Real Estate Investment Business

It’s not just about watching your property value climb – real estate investment is also about generating steady cash flow from rental income. This kind of reliable stream pays off big time, especially when the rest of the market experiences a downturn.

Another bonus? Real estate adds variety to your portfolio. It often moves independently of stocks and bonds, making it a great way to spread your risk and weather those market storms.

Plus, unlike some real estate investments, real estate has tangible assets. Even if the project doesn’t hit a home run, you still have the land and the building—there are ways to recover a good chunk of your investment.

And that’s just the start! A real estate business also offers a whole range of benefits like:

• Steady income streams
• Potential for properties to increase in value
• Tax benefits
• A way to protect your money against inflation

What You Need to Start a Real Estate Business?

Starting a real estate investment company isn’t about just finding properties! Think of it like building a house – you need a strong foundation first. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A Business Plan: Your business plan is your roadmap. What’s your mission? How much does it cost to launch? How will you track success?
• Investment Strategy & Capitalization: Before chasing deals, know your investment plan. What type of properties? How much cash do you have on hand?
• Operations plan: This is your business blueprint. Decide on a solo or team approach, define your daily tasks, and make sure everything supports your main goals.
• Networking: Build that network! Finding the gems and closing those deals often hinges on solid connections in the real estate market.

Now that you understand the benefits of starting a real estate investment company, let’s explore the steps involved.

• Select a suitable business type
• Write a comprehensive business plan
• Form a legal business entity
• Open business banking accounts
• Figure out business finances
• Obtain required licenses and permits
• Build a professional network
• Develop an investment strategy

1. Select a suitable business type

Choosing the right real estate path is critical to building your dream business. Let’s break down a few popular options:

Residential Rental Company

Become a landlord! This is about finding suitable properties, attracting reliable tenants, and generating steady rental income. If you hold on to the property, it might even gain value over time.

Commercial Real Estate Company

Think outside the (residential) box! Retail spaces, offices, warehouses – this diverse sector offers a unique way to expand your holdings and tap into different market trends.

Wholesaling

Do you have a nose for a good deal? Wholesalers track down discounted properties, secure the rights, and then connect with buyers looking for a bargain. It’s a fast-paced world of deal-making, not long-term ownership.

Real Estate Investment Group (REIGs)

REIGs let you team up with other investors. You can combine your money to take on bigger projects and share the rewards.

Real Estate Development Business

Got an eye for potential? Developers transform land or renovate existing buildings. This includes house flippers and those who build massive new projects – they see opportunity where others see problems.

2. Write a comprehensive business plan

Your real estate business plan is your blueprint for success. It’s where you strategize about your property focus, nail those operational details, and craft a marketing plan that attracts serious investors.

A solid real estate investment business plan should cover:

• Your Focus:  What types of properties will you target? Residential, commercial, or a mix? Will you specialize in a niche, like fixer-uppers or luxury condos?
• Marketing that Matters: How will you reach potential investors and stand out in a crowded market? What channels will you use?
• Know Your Rivals:  Who else is competing for those same deals? How will you differentiate yourself and secure the best properties?
• The Bottom Line: Project your finances realistically. This isn’t just about finding excellent properties; it’s about building a profitable business!

The best part? The planning process forces you to understand your ideal real estate investor. Are you targeting those seeking steady income or high-risk/high-reward players? Knowing your audience puts you in the driver’s seat.

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3. Form a legal business entity

Stepping into business registration is more than a formality; it’s your entry ticket into the business world. This crucial move sets the stage for paying taxes, securing funding, and everything in between.

Plus, the moment your business is registered, it transforms from an idea to reality — it’s official, and it’s yours.

Here’s what you will need to get started:

Location Matters

Your location choice impacts taxes, legal hoops, and potential earnings. While many stick to their home turf, eyeing other states could offer competitive advantages, especially for real estate ventures.

If you’re open to relocating, your business could benefit significantly. And remember, moving your business isn’t as difficult as it sounds.

Choose the right business structure

Choosing your business structure is akin to choosing its foundation. Each option — be it real estate LLC, sole proprietorship, or corporation — comes with its unique impact on taxes, liability, and paperwork.

Tip: For real estate investment, LLCs are often favored for their flexibility and lighter regulatory load.

Lastly, registering for taxes means obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), a straightforward process via the IRS website.

Your EIN is essential for tax purposes, and if you’re a sole proprietor, your social security number can also serve this purpose. Selecting your tax year is crucial, too, as it defines your financial reporting period.

4. Open business banking accounts

Separating your personal and business finances is a smart safeguard, especially when dealing with a real estate holding company.

It helps protect your personal assets from any potential hiccups related to your properties and keeps your financial life organized, especially when tax season rolls around.

The best way to do this? Set up separate bank accounts specifically for your company.

Only use these accounts for your real estate business – rent, maintenance, taxes, the whole nine yards. This creates a clear divide and makes tracking your finances a whole lot easier.

5. Figure out business finances

Jumping into real estate investing means having a good amount of cash ready. Depending on your approach, the upfront investment can range significantly from around $120,300 to $1,090,000 .

To make smart financial moves, it’s essential to understand where that money is going. This includes down payments, closing fees, and maybe even some renovation costs.

A detailed budget plan is essential. It helps you make informed investment decisions and sets you up for a successful, long-term real estate business.

Now, how do you fund these costs? Well, you have a few options:

Your own savings

Using your cash reserves is tempting, but remember, real estate deals have their ups and downs. You don’t want to put all your funds in one property and risk getting stuck if the market shifts.

Borrow from friends or family

While loved ones might be supportive, blending money and relationships can get complex. What happens if a renovation takes longer than expected or your projected returns hit a snag?

Seek external funding

This is where your real estate investments strategy really takes shape! Consider:

6. Obtain required licenses and permits

Starting a real estate investment business means navigating a bit of a permit and license jungle. It depends on where you’re operating, but expect to deal with paperwork at the local, state, and sometimes even federal levels.

Now, the good news: you don’t necessarily need a real estate agent or broker license to be a real estate investor. But here’s the thing – getting that license could save you a serious chunk of change.

Why? Because you can cut out the realtor and their commission fees when buying or selling real estate properties. If you’re planning on doing a lot of transactions, the license might pay for itself.

Of course, each state has its own rules about getting licensed, and so does your research.

Beyond the real estate license, there’s the whole world of business permits. Think DBA (“Doing Business As”), maybe health and safety stuff from OSHA, and protecting trademarks for your excellent company name.

Depending on your specific investment niche, there might be industry-specific licenses to deal with.

Then comes the local stuff: state, county, and city permits can all be involved. The best way to figure this out is to visit the websites of your local governments or, better yet, actually call them.

7. Build a professional network

Building a robust network is the lifeblood of your real estate investing business. The right connections can open doors to incredible deals, fast funding, and serious profits.

It’s your secret weapon, especially when things get unpredictable.

So, let’s dive into the best ways to get out there and make those connections:

Expand Your Territory

Traveling isn’t just about vacation; it’s about expanding your turf. Look up local players in the areas you visit – investors, lenders, you name it. A few coffee meetings could land you a deal that funds your whole trip and maybe even gets you some tax breaks (talk to your accountant!).

Attend Strategic Events

Every town has networking events – happy hours, trade shows, the works. These folks are there to meet people like you! Don’t just show up, do your homework and target the attendees you want to connect with.

Leverage Social Media

Social media is powerful, but don’t just collect followers. Build genuine relationships with potential partners, clients, and those who share your interests. Find relevant groups, offer value, and be genuine.

Share Your Expertise

Once you’ve gained some experience, host your own classes or workshops. Share your expertise on buying, flipping, or whatever you’re good at. This will position you as the go-to expert and attract like-minded folks.

Foster Community Connections

Get involved in local events, charities, or community improvement projects. This builds strong relationships within your area and can organically generate leads, funding sources, and partnerships.

Utilize Your Network

Don’t underestimate the power of your existing contacts. Ask for referrals, introductions, and recommendations to expand your reach exponentially. Be sure to reciprocate by connecting with others within your network.

8. Develop an investment strategy

Building a successful portfolio takes more than just enthusiasm. A well-defined strategy aligned with the market is your roadmap to success. Let’s break down the essential steps:

Define Your Goals & Risk Profile

Before buying even a single brick, ask yourself: Are you in it for the long haul, aiming for slow and steady growth? Or is fast cash flow your top priority?

Understanding your goals shapes every decision that follows. Also, be honest about your risk tolerance. Some investors love a high-stakes gamble; others need the security of a slow-and-steady approach.

Conduct Thorough Market Research

Winning at real estate means knowing the playing field. Dig into market trends – not just your neighborhood, but the bigger economic picture.

Study rental demand, job growth, and all those factors that drive the value up (or down!). Informed investors spot opportunities others miss and dodge potential pitfalls.

Embrace Diversification

Diversification is your best friend. Sure, spread it across different locations, but think bigger—residential vs. commercial, traditional rentals vs. real estate investment trusts (REITs), or crowdfunding. An intelligent mix protects you if one market segment takes a temporary dip.

Prioritize Financial Planning & Risk Management

Real estate is a business, not just a romantic dream about fancy houses. Have a rock-solid budget, know your cash flow needs, and leave room for those “oops” moments – vacancies, repairs, etc.

Build in safety nets like insurance and get savvy about legal structures to protect your personal assets.

Real estate can build serious wealth, give you options with your money, and even offer some tax advantages. But it’s also a serious commitment – there’s money on the line, risks to manage, and you need a good dose of patience.

The key to making it work? A rock-solid business plan. Think of it as your roadmap – it gets your goals clear, helps you understand the market, and keeps you focused on building a sustainable real estate investment business.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks, AI-assistance, and automatic financials make it easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a degree to start a real estate investing company.

Nope!  While a business or finance degree can be useful, it’s not mandatory. Success depends more on real-world knowledge – understanding the market, smart financial strategies, and the legal side of things.

Is starting a real estate investment company profitable?

It absolutely can be! But think of it as a long game, not a get-rich-quick scheme. There are different ways to profit: steady rental income, riskier fix-and-flips, even large-scale development projects. The key is finding the strategy that fits.

Should I hire an investment property manager for my real estate investing business?

That depends!  Do you have the time and energy to handle tenant issues, repairs, and the day-to-day grind? Investment  Property managers take that burden off your plate, freeing you up to focus on growth, but it’s an added expense.

Is there a "most profitable" type of real estate investing?

No single magic bullet here. Different real estate investing strategies come with their own risk-reward balance. Want steady, predictable income? Think established rentals. Up for some risk in exchange for potentially huge profits? Flipping or development might be your thing.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Commercial vs Residential Real Estate: Which is Better?

Category: Learn

Mar 28, 2024

Every real estate investor faces a choice at one point or another in their career: dive into the commercial sector with its promise of significant returns or stick to the familiarity of residential properties.

Commercial real estate beckons with the allure of significant income and long-term leases but brings along a complexity that can be overwhelming. On the other side, residential real estate offers a path with steady demand but comes with its own set of challenges, such as frequent tenant turnovers.

This decision isn't just about choosing a property type - it's about shaping your investment future. Whether you're a residential investor curious about the commercial asset class or a commercial investor reassessing your choices, this blog post aims to shed light on the pros and cons of each, helping you make an informed decision tailored to your investment goals.

What is Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate (CRE) encompasses properties designed for business activities, ranging from skyscrapers in bustling city centers to retail spaces rented to small businesses in local communities. It's an investment characterized by properties that serve as workplaces, retail outlets, and service providers, offering investors a route to potentially higher income through business leases.

Different types of commercial property

• Office Properties : These are spaces used for business operations, from small offices to towering skyscrapers, often leased by companies as headquarters or branch locations.
• Retail Spaces : This category includes locations where goods or services are sold, from shopping malls and strip centers to standalone stores.
• Multifamily Buildings : Large apartment complexes that offer residential units for rent, providing investors with a steady income stream from multiple tenants.
• Industrial Facilities : This commercial property type is designed for manufacturing, distribution, storage, or research and development activities, characterized by their location outside of main urban areas.
• Mixed-Use Developments : Combining two or more uses within a single building or development, such as retail shops on the ground floor with apartments above.
• Land : Vacant land intended for commercial development, offering a blank canvas for investors looking to build or hold for future appreciation.

Commercial real estate benefits

The estimated value of commercial real estate in the U.S. is $20.7 trillion , including large apartment buildings and special-use properties like hospitality and self-storage. When it comes to real estate investment, commercial properties offer a range of advantages over their residential counterparts:

One key advantage of commercial property is the tendency for tenants to sign longer leases, which translates into more consistent revenue. In addition, the rent charged on commercial properties is typically higher than that charged on residential units, opening the door to potentially higher profits.

Furthermore, it's common for commercial leases to incorporate net terms that pass on certain costs to the tenant, such as property taxes, enhancements to the premises, and upkeep of the building, thereby lightening the financial load on the property owner.

Commercial real estate costs

Commercial real estate investing has its own set of challenges that differ from the residential market. A significant hurdle is the extended duration it often takes to secure tenants or clients, coupled with lengthy negotiations, which can lead to prolonged vacancies and periods without income.

Moreover, the upkeep associated with commercial properties can be considerably more demanding, encompassing substantial repairs such as replacing roofing systems or HVAC units. Financing in commercial real estate investing presents another obstacle, as commercial real estate loans typically come with more stringent eligibility criteria and shorter amortization periods.

Therefore, investors must conduct thorough research and analysis to carefully balance the potential risks against the anticipated rewards before making a commitment.

What is Residential Real Estate

Residential real estate encompasses properties designed primarily for living purposes, serving as a cornerstone for personal investment and housing needs alike. It stands out for its critical role in wealth building through home equity growth and rental income opportunities. Given its fundamental nature in providing shelter, this asset class maintains a consistent demand, making it a staple in the portfolios of both novice and seasoned investors.

Different types of residential property

• Single Family Homes: Standalone structures offering privacy and ownership of both the house and the land it sits on, appealing to those seeking a traditional living space.
• Townhouses: Characterized by multiple floors and shared walls with neighboring units, townhouses blend the individual ownership of single-family homes with some benefits of communal living.
• Condominiums: Units within larger buildings or complexes, where individuals own their specific unit but share common areas and amenities, managed by a homeowners' association.
• Cooperative Apartments (Co-ops): Unique in that residents purchase shares in a corporation that owns the property, granting them the right to occupy a unit while sharing responsibility for common areas.
• Small Multifamily (4 Units or Less): Properties that contain two to four individual living spaces, offering an owner the opportunity to reside in one unit while renting out the others.
• Mobile Homes: Prebuilt homes that are transportable, offering affordability and flexibility, typically located within mobile home parks.
• Manufactured Homes: Similar to mobile homes but often placed on a permanent foundation, these homes are built to federal standards for design, construction, and safety.
• Short-term and Vacation Rentals: Properties rented out on a short-term basis to travelers, providing an income source for owners and a home-away-from-home experience for guests.

Residential real estate benefits

While some investors might be attracted to commercial real estate due to its larger gross rental income, residential real estate holds distinct advantages that should not be overlooked.

One key benefit is a consistent demand for housing. Unlike commercial spaces, which may see rental income waver with economic and industry shifts, the need for residential property remains constant. This stability can lead to a reliable source of income for investors.

The potential for rental rate increases in the residential sector offers an opportunity for sustained revenue and capital appreciation should investors decide to sell. It's also worth noting that residential leasing agreements are more flexible than their commercial counterparts. Typically shorter in duration and with fewer obligations on the landlord, residential leases allow for easier property management and adaptability to market changes.

Commercial vs Residential Real Estate Investment

Understanding how commercial vs residential property differs is crucial for making informed decisions. Let's discuss the key differences that set these two asset classes apart, providing insights essential for any investor.

Commercial Real Estate: The value and viability of commercial properties are heavily influenced by their location, with a premium on accessibility, visibility, and proximity to business districts or consumer traffic. Ideal locations can significantly impact profitability through higher foot traffic for retail spaces or accessibility for office buildings.

Residential Real Estate: While location remains important in residential real estate, the focus shifts towards neighborhood safety, quality of local schools, and community amenities. Residential properties thrive in areas that offer a comfortable living environment, potentially away from the hustle of commercial zones.

Renters/Tenants

Commercial Real Estate: Tenants in commercial properties are businesses ranging from small startups to large corporations. Leases are typically longer, often spanning several years, which can provide a stable income but may require more extensive negotiations and fit-out periods before occupancy.

Residential Real Estate: A residential property caters to individuals or families looking for a place to live. These leases are shorter, often lasting about a year, offering more flexibility but potentially leading to higher turnover rates and more frequent tenant search processes.

Commercial Real Estate: Commercial properties can vary widely in size, from small retail spaces to large office towers or industrial complexes. The scale of these investments often means larger initial capital outlays and operational costs but can lead to substantial returns.

Residential Real Estate: Residential properties typically involve smaller-scale investments, from single-family homes to small multifamily buildings. This can make residential real estate more accessible to individual investors, though the returns might be smaller than large commercial ventures.

Financing Options

Commercial Real Estate: Financing for commercial properties can be more complex and challenging to secure, with lenders requiring detailed business plans and projections. Interest rates may be higher, and loan terms can be less favorable than residential financing.

Residential Real Estate: Residential investors often have access to a broader range of financing options, including conventional mortgages, FHA loans, and other programs designed to encourage homeownership. These loans typically come with more favorable terms and lower interest rates than commercial loans.

The Choice Between Commercial Real Estate and Residential Real Estate

Determining whether commercial or residential real estate makes more sense for you hinges on your objectives. If a steady, reliable income stream and moderate gains are what you seek, then venturing into residential real estate might be your optimal path.

On the other hand, commercial real estate may present a more attractive opportunity for those who are prepared to navigate higher risks in exchange for the chance of securing more substantial rewards. Regardless of your approach, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and understand the risks and potential rewards of your chosen investment type before making a decision.

Deciding between a commercial and residential real estate investment is a significant step that demands careful thought and consideration. Numerous aspects, including location preferences, tenant demographics, property size, and available financing methods, play pivotal roles in this decision-making process.

In addition, your investment objectives, financial capacity, and expertise in the real estate sector will influence your choice of investment. By understanding the key differences between the two, you'll be better positioned to make the right decision for you.

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Developers plan 256-unit apartment complex on motor row.

Rachel Herzog is a commercial real estate reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business. She joined Crain’s in 2023 from The Real Deal, where she had covered commercial real estate in Chicago. Before that, Herzog wrote for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. She is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, receiving a bachelor’s degree in media and journalism, as well as a separate degree in Hispanic literature and culture.

A Chicago development team that planned to build a boutique hotel in the historic Motor Row corridor near McCormick Place is pivoting to apartments.

Fern Hill and joint venture partners Decennial Group and Rebel Hospitality have proposed a two-building, 256-unit apartment development at 2328 S. Michigan Ave., according to a zoning application filed with the city.

A venture led by Fern Hill founder and President Nick Anderson paid nearly $6.3 million for the property in January 2020, according to Cook County property records, and planned a “ Motor Row Hotel ” on the site that would encourage visitors to visit local businesses and entertainment venues around the former auto showroom strip on the Near South Side.

But that was months before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the hospitality industry to a standstill and before interest rates rose to 20-year highs in 2023. In a tight market for commercial lending, and with strong rental demand downtown , the development team is betting that a residential project will be more economically feasible than a new-construction hotel. The property holds a shuttered Burger King franchise that closed after its lease expired in 2021.

The new plans make use of Chicago’s Connected Communities Ordinance, a measure the City Council adopted in 2022 that allows developers to construct denser buildings near public transit stations. The ordinance also has a “parking swap” provision that allows developers to trade square footage that would have been used for parking to build more residential units, provided that those units are marketed as affordable housing.

The planned project, which requires City Council approval, would consist of a seven-story building facing South Michigan Avenue that would hold 98 apartments and an 18-story, 158-unit building behind it, according to the plans. In total, 64 units, or 25% of the development, will be affordable housing, which includes 20% of the 240 units the project would have included without the parking bonus and 16 additional ones.

“Our partnership is proud to be the first project proposed specifically to meet the Connected Communities Ordinance, which encourages more homes and business near transit by expanding existing (transit-oriented development) incentives more equitably across the city. We look forward to continuing to work with city leadership and community stakeholders to strengthen the local economy, improve inclusive housing opportunities, and make Chicago’s streets and sidewalks safe,” Anderson said in a statement on behalf of the development partnership.

The property is also eligible for the federal opportunity zone program, which allows investors to defer or avoid paying capital gains taxes if they redirect those profits into designated low-income neighborhoods. The area west of McCormick Place was designated as an opportunity zone in 2017.

The historic Motor Row area in recent years has drawn interest from real estate investors who hope to revitalize the blighted corridor, including two former Chicago Bears players .

While the 18-story portion of the development will be taller than the mid-rise residential and mixed-use buildings that immediately surround the site, the area does have a 22-story tri-brand Hilton hotel and the 24-story Aspire Residences apartment tower.

The development’s estimated costs total about $100 million, according to sources familiar with the project. A timeline for construction wasn’t available.

More in Commercial Real Estate

Mall titans team up to revive a bankrupt retail tenant — again

Express joins a newfound tradition of shopping-center staples being bailed out by those with one of the biggest stakes in their success.

Skokie office complex sold to developers at a staggering discount

The deal is a step toward a big office-to-residential conversion near Old Orchard mall.

Lincoln Park retail center, former home to Tower Records, sold at 37% discount

While the buyer is making a bet on strong demand for retail space in the affluent North Side neighborhood, the deal is another data point for how far commercial property values have fallen.

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