Real Estate

You've seen the paint peeling. Here's what you should know. Have you ever noticed some portions of your house have damp patches creeping up the walls, and peeling the paint? Have you observed that it gives your room this damp and musty smell? The culprit? 📌Rising damp. It is a silent troublemaker in many buildings. Rising damp occurs when ground water is sucked up into walls through capillary action (remember this from science class?) Well think of it like a sponge soaking up water, but this time, it's your building. This water also contains salts that travel up through the wall. 📍Other signs •> Visible stains up to the height the water has reached •> A white fluffy deposit left on the wall surface •> Flaky plasterwork •> Actually wet blockwork 📍What causes it? •> Absence or damage to a damp-proof course (DPC) (more about this in another post). •> Poor drainage around the building. •> High water tables in the soil. 📍Why should you care? •> It weakens your walls. •> It encourages mold growth, which is not good for your health. •> It reduces the property's value. 📍How can you prevent it? For those still building: •> Ensure your building has a proper damp proof course. •> Opt for materials that resist water penetration during construction.These days there are chemicals that are added to make them more water resistant. For those living in the house already: •> Fix drainage issues around your property. Remember maintenance is key. If you suspect rising damp, get a professional to properly diagnose it so that the treatment can be effective. Protect your building and your investment! ➡️Have you encountered rising damp before? Share your thoughts/experiences in the comments. Learned something? Hit ♻️ Repost so others can learn too. #architect #projectmanager #delthecurious #archfocus #architecture

As damp surveyors, our sole job is accurately identifying building moisture issues. It's what we're paid for, and it's what we love doing! However, one of the most common challenges is dealing with false positive readings from damp meters, which can lead to incorrect conclusions. The problem with damp meters is that they measure electrical resistance in materials. While they’re great for detecting the presence of moisture, they are far from foolproof. A reading might indicate high moisture levels when, in fact, other factors are at play. Salts in the Walls: Buildings with a history of rising damp often have salts (hygroscopic materials) that attract moisture from the air, giving false high readings. Surface Condensation: Surface dampness from humidity may show up as a positive reading but doesn't always indicate a deeper problem. And obviously, electrical conductivity of materials: Some building materials can show high conductivity, even when dry, like the photo I took earlier today following a long conversation with my client. We all know this metal pipe isn't saturated even though the meter says differently. As surveyors, we all share one common tool, and out of all the fancy gadgets we have in our bags, these are the most important: our eyes!! Relying solely on a damp meter can lead to misdiagnosis, and, let's be honest, often does. This could result in unnecessary and costly remedial work, wasted resources, unhappy clients and, as I've seen lately, house sales falling through. More importantly, the root cause of the moisture problem may remain unsolved as the real issue is overlooked. A comprehensive damp survey requires more than just meter readings. Visual Inspections are priceless to look for telltale signs like discolouration, flaking paint, or mould growth. We must consider using other tools, such as thermal imaging or salt analysis kits and hygrometers, and looking beneath floors for a more accurate assessment. We also need to understand the environment. When interpreting readings, consider factors like the age of the building, ventilation, and local weather patterns. While damp meters are useful tools, they should be part of a broader diagnostic approach. Only through thorough investigation can you ensure that you are providing your clients with the most accurate and actionable advice. www.neil-marsden.co.uk #DampSurveying #BuildingMaintenance #Surveyors #MoistureControl #PropertyInspection #FalsePositives #BuildingSurveying

Just returned from Botswana with my mind still processing what I witnessed... 👉 Sometimes you meet a leader who completely changes your perspective on what's possible. President Duma Boko didn't just attend a project inauguration - he spent two full days there. Why? Because when you're serious about transforming your country into an investment destination, you don't just show up for photo ops. You engage. You listen. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐝-𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧: → Digital transformation → Energy infrastructure → Sustainable foreign investment 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭: He's asking the questions that matter: "How do we digitize the economy responsibly? How do we attract capital that genuinely serves communities?" Petra Schorr and Rainer Schorr have built something extraordinary - Botswana's first five-star hotel on a 15,000-hectare reserve. Watching this inauguration revealed what happens when private vision aligns with public purpose. 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 1. Look for quality leadership Political stability and forward-thinking leaders create the best investment conditions. 2. Solve real problems first Sustainable returns follow when you understand local needs. 3. Think ecosystem, not assets Infrastructure + hospitality + education = multiplier effects. After 30+ years in this industry, I've learned that success comes from focusing on real needs and letting experience guide strategic timing. Through Standard Land S.A., we're just getting started in markets like this. 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲: What markets are you watching?

For whoever needs to hear this: It will never get easy. There’s no circumstance that aligns perfectly with an easy path to succeeding in commercial real estate. Let’s say the market is HOT 🔥 - Finding space for tenants isn’t easy due to lack of supply - Finding value add deals for buyers is tough with top tier pricing - Competing for listings with brokers is tough because there are more competitors in total and some of those are “buying” listings The market gets COLD 🥶 - Tenants aren’t expanding, thus putting resistance on brokers and owners - Pricing may be there, but lending markets dry up for investors - If no one is transacting, it doesn’t bode well for sales brokers For those who make it past 5 years and/or a true cycle, and have true longevity, aka a career in this business, it takes 3 key ingredients: 1. Mindset 2. Skillset 3. Endurance Blame the market all you want. But if and when you quit, just know that it wasn’t ever going to be your friend. It was going to shift and make you adapt and that’s the only constant we can bank on in our space. You can either embrace the punches the market throws at you because you have the MINDSET to do so and the ENDURANCE to do so… or, you quit. BUT, if you stick it out with the right mindset & endurance- here’s the beauty of it: Your SKILLSET will develop. It’s almost like Darwinism and you’ll come out of that punch (market correction in either direction) with less competitors, a stronger ability to overcome objections, challenges & times. That’s why you see people who are 10, 15, or even 25+ years in with sick cars, houses, watches and doing so with money that is passive or “no big deal” for them to use. I’m not talking about the people who are faking it for persona or investing in a nice suit as a bet for credibility while first getting going/ramping up (different rant for a different day). I’m talking about the ones with the yachts, the jets or most impressively, the ones who choose to work, not have to. The more successful they are, the sharper their mindsets, skill sets and endurances are. The cool shit they own and freedom of time is simply a reflection of those 3 things. So if you’re thinking about quitting, I’d understand. It’s not for everyone. For those who plan to stay, I want to get better with you. If you could, answer this: What do you think helps the ultra successful get through the inevitable difficulties of the market?

Being blessed to have worked with so many talented real estate professionals and dealmakers at RIPCO, I have often asked myself: What are the qualities that make a broker successful? After all, I’ve seen individuals with big personalities and others who are more reserved both thrive. I’ve seen brokers with master’s degrees and others without a high school education find success. So, what are the key ingredients? There are many. But here are three that consistently stand out: Having a MASTERY of your market at a granular level is crucial. In retail, why does one space command higher rent than another just across the street? Why is one apartment building a smarter long-term investment than the one next door? The proper answers come from deep local knowledge and the self-confidence to turn that insight into sound recommendations. Success hinges on more than just what you know – it’s how you COMMUNICATE that knowledge. A great broker can clearly and passionately explain why a space is a great fit for a tenant or why a landlord should bet on a particular concept. If you communicate facts with heart, clients feel it. They trust it. And that trust is everything. Deals aren’t always smooth. In fact, they rarely are. But great brokers push through – they are TENACIOUS. Always thinking of the next step, finding solutions, and never giving up. It’s an unshakable belief that a deal is right for all parties and that it’s your job to make it happen. Some call it grit. Others call it relentless determination. I call it essential. That’s why every year when I watch the French Open, and the woman’s and men’s finals are this weekend, this picture shows a quote that sits inside of the Roland Garros Stadium and always hits home to me: “Victory belongs to the most tenacious.” And in brokerage, that couldn’t be more true.  

Risk less..Win Big That’s my negotiation strategy… Strategies to Minimize Risk in Business & Real Estate Deals Due Diligence: Performing exhaustive due diligence is non-negotiable. For real estate, this means inspecting the property’s condition, reviewing zoning laws, and examining title history. For business acquisitions, you’ll want to dig deep into financial records, liabilities, contracts, and client retention rates. The more you know, the less you risk. Contingency Clauses: In both business and real estate transactions, including contingency clauses tallow you to back out of the deal if certain conditions aren’t met—like undisclosed liabilities, financing issues, or failing inspection. It’s your safety net. Escrow Accounts: In business or real estate deals, using escrow accounts can ensure that funds are only released once all contractual conditions are satisfied. This keeps both parties accountable and reduces financial risk. Leverage Negotiation: Negotiate favorable terms, such as asking for seller financing or favorable lease terms in real estate. With businesses, you may want to negotiate for an earn-out clause, which ties the purchase price to the future performance of the business. Insurance and Warranties: In both fields, securing insurance policies or warranties can provide protection against unexpected damages or business losses that may arise post-purchase. For real estate, title insurance; for businesses, consider warranties regarding existing liabilities. Legal Protections: Ensure strong legal protections are in place. For real estate, this includes ensuring proper zoning and environmental assessments. For businesses, consider non-compete clauses and intellectual property protection to minimize the risk of losing clients or valuable assets post-purchase. These strategies not only help minimize risks but also strengthen your position in the negotiation. I am a NY attorney,strategist, broker who has been negotiating real estate and business deals for over 25 years. Sharing my insights.

In India, buying agricultural land can seem like a lucrative investment but one WRONG move could land you in legal trouble. From disputed titles to government notifications, the risks are real. Here are 5 Tips to Avoid Legal Issues When Buying Agricultural Land in India: — 1️⃣ Verify Ownership Documents 👉🏻 Ensure the seller has a clear and marketable title to the land. 👉🏻 In local revenue office: Check the past 30 years of ownership records to confirm no disputes or encumbrances exist. Pro tip: Insist on original documents and cross-check with legal experts. 2️⃣ Check Land Use Restrictions 👉🏻 Agricultural land often has restrictions on use. 👉🏻 Confirm that the land is classified for agricultural purposes and whether you, as a buyer, meet the eligibility criteria. Each state in India has its own rules—know them! 3️⃣ Review Past Transactions 👉🏻 Scrutinize the sale deeds of previous owners. 👉🏻 This ensures no hidden legal claims, mortgages, or loans are attached to the land. 🚩 Red flag: Multiple ownership changes in a short period may indicate potential issues. 4️⃣ Ensure Land is Not Government-Notified 👉🏻 Many agricultural lands are notified by the government for future projects or are under protected zones. 👉🏻 Always get a legal expert to conduct a search report to confirm there’s no government claim. 5️⃣ Register the Sale Deed Properly 👉🏻 Once all checks are complete, ensure the sale deed is registered at the local sub-registrar’s office. 👉🏻 Registration makes the purchase legally binding and protects you from future disputes. That's all! — Save this post to refer back when you’re ready to buy land!

Commercial real estate brokerage has made me millions. Here’s exactly what I’d do if I had to start again from scratch: 1. Pick a very specific niche. I’d choose a focused geography and product type. For me, that’s Long Island commercial real estate. I’d stay in the $1M–$25M range, to avoid competing with real estate investment trusts and publicly traded brokerage firms. 2. Build a database of 1,000 owners. Your not building a database of 10,000, not everyone needs to be on the list. Just the people I want to build long-term relationships with. I’d aim to become the only broker they think of when they think commercial real estate. 3. Prospect with purpose. Prospecting has been the key to my success, but most brokers just to ignore it. I spend every morning on the phone, taking meetings, building relationships. I then add it all to my CRM and follow-up after a certain period of time. 4. Post. Network. Repeat. I’d show up on social media and in person. To be seen, to stay relevant, and to help others win. The more conversations you’re in, the more opportunities come your way. It’s all about staying front of mind, not hiding in the shadows and hoping. 5. Tell the property’s story. When I get the listing, I don’t just share numbers. I highlight the upside, solve problems, and connect the right buyer. Because after years of experience i know what the buyer is truly interested in and that’s how deals get done. My final piece of advice? Stay disciplined. Stay consistent. Show up again and again and build trust one conversation at a time. That’s how you become the broker everyone calls.

🔍 Discover the Science Behind Damp Diagnosis!🔎 In this insightful video, our seasoned Building Surveyor with over 20 years of experience , takes you through the meticulous process of moisture profiling by conducting skirting board readings to diagnose damp issues in domestic dwellings. Moisture Profiling is an extremely useful method of aiding diagnosis of where damp is coming from and why. Each damp manifestation leaves evidence, which we can bring together to ascertain, source and direction of moisture travel. In this Video, by taking readings at the top of the skirting board and at bottom and comparing the results we can narrow causes down. For example, in this instance, moisture levels were higher at the top lip of the skirting board, which drops at the lower face level. This tells us that water is likley running down the wall and gathering on the top of the timber, which tends to occur with condensation related issues when water condensates on the wall and runs down. 🏠 About RBBA Ltd: With a focus on professionalism and scientific accuracy, RBBA Ltd has been the trusted choice for damp surveys for over a decade. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart in the industry. 📈 Join Us on Our Journey: Follow along as we share valuable insights and practical tips on managing damp conditions in your property. Don't forget to like, comment, and share this video with anyone who might benefit from our expertise! #DampDiagnosis #BuildingSurveyor #RBBA #NorthernIreland #MoistureReadings #HomeSafety #PropertyCare #ThermalImaging #DampSurvey

Brookfield’s $16B Distressed Real Estate Fund: What It Signals for the Rest of Us Brookfield is wrapping up its largest real estate fund ever—$16B raised, focused squarely on distressed commercial real estate. That’s no small feat in today’s challenging capital-raising environment. What does this tell us? ✔️ Major institutional players are positioning for value by acquiring assets at steep discounts—often 20–40% below peak pricing. These values can be found in secondary and tertiary markets, too. ✔️ Distress is reality. CRE loan delinquencies have reached a 10-year high at 1.57%, according to FRED. Sounds ominous, but let's not freak out; comparatively, in 2010 during the Great Recession, delinquencies peaked at 10.2%. The sky is NOT falling. ✔️ Many distressed deals aren’t broadly marketed—most happen privately through lender relationships and behind-the-scenes negotiations. We need to know who's holding these distressed loans and how they want to move them off their books. While most individual and middle-market investors don’t have access to Brookfield-scale funds, the underlying strategy is still relevant: ☑️ Pay attention to distress indicators (lender behavior, loan sales, CMBS delinquencies). Ask your banker, broker, or advisor for activity in your preferred region or asset type. ☑️ Be patient and selective—some of the best opportunities arise when others are forced to sell. Have dry powder available to take action if a compelling opportunity presents itself. REMEMBER: DISTRESSED REAL ESTATE TYPICALLY HAS MAJOR PROBLEMS THAT NEED TO BE SOLVED TO INCREASE VALUE. THERE'S A GOOD REASON THEY ARE DISTRESSED. DISTRESSED REAL ESTATE INVESTING IS A SPECIALTY IN ITSELF. ☑️ Align with advisors, investment managers or operators who specialize in navigating special situations. For most of us, investing through a major fund like Brookfield makes sense. For some of us, we prefer to be sharpshooters and invest directly with local real estate firms. This phase of the cycle may play out over several years. I’ll continue sharing insights on how investors outside the mega-fund world can still participate in this theme—intelligently and selectively. Do you think distressed loan volume will increase or decrease by YE '25? I welcome your perspective and questions.