Commercial real estate (CRE) refers to properties used primarily for business purposes rather than residential living. It encompasses a variety of property types including office buildings, retail spaces, industrial facilities, warehouses, and multifamily apartment buildings (although multifamily properties can also fall under residential real estate).

Here's some basic information about commercial real estate:

1. Property Types:

   • Office Buildings: Spaces for businesses to operate and conduct their activities.

   • Retail Spaces: Properties used for selling goods and services to consumers.

   • Industrial Facilities: Properties used for manufacturing, distribution, or storage purposes.

   • Warehouses: Facilities primarily used for storing goods, often part of the logistics and supply chain industry.

   • Multifamily Apartment Buildings: Residential properties with multiple housing units, often categorized separately from commercial real estate but can be included in some definitions.

2. Investment and Income Potential:

   • Commercial real estate offers potential for income generation through rent payments from tenants.

   • Properties are often valued based on their income-producing potential, with factors such as location, lease terms, and tenant quality impacting their value.

3. Leasing Structures:

   • Commercial leases are typically longer and more complex than residential leases.

   • Common lease types include triple net leases, gross leases, and modified gross leases, each with different responsibilities for the landlord and tenant regarding expenses like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

4. Market Dynamics:

   • Commercial real estate markets can be influenced by economic factors such as employment rates, consumer spending, and interest rates.

   • Local market conditions, including supply and demand dynamics, also play a significant role in determining property values and rental rates.

5. Risk and Returns:

   • Investing in commercial real estate carries risks such as vacancy, economic downturns, and changes in local market conditions.

   • However, commercial real estate can offer potentially higher returns compared to residential real estate due to higher rental income and appreciation potential.

6. Financing:

   • Financing options for commercial real estate include traditional mortgages, commercial loans, and partnerships.

   • Lenders typically assess the property's income potential, the borrower's creditworthiness, and the overall market conditions when determining loan terms.

7. Regulations:

   • Commercial real estate is subject to various regulations at the federal, state, and local levels, including zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations.

8. Investment Strategies:

   • Investors in commercial real estate may focus on different strategies such as value-add properties, income-producing assets, development projects, or real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Understanding these basics is essential for individuals or entities looking to invest, lease, or otherwise engage with commercial real estate properties.