February 4, 2010

Optimizing and Globalizing Commercial Real Estate

Lucernex expert and EVP Ken Brown’s (see Ken’s management summary here) article written for IWMSNews: See the article here

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While no one can say for sure, it appears based on the recent positive GDP announcement, that the U.S. economy has bottomed out and we are now in the midst of what may be a longer and slower recovery when compared to past economic recessions. The events of the past 24 months have forced growth-minded real estate companies to re-examine or retool their business models to optimize efficiencies and harness opportunities. Economists believe future growth is expected to come from overseas markets, especially Asia and the “BRIC” nations (Brazil, Russia, India, and China).
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January 31, 2010

What is GAAP rent and how does it impact SOX ?

Lucernex expert Jim Duport provides this response:

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In essence, GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principals) rent is an averaging of the rent over the term taking into account rent abatement and fixed/known rent increases. The rent cost calculated based on GAAP is then charged/booked to the Income Statement / Profit & Loss (P&L) statement. The P&L statement is what is reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is used for tax purposes. In many corporations, the GAAP rent is also the cost that is charged to the real estate department’s or end-user’s budget.

CPI & GAAP — a CPI GAAP analysis

What happens if there is free rent and rent increases are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a “CPI GAAP analysis”? Since increases are not a “known” value, it is difficult to apply GAAP to a lease with CPI increases.

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January 15, 2010

Winning more commercial real estate deals in tough times

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So many brokers are competing for deals with the same companies every day. I can bet that each company with a lease renewal or relocation on the horizon is about to get 20 calls a week from an almost begging the agent to get an appointment.  With an already skeleton crew or perhaps nearly busting at the seams these companies are looking for the best guy or gal to get the job done quickly, efficiently and thoroughly for them.  There is no time to be reviewing broker’s resumes or interviewing 5 top agent commercial houses.  These CEO’s and CFO’s want to find someone who can solve their problems overnight. It’s the receptionists that file those stacks of resumes and business cards, but there is always one that catches the eye……………..

New agents today are nearing starvation to land a deal, while the “Old Dogs” still keep slamming deals out of the park.  Makes you wonder how they do that……..repeat business is key of course but reinventing yourself in today’s competitive market is critical to be in front of the pack. Don’t be fooled those “Old Dogs” are learning new tricks too. (more…)

April 10, 2009

7 reasons why you should not customize your IWMS

Originally published in IWMS News, Posted on 10 April 2009

In most IWMS software selection procedures I’ve come across customers think they represent an unique business case. However, I’ve been involved in selection procedures for more than two decades now and I have come to conclusion that within the IWMS arena most business cases are for about 80% the same. Organizations that want to buy an IWMS could benefit enormously from off the shelf products based on best practices with predefined work flows, procedures and standardized configurations, potentially saving substantial resources both in time and money.

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