In commercial real estate, APOD stands for Annual Property Operating Data. It is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of a property’s income and expenses over the course of a year. An APOD is an handy tool for quickly getting up to speed on a new property. By providing a clear and concise overview of a property’s financial performance, an APOD can help investors and real estate professionals quickly assess the potential profitability of a property and make informed decisions about their investment strategy.

The primary purpose of an APOD is to provide an objective analysis of a property’s financial performance, which is essential when making informed decisions about potential investments or financing options. An APOD typically includes a breakdown of a property’s income sources, such as rent and other revenues, as well as a detailed analysis of its expenses, such as property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance costs.

One of the key benefits of an APOD is that it provides investors and real estate professionals with a comprehensive view of a property’s financial health. For example, an APOD can help identify potential areas of risk, such as high expenses or low occupancy rates, which could impact the profitability of a property. Similarly, an APOD can highlight areas of strength, such as high rental income or low expenses, which can increase the potential for positive cash flow and a strong return on investment.

Another important benefit of an APOD is that it can be used to compare the performance of different properties. By providing a standardized format for analyzing financial data, an APOD makes it easy to compare properties across different markets, asset classes, and investment strategies. This can be particularly useful when evaluating potential investments or when developing a broader investment strategy.

To create an APOD, a commercial real estate professional typically gathers financial data for a property over the course of a year. This data is then analyzed and organized into a standardized format that includes a breakdown of income and expenses, key financial metrics, and other relevant information. The final APOD is then used as a tool for evaluating the property’s financial performance and for making informed investment decisions.

When analyzing an APOD, there are several key financial metrics that investors and real estate professionals typically focus on. One of the most important of these is net operating income (NOI), which is calculated by subtracting a property’s operating expenses from its gross operating income. NOI is a key indicator of a property’s profitability and can be used to estimate its potential return on investment.

Another important financial metric that is typically included in an APOD is cash flow. Cash flow refers to the amount of money that is generated by a property after all operating expenses and debt service have been paid. Positive cash flow is generally considered to be a key indicator of a property’s financial health, as it can be used to cover operating expenses, pay down debt, and provide a return on investment to the property’s owners.

Return on investment (ROI) is another important financial metric that is typically included in an APOD. ROI refers to the amount of money that an investor can expect to earn on their investment in a property over a given period of time. This metric takes into account both the property’s net operating income and any additional costs or expenses associated with owning and managing the property.

In addition to these key financial metrics, an APOD may also include information about a property’s occupancy rates, rental rates, lease expirations, and other relevant data points. This information can be used to identify potential areas of risk or opportunity and to develop a broader investment strategy that takes into account the unique characteristics of a particular property or market.

It is worth noting that there are some limitations to the use of an APOD when evaluating potential investments. For example, an APOD is only as accurate as the financial data that is provided, and there are a number of factors that can impact a property’s financial performance that may not be captured in the APOD. Similarly, the APOD does not take into account broader market conditions, regulatory factors, or other external variables that may impact a property’s value or performance.

Despite these limitations, an APOD remains a useful tool for analyzing the financial performance of a commercial property. By providing a clear and concise overview of a property’s income and expenses over the course of a year, an APOD can help investors, owners, managers, and real estate professionals make informed decisions about potential investments, develop broader investment strategies, and manage their portfolios more effectively.

If you’d like some sample spreadsheets to create an APOD for a property you own or are considering, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Purchasing a home is a significant milestone in many people’s lives. It’s a momentous decision that requires careful planning and consideration, especially when it comes to financing. One of the key considerations for first-time homebuyers is the mortgage interest deduction. For many first-time homebuyers, the idea of purchasing a home can seem overwhelming and unaffordable. However, the mortgage interest deduction can make homeownership more affordable than it might first seem. In this article, we’ll explore what first-time homebuyers should understand about the mortgage interest deduction and how it can make homeownership more affordable.

The mortgage interest deduction has a long history in the United States. It was first introduced in 1913 as part of the federal income tax. Initially, all interest payments were deductible, including credit card interest and other consumer debt. However, over time, the deduction was limited to mortgage interest, and today, it remains one of the most significant tax benefits for homeowners.

In Oregon, the mortgage interest deduction follows federal guidelines. Homeowners can deduct the interest paid on a mortgage up to a maximum of $750,000 for mortgages taken out after December 15, 2017. For mortgages taken out before this date, the limit is $1 million. The deduction is only available if homeowners choose to itemize their deductions instead of taking the standard deduction.

To illustrate how the mortgage interest deduction works, let’s look at an example. Suppose someone is buying a $450,000 house with an FHA loan at a 3.5% downpayment and a 7% interest rate. With this loan, their monthly mortgage payment would be $2,768, and the total interest paid over the life of the loan would be $366,028.

If the buyer chooses to itemize their deductions and take advantage of the mortgage interest deduction, they can deduct the interest paid on the loan from their taxable income. In this case, the total interest paid in the first year would reduce their taxable income by $25,621. Assuming a federal tax bracket of 22% and an Oregon state income tax rate of 9%, this deduction would result in an annual tax savings of $5,801. Over the life of the loan, the deduction would result in a total tax savings of about $60,000.

The tax savings provided by the mortgage interest deduction can make homeownership more affordable than it might first seem. In the example above, the tax savings would amount to $483 per month over the life of the loan. This can make a significant difference in the affordability of monthly mortgage payments.

It’s important to note that while the mortgage interest deduction can be a significant benefit for homeowners, tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and the specifics of how the deduction applies to each individual can vary. As a real estate broker, I always recommend that our clients consult with a qualified tax expert for guidance on their specific tax situation.

When it comes to buying or selling a property, many people rely on the services of a real estate professional to guide them through the process. However, it’s important to understand the difference between a real estate broker and a REALTOR® (there are no real estate agents in Oregon). While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some distinct differences between the two. All REALTORS® are real estate brokers in the State or Oregon, but not all real estate brokers are REALTORS®. 

A real estate broker is someone who has obtained a state license to sell and purchase properties on behalf of clients. In order to become a licensed real estate broker, individuals must pass a state-administered exam that tests their knowledge of the real estate industry and their understanding of real estate laws and regulations. Real estate brokers can work with buyers and sellers to help them navigate the buying or selling process, but they may not necessarily be members of a professional organization like the National Association of REALTOR® (NAR).

On the other hand, a REALTOR® is a real estate broker who has taken additional steps to become a member of the National Association of REALTOR®. REALTORS® are held to a higher ethical standard than real estate brokers and must adhere to a strict code of ethics. This code of ethics includes obligations to clients, the public, and other REALTOR®. REALTORS® are also required to complete additional training and education courses to maintain their membership in the NAR.

One of the key differences between real estate brokers and REALTOR® is the level of professionalism and expertise that REALTOR® bring to the table. Because they are held to a higher ethical standard, REALTORS® are often more knowledgeable about the real estate market and can provide more comprehensive services to their clients. They may also have access to additional resources, such as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which allows them to provide their clients with up-to-date information about available properties.

Another important difference between real estate brokers and REALTORS® is the level of accountability that REALTORS® have to their clients. REALTORs® are required to provide their clients with a high level of service and are held accountable for any ethical violations or breaches of the code of ethics. If a REALTOR® violates the code of ethics, they may be subject to disciplinary action, including fines, suspension, or revocation of their membership in the NAR.

While both real estate brokers and REALTORS® can help you buy or sell a property, REALTORS® have taken additional steps to become members of a professional organization and are held to a higher standard of professionalism and ethical conduct. When choosing a real estate professional to work with, it’s important to consider their qualifications, experience, and level of expertise in the industry. We are all Realtors at Strategic Realty and we think that is an important distinction for our clients.

The Bend Bulletin recently published an article talking about the state of single family home prices in Bend, Oregon. According to the article, “the average price of a single-family home in Bend stabilized in recent months after rising significantly.”

Why have prices stabilized? Well, it’s because “there’s more houses for sale now, and also because of the pandemic.” More houses for sale means more options for buyers, which keeps prices from going up too much. The article adds that “the pandemic has made some people unsure about buying big things like houses, so that’s helped keep prices from going up too fast too.”

As a real estate broker in Bend, this news about the stabilization of single family home prices is definitely something we’ve been keeping an eye on. The increase in housing inventory is great for our clients, as it gives them more options to choose from. And the fact that prices have stabilized instead of continuing to climb is a positive sign for the overall health of the market.

We think this stabilize of prices presents a good opportunity for our clients looking to buy or sell a home. With a balanced market, it’s a good time for buyers to make a move without feeling like they’re getting into a bidding war. Also, as mentioned in the article, “the stabilization of prices means they [sellers] can feel confident about the value of their home.”

Overall, the article supports that the housing market in Bend is in a good place. Prices staying the same means there’s a balance between what people are selling houses for and what people are willing to pay. And the fact that prices haven’t gone down a lot because of the pandemic is a good sign that the market is “stable even in tough times,” as the article states.

If you’re interested in what’s going on with Bend real estate, we encourage you to read the article at: https://www.bendbulletin.com/business/single-family-home-prices-stabilize-in-bend/article_3328f48c-a66f-11ed-8f4b-c311d698c590.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=daily-headlines&utm_medium=email&utm_content=read%20more

Although we only see it infrequently used in Central Oregon, the Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM) is a fairly commonly used metric in the larger real estate industry for determining the relative value of income-producing properties. It is calculated by dividing the sale price of a property by the annual gross rental income. For example, if a property is sold for $1,000,000 and the gross annual rental income is $100,000, the GRM would be 10.

The GRM is often used by real estate investors, lenders, and appraisers to quickly compare the relative value of different properties. It can also be used to estimate the potential value of a property based on its rental income. For example, if an investor knows that a similar property in Bend, Oregon, sold for a GRM of 12, they can use that information to infer the potential value of a property with a gross annual rental income of $100,000 to be $1,200,000.

One of the main advantages of using the GRM is that it is a simple and easy-to-use metric that doesn’t require information on property expenses. It is also pretty widely understood in the real estate industry. We know several investors, as an example, that grab GRM 12’s every chance they get. However, it is important to note that the GRM is not a perfect metric and has some limitations.

One limitation of the GRM is that it does not take into account the expenses associated with owning and operating a property. These expenses, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs, can significantly impact the net income and overall value of a property. Therefore, it is important to use the GRM in conjunction with other metrics, such as the Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate), which takes into account these expenses.

Another limitation of the GRM is that it does not account for the condition or quality of the property. A property that is in poor condition or in need of significant repairs may not generate as much rental income as a similar property in good condition. Therefore, it is important to consider the condition and quality of a property when using the GRM.

In addition, GRM can also vary by location, type of property, and market conditions. For example, properties in desirable locations or in markets with high demand for rental properties may have a higher GRM than properties in less desirable locations or in markets with less demand. Similarly, properties that are in good condition and well-maintained may have a higher GRM than properties that are in poor condition or in need of significant repairs.

Later, I’ll dive a little farther into the difference between GRM and Cap Rate and when and why we use each in the Central Oregon market.

Pro Summary: Gross Rent Multiplier is a commonly used metric in the real estate industry for determining the relative value of income-producing properties. It is calculated by dividing the sale price of a property by the annual gross rental income. It is important to keep in mind that the GRM has some limitations, such as not taking into account expenses and property condition, and can vary by location, type of property, and market conditions. Therefore, it is important to use the GRM in conjunction with other metrics, such as the Capitalization Rate, and to consider the condition and quality of a property, as well as the location and market conditions.