Residential vs. Commercial Real Estate

Real estate investing can be a great way to build wealth, but it's important to understand the differences between residential and commercial properties. At Realbricks, we focus on making real estate investing accessible through fractional ownership. Let's explore the key differences between these two property types and how fractional investing fits in.

Residential Real Estate Commercial Real Estate
• Includes living spaces like houses and apartments • Used for business purposes
• Typically has shorter lease terms and lower risk • Often offers higher returns but with increased complexity
  • Fractional investing allows entry into real estate with lower capital requirements
  • Realbricks offers residential property investments starting at $100

What is Residential Real Estate?

Residential real estate refers to properties where people live. This includes single-family homes, apartments, condos, and townhouses. When you think about the house you grew up in or your first apartment, that's residential real estate. These properties are typically easier for most people to understand because we all need a place to live.

At Realbricks, we currently offer fractional investments in residential properties located in Omaha, Nebraska. These are long-term rental homes that provide steady income for investors. Imagine owning a piece of a house without having to deal with tenant issues or maintenance - that's what we offer.

You can read more into the Realbricks' Selection Strategy and learn why Omaha, Nebraska is a prime market for real estate investors. 

What is Commercial Real Estate?

Commercial real estate is property used for business purposes. This can include office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and even apartment complexes with more than four units. Think about the mall where you shop or the building where your dentist's office is located - those are examples of commercial real estate.

While we don't currently offer commercial property investments at Realbricks, we do plan to add commercial properties to our marketplace in the future, and it's important to understand this sector of the market. In traditional real estate investing, commercial properties often require more money to invest in and can be more complex to manage, which is why many individual investors find them out of reach. However, when Realbricks introduces commercial real estate to the platform, all these properties will have the same minimum investment of just $100 and they will be fully managed by us. So our investors get the same great entry point, and peace of mind as they do with residential.

Characteristic Residential Real Estate Commercial Real Estate
Property Use Living spaces Business operations
Lease Terms Short-term (1 year) Long-term (3-10 years)
Valuation Methods Comparable sales Income approach
Risk Level Generally lower Potentially higher
Tenant Demographics Individuals or families Businesses
Rental Income Lower rental rates Higher rental rates
Property Taxes Lower property taxes Higher property taxes

Investment Considerations

When it comes to investing, residential and commercial properties have different pros and cons. Residential real estate often provides more stable and predictable income, as people always need a place to live. Commercial properties can offer higher returns but may come with more risk, especially during economic downturns.

Here's where fractional investing comes in. With Realbricks, you can invest in residential properties or commercial (when added to the platform) starting at just $100. This allows you to dip your toes into real estate investing without needing a large amount of capital or taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

Compare fractional and traditional real estate investing approaches

Valuation Methods

The way residential and commercial properties are valued differs significantly. For residential properties, we typically use the comparable sales approach. This means looking at similar homes in the area that have recently sold to determine a fair market value. This method is straightforward and relies on market data, making it easier for investors to understand.

Commercial properties are often valued based on their potential income. This is called the income approach, and it involves calculating the property's net operating income and applying a capitalization rate. It's a bit more complex, which is why many individual investors prefer the simplicity of residential real estate. The income approach takes into account factors such as lease terms, tenant quality, and potential for rent increases.

Market Dynamics

The residential and commercial real estate markets can behave differently depending on economic conditions. For example, during a recession, people might cut back on shopping, affecting retail properties, but they still need a place to live, which can make residential properties more resilient. This difference in market dynamics can significantly impact investment returns and risk profiles.

At Realbricks, we currently have a focus on residential properties in Omaha, Nebraska, a market known for its stability. This helps protect our investors from some of the volatility seen in larger, more competitive markets. Omaha's diverse economy and steady population growth contribute to a consistent demand for housing, making it an attractive location for residential real estate investments.

Explore the Omaha real estate market

Financing Options

Traditional financing for residential properties is generally easier to obtain. Most people are familiar with home mortgages, which typically have lower interest rates and longer terms. Residential mortgages often require smaller down payments and have more flexible qualification criteria, making them more accessible to individual investors.

Traditional commercial property loans often have higher rates and shorter terms, reflecting the increased risk and complexity of these investments. Lenders typically require more extensive documentation, including detailed business plans and financial projections. The loan-to-value ratios for commercial properties are often lower, meaning investors need to put down a larger percentage of the purchase price.

Fractional investing through Realbricks eliminates the need for individual investors to secure financing. We handle all the details, allowing you to invest with as little as $100 without worrying about qualifying for a loan. This approach makes real estate investing accessible to a broader range of people. 

Explore strategies for fractional real estate investing

Property Management

Managing a residential property can be relatively straightforward. Tasks might include finding tenants, collecting rent, and handling repairs. For single-family homes or small multi-unit properties, many investors choose to manage the properties themselves, especially if they live in the same area.

Commercial property management is often more complex, involving lease negotiations, maintaining common areas, and complying with business regulations. Commercial properties may require specialized knowledge in areas such as retail trends, office space design, or industrial zoning laws. The management of these properties often necessitates professional property management services, which can eat into potential profits.

With Realbricks, you don't have to worry about property management. We take care of all aspects of managing the properties in our portfolio, allowing you to enjoy passive income without the headaches of being a landlord. Our professional management team handles tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and all other day-to-day operations.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Residential and commercial properties are subject to different laws and regulations. Residential properties have to comply with housing laws and tenant rights, which can vary by state and city. These laws often cover areas such as security deposits, eviction procedures, and habitability standards. Investors need to be aware of fair housing laws to avoid discrimination claims.

Commercial properties must adhere to zoning laws, accessibility requirements, and often stricter building codes. They may also need to comply with industry-specific regulations depending on the type of businesses they host. For example, a property leased to a restaurant would need to meet health department standards, while an office building might need to adhere to certain security protocols.

As a fractional investor with Realbricks, you don't need to become an expert in real estate law. Our team handles all legal and regulatory compliance, ensuring that our investments meet all necessary requirements. This allows you to benefit from real estate ownership without the complexity of navigating these legal landscapes yourself.

Residential vs Commercial Real Estate

The Power of Fractional Investing

Fractional real estate investing is changing the game for many would-be property investors. It allows you to diversify your portfolio across multiple properties without needing large amounts of capital or real estate expertise. This approach offers several key advantages:

The Power of Fractional Investing

  • Lower Barrier to Entry: Minimum investment of $100 with Realbricks
  • Diversification: Invest across multiple properties easily
  • Professional Management: Expert property management included
  • Passive Income: Potential for steady rental returns

Realbricks: Your Gateway to Residential Real Estate Investing

At Realbricks, we're focused on making residential real estate investing accessible to everyone. Our current offerings include six long-term rental properties in Omaha, Nebraska, chosen for their potential for steady income and appreciation. These properties have been carefully selected based on factors such as location, property condition, and local market trends.

While we don't currently offer commercial property investments, we're always exploring opportunities to expand our portfolio and do have plans to add well vetted commercial properties in the future. Our goal is to provide our investors with a range of options to build a diversified real estate portfolio over time. We continuously monitor market conditions and emerging trends to identify new investment opportunities that align with our mission of accessible, low-risk real estate investing.

Learn about potential returns in fractional real estate investing

Conclusion: Making Informed Real Estate Investment Decisions

Understanding the differences between residential and commercial real estate is crucial for any investor. While both can be valuable additions to your portfolio, they come with different risks, rewards, and management requirements. Residential properties often offer more stability and easier management, while commercial properties can provide higher returns but with increased complexity and potential risk.

Fractional investing through Realbricks offers a unique opportunity to access the benefits of real estate investing without many of the traditional barriers. By focusing on residential properties initially, we provide our investors with a straightforward entry point into the world of real estate. This approach allows you to gain exposure to the real estate market without the need for significant capital or expertise in property management.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to diversify your existing portfolio, consider how fractional real estate investing could fit into your financial strategy. With Realbricks, you can start building your real estate portfolio today, in as little as 5 minutes. Our platform offers the opportunity to invest in carefully selected properties, benefit from professional management, and earn passive income – all with a minimal initial investment. 

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Disclaimer: Investing in real estate involves risks, including the potential loss of capital. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Investors should perform their own research and consult with financial professionals before making investment decisions.