Steven Taylor on What to Look for in Los Angeles Commercial Real Estate

Steven Taylor- Los Angeles What a view

If you’re an investor interested in joining the game of commercial real estate, Los Angeles is a popular market. Commercial property can be a lucrative asset, but all real estate investments are inherently risky. Like in any other city, it is essential that you put your capital into the right building. By properly researching Los Angeles properties and looking out for red flags, you can make sure you are picking up a property with a good chance of success.

But what do you look for in Los Angeles commercial real estate? In this article, Steven Taylor, of Los Angeles, shares his expertise on what signs to look for on your journey to invest.

What do investors look for in Los Angeles neighborhoods?

In Los Angeles, it’s often a very fine line between a downtrodden area that is about to skyrocket, and a neighborhood that is going downhill. Buying in a low value area can be a fantastic opportunity to get in on the ground floor before a neighborhood becomes popular, but it only works if things go your way. When looking at buying commercial real estate in Los Angeles, you want to look not just at the specific neighborhood, but the growth of the entire surrounding area. Where is the movement coming from? Get specific. You can never do too much research. Los Angeles native Steven Taylor, an experienced commercial real estate investor, says to look closely at job growth in an area. If local businesses are expanding and hiring, the market could be on the rise.

On the other hand, you should be looking out for red flags that a neighborhood is heading downhill. Watch for businesses shutting down, influxes of renters moving out, and declining traffic. Don’t be afraid to ask — talking with local business owners directly can be a great way to get clear insights about a neighborhood.

How does a commercial real estate investor assess property condition?

When investing in Los Angeles commercial real estate, one of the most important purchasing factors is the property condition. While it can be profitable to buy a property as a fixer-upper, if the building needs extensive repairs to function successfully, you have a lot to consider. There are a lot of old buildings in LA — some just need repairs for cosmetic appearances, but some need a complete overhaul to be usable. If you aren’t careful, you may get stuck in a situation dealing with repairs that cost you more than they’re worth. If you’re looking for a property you can improve without ending up with a money pit, here are a few signs Los Angeles native Steven Taylor looks out for:

Los Angeles Commercial Real Estate checklist:

1. High ceilings: It is common for renters of commercial properties to require high ceilings to operate correctly. While low ceilings can be raised, it can be unpredictable how construction will go until you get started, and there can be a lot of unexpected costs. Make sure ceilings are in good condition, and that the ceiling height fits the needs of renters before investing.
2. Good roof: One of the most common and expensive repairs for a commercial building is updating the roof. If a commercial building needs a new roof, it is going to cost significantly more than it would at a residential real estate property. When looking for properties in Los Angeles, focus on buildings with strong roofs with minimal leaks or damage.
3. Strong walls and floors: Steven Taylor always walks through a commercial property looking for small signs of bigger damage and issues. Look thoroughly for any small cracks or other signs of settling in the floor or walls. If there is anything unusual, have it looked into immediately. A good commercial real estate property has a solid foundation that won’t settle.
4. No environmental damage: In Los Angeles, there are a lot of commercial properties in industrial areas. If you are purchasing a building in one of these areas, you want to look out for clean buildings that don’t have any sort of contamination. Environmental contamination can turn into another money pit, so be on watch for any chemicals or other contaminants that could affect the working or renting conditions of the building.

Originally published at http://steventaylorlandlord.wordpress.com on February 11, 2021.

 

Steven Taylor – Moving to Los Angeles? Here’s What You Need to Know

 

Steven Taylor Los Angeles

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If you’re thinking of moving to Los Angeles, you probably have a lot of questions. Los Angeles is clearly a popular place to live — 3.9 million people currently choose to live in the LA area. But, is it right for you? Before you make any move, you should do some market research. It is important to understand the culture, lifestyle, real estate, and other aspects of a city prior to making a jump. In this article Steven Taylor, Los Angeles Native and real estate professional, answers some of the most common questions people ask him when first moving to Los Angeles.

Who will I meet in Los Angeles?

One of the most beautiful things about Los Angeles is its diversity. LA has always been known as a melting pot, and for good reason. The city has great cultural, ethnic, and experiential diversity. Moving to Los Angeles can expand your horizons — according to the 2019 US census, Southern California residents hail from 180 different countries, and 59.1% of people speak a language other than English. With a population of 3,979,537, LA is home to many different cultures. The city is currently 49% Hispanic, 29% White, 8% Black, and 12% Asian. This diversity contributes to Los Angeles’ epic cultural, art, and food scenes!

In Los Angeles, you will meet people with passion. A large portion of LA residents are transplants, who moved to the west coast to pursue their goals. Everyone has their own reasons for coming to LA, but it has always been a home for big dreamers. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or hoping to become a star, you will meet like-minded people in Los Angeles.

What do people do for work in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a land full of opportunities. Whether you are looking for a more traditional work lifestyle, hope to work from home, or are pursuing seasonal or gig work in the entertainment industry, there is work for you in LA.

When people think of LA, many of them first think of the entertainment industry. While it’s true that many Angelenos are employed in the world of film and television, some of the most common jobs in LA outside of Hollywood are retail, real estate, tourism, healthcare, and education.

While many people still work 9–6 type office jobs in Los Angeles, a large portion of the population works on flexible schedules. Jobs in entertainment, fashion, hospitality, and other industries provide the opportunity to make your own hours or work an atypical schedule. Los Angeles native, Steven Taylor, says this means you’ll find more people out and about exploring the city during typical weekday “working hours”.

Is the traffic really that bad in Los Angeles?

This quick answer is — yes. Unfortunately, sitting in traffic is part of the reality of living in Los Angeles. How bad is the traffic? That depends on where you are coming from, where you are going, and at what time. While Los Angeles does have public transportation, most people still commute by car. The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased traffic as more people are working from home, but the problem is not completely solved.

There are wonderful rewards that come with living in Los Angeles, so traffic is an annoyance many people are willing to put up with to live here. The best thing you can do is avoid driving on the major highways at peak hours, and take public transportation when you can! No one likes traffic, but Los Angeles native, Stephen Taylor, says it’s worth it to experience all that Los Angeles has to offer its residents.

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Originally published at https://steventaylorlandlord.com on February 5, 2021.

The Best Beaches in Los Angeles — Steven Taylor

 

Steven Taylor in  Los Angeles with family at the beach

Los Angeles is famous for many things including its food, art, entertainment, and culture. Los Angeles is also known for its biodiversity — it is a short drive to an incredible variety of mountains, deserts, and beaches. Los Angeles native, Steven Taylor has witnessed firsthand the pull of LA’s beautiful beaches for homebuyers. As a real estate expert, he is familiar with the many amazing beaches along the stretch of coastline from Malibu to the Southbay. In this article, he shares the best beaches in Los Angeles, whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot, or a tourist exploring for the day.

Venice Beach

Venice beach is a hotspot in Los Angeles for homeowners and visitors alike, and it’s plain to see why it’s so popular. Venice has always been known for its artsy, hippie vibe. It’s a home to surfers, creatives, designers and all of those who want to soak up the scenery they provide. Walk the oceanfront boardwalk that runs the length of the coastline to find artists and street performers, as you check out the surf and soak in the sun. If you’re interested in real estate, wander the Venice Canals to find uniquely beautiful homes perched along the water.

El Matador

El Matador is a secluded beach in Malibu with a rocky coastline, beautiful sand, and waves worth watching. The area is a popular spot for photo shoots and beach dates due to its romantic scenery and close proximity to a variety of great shops and restaurants. If you’re looking to make a day of it, El Matador State Beach is a great choice for locals and tourists alike.

Malibu Surfrider Beach

The Surfrider beach in Malibu is arguably the best place to surf in the entire Los Angeles area. Not far from the Malibu pier, the beach is famous for its perfectly rideable waves, and approachable waters for both newbies and professionals. If you would prefer to stay safely on the warm beach, you can people-watch the surfers tackle the water instead at this iconic spot.

Santa Monica Beach

LA native, Stephen Taylor, argues that Santa Monica beach may just be the best beach experience for those visiting Los Angeles. The beach boardwalk winds past great shops and dining options. Sunbathers and surfers enjoy views of the skyline and Santa Monica pier, which boasts its own amusement park and arcade. The sandy area of the beach is deep and wide, making it perfect for social distancing. The beach is also great for getting a good workout in — there are multiple outdoor exercise areas and plenty of places to rent a beach cruiser for cycling along the bike path. Whether you’re hoping for a lazy afternoon or an active experience, Santa Monica beach is a great option.

Pelican Cove Beach

Located in Palos Verdes, an area that, Steven Taylor, Los Angeles native explains is a real estate hot-spot, Pelican Cove Beach is a place to see. Cliffside mansions line the bluffs of the coastal area, and Pelican Cove Beach allows access to the quiet and secluded waters. The beach is rocky and can only be reached by a steep walking path, but the hike is worth it. Once you reach the bottom, you can experience the tide pools, gorgeous views of Catalina, and popular scuba diving coves. This beach may not be the best choice if you are looking to play in the sand, but it’s great for an afternoon excursion to experience all the nature the LA coastline has to offer.

Originally published at https://steventaylorlandlord.medium.com/the-best-beaches-in-los-angeles-steven-taylor-e4b85731ffa1

WRITTEN BY

Steven Taylor Taylor Equities

Steven Taylor of Taylor Equities in Los Angeles https://steventaylorlandlord.com/