It has been a crazy time over the holidays with all of the market corrections. The market for retail lease space has been absolutely nuts with quite a few businesses opening up or expanding. Although the types of businesses have been varied, the majority of them have been food or entertainment related, there have been other sporting or even clothing stores that have started. This area isn’t my primary focus, but due to the demand, I have been quite involved.

Now, here’s some info on my area of investment properties. Even I have been a bit surprised at the significant shift within the Lehigh Valley Market. Many of the properties that have been on the market for quite some time have drastically changed their prices. More and more are adjusting to show cap rates of >10% as well as the new ones coming onto the market starting out at or above this cap rate. I fully expected the investment market to adjust, but not quite this quickly or to this level already.

As things continue to progress, the opportunities will continue to grow and for those that are ready to take advantage of them, they will have quite a selection. The people that bought when the market was hot without regards to returns are now finding themselves in over their heads and now need to dump unprofitable properties. This leaves a void to be filled by the qualified and experienced investor, or by those that are being guided by experienced investors.

My belief is that this correction will only serve to improve the rental market in the valley and increase returns to the smart investor. So, start shopping now and when an opportunity presents itself, be ready to jump on it without feeling bashful about asking for a discount.

If you are looking for someone to guide you in growing your portfolio or in getting started, please feel free to contact me either via email: jbarbour@markwardgroup.com or phone at 610-295-6119. Be sure to visit my company web for all of our listings at: http://www.markwardgroup.com.

Thanks, and as always love what you do and live with passion!!!

Jim