Commercial Real Estate Market Survey: January 2012 - This NAR survey collects data from commercial REALTORS® and is designed to provide members with an overview of the market performance, sales and rental transactions, current economic challenges, and future expectations.

Internet Sales Tax issue getting more attention in Congress as online purchases continue to increase. The House recently held a hearing on this issue important in particular to commercial REALTORS®. This a federal issue but Illinois REALTORS® and lobbyists are out in front working to support bricks and mortar busines owners. If you want to stay on top of the issue, learn more from a video of the hearing It's a bipartisan issue and with two bills are under consideration H.R. 3129 in the House and S.1832 in the Senate, the good news is the issue is getting some attention and traction.

Commercial State Legislative Report: December 2011
A recap of legislative action of interest to Illinois REALTORS® who specialize in commercial, industrial and investment properties.

Commercial Podcast: A Look Ahead at the Commercial Industry in 2012 (Dec. 2011) - NAR Treasurer Bill Armstrong takes a look at the top three issues that are at stake for the industry in 2012 and highlights the latest commercial forecast for 2012. He also provides details on a commercial refinancing program that has recently been expanded.

Lease Accounting Proposal Reconsidered Again 
On May 19, 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) met to discuss a reworked proposal related to capitalization of leased assets. The organizations ultimately decided to revert back to an August, 2010 version of proposed lease accounting rules that would require businesses to capitalize leased assets—including real estate—onto their balance sheets. This proposal would force businesses of all sizes to claim leased property as a liability, and the resulting increase in liabilities could further stifle financing in an industry that desperately needs liquidity. Increased liabilities for lessees will likely lead to shorter-term and lower-value leases, reducing commercial building owners' borrowing capacity.

NAR will follow the issue as it unfolds, and will continue to work with FASB, IASB, and policymakers to ensure that those deciding on these rules are aware of the potential effects on business credit. Read NAR's Lease Accounting Coalition Letter 

SBA Expands Temporary Refinance Program
Effective April 4, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has expanded its temporary 504 commercial real estate refinance program to assist more small business owners struggling to refinance commercial loans.

• SBA's 504 Refinance Program
• REALTOR.org report

Commercial Resources

• Commercial Webinars from REALTOR.org

• Does New Development Pay For Itself?  

• Field Guide to Breaking Into Commercial Sales

• 2011 Commercial Real Estate Lending Survey

Commercial Properties:

• Commercial Real Estate Listings & Investment Properties - National Association of REALTORS® commercial property search.
• Commercial Information Exchange - Search the property databases of select local REALTOR® Controlled Commercial Information Exchanges (CIE).
• Location One Information System (LOIS) - This searchable economic development database provides information on buildings, sites and locations for businesses looking to expand.