There are four major steps to closing a commercial real estate deal. Some of these steps are ongoing and others overlap. Every transaction will go through escrow, signing authority verification, due diligence, and signing and processing title and closing documents.

What is the due diligence period in commercial real estate?

between 30 and 60 days
A typical due diligence period for a commercial property is between 30 and 60 days. Longer or shorter periods of time are often negotiated depending on the parties’ particular needs.

How long does it take to close a commercial loan?

For example, according to a recent poll during the Sageworks Risk Management Summit, 39 percent of bankers say it typically takes their financial institutions from three to six weeks to close a new commercial loan, and another 36 percent said it takes more than six weeks.

How does a commercial real estate closing work?

A commercial real estate closing will generally involve a more formal escrow process than in a residential transaction. Typically, the title agent will agree to hold the money, collect and record all documents, and wire out the money.

What happens when a commercial building is sold?

When a commercial office property is sold, the new owner has an expectation of returns on the property. While the new owner must honor the terms and conditions of an existing lease (in most cases), you may still face increased costs or changes to the building’s aesthetics or function, based on the language in your lease.

How does RESPA affect commercial real estate closings?

RESPA does not apply to commercial real estate transactions. The lack of RESPA affects commercial real estate closings in two major ways. One, it means that buyers and sellers must perform detailed due diligence on the property and the other parties to the transaction, which can delay the closing of the deal.

What should I do before selling a commercial property?

Before selling a commercial property, the seller should check with the state and county for a tax estimate. The tax is usually due at the time of closing. A commercial real estate sale can be a complicated legal process. It is critical for the seller to enlist the help of a closing attorney throughout the transaction.