Business

Is It More Affordable to Build or Buy a Commercial Building?

Published

3 years ago

February 7, 2022

As a business or investor, you may be looking to purchase new commercial property. There is an alternative, however.

There are many factors when considering building your structure from the ground up. Which is the smarter and more affordable option?

Survey The Property

Regardless of what you’re looking to buy, you’ll want to have it professionally surveyed. This allows you to see if there are any repairs, maintenance, or renovations that need to be made.

Having quality groundwork, for instance, is something only a surveyor can assess. They are able to provide options such as ground improvement stone columns to offer stability, improve load-bearing capacity, and reduce any further settlement.

Consider Downpayments and Renovations

Buildings that are already constructed will require some type of downpayment if you’re not intending to pay cash in full. This money will need to be saved ahead of time and provided by the investor upon requesting a loan.

There’s also a high probability that the location you decide upon won’t meet the exact specifications for your business’s needs. You’ll have to consider any renovations or building additions needed to suit your investment goals.

New builds allow you to create exactly what you want from the very beginning. The stipulation is that you’ll need to hire contractors and architecture firms, plus buy the land you intend to build on.

Look Into Tax Breaks

Investing in commercial real estate could offer some substantial tax breaks you may not be aware of. This applies more specifically if you’re bringing new jobs into the city. They think of it as an investment in your investment.

Properties that are considered historic buildings can be eligible for grants or low-interest loans to restore the building while preserving the integrity of the architecture.

Purchasing a building that already exists can also lead to tax deductions on the interest you’re paying. However, your building also depreciates the minute you purchase it.

While building new construction doesn’t lead to as many tax benefits, there are still certainly a few you could benefit from, such as the 179D Commercial Buildings Energy-Efficient Tax Deduction.

Think About How Soon You Need Your Property

One crucial element that a lot of investors don’t take into consideration is time. With new construction, it can take anywhere from two to six months, if not more, to complete the build. Plus, you’ll have to make sure it meets all laws and regulations according to the state and city guidelines.

A benefit of buying a property that’s already been built means you’ll only have to consider the timeframe for repairs, renovations, and decorating. You could be saving money simply because the longer your building is out of commission, the longer you won’t be making any income.

Potential To Recoup Costs Through Sub-Leasing

Buying or building a larger commercial property gives you the opportunity for sub-leasing. If you’re buying a building outright, it may not accommodate another business leasing out an office space.

If you decide to build out a new property, you can make it larger than you anticipate your needs being and sub-lease. It’s a larger investment from the beginning, but if you work out the numbers, you could easily recoup costs and make an even more significant stream of revenue.

Eventually, if your business needs to expand, you can utilize the extra space previously leased by other tenants for yourself.

Summary

There is no clear-cut answer as to which is the more affordable option, to buy or to build, when it comes to commercial real estate. There are several factors to take into consideration, with the most important being your budget.

Work with a professional accountant to look into your personal investments, outside investors, and any potential help you could get from applying for a loan. Understand clearly what your end goal is so they can help decipher whether new construction or buying pre-built is a better option for you.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

13 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.