Lancaster PA Commercial Real Estate

If you work in Pennsylvania, by now you have heard that the caps are coming off the electrical suppliers January 1st , 2010.  Estimates vary, but I have been told to expect up to 36% increase in some markets.  In an effort to provide some good information to my time starved commercial clients, I have done some research on how to manage the rate hike.   As I see it, there are three things you can do:

1.  Nothing, and suffer the increase.

2.  Shop around yourself.  Get ready for some time consuming and tedious shopping.  Many of the suppliers advertise commercial service, but their customer call centers are not up and running yet.  There lies frustration.

3.  Do what smart business people do – hire an expert to get you the best deal.

Number 3 is my recommendation, and the good news is it costs ‘almost nothing’ to get that expert.   The PA Utility Commission site has an approved supplier list that has different categories of licensees on it.  Look for the ‘broker/marketer’ categories.  These are the ones that are optimized to work with consumers.  I like working with the ‘broker’ category because they will analyze your specific electrical usage, and then research and contract with the best deal on your behalf.  They get a fraction of a penny per kilowatt hour for this service, which to me is money well spent.

The broker I have had the most success with is Smart Choice Energy Services. Their flyer Are You Prepared has some additional info on their program.

John Thiry was notified recently of his election to the Lancaster County Association of Realtors Commercial and Industrial Council board.  In this capacity, John will help guide the Council in its mission to:

“…encourage interaction in the commercial and industrial real estate markets; to act as a liaison with the Board, MLS and Lancaster Chamber; and to review legislation.”

John is looking forward to his service on the board and encourages anyone with a professional interest in the organization to attend the monthly meeting as a guest.  Contact John for details.

Further indication that the job loss curve is approaching a trough.  When the curve goes flat – i.e. net job loss is zero – this will forecast the recovery of commercial lease rates and hence commercial property values.

Nation losing jobs at a slower rate, two reports show – Nov. 4, 2009.

I am not calling it yet – but this could be the beginning of the jobs growth indication that will herald a commercial real estate price recovery.  Readers of my blog will know to look for price recover in commercial/industrial leasing and property values 6-9 months after they see confirmed net job creation announcements.

Manufacturing in ‘recovery mode’ – Nov. 2, 2009.

Is anyone else seeing net job creation news?