Why isn't my 5-plex in NE not getting offers?

Question

I have a 5-plex that has been on the market since late May and I've gotten very little interest in it. Am I being too optimistic that it would sell in a couple of months or is there something I'm not seeing? The cap rate is average for the area (5.5%) so I don't think it's the price. The address is 7230 NE 18th Ave, here is a link. Any and all points of view would be appreciated.

Zach Davis · Answer

@Brad Hammond It seemed like a well cared for property from the quick drive by I did. I didn't want to disturb anybody since its back off the street a ways so I kind of just did a quick pull in and turn around. I think the biggest issue you'll have selling that place is it backing up to Lombard and the fact that its a 5plex. Not that its not doable but you may have to entice people into it given the reduced interest in the market. IMO 5-6 units are the most difficult to sell (and buy) because most people that have the ability to finance a commercial property are looking for something with more units and most looking in that size range probably can't or don't know how to get anything but a standard mortgage which generally won't cover anything over a 4plex. That issue alone substantially limits your marketing pool. The location issue is also one that smaller landlords, I include myself in this, deal with since they tend to be more attached and look at their investments through the lens of "would I want to live here" instead of "does it make money". I don't think either of these can't be overcome, but some head scratching may be in order to find the best market and marketing for the property.

There are still a surprising amount of people buying right now. After talking it over with my agent we decided to list that duplex for about 5% under what the comps showed it was worth hoping for a bidding war. We also waited for a vacancy so at least one side could be viewed without an offer hoping to expand our marketing to first timers, small holding and owner occupied in addition to the usual suspects. It was on the market for 2 1/2 days and we ended up with 10 offers, only two were for asking price, the rest were 6%-10% over and two were 15% over asking.

I think you can sell your property, and maybe even sell it for what you are asking, but you may need to think over a way to expand the amount of people that you can successfully market it to.

Zach Davis · Answer

You'll most likely have to drop the price to get an offer in this market. I personally know people dropping everything from sfh, plexes and up to 250 units in multiple complexes due to the recent law changes. Its not like it was 2-3 years ago. People are scared to buy in this market. Anyone that will take the chance is looking for a deal and banking on decreased investment causing long term market inflation.

Also, i'm sure you know this being a broker but properties that sit with multiple price drops seems to make people think there are issues with it without even looking. You might be able to pull it, take new pics and relist with a lower price. With any luck it could get some new interest.

Just for reference I have a duplex i'm getting ready to sell. Its a 3/1 and a 2/1 with garages, fenced 1/4 acre yards, fully updated, as well as new exterior paint and a new roof. You're probably in a "higher rent" area but right now all of Portland is a no go to most investors. After a quick look at the recent sales, I'll most likely only get $170k-185k a door, probably with concessions. And that's with a vacant unit buyers can view that also appeals to the owner occupied crowd. Rethinking the price is probably the biggest factor in my opinion. Right now people have to have a reason to push through the uncertainty of the market.

Good luck!

Derrick Aragon · Answer

I own the property behind you, there is not really upside, and off Lombard units are tough. 5.5% is more of a turn-key totally upgraded product you are almost there but not totally.

I think there is money there for you to move on just do what it takes to sale and go on to the next one.

Jacob Szeto · Answer

@Zach Davis Excellent answer. 5- Plex, not a great location, the market must be very limited for buyers that want all the cons of a plex and all the complexity of commercial.

DJ M. · Answer

My friend, the simple answer is the price.  If your not getting offers you have 2 options. Continue waiting, or price reduce. In my market, the buying season slows down considerably after August.  IDK your market, but you may have already missed your best chance to sell it. Talk to your agent and ask for his honest professional opinion, and dont take it personally. If you dont have an agent, this is probably a case study in why you should get one thats knowledgeable on your market.

Good luck friend.

Brad Hammond · Answer

Hi @Zach Davis, thanks for asking.  I've had some low ball offers but still for sale.  What did you think of it?

Zach Davis · Answer

@Brad Hammond Any update on the sale of your 5plex? I'm in the process of finalizing the sale of the duplex I mentioned before and somehow ended up driving right past your place while on the job today. How goes the battle?

Patricia Ann Murphy · Answer

@Brad Hammond

Location, location, location. That is a high speed thorough fair to get to the airport or Far East by avoiding 84.

That and the new OR tenant rights laws are huge drawbacks for investors. I’m struggling with my inner optimist on investing in Oregon, especially right now.

Brad Hammond · Answer

Thanks @Derrick Aragon, that makes sense.  I'm going to reduce the price and hope for the best.  If you want to buy it, let me know ;)

Why isn't my 5-plex in NE not getting offers?

Most Popular Reply