The interest rate increase that was announced by Janet Yellen, the chair of the Federal Reserve, was the first hike since 2006 and is expected to tighten the lending environment for commercial real estate investors. The target range for interest had been 0.0 percent to 0.25 percent. Now it stands at 0.25 to 0.50 percent,...

As the start of every year, many people are thinking about the goals that they want to accomplish in their personal lives. Similarly, small businesses in Minnesota can list out their goals for the new year. However, there are a few resolutions that companies can make to spur growth and further success in 2016. All small...

Banking and real estate problems of recent years may be fresh in the minds of Minnesota residents. Those involved in commercial real estate activity may want to be aware of banking regulators’ plans to pay closer attention to lending activity in 2016. A Dec. 18 announcement noted that there is a high level of concern...

Minnesota, as with many other states, has laws that protect residents from deceptive trade practices. Deceptive trade practices are those that either restrain trade or attempt to provide incorrect information to consumers. For example, it is illegal for car dealerships to adjust a vehicle’s odometer to make it appear as though the automobile has lower...

As most commercial real estate brokers in Minnesota understand, most of the software platforms used by the commercial real estate market are outdated and clunky. With leasing agents and brokers needing to spend a large amount of time out in the field showing properties, this outdated technology means wasted time and long hours in the...

When Minnesota entrepreneurs are starting a company, it is important that they create a business plan. A good business plan can serve several purposes. It can help owners determine what their goals are and how to meet them, and a plan can also help them obtain funding for their venture. For a business plan to be successful,...

Building credibility and offering products or services that are in demand are only two factors that make an online business successful. Many Minnesota entrepreneurs might think that success comes naturally because creating an online business is easy. In reality, success only comes with proper business planning and avoiding common mistakes. One mistake is not having...