A LITTLE ABOUT US

​Buying, selling, or leasing commercial real estate property, Castle Real Estate Commercial Division partners with you to meet your specific goals.

Castle Real Estate Commercial Property Division was formed on the foundation of over 30 years of success in the residential real estate and property management business in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Our success was built on a portfolio of experience, including brokerage, property management, and maintenance of single and multi-family units throughout Southwest Louisiana.   Our commercial real estate and management service is based on simple principles: integrity, honesty, and trust.  Our philosophy is entrenched in a desire to develop relationships with our clients that exceed prior experience.  We achieve what we commit to and we do so with a personal touch unmatched in our market.

​If you own investment property or you are considering investing in income-producing property, we invite you to partner with Castle Real Estate.

Allow our team the opportunity to expand your commercial investment objectives while maintaining the value of your asset(s).

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Successful property management necessitates the application of fundamental principles built around a binding tenant agreement and your goals for your asset(s).  Our objective is simple; to mange to the written document ensuring a successful long- term relationship with your occupants.  Rent collection, accurate accounting and budgeting, capital development and consistent physical management of your asset(s) are part of our commitment.  We have a history of effective management solutions and would welcome the opportunity to help you meet your asset goals.

Lease Administration
Tenant inquiries and concern resolution, accounts receivable management, qualified operating expense reimbursement, and proactive lease renewal. 
 
Budget Development and Tracking
Establish accurate annual budgets, track expenses, to maximize revenue.
 
Financial Reporting
Maintain accounting records, provide monthly financial reporting, ascertain expense trends allowing you to stay informed regarding your Cash Flow and Net Operating Income.
 
Property Inspections
Routine property inspections support positive preventive maintenance, while preserving the value of your asset(s). ​

Tenant Relations
Tenant inquiries and concerns resolution, accounts receivable, reimbursement of qualified operating expenses, and proactive lease renewals. 
 
Maintenance Services
Scheduling regular and preventive maintenance services maximizes the value of your property(s) and limits unforeseen expenses.
 
Vendor/Contract Management
Maintain or develop solid vendor relationships with reliable contractors that operate as an extension of your team.
 
Capital Expenditure Planning and Oversight
Develop a thorough understanding of client’s future capital needs to plan and budget accordingly. ​​

FACILITY MANAGEMENT 

Castle Real Estate Facility management concentrates on the details of several disciplines to effectively manage a multi-business environment's functionality. Our objective is seamless operational support of your facility. Whether you own the building or leasing the building, allow us to handle the daily operations to prioritize running your business. Our capabilities include experience with non-profit and for-profit facilities ranging from quaint and unique to industrial spaces and large box environments.​​

Life Safety/Fire Suppression/Security 
​Safety and security of employees top the list of priorities.  

Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity
Securely operate with the knowledge there is a solid plan in place to ensure the business continues in the face of an emergency or natural disaster.

Operations and Maintenance
Ensure efficient daily operations with our preventive maintenance programs.

Vendor Contracts/Relations
​Development and maintenance of reputable vendors and contractors operate as an extension of your team.

​Budgeting
Preparation of accurate financial forecasts to better report and track expenses while maximizing profit.

Project Management
Complete necessary projects timely manner and within budget.

Capital Plan Development and Oversight
​Develop a thorough awareness of future capital expenditures to plan and budget appropriately.

BUYING COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

​Are you considering adding commercial property to your investment portfolio? Real estate continues to be one of the most profitable investments available!  Purchasing a commercial property can provide excellent revenue!  However, commercial real estate investments can be a complicated process.  Castle Real Estate Commercial Division is here to help; we can provide full market analysis to help you understand your commercial property options and make informed decisions about your investment goals.
 
MARKET ANALYSIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING CONSIDERATIONS…

Investment Cost
In most situations, highly sought locations have higher prices.  We discern which factors are most important to you and find the best locations to meet your goals.

Suppliers/Vendors
A location close to railways, airport, post office, hospitals, or a particular supplier might be necessary to potential tenants.

Demographics
Which locations are most desirable for business? A demographics report will share the locations of neighborhoods and the population count in that area.  Proximity to profitable markets can raise your commercial property’s value.

Location Zoning?
Knowing the zoning of parcels of land within the area will give you a sense of your potential competitive edge.

Traffic Counts
Traffic counts attract specific types of developers. 

SELLING COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Are you thinking of selling your commercial asset?  Attracting qualified buyers to your commercial listing can be a formidable task in Southwest Louisiana! A compelling marketing mix of visible signage and digital marketing can attract appropriate buyers to your commercial property.  Reaching prospective buyers is the key to successful sales. There is more to advertising than placing a for sale sign on your property. Castle Real Estate employs an array of advertising strategies.

CASTLE REAL ESTATE PROPERTY SERVICES ATTRACTS QUALITY LEADS TO YOUR PROPERTY.

High-Quality Signage
Quality visible signage alerting passing traffic that your building is available for sale, zoning of the building, and how to make further inquiries.  

Online Databases
Investors are increasingly searching online.  Castle Real Estate places your listing on top commercial real estate databases, as well as databases professionals use.  Our strategy places your available asset in front of the most potential investors.

Demographics
Location, location, location is the most remunerative factor in commercial real estate!  If your property is in a prosperous area, your commercial property will have a higher revenue stream than competing properties in less desirable locations.  Revenue streams impact the capitalization rate.  Proximity to airports, freeways, prominent shopping complexes, and public transportation have an impact on the sale price.

Competition
Competitive analysis is also crucial; does your competition charge less or more per square foot?  Which added services do they offer new tenants?  Competitor rates and incentives in the area are important economic factors to consider when setting your price.

Traffic Counts
Tenants’ needs, such as traffic counts, are essential to attracting the right buyer.  Ascertaining the nearest intersection’s traffic count is an excellent resource when negotiating with a potential buyer.

LEASING COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Are you leasing your first or next commercial retail space?  Is your lease up for renewal?  Not all tenants realize they have access to and deserve representation too – the real estate broker for the property works as the owner’s agent!  Consider the following information before signing your first or next lease agreement.  

Insurance
Commercial leases require a specified level of insurance your business must carry to operate on the leased premises.  The insurance you purchase must include the landlord as the certificate holder or additional insured on the policy.  If the minimum required insurance is not met, your landlord could be held in default of your lease agreement.  Insurance requirements need to sense for your business.

HVAC  
Many commercial lease agreements require the tenant to maintain an active preventive maintenance agreement with a landlord approved licensed HVAC contractor.  In addition, lease agreements often require the tenant to pay for HVAC repairs.  If you fail to maintain a preventive maintenance agreement, you can be held in default of your lease agreement.

Maintenance
The landlord or owner is usually responsible for maintaining the structure, including the foundation, roof, supporting walls, and common areas.  Doors, windows, locks, and lock repairs are generally the responsibility of the lessee.

Additional Rent/Common Area Maintenance Charges
Is your commercial lease a Gross Lease or a Triple Net Lease?  
Does the lease hold you responsible for reimbursing the landlord with a pro-rata share of operating and common area maintenance expenses?  Which items or areas are included, which are excluded?

Right to Relocate
Does the landlord retain the right to relocate your business prior to the end of your lease agreement?  In many instances, they can!  How would relocating impact your business?

Notification Period
How long do you have before your lease expires to notify the landlord of your intentions to renew?  Failing to provide timely notice can significantly impact the terms of your lease agreement.

Option to Renew
Does your current or new lease contain options for renewal at pre-determined terms?  If it does, timely notification during that period is crucial.

Holdover
If you must stay in your leased space after your lease expires, is there a holdover rent rate? This rate can range between 150% or 200% of your lease rental rate!

ABOUT US

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TIM CASTLE
Broker, Principal
Commercial Real Estate Broker

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I began my career in Real Estate in Southwest Louisiana in 1989, and have been a multi-million dollar producer every year since. I attribute this to my vast knowledge of the real estate business. Whether I am listing a property for sale, or representing a buyer, my ability to tailor my services to my individual client's needs is what sets me apart from other agents.

Solving real estate needs is what I do every day full time.  Additionally, I find myself being an educator of real estate to my clients, especially first time home buyers. Client knowledge and understanding of every transaction is so very important in what I do.

In 2000, I was selected by the Southwest Louisiana Association of REALTORS as their "REALTOR of the Year" for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the Real Estate Profession. I also received the Distinguished REALTOR Award in 2017. I held a leadership position on the Board of Directors of the Southwest Louisiana Association of Realtors from 1996 to 2017, and served as President in 1999.
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I am a life-long resident of Lake Charles and have extensive knowledge of the area. More importantly, I absolutely love southwest Louisiana and would choose no other place to raise my three sons.

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GREG BRUCE
Commercial Realtor

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ANDY GRIMES
Commercial Realtor

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​While I was not born in Southwest Louisiana, I have been in the area for 42 years, a proud graduate of Sulphur High School, with a management and marketing degree from McNeese State University.   I am a member of the Sulphur Rotary Club where I have held several offices.  I am also involved in local grassroots disaster response work.  I love how in our community neighbors help neighbors in their time of need.  I also love that you can’t go anywhere in Southwest Louisiana and meet someone that does not know someone you know.
 
I have been in a sales role as long as I have been working, I enjoy meeting people and I love to talk so developing a career in real estate was gold.  Real Estate offers the best of everything, as I get to develop relationships while helping my clients with a major life purchase.  I especially enjoy the hunt and viewing beautiful homes and businesses in our wonderful area.
 
I enjoy working with buyers and sellers, residential and commercial equally, as all have their challenges and rewards; discovering buyers wants and needs and finding their dream home and listing and marketing property to maximize returns for my sellers.  I also enjoy working in rural and urban settings.
 
When not selling real estate, we follow McNeese football and softball, we bleed Blue & Gold, and love on our 3 dachshunds; Rowdy, Kaydee, and Dap - Kaydee & Dap are rescues.  We also enjoy camping and traveling in our RV, and recently picked up a new hobby of scuba diving so we are in the water as much as possible.