...thinking long-term is an important component of any investing plan.That said, there’s one area where the answers aren’t quite as clear for investors: commercial real estate. This area is going to be tricky over the next couple of years while we learn what businesses can survive and which can’t. We used to look at investing in what we would call “Amazon-proof” commercial real estate, meaning things you can’t necessarily buy online. Now, given the impacts of COVID-19, we have to go one step further and say that it not only has to be Amazon-proof, but also pandemic-proof. If it isn’t part of an early phase opening or an essential service, then it’s not necessarily a good investment anymore. This isn’t to say that there isn’t still money to be made in commercial real estate, but the long-term effects of the pandemic aren’t yet clear.
In the coming months, government subsidies will likely be scaled back, mortgage deferments will need to be paid, and there will be a point when the reality of the numbers, whether it be the unemployment rate; debt-to-household ratio; or the amount of taxes people owe on income they no longer have, will sink in. This reality will likely lead to some volatility in the markets. Typically, when this type of situation arises, the markets see a drop, and then a quick bounce-back as people take advantage of those opportunities. At this point, I don’t see why this scenario should be any different.
We can all make our predictions and read the forecasts, but since we have nothing solid to compare this situation to, none of us can say for sure what will happen. But as far as I’m concerned, where there is uncertainty, there is also an opportunity, and those with the courage and the financial clout to act stand to make significant gains.
Scott McGillivray has been a top-rated HGTV star in the US and Canada since 2008, starring in over 300 episodes of television, and is best known as the star and award-winning Executive Producer of HGTV hit series’ “Income Property”, “Moving the McGillivrays”, “Buyers Bootcamp” and most recently, "Vacation House Rules." Scott McGillivray is an accomplished businessman; he’s CEO of McGillivray Group and McGillivray Entertainment, co-founder of real estate investing education company Keyspire, and a real estate investor with properties across North America. As a skilled contractor, best-selling author, educator, and leading guest expert, Scott McGillivray is trusted for successful renovation and return on investment tactics.




