Page 136 - Trump University Commercial Real Estate 101
P. 136

TRUMP UNIVERSITY COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE 101



                       Insider Tip

                     From my experience, if the information comes in quickly, the deal
                   usually will go smoothly. If the information comes in slowly, in little
                   clumps, or past the 14 - day deadline, you may still have a winner, but
                   it ’ s more likely to be a dog. It ’ s not a reason to dump the deal yet, but a

                   warning flag should go up in your brain.
                         Let ’ s look at each of these due diligence documents:

                       Past Two Years of Monthly Operating Statements

                     These reports must show each individual month of profi t - and - loss
                   history. The months should be arranged side - by - side for a given year.
                         This trend report will tell you a story. If you compare the months
                   and years, you ’ ll undoubtedly see dips and spikes. Some of them might
                   simply be seasonal effects. For instance, many commercial properties

                   in a college town will reflect the ebb and flow of students and faculty

                   during the school year.
                         At this point, you should simply observe and write down ques-
                   tions. Ideally, you ’ ll see smooth trends in the right direction, setting
                   aside seasonality.

                         Do not accept a financial statement for the past two years that is
                   not broken down monthly. Sellers will attempt to give this to prospec-
                   tive buyers to hide defi ciencies.

                       Year - to - Date Operating Statement

                     The past two years of operating statements will give you the most
                   recent history of that property, but the current - year statement will tell
                   you the present situation.
                         The past six months of history is the most important. This is also
                   what the lender will focus on when deciding whether to give you the
                   loan, how much to lend you, and at what interest rate.
                         This six - month period will also reveal what type of property you
                   will be taking over. Does it have momentum, and are the numbers


                                                  116






                                                                                 10/14/08   10:54:43 AM
          c06.indd   116                                                         10/14/08   10:54:43 AM
          c06.indd   116
   131   132   133   134   135   136   137   138   139   140   141