Relevant News from Johnston Pacific

Water Rate Increase

The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD), serving over 210,000 residents in southern Orange County, has announced a forthcoming rate adjustment scheduled to take effect in August 2025. This change follows a comprehensive cost-of-service study aimed at aligning rates with the actual costs of providing water, recycled water, and wastewater services, in compliance with California Proposition 218 requirements. Key Drivers Behind ...

Quiet Powerhouse of South OC Investing

Let’s talk about the unsung hero of the real estate world: industrial real estate. It may not have the glam of beachfront condos or swanky retail plazas, but let us tell you—this asset class is the strong, silent type that brings home the bacon (and stores it in a refrigerated warehouse). If you’re in South Orange County, California—aka paradise with ...

If you’re looking for strong, stable returns in commercial property, one sector continues to rise above the rest—industrial real estate. And in 2025, South Orange County industrial real estate is proving itself as a hotbed for serious commercial real estate investment. Cumulative property value appreciation for South Orange County industrial real estate from 2018 through the projected 2025. With nearly ...

So you’ve decided to dive into commercial real estate. Maybe you’ve even found the perfect property with great bones and a dreamy location (bonus points if it has decent parking). You’re buzzing with potential. But before you can get your hands on the keys and start imagining what kind of coffee machine you’ll put in the break room—there’s one tiny ...

The commercial real estate (CRE) industry is constantly evolving, shaped by economic fluctuations, market trends, and shifts in consumer behavior. Over the past few years, rising interest rates, inflation, and changing work environments have significantly impacted the sector. Whether you’re an investor, landlord, or tenant, understanding these economic changes is key to making informed decisions. As the leading commercial real ...

A passive cash flow source is one of the hardest things in the world to create. That’s because most cash-generating activities require active and highly vigilant hands-on management (e.g., a job, a business, the stock market, etc.). You’re basically trading time and sweat for money. A commercial real estate investment is different because it allows you to generate cash without ...

As a commercial real estate owner, you are no stranger to the importance of maintaining up-to-date, efficient, and environmentally friendly facilities. Beginning January 1, 2025, California will implement a significant policy change that will affect how you manage lighting in your properties. Under Assembly Bill 2208 (AB 2208), the state will effectively ban the final sale and distribution of all ...

Reality #1: If your business is profitable, you’ll probably qualify for a loan. In the past, owner-users had opportunities to purchase properties with no money down. However, in today’s lending environment you really need to have some liquid cash and a good steady stream of income in order to qualify for a loan. Like the old adage goes, you can ...

Buying a commercial property is not like buying a home. There are cer-tain parameters, criteria, and requirements that you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re looking for good target properties to acquire. Whether you’re located in New Hampshire, North Carolina, California, or another state, the same rules apply. Here are some key points to look for when you’re shop-ping ...

Why Power-Washing is Essential for Commercial Buildings: Insights from a Real Estate Broker As a commercial real estate broker, I’ve seen firsthand how the exterior condition of a building can dramatically impact its market value and attractiveness. When it comes to maintaining and enhancing the appeal of commercial properties, one often overlooked but crucial aspect is power-washing. Here’s why power-washing ...

The True Value of Property Management Services Owning property can be both a rewarding and challenging experience, especially when it comes to managing it effectively. One common grievance among property owners is the cost of property management services, which typically ranges from 4% to 6% of gross rent revenues. While this might seem like a significant expense at first glance, ...

SBA Loans: A Strategic Asset for Commercial Investors In the evolving financial landscape, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans have increasingly become a pivotal resource for commercial investors. With their government-backed guarantees and attractive terms, SBA loans are not only aiding small businesses but also offering investors a strategic avenue to amplify their financial portfolios and seize growth opportunities. Understanding SBA ...