What is beacon technology? There’s been increasing interest in what is known as beacon technology. Usually associated with retail marketing, beacon technology first emerged in 2013. Today the technology is…
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Commercial real estate (CRE) market analysis reports are an important tool for CRE managers, investors, and decision-makers. By providing detailed insights into the real estate market, these reports guide leasing,…
By: Joe Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President of Lease Market Strategy Spreadsheet applications are easily the most important and universal accounting tools used today—so much so that you’d never guess the…
Understanding the commercial real estate market cycle is a fundamental element of understanding the broader real estate market. However, before discussing the real estate market cycle, we should look more…
Information technology is revolutionizing CRE Technology is transforming everything today and this is true for commercial real estate technology as well. When I look back to the early 1970s when…
Lease accounting is a massive, cross-functional effort. It involves various stakeholders and systems that impact (and are impacted by) leases. It is not just an accounting problem – and goes…
When it comes to commercial leases, there are various types and terms that can be confusing for both lessors and lessees. Among these terms are “triple net leases,” “pass-through leases,”…
Corporate real estate benchmarking is an important process for companies to maximize the value, efficiency, and impact of their real estate assets. This article dives into the fundamentals of corporate…
Over the past few years, Visual Lease has helped hundreds of public companies achieve compliance with lease accounting standards. For many organizations, real estate lease accounting turned out to be…
You did it! You made the smart decision to purchase a lease accounting solution to help you ensure compliance with the latest accounting guidelines and reporting requirements. Now comes the…
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face numerous challenges in managing their financial operations efficiently. As a business owner, you may be wondering “Do I need…
For the past three years, Visual Lease (VL) has hosted its Customer Advisory Board (CAB) Summit to engage directly with our most forward-thinking customers and partners. This year’s event in…
Understanding Accrued Rent & Deferred Rent Rent is one of the largest expenses that companies face, and it’s critical to properly account for it. Under ASC 842, rent is accounted…
Your business already uses Excel for many accounting calculations, including for ASC 840 lease accounting, so it’s understandable that you may want to consider continuing to use it as an…
Using ASC 842 Excel Templates How to Create Customized ASC 842 Excel Templates Best Practices for Data Entry and Formula Setup Best Practices for Document Organization Common Challenges with ASC…
Table of Contents How to Calculate the Present Value of Lease Payments in Excel Step 1: Organize Data Step 2: Use the PV Function Step 3: Repeat as Needed Cons…
Lease accounting and management have evolved into intricate processes, posing fresh challenges for financial leaders. From grappling with an accountant shortage to seeking enhanced lease flexibility during economic uncertainty and…
Lease management is more complicated than ever before. Tenants and landlords are navigating a lot of hurdles, including organizations’ need for greater flexibility – according to the Visual Lease Data…
California has taken a significant step toward addressing climate change by enacting the ground-breaking California Climate Accountability Package. This legislation not only sets the stage for comprehensive reporting of carbon…
In the world of commercial real estate leasing, Common Area Maintenance (CAM) charges play a pivotal role, impacting both landlords and tenants. CAM rent, often referred to as CAM fees,…
As a landlord, one of the most critical aspects of your rental property business is the lease agreement. A well-crafted lease agreement not only protects your interests but also provides…
Much like their for-profit counterparts, nonprofits must also follow specific financial reporting standards, including Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 842. This blog post will delve into the essential aspects of ASC…
Leasing arrangements are a common aspect of business operations, allowing companies to secure assets and facilities without the commitment of ownership. However, within the realm of lease accounting, there’s a…
When it comes to managing leases and financial obligations, understanding how to calculate a lease amortization schedule is crucial. This schedule not only helps you keep track of payment timing…
In the realm of business decisions, the choice between leasing vs buying assets has significant financial implications. To help evaluate these options, the concept of “Net Advantage to Leasing” comes…
When it comes to real estate and leasing agreements, terms can sometimes get a bit muddled. One such pair of terms that often find themselves used interchangeably are “lessee” and…
Leasing is a common practice in business, allowing companies to acquire assets without a hefty upfront cost. However, situations arise where a lessee wants to transition from leasing to outright…
If your company is dealing with the complexities of lease accounting, you understand how crucial it is to stay accurate and compliant. Part of this process involves undergoing lease audits,…
The realm of commercial leases encompasses a complex lifecycle that spans far beyond the mere agreement itself. While it’s a subject that often invites surface-level discussions, grasping the full scope…
Navigating the world of lease accounting can sometimes feel like deciphering a complex code. The terms, regulations, and methodologies can leave even the savviest professionals scratching their heads. One such…
Navigating the Transition: Understanding Challenges Faced by Newly Public Companies and Strategies for Success In the dynamic landscape of public offerings, the surge in initial public offerings (IPOs) during 2020…
Visual Lease, LLC (hereinafter “VL,” “we,” “our,” and “us”) appreciates being given an opportunity to comment on the Exposure Drafts published by the International Sustainability Standards Board (hereinafter the “ISSB”)…
Visual Lease, LLC (hereinafter “VL,” “we,” “our,” and “us”) appreciates being given an opportunity to comment on the Exposure Drafts published by the International Sustainability Standards Board (hereinafter the “ISSB”)…
In the world of leasing agreements, there can be some confusion when it comes to the terminology used by attorneys and accountants. One such term is the “lease commencement date.”…
Contract management plays a crucial role in modern business operations, ensuring effective collaboration, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. With the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, contract…
VL experts break down the recently announced sustainability reporting standards from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) The first-ever set of standards recently unveiled by the International Sustainability Standards Board…
Lease incentives play a crucial role in lease agreements, representing payments made by the lessor either to the lessee or on behalf of the lessee. These incentives are an integral…
As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, the concept of ESG accounting has gained prominence. This blog post aims to shed light on ESG…
In recent times, the importance of sustainability in financial reporting has gained significant traction. To address this growing need, the newly formed International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has released two…
In today’s world, where environmental sustainability is a top priority, understanding carbon accounting has become crucial for businesses. But what exactly is carbon accounting? This article dives deep into the…
In the realm of financial management, companies are faced with critical decisions regarding capital budgeting. These decisions involve allocating funds to various investment opportunities. Additionally, companies often seek the assurance…
Lease purchase options provide companies with the opportunity to convert a lease into a fixed asset. These options allow lessees to exercise their right to purchase the leased asset during…
The old lease standard, ASC 840, did not require all kinds of leases to be recorded on the balance sheet, which in turn provided the opportunity for many to use...
Read MoreIn the realm of financial accounting, fixed asset accounting holds significant importance for companies. It involves the meticulous tracking and management of owned assets, ensuring their existence, location, and allocation…
What is Prepaid Rent? Prepaid rent refers to lease payments made in advance for a future period. It represents an asset on the company’s balance sheet, as the prepayment can…
Leasing an asset with the intention to eventually purchase it is a common practice among businesses. Whether it’s an optional purchase at the end of the lease or a bargain…
Update: On June 26, 2023, The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) announced their first two global sustainability-related disclosure standards in response to widespread demand for better transparency, consistency and reliability…
Finance leases and operating leases are two common types of lease arrangements that businesses encounter. With the introduction of the ASC 842 accounting standard, the classification and treatment of leases…
Off-balance sheet financing refers to financial arrangements that are not reflected on a company’s balance sheet. Historically, operating leases were a prime example of off-balance sheet financing, where lease obligations…
From Compliance to Optimization: Harnessing Lease Controls for Business Success Lease accounting standards implemented over the last few years (ASC 842, IFRS 16, GASB 87) require all organizations, whether they…
Fixed Asset Accounting: Managing Assets and Leasehold Improvements In the realm of financial accounting, fixed asset accounting holds significant importance for companies. It involves the meticulous tracking and management of…
ESG and the Future of Real Estate: How Sustainability is Changing the Industry The real estate industry is undergoing a significant transformation as sustainability becomes a top priority for investors…
Recently, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) introduced new rules and clarifications regarding the treatment of related party leases under ASC 842. Although these rules apply to all related party…
After the introduction of ASC 842, some private companies have struggled with the requirement to record the vast majority of their leases to the balance sheet. As a result, some…
“Why Lease Management Shouldn’t Be Ignored: The High Cost of Underestimating Your Lease Portfolio and How to Optimize It for Your Business Needs” Many companies are underestimating the total cost…
The ongoing effects of the pandemic, evolving workplace trends and unique economic circumstances have driven businesses to reconsider how and why they enter into new leases. But how exactly are…
This is part II of our Mastering Lease Accounting Compliance series. If you missed part I, you can read it here. Adopting a lease accounting standard can have a significant…
This is part I of our Mastering Lease Accounting Compliance series. If you’re looking for part II, you can read it here. Lease accounting standards such as ASC842 and IFRS16…
With more and more organizations focusing on ESG initiatives, we’ll use this blog to demystify what ESG is, why organizations choose to focus efforts on ESG related initiatives, and how…
On-demand webinar summary Lease management is integral to achieve and maintain lease accounting compliance. But that’s not the only opportunity it presents. In fact, 100% of recently surveyed senior finance...
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Written by: Robert Michlewicz, President at Visual Lease I was drawn to Visual Lease for several reasons, one of the biggest is how the company is leading the market in…
Have you ever wondered how the public can participate in the development of accounting standards? Do you have opinions you would like to share? Many accounting standards governing bodies, such…
On-demand webinar summary Having accurate, reliable lease data is a necessary part of achieving lease accounting compliance. But beyond lease accounting, having visibility into lease data also supports businesses manage...
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Do you know where all your leases are? If you don’t, chances are you haven’t conducted a lease inventory for your business. Conducting a lease inventory is a standard practice…
What is Capital Lease Accounting? Capital lease accounting refers to the set of financial reporting rules and procedures used to record and disclose the financial implications of a capital lease…
There is power within your lease portfolio. Over the last year, public and private businesses have taken a closer look at their leases – and experienced the downstream benefits of…
This article originally appeared here in Forbes. As a result of Covid-19 and the changing landscape related to leases, private companies have received more time to prepare for and adopt…
This article originally appeared here in Forbes. In 2020, many companies were forced to make tough decisions regarding their leased commercial spaces. From office closures to consolidations and deferrals, many…
Cell phone companies offer new phones to entice clients to renew their contracts. Retailers slash their prices to draw consumers to purchase. Car dealerships hand out freebies and discounts. In...
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Changes in accounting standards have made lease accounting more difficult. Adopting IFRS 16 lease accounting, for example, has made compliance cumbersome as it involves adjusting to new policies, systems and…
Leasing vs buying is not an easy decision to make regardless of the asset involved. While there are lease vs buy analysis Excel sheets, choosing one over the other is…
There have been several major changes in the way businesses address service contracts in recent years given the new standards and updates on the existing standards. For one, the new…
If you have signed an operating lease for space, built leasehold improvements, and determined that you are legally required to take out the leasehold improvement when the lease expires, then…
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) are not blind to the tedious task facing firms once the new standards take effect. Hence, the creation…
When companies think about purchasing lease accounting and lease administration software, many make the mistake of considering these tools as a cost of doing business. The mistake is understandable, because…
With the new FASB/IFRS lease accounting standards, significantly more assets and liabilities must now appear on the balance sheet. Yet, some businesses still aren’t using lease accounting software to help…
With the big push to achieve compliance, a lot of businesses have been laser-focused on making the transition to the new FASB/IFRS lease accounting requirements. While that is understandable, it’s…
Until recently, Corporate Real Estate (CRE) and Accounting departments had little reason to talk to each other. ht CRE is primarily responsible for obtaining space and managing facilities-related issues. The…
The upcoming lease accounting changes mandated by FASB and IASB have dramatically increased the scope and complexity of lease reporting requirements for every organization that has leased assets (which is…
An agile leased real estate portfolio supports an agile workforce Business agility is a paramount goal for today’s business enterprises. Given the rapid pace of change, and the shortening of…
The growth of co-working office spaces and flexible workplaces is explosive worldwide. In a recent article in CoreNet’s March 2018 issue of “Leader” magazine, the author reports that co-working has…
Over sixteen years ago while a Gartner analyst, I launched a series of research reports on the subject of virtual teaming. Because of mobile technology and the growth of telework,…
In my last couple of blog posts, I covered the basic elements of real estate market analysis and the real estate market cycle. In case you missed them: Real Estate…
There’s been a growing buzz throughout the tech world about blockchain technology and its associated topic of Bitcoin, the blockchain enabled digital currency. The specific characteristics of blockchain make it…
The CoreNet Global Summit is a forum for discussion of the most important ideas, strategies and tactics that leading Corporate Real Estate teams employ to meet goals and increase their…
Early in 2015, I reported on a dinner meeting of the Corporate Real Estate Leadership Counsel in San Francisco. I was a member of this group when I managed corporate…
We continue to get questions from our clients regarding the new leasing standards. Here are several of the more common questions with extended answers: Question #1 What are the new…
Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of corporate real estate management is the subject of process management and the software that supports it. Process management is a major subject in the topic of quality management. It has been a topic that has dominated management subjects for decades. Most software applications have specific functionality that addresses process management; particularly around work flow.
In February, IBM announced that it is reversing its 10 year old policy that allowed telecommuting. All marketing employees must now report to six IBM offices or be terminated. The offices include New York, San Francisco, Austin, Cambridge, Atlanta, and Raleigh. Other employee groups will be affected over the next six months. Employees have 30 days to make their decision. The policy will also be implemented throughout Europe.
In several of my blog postings over the last two years I made reference to the subject of outsourcing CRE functions. But my references were brief. So over the next several blog entries, I plan to delve deeply into the subject. My plan is to first discuss the general pros and cons of outsourcing while providing the rationale for outsourcing various CRE functions. I will then focus on three service areas: lease transaction services, design services, and property management services. I’ll also touch on other activities such as facility management and physical security.
Realcomm, the technology focused real estate web site, recently published an article entitled “The Data is Coming In: Corporate America is Using Less Than 50% of Its Real Estate.” This is no surprise; I remember from my own experience that our offices were nearly 30%-50% vacant at any one time.
One of my colleagues recently posed the question “Is there an example of a decision you made that you would do differently now based upon technologies available today?”
In a recent article in the New York Times, the report described how corporate America is moving from suburban campuses back to urban markets, despite the higher cost of central business district office space.
A key process for the CRE executive is overseeing the site selection process, particularly for major office, data center, or manufacturing sites. I’m going to focus on office site selection since this typically represents the most frequent type of leasing actions.
It’s been over a week since the British vote to exit the European Union, and the situation is worsening for property owners in the UK. The greatest impact is happening in the financial markets. Real estate Investment trusts (REITs) are experiencing increased redemption causing some of the biggest funds to halt outflows as a means to protect values for existing investors.
Earlier this week, the world was stunned by the British vote to leave the European Union within 2 years. The most likely impact on corporate real estate markets and operations will be immediate. While equity markets have recovered somewhat from the lows, it’s unlikely that the stock market will return to its historical highs of last week any time soon.
It was early summer of 1995, and I was aboard a French SST Concord traveling at roughly Mach3 from New York to Paris..
The long awaited new lease standard has arrived! The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) released its version of the new lease standard last week with implementation scheduled for early 2019. The US accounting standards board (FASB) is expected to release its version shortly with implementation to follow soon after IASB’s.
In the last several blog posts, I’ve explored various aspects about the future and how these trends may affect the workplace. One key variable in the future workplace is demographic differences, or how generational differences will impact workplace design. I suspect we all assume various truisms about the major generations.
