Due Diligence Checklist for Buying Commercial Property in Massachusetts
By Casey DiMascio, Head of Broker Partnerships, CommercialGRP
Buying commercial property—especially in Massachusetts—requires more than just financial acumen. It takes local insight, attention to detail, and a trusted team that knows how to navigate the due diligence process from start to finish. At CommercialGRP, we see due diligence not as a checklist to complete, but as a commitment to excellence, transparency, and partnership.
Whether you’re a broker helping your client evaluate a deal, or an investor considering your next acquisition, here’s how we approach due diligence to ensure every opportunity aligns with our purpose of transforming communities and improving lives.
1. Financial & Market Review
We start with the fundamentals—verifying rent rolls, lease terms, and historical operating expenses. For us, this stage is about honesty and integrity: confirming what’s on paper truly reflects how the property performs.
We also evaluate market dynamics—demand drivers, nearby developments, and zoning trends—to ensure each acquisition supports long-term community growth.
2. Physical & Environmental Assessment
Massachusetts has some of the oldest industrial infrastructure in the country, which means being self-reliant and detail-oriented is essential. We coordinate property inspections, review Phase I and II environmental reports, and dig into deferred maintenance or capital improvement needs.
This is where our proactive support shines—we don’t wait for problems to surface; we uncover them early so brokers and sellers can move forward with confidence.
3. Title, Zoning & Legal Review
Our team works closely with trusted legal partners to confirm title status, easements, and local zoning compliance. Industrial properties between 15,000 and 120,000 SF—our sweet spot—often come with unique permitting histories. By aligning early with municipalities, we ensure our projects fit both our investment goals and the community’s development vision.
4. Tenant & Lease Verification
Tenants are the heartbeat of any commercial property. We verify lease abstracts, security deposits, and estoppels to confirm the reliability of income streams. For brokers, this transparency eliminates surprises during closing and strengthens client trust—one of the reasons our partners value outstanding communication from day one.
5. Financial Modeling & Exit Strategy
Due diligence isn’t complete without understanding how a property performs over time. We model returns, sensitivity scenarios, and capital improvement schedules—ensuring the investment not only meets our buy box but contributes to community value.
This process reflects our motivated and committed nature—driven to close strong deals while staying true to our purpose.
Why This Matters
Due diligence protects investors—but it also protects communities. Each time we acquire a property, we’re making a promise: to manage it responsibly, invest in its future, and ensure it contributes positively to the local economy. That’s what transforming communities and improving lives looks like in practice.
Partner With Us
At CommercialGRP, due diligence is more than a process—it’s a partnership. We’re here to collaborate with brokers and investors who value transparency, precision, and purpose-driven investing.
If you’re working on an industrial or retail opportunity in Massachusetts (15K–120K SF) and want to explore fit, I’d love to connect. You can reach me directly at casey@commercialgrp.com
Let’s build something meaningful—together.
