Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about NAI FMA Realty, including property management, leasing, tenant services, landlord services, and commercial real estate investing.

About NAI FMA Realty

What is NAI FMA Realty?

NAI FMA Realty is a full-service, third party, commercial real estate firm based in Lincoln, Nebraska. For more than 60 years, we’ve helped owners, tenants, investors, and developers navigate buying, leasing, managing, and investing in commercial real estate. Our services include brokerage, property management, facility maintenance, and investment advisory.

What markets do you serve?

We focus primarily on Lincoln and surrounding Nebraska communities. However, through our affiliation with NAI Global, we can assist clients with real estate needs across the United States and internationally.

Do you offer property management services?

Yes. Our property management services include overseeing operations, maintaining the property, managing vendors, rent collection, and providing financial reporting. Our team handles all of these responsibilities to help property owners protect and enhance the value of their investment. We do not have an equity position in any of the properties we manage which allows us to independently look out after your interests.

How do you help tenants or businesses find space?

Finding the right space involves more than just location. We help businesses evaluate size requirements, budget, growth plans, and lease terms. From there, we identify options, coordinate tours, and guide clients through negotiations to secure the best possible outcome.

Do you provide market data or insights?

Yes. Understanding the market is critical when making real estate decisions. We provide data on rental rates, vacancy trends, and recent transactions so clients can make informed decisions.

How do I get started working with NAI FMA Realty?

You can contact our office at (402) 441-5800 or reach out through our website. We’ll connect you with a broker or property manager who specializes in your specific needs.

Tenant Questions

What do I do if I have a maintenance issue?

For non-emergency issues, you can submit a request through naifmarealty.com or call (402) 441-5800.
For emergencies, call (402) 441-5800—our team is available 24/7 to respond.

What if I have an after-hours maintenance emergency?

Call (402) 441-5800 at any time. Emergency maintenance is handled 24/7 to address urgent issues such as water leaks, HVAC failures, or safety concerns.

What do I do if I have an issue with my rent statement?

If something on your rent statement doesn’t look correct, contact our accounting team during business hours at (402) 441-5800. We’ll review the details with you and help resolve any discrepancies.

How can I get a copy of my lease or amendments?

We maintain copies of all lease documents on our managed properties. Contact your property manager through our main office, and we’ll provide the documents you need.

How do I pay rent?

Rent can be mailed or delivered to our office at:
NAI FMA Realty
1248 O Street, Suite 550
Lincoln, NE 68508
Some tenants may also have access to ACH payments, which provide a more convenient and automated option.

Can I make improvements to my space?

Improvements are typically governed by your lease agreement. Before making any changes, it’s important to contact your property manager to ensure compliance and obtain any required approvals.

Landlord Questions

What property management services do you offer?

Our property management services are designed to handle all aspects of ownership. This includes lease administration, rent collection, maintenance coordination, vendor management, budgeting, financial reporting, and long-term planning.

How are maintenance issues handled?

We use a combination of in-house maintenance staff and trusted vendors. Each property has assigned support, and we provide 24/7 emergency response to address urgent issues quickly.

Can you market our vacant spaces?

Yes. Marketing a commercial property involves more than just listing it online. We actively promote available spaces, leverage our internal and external networks, and work with prospects to secure qualified tenants.

Can I receive financial reports for my property?

Yes. Regular financial reporting is an important part of property management. We provide reports on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, along with budgeting support.

Potential Tenant Questions

What is NNN rent and what does it include?

Triple Net (NNN) rent is a common lease structure in commercial real estate. In addition to base rent, tenants pay their share of property expenses such as real estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance of common areas. This structure allows costs to be distributed among tenants.

How long are typical commercial lease terms?

Commercial leases are typically longer than residential leases, often ranging from 3 to 10 years. Longer terms provide stability for both tenants and landlords.

What is a tenant improvement allowance?

A tenant improvement (TI) allowance is money provided by the landlord to help customize a space. This can include building offices, installing fixtures, or modifying the layout to fit the tenant’s business needs.

Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?

Responsibility depends on the lease structure. Generally, tenants handle interior maintenance, while landlords handle structural components. In some leases, tenants also share in common area costs.

Can a tenant terminate a lease early?

Commercial leases are typically binding for the full term. However, early termination may be possible if the lease includes specific provisions or if both parties agree to new terms.

What is a Right of First Refusal?

A Right of First Refusal gives a tenant the option to lease or purchase additional space before it is offered to others. This can be valuable for businesses planning future expansion.

What is a lease renewal option?

A renewal option allows a tenant to extend their lease under predetermined terms, helping provide long-term stability.

What should I look for before signing a commercial lease?

It’s important to understand rent structure, cost increases, tenant and landlord responsibilities, and lease flexibility. Because commercial leases can be complex, working with a broker or attorney is strongly recommended.

What happens at the end of a commercial lease?

At the end of a lease, tenants typically have three options: renew the lease, negotiate new terms, or vacate the property.

When should I start my search for a commercial property?

Starting early is key. Most businesses begin their search 6–12 months in advance to allow time for touring properties, negotiating terms, and completing any build-out.

How long do commercial properties remain on the market?

This varies depending on the property type, pricing, and market conditions. Well-priced properties in strong locations tend to move more quickly.

What is a build-to-suit lease?

A build-to-suit lease is when a property is designed or constructed specifically for a tenant. This is often used when a business has very specific space or operational requirements.

Investor Questions

What is cap rate and how does it relate to value?

The capitalization rate (cap rate) is a way to measure a property’s return on investment. It is typically calculated by dividing net operating income (NOI) by the purchase price. Cap rates helps investors compare opportunities and assess risk.

What is a good cap rate?

There is no single “good” cap rate—it depends on the market and property type. Lower cap rates generally indicate lower risk and more stable income, while higher cap rates may offer higher returns but come with greater risk.

How is commercial real estate financed?

Commercial properties are typically financed using a mix of equity and loans. Lenders evaluate the property’s income, the borrower’s financial strength, and overall risk when determining loan terms.

What is a 1031 exchange?

A 1031 exchange allows investors to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds from a sale into another investment property. This can be a powerful tool for building and repositioning a real estate portfolio. Timing of decisions is critical to the success of these transactions. Investors should always consult a tax professional before pursuing a 1031 exchange.