Welcome to Womble Perspectives, where we explore a wide range of topics, from the latest legal updates to industry trends to the business of law. Our team of lawyers, professionals and occasional outside guests will take you through the most pressing issues facing businesses today and provide practical and actionable advice to help you navigate the ever changing legal landscape.
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Welcome to today’s episode of Womble Perspectives, where we’ll be diving into a fascinating—and often overlooked—opportunity: buying buildings from the federal government.
The U.S. government owns thousands of properties across the country, and when they’re no longer needed, they’re put up for sale. Whether you’re a developer, investor, nonprofit, or even a local government, this could be your chance to acquire real estate with serious potential.
So, where do you start?
The General Services Administration—or GSA—is the federal agency responsible for managing and disposing of surplus property. They run two key platforms: GSA Auctions, where you can bid on everything from office buildings to warehouses, and the Real Property Utilization and Disposal website, which lists properties available for public sale.
But before you jump in, there’s a lot to know.
First, the types of properties vary widely. You might find a former post office in a small town, or a large office complex in a major city. Some are in pristine condition—others, not so much. And that’s why due diligence is critical.
You’ll need to consider zoning, environmental issues, and whether the property is subject to historic preservation rules. These factors can significantly impact what you can do with the building—and how much it’ll cost to bring it up to code.
Financing is another key consideration. Unlike traditional real estate deals, federal property sales often require full payment up front. And the bidding process can be competitive, so it pays to be prepared by working with professionals who understand the federal process. That might include legal counsel, environmental consultants, or real estate advisors who’ve navigated these waters before.
In short, buying from the federal government isn’t for the faint of heart—but it can be a golden opportunity for the right buyer.
If you’re curious to learn more, check out the full guide on the Womble Bond Dickinson website. We’ll link it in the show notes.
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