How does a real estate GP make money?

It's important to understand the various functions that generate revenue for your organization. There are a few key areas where GPs can earn revenue, including: 

1. Acquisition fees: When a GP acquires a new property, they may charge an acquisition fee to cover the costs of the transaction. This fee is typically calculated as a percentage of the property’s purchase price. 
2. Asset management fees: GPs can also generate revenue through asset management fees, charged on a regular basis (monthly or quarterly). These fees cover the costs associated with managing the investment. 
3. Performance fees: In addition to acquisition and asset management fees, GPs typically earn performance fees or “carry” based on investment success. These fees are typically tied to the investment’s financial performance often linked to metrics like net operating income or property value 
4. Other fees: Beyond the primary revenue sources, GP’s may collect various other fees at the property or investment level. They might include: 

1. 1. 1. 1. Property Management Fee 
         2. Leasing Fee 
         3. Disposition Fee 
         4. Financing Fee 
         5. Guarantee Fee 
         6. Development/Construction Fee 

Generally, these fees will depend on whether you provide these services and the type of investor you raise capital from (retail vs. institutional). Understanding these fees is essential for determining their impact on your business's success and investor relations.

By understanding the various functions that generate revenue for your organization, you can better understand the financial health of your business and make informed decisions about your investment strategies. It's important to carefully consider the fees that you charge, and ensure that they are fair and transparent to your investors and tenants. We find that GP’s with tighter, focused and aligned fee models are more successful.  By doing so, you can build strong, long-lasting relationships and maximize the success of your investments.