The self-storage investing market continues to shift due to falling interest rates, new lending options, real estate consolidation and more. It’s important to keep pace and ensure you’re making the right moves, whether you plan to build, buy, invest or sell. In addition to the insight you’ll find in the pages ahead, we’ve assembled a series of online bonus articles that focus on key nuances of the sector. Quickly access them at insideselfstorage.com/2025-investing-showcase. Below is a summary of what you’ll find.

Cracking the Code: Finance and Real Estate Terms Every Self-Storage Investor Should Know
As you travel your self-storage investment journey, you’ll no doubt encounter some unfamiliar lingo. Understanding what each term means and how it relates to your transactions is key. Learn some common and advanced verbiage related to finance and investing, plus phrases you’ll hear if you plan to participate in syndications.
By Steven Wear, Self Storage Syndicated Equities

Financing Success: How to Make an Outstanding Self-Storage Loan Request
If you’re seeking a loan for a self-storage acquisition, development or refinance, one of your first steps will be to create a compelling application brimming with the right details. Why? It’s what you need to be favored by lenders in today’s tight financial market. Find out what to include in this important package to get the capital you seek.
By Steve Libert, CCM Commercial Mortgage Advisors

Using CMBS to Refinance Your Overleveraged Self-Storage Property or Secure More Attractive Loan Terms
The high-interest-rate environment has created challenges for some self-storage investors who face mounting debt and an uncertain financial future. A commercial mortgage-backed securities loan may offer some relief. Let’s explore how it can benefit overleveraged owners as well as those seeking more favorable terms for stabilized projects.
By Shawn Hill and Adam Karnes, The BSC Group

Changes to the SBA Loan Programs and How They Make It Easier to Finance Your Next Self-Storage Project
The Small Business Administration made several changes to the 7(a) and 504 loan programs commonly used by self-storage owners last year, making it easier for owners to lessen their debt burden and simplify access to capital. Learn about key modifications and the terms now required to qualify.
By Katherine D'Agostino, Self-Storage Ninjas

Determining the Right Path to Self-Storage Ownership: Should You Buy a Facility or Build One?
If you’re seeking a path to self-storage ownership, you’re likely contemplating whether to build a new facility or acquire an established business. Each has its pros and cons. Let’s explore what they are, plus additional considerations that apply to both avenues. These important questions and factors should help you decide the best route for you.
By Bob Copper, Self Storage 101

An Alternative to Traditional Self-Storage Acquisitions: Why and How to Pursue Off-Market Deals
If you’re looking to acquire a self-storage facility, the traditional approach is to find one on a multiple listing service. However, it’s becoming increasingly popular for investors to pursue off-market deals. This approach can be more complicated and take longer, depending on how you go about it; but the rewards can be well worthwhile. Let’s explore benefits and drawbacks.
By Kris Bennett, The Storage Investor Show

Essential Steps of the Self-Storage Due Diligence-Process, Plus Important Trends to Watch
The devil is in the details when buying or selling a self-storage property, and due diligence is a vital part of the process. Learn about the essential steps. including the collection of property-level information and a thorough market analysis, and how they impact both sides. You’ll also discover important trends to watch.
By Ben Vestal, Argus Self Storage Advisors

The ‘Turn It Around’ Investment Strategy: Finding and Refurbishing Underperforming Self-Storage Properties
As the availability of fully stabilized self-storage facilities declines, many investors are turning to underperforming properties that offer value-add potential. While these investments come with challenges, they can be transformed into successful ventures. Here’s how to identify opportunities and the steps to maximize their performance and profitability.
By Jane Sauls, Sauls Storage Group LLC

The Cap Rate and Self-Storage Asset Value: An Overview of This Key But Complex Metric
When it comes to determining self-storage facility value, most buyers and sellers turn first to capitalization (cap) rates. This number can provide insight to an asset’s anticipated annual return on investment; but it can also be confusing, as there are many factors involved. This article provides a quick explanation of how cap rates are determined and applied.
By Tom de Jong, Colliers International