Commercial real estate agents

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Page written by Ashlyn Brooks. Last reviewed on October 2, 2024. Next review due October 1, 2025.

If you’re in the market for commercial property, you’re likely also in need of a commercial real estate agent. These professionals are essential in helping businesses and investors navigate the complexities of the real estate market. From identifying suitable properties to negotiating deals, agents provide the expertise needed to help clients make informed decisions that align with their goals.

At Swoop, we pride ourselves on providing clarity and comprehensive support for our clients this means looking beyond funding options. This guide will explain what a commercial real estate agent does, their key responsibilities, and how to choose the right one for your business needs.

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What is a commercial real estate agent?

A commercial real estate agent is a licensed professional who specializes in helping clients buy, sell, lease, or rent commercial properties. Unlike residential agents who focus on homes and apartments, commercial agents deal with properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, industrial sites, and other business-related real estate. Their primary goal is to connect clients with properties that fit their business requirements while negotiating favorable terms.

Do I have to have a commercial real estate agent?

No, you legally don’t have to have one, but it can offer significant advantages to have one in your corner. Commercial transactions are often more complex than residential deals, involving detailed negotiations, legal paperwork, and market research. An experienced agent can help you mitigate risk, secure better terms, and save time by handling the legwork. For businesses unfamiliar with the commercial property landscape, a skilled agent is an invaluable asset, helping you make confident, informed decisions.

What does a commercial real estate agent do?

Each commercial real estate agent may offer different services, and the right one for you depends on your specific needs. This is why interviewing multiple agents to find the best fit is a smart approach. A skilled agent can provide invaluable support in several key areas of the real estate process, helping you navigate complex transactions with ease. These include:

Market research
Property tours
Negotiations
Paperwork
Closing Assistance

One of the primary roles of a commercial real estate agent is market research. Agents conduct extensive research to identify properties that meet their clients’ requirements and budget. This research involves evaluating current market trends, available listings, and potential investment opportunities, ensuring that you are presented with the best possible options.

Property tours and inspections are another essential service. Agents arrange property viewings and often accompany clients to provide detailed information about the property’s location, condition, and development potential. They help clients assess whether a property aligns with their business or investment goals.

Negotiation is a critical aspect of an agent’s role. Whether you’re looking to secure a lower purchase price, negotiate favorable lease terms, or gain additional concessions from a seller or landlord, a skilled agent advocates on your behalf to achieve the best possible deal.

Commercial real estate transactions often involve complex legal and financial requirements, which is where an agent’s expertise in paperwork and legal compliance becomes invaluable. Agents ensure that all necessary documents are properly completed and that the transaction adheres to local, state, and federal regulations.

Finally, agents play a pivotal role in closing transactions. Once the terms of the deal are agreed upon, the agent works to finalize the transaction. This includes coordinating with attorneys, inspectors, lenders, and other parties involved to ensure a smooth and timely closing process.

What are the responsibilities of a commercial real estate agent?

A commercial real estate agent’s responsibilities extend far beyond simply finding properties. They start by understanding their client’s business objectives, which include their budget, desired location, and specific property features. Agents then evaluate property values by analyzing market conditions, comparable sales, and potential for future income, helping clients make informed financial decisions.

For clients looking to sell or lease a property, agents handle marketing efforts through listing services, networking, and advertising to attract potential buyers or tenants. Additionally, agents build and maintain relationships with property owners, developers, and investors, giving them access to off-market opportunities and insider knowledge that can benefit their clients.

What are the different types of commercial real estate agents?

There are several types of commercial real estate agents, each specializing in different aspects of the industry:

Leasing Agents: These agents focus on leasing commercial spaces, such as offices, retail locations, or industrial warehouses. They work with both landlords and tenants to negotiate lease agreements that meet both parties’ needs.
Investment Sales Agents: These agents specialize in helping clients buy or sell commercial properties as investment opportunities. Their expertise lies in evaluating properties’ potential for generating rental income and capital appreciation.
Tenant Representation Agents: These agents work exclusively with businesses looking to lease or purchase commercial property. Their focus is on finding the best possible location for the tenant’s business and negotiating favorable lease or purchase terms.
Property Management Agents: While not directly involved in transactions, these agents manage the day-to-day operations of commercial properties, ensuring the property is well-maintained and tenants’ needs are met.

How can a commercial real estate agent help me?

A commercial real estate agent can offer significant value, whether you’re buying, selling, or leasing a property. Here’s how they can help:

Expert Market Knowledge: Agents bring in-depth knowledge of the local market, helping you find properties that match your business needs while staying within your budget.
Negotiation Expertise: A skilled agent will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the best terms possible, whether you’re securing a lease, purchasing a property, or selling your commercial space.
Time-Saving: Agents handle the legwork, from property research to legal documentation, allowing you to focus on running your business without worrying about the details of the real estate transaction.
Risk Mitigation: Agents help identify potential risks in a deal and provide strategies to mitigate them, ensuring that you’re making a sound financial decision.

Where can I find a commercial real estate agent?

Finding the right commercial real estate agent requires exploring several avenues. Referrals from colleagues or business partners can provide insight into trusted agents. Online platforms like LoopNet, Zillow, or CREXi offer listings of properties and the agents managing them. You can also check professional organizations such as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) or the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) to find certified agents in your area. Attending networking events or real estate conferences can further connect you with experienced agents in the field.

How to choose the right commercial real estate agent

Choosing a real estate agent is similar to selecting any service provider, but this one earns through commissions, and many rely on referrals, giving them plenty of incentive to perform their job well. That said, it’s not a role just anyone can fill. As we’ve mentioned, being a commercial agent requires a great deal of expertise, attention to detail, and time to successfully navigate the complexities of the real estate market.

Take these factors into consideration:

Experience: Look for agents with a proven track record in the type of transaction you’re pursuing, whether it’s leasing, selling, or buying.
Local Market Knowledge: An agent with deep knowledge of the local market will be better equipped to find properties that meet your specific business needs.
Specialization: Ensure the agent specializes in the type of property or service you’re seeking—such as office spaces, industrial sites, or investment properties.
Client Testimonials: Check reviews or request testimonials from previous clients to gauge the agent’s reliability, professionalism, and effectiveness in closing deals.
Communication Skills: Choose an agent who communicates clearly and frequently, keeping you updated on the progress of your transaction.

How Swoop can help

At Swoop, we understand that finding the right commercial real estate agent is a big step to securing the perfect property for your business. Whether you’re looking to lease, buy, or sell, we can help you navigate the financial aspects of your transaction with ease.

Check available business loans: Through Swoop, you can explore financing options to fund your next commercial real estate venture.
Compare financial solutions: We offer tailored funding solutions, helping you choose the right loan for your real estate needs.
Access expert advice: Our team can guide you through the process, ensuring you have the financial backing you need to make the most of your commercial property investment.

To get started, visit register today and check available loans for your commercial real estate project.

Written by

Ashlyn Brooks

Ashlyn is a personal finance writer with experience in business and consumer taxes, retirement, and financial services to name a few. She has been published in USA Today, Kiplinger and Investopedia.

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