How Does A Commercial Real Estate Broker Get Listings?

Definition of "How does a commercial real estate broker get listings?"

Caroline Kovacs real estate agent

Written by

Caroline Kovacselite badge icon

A.Z. & Associates

When growing a business in the competitive commercial real estate industry, finding relevant listings help commercial real estate professionals get more successful deals.

 

A commercial real estate broker works as an intermediary between landlords and tenants. They also assist them in nonresidential property buying, selling, or leasing.

 

Businesses of all sizes will likely get the help of a commercial real estate broker. It is because of the expertise and knowledge they bring to the table.

 

The commercial real estate industry is a lucrative business. It could earn commercial real estate brokers significant revenue. They will have better chances to succeed if they commit to the process and work rigorously.

 

There is a main difference between a commercial real estate broker and a commercial real estate agent. The difference is that the former can work independently while the latter doesn’t. A licensed broker must employ a commercial real estate agent to be able to practice their profession.

 

What is commercial real estate?

 

Commercial and residential real estate represent the two primary real estate property categories. Residential properties include structures reserved for human habitation, not commercial or industrial use.

 

Commercial real estate (CRE) consists of properties used for business-related purposes. Commercial real estate is leased to tenants to operate income-generating activities. This broad category includes everything from single-store units to large shopping centers.

 

Commercial real estate differs from residential ones because it could generate profit for the owner. It happens through capital earning or rental income.

 

There are different types of commercial real estate. It includes offices, retail, industrial, multifamily sector, hotels, and special purpose real estate.

 

Commercial real estate often requires a significant upfront investment compared to residential property. But the potential rate of return is also higher.

 

Where to find commercial real estate listings?

 

There are two primary sources of where to find commercial real estate listings.

 

First, you can get listings with the help of a strong network. Commercial real estate brokers are creating and building solid relationships. Many start by informing their acquaintances that they are in the business. Commercial real estate agents might interact with people outside the market. Yet, they could turn into prospective clients later. Or the word could go around and have other people interested in the deal.

 

To expand the network, commercial real estate brokers use different techniques. Among them, we can name warm calling and cold calling. It helps to attract potential leads to commercial building listings.

 

Second, you can use MLS or commercial listing sites. They will help you advertise your commercial real estate. The MLS, or multiple listing service, is a tool real estate professionals use. The primary purpose is to share information about homes on the market.

 

As the name suggests, this database is packed with home listings. It provides agents and homeowners with helpful information.

 

The most popular commercial listing sites are Loopnet, CREXi, Catylist, Brevitas, and OfficeSpace.

 

Loopnet is one of the most popular commercial property listing sites. It provides many types of commercial real estate. It includes office, multifamily, industrial, retail, and many more. Loopnet has one of the largest databases. It contains 1.1 million property listings and 5.1 billion square feet for lease worldwide.

 

CoStar Group Inc bought Loopnet in April 2012 for $860 million in cash and stock. In October 2017, Costar integrated its database with LoopNet. It helped grow the number of commercial real estate listings and create a new platform for users.


These are a few sources to get commercial real estate listings. Of course, there is also traditional marketing to get new listings. It includes mailings, door hangings, merchandise, signage, and sponsorships. Choose the one that better suits your needs and preferences. Then create your strategy for success.

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