Choosing a Commercial Real Estate Firm Based on Experience

What Do They Do Most and For How Long?

Choosing a commercial real estate brokerage firm can make or break the new commercial real estate agent. The decision will require a careful look at the type of commercial real estate in which the brokerage has experience. Many commercial real estate firms tend to specialize in one or more niches in the market, which could include:

• Industrial
• Office
• Retail
• Investments

Also look at the geographical or farm areas in which the brokerage seems to operate the most. Some will actually assign you an area, so you want to examine your knowledge and chance of success if that is where you must concentrate your efforts.

If the commercial real estate firm works in multiple niches, it doesn't mean that they will have a spot for you in your chosen Industrial field, placing you in Office instead. Be sure to clarify in which specializations you'll be working.

What is their experience in the market area and fields of specialization? What is the experience of the individual brokers in the firm? After all, you will probably be calling on them for training, advice and help in getting your career off to a successful start. You want to be getting your information from highly experienced sources.

Finally, what is this commercial real estate firm's reputation overall, and what is their reputation in the market area and specializations in which you'll be working? Every appointment you make will have your name next to that of the firm. Don't go in with a mark against you.