You don’t expect the same kind of buyer to be interested in a cozy neighborhood bungalow as in a light assembly building with easy interstate access. So, why would you use the same real estate broker for both? Commercial real estate requires a different set of knowledge, skills, and—important to your upcoming sale—buyer contacts than residential real estate.
Your professional commercial real estate agent is your right-hand business associate throughout your commercial real estate transaction process. He or she can help you:
- Price your commercial property competitively without losing your return on investment.
- Market your commercial property effectively to the most qualified buyers locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Sell your commercial property, from contract negotiations to toasting after you leave the closing table.
To get the best return on your commercial investments, you need to be proactive about reaching the right buying demographic. And you need to have the right broker in place to make those connections and follow through on the transaction.
Here are three important questions to ask in order to find the best broker to sell your commercial property:
1. What is your experience with commercial real estate?
The commercial real estate market is very different from the residential real estate market. There are many nuances to communicating with potential buyers, both visually and in conversation. And there’s an entirely different set of terminology to learn. You want to hire an agent who understands those differences and who has apparent experience and success with selling commercial properties.
Some additional follow-up questions to a potential commercial broker can include:
- What commercial real estate credentials or designations do you have?
- Have you sold properties similar to mine in the past? How recently? How often?
- Is commercial real estate your primary professional focus?
- May I speak to past clients for referrals?
2. What is your marketing plan for my commercial property?
Every commercial property is different, and the market fluctuates regularly and separately for each commercial sector. For that reason, it’s important to choose a broker who offers more than a canned marketing approach. Your agent should take an active approach to marketing your property to the best demographic.
Some additional follow-up questions can include:
- How do I assess the value of my commercial property in relation to the broader market and my community?
- How familiar are you with commercial property sales in my neighborhood?
- What are comparable listings locally and regionally?
- Does your marketing plan include digital media, video, and social media?
- Based on the current market, how long do you anticipate my property will be listed before it receives an acceptable offer?
3. How strong are your communication skills?
This may not be a direct question to ask your potential agent, but the answer is vitally important for you to know. You will want to engage a commercial real estate broker who is comfortable with a range of points of communications (from phone to email to social media) and who is quick to reply to questions you may have. More importantly, a broker’s communications skills do not only benefit you directly, but benefit you in the sale of your property. They also speak to his or her sales skills and receptivity in replying to potential buyers brokers.
Some additional follow-up questions can include:
- Does your firm offer marketing or communications support?
- How large is your email list/social media following/networking circle?
- What is the best method of communication for you? And are you open to communicating in the way that works best for me?
NAI Beverly-Hanks can Help You Find the Best Commercial Broker
NAI Beverly-Hanks continually strives to be the best in the business and provide you with the expertise you need. Founded in 1976, NAI Beverly-Hanks has grown to become the largest full-service commercial brokerage firm in Western North Carolina. Our roots are local and deep, which has allowed us to develop lasting long-term relationships with our clients.
Our affiliations with NAI Global, Society of Industrial & Office Realtors (SIOR), Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM), and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) enable us to extend our core services to companies and investors throughout the nation, as well as internationally. The power of this direct and purposeful contact with other markets allows us to assist our clients with quicker, more efficient acquisition and disposition of real estate.
Contact us today to speak with an NAI Beverly-Hanks broker to find the best buyers or tenants for your Western North Carolina commercial real estate.
