Before you start your retail real estate search, consult experts to help you search the retail space available in your particular area and price range. Make sure that the retail real estate companies you're considering have commercial listings under the name of a licensed retail real estate broker and that the broker has a history of legitimate practices.

Explore the retail space available to see how it will work for you. While you can almost always see virtual photographs or even virtual tours of the retail spaces presented to you, with the ability to alter perceptions using wide angle lens and lighting, you need to visually inspect the property before you make any binding decisions.

When looking for retail real estate, do the following:

1. Choose retail real estate companies that are well-versed in the type of space you need.

2. Take advantage of the higher education of retail real estate brokers.

3. Peruse all of the retail real estate listings for your area.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a reputable retail real estate agency

Check the references and the history of each retail real estate agency you're considering doing business with. Talk to others who have worked with a variety of the agents in the agency and ask about the experiences they had while in partnership with the agency.

I recommend: Remax International is prepared to help you navigate the retail real estate market and find the perfect retail real estate for sale for your business needs. Century 21 Real Estate has a comprehensive list of retail real estate and allows you to search their database by property or by agent.

Put a retail real estate broker to work for you

Take advantage of the more stringent educational and certification requirements placed upon retail real estate brokers. The fact that each broker must have more hours of training and business allows them to become more effective business partners with you in the search for your perfect retail space.

I recommend: Coldwell Banker Commercial is ready to help you in your retail property search using the higher educational and professional standards associated with real estate brokers. Grubb & Ellis Company uses the latest technology to enable their brokers to remain on the cutting edge of the commercial real estate industry.

Explore the retail real estate available through online databases

Examine the various retail real estate listings in the area of your choice by exploring online databases. The lists will allow you to explore the square footage, price and location of each property, helping you to weed out the retail spaces that won't work, allowing you to focus on the ones that may work.

I recommend: CoStar Realty Information has a vast array of retail real estate available for you to peruse from the comfort of your office with no high pressure sales tactics. CityFeet.com allows you to search through a comprehensive listing of retail real estate available throughout the United States.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of companies that will customize retail real estate to suit the needs of your specific business.