Commercial Real Estate Listings

Guide to Commercial Real Estate Listings

Need a new home for your company? Scan business property listings like a pro
By Frances Sharpe

	Business Property Listings Know-How Commercial property listing services may specialize in a certain type of property. It’s easiest to find commercial property listings for major metropolitan areas. In smaller towns, check local newspapers and business journals for commercial property for lease or sale.

In business, success often hinges on location. To find a stellar site for your business, scour commercial real estate listings. Whether you're searching for commercial property for lease or commercial property for sale, business property listings should be your first step. Finding commercial real estate listings has never been easier thanks to the Internet. Numerous sites specializing in commercial real estate have popped up to put your property search right at your fingertips. The Internet isn't your only option for business property listings. You can find commercial real estate listings in newspapers and weekly business publications, or you can hire a commercial real estate broker to assist with your search.

To get the most out of commercial property listing services:

1. Determine if you are looking for commercial property for sale or commercial property for lease.
2. Confine your business property listings search to a specific type of property, for instance, retail, office or industrial.
3. Narrow your search on online commercial real estate listings by choosing a price range, the number of square feet you need and more.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go to the specialists in online commercial real estate listings Websites that specialize in business property listings generally have the most complete inventory of commercial properties for sale and for lease. Some sites require you to register as a member before searching the listings. Most sites offer free registration, while some offer enhanced access for a fee.

I recommend:  LoopNet has the largest number of business property listings nationwide and lets you search by type of property, price and square footage. Black's Guide provides listings in 10 major markets and lets you search for commercial real estate brokers in those markets. You can scan commercial real estate listings for commercial property for lease or sale in approximately 40 markets at BizSpace, which is run by American City Business Journals.

Check major commercial brokerage sites for business property listings Major brokerage firms post their commercial real estate listings on their websites for free viewing. Of course, only properties they are selling or leasing are included.

I recommend:  Top names in commercial brokerage firms include CB Richard Ellis, Cushman & Wakefield, Grubb & Ellis, Marcus & Millichap, Colliers International, NAI Global and Jones Lang La Salle.

Hire a broker for help searching business property listings Commercial real estate brokers know the ropes when it comes to commercial property for lease or sale. These experts can help you zero in on the right property and can help you negotiate the sale or lease.

I recommend:  Brokers can be particularly useful because they have access to the subscription-only CoStar Group, considered the best of commercial property listing services. Use the directory of real estate brokerage firms and brokers at Business.com to help you find an expert or try the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, the leading industrial and commercial real estate association.

Narrow your search for commercial property for sale or lease Targeting your search when using commercial property listing services is essential for a successful search. The more focused your search, the more likely the search results will meet your needs.

I recommend:  Cityfeet.com lets you search for commercial property for lease or sale by type, including industrial, retail, office, showrooms or medical offices. Find additional sources for retail real estate at Business.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• A local broker who understands the business climate in your area is better equipped to help you find the best commercial property for lease or sale.
• Once you have a short list of commercial property for sale or lease, drive by each of them to see if they offer the kind of access and visibility you need and to see if the neighboring businesses complement yours.
• When searching commercial property listings, consider how much square footage your company will need as it grows, not simply how much it needs today.