HOW DO YOU FIND A RELIABLE AGENT??

Question

How do you find a reliable agent in Commercial Real Estate?
It's so hard to rely on who has access to information when the properties your looking for are exclusive.
I'm looking for help for commercial properties in Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, & New York.  And every agent or so called agent I talk to never has what I'm looking for.
What should I do? 8)

Patrick Murray · Answer

lani35,

If you are looking for an agent in NC or SC, you should hire me of course :lol: . Otherwise, I would definitely hire a CCIM that is experienced in the type of property you are considering purchasing. I work in retail and office property, but there are others that focus just on apartment complexs, medical office buildings, drug stores, etc.

N/A N/A · Answer

Craigslist is not a bad place to look for pocket listings or Loop Net as well..

Sosina Makbebe · Answer

I can help you in the greatest Los Angeles aria with all your commercial needs. The problem with investors is that they are always looking for 8% and up CAP rate. Most commercial property in CA are as low 7% CAP. 
So what kind of property are you looking for shopping center? Strip mall? office building ... let me know I will provide you with all the info that you need. send me an e-mail

sosina
Keller Williams realty

Gabriel Silverstein · Answer

SIOR is the most exclusive designation (it's invitation only and heavily performance and experience qualified, whereas CCIM is effectively entirely education based).  Both are good, though.  SIOR is the Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS so you might guess that while a number of us have retail and/or hotel experience, there is an admitted concentration of (go figure) industrial and office brokers.

Understand that depending on what you are looking for you might have to try several different brokers/agents to find the right fit of a personality you like, someone that's truly qualified, and who is in tune with the specific product you're looking for.  I can help you with office buildings from $20MM to $200MM+ but would be worthless for gas stations and many types of land deals, for example.

Twyla Craven · Answer

I thought this was a good place to ask some questions as an agent.  I have been in the business for 7 years.  I started in resales with another established agent.  I've learned everything from working with it first hand.  I have done a couple of small commercial deals.  What is your advise for Agents to learn?  I believe I have completely respresented all of my clients and am not afraid to go to my broker or others who know situations better than myself.  Everyone has to start somewhere right?  I am on this forum to learn more.  I want to grow my business and be the best agent I can be for my clients.  It was nice to see people standing up for the agents.  My clients generally know me and what I will do for them and we develop some sort of bond.  I would like to know from you guys what you look for and what you recommend for me to do to gain further knowledge?

N/A N/A · Answer

what is it you are looking for?  your expectations may not be realistic

I'm always surprised by people who want to invest in commercial but have no idea that there are commercial only agents.  If i had a dime everytime a residential agent called me wanting to take a look at my commercial properties without even driving by first!  And then asking me questions on how to structure the deal (i guess they do deserve their commission?)

CCIM is a good start, at least you know that the agent has had some training and done some commercial deals.  I'm with a CCIM member and a MAI and have learned alot and am going towards my CCIM.  I've been
at the commercia only for about a year and have produced over 2 million in a small market (leases, purchases, sales) and i have more commercial experience than some 10 to 15 year residentail agents.

Sorry, but with the house turnaround many residential agents are trying to pass themselves off as part time commercial in this area and it's beginning to affect me a little.

N/A N/A · Answer

Did you google it ? Are some good commercial agents.

N/A N/A · Answer

Our directory of CCIM Professionals in various commercial specialties is located via a link at the top of ccim dot com

(unable to post direct link due to zealous spam filters at this site.)

-Jason Potkanski
Developer
CCIM Institute

Richard F. · Answer

Most markets have RE companies that ONLY deal with commercial...start there, and try to find someone with a CCIM designation. From there it's a matter of finding a personality match...