What Does a Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Firm Do?

A commercial real estate brokerage firm links buyers, sellers, tenants, and landlords in the business of buying and selling retail, office, and investment properties. These companies are responsible for tenant representation, landlord representation, investment sales, property management, and land brokerage. With annual total sales of more than $721M, Anchor Retail, Cleveland and Columbus, OH, offers these services throughout the Midwest.

If you're searching for a commercial real estate brokerage firm, it can be difficult to determine which firm to choose, particularly if you are not a seasoned real estate expert. Large commercial real estate brokers have offices across the country, while boutique firms are experts in a single market. It will depend upon your needs.

What Is a Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Firm? 

A commercial real estate brokerage firm is a licensed company that represents clients in the purchase, sale, or lease of non-residential property, including retail centers, office buildings, industrial sites, and raw land.

Commercial real estate brokerage companies typically specialize in one or more service areas. Some focus on tenant representation, others on investment sales or property management. The best firms offer a mix, giving clients a single point of contact for multiple needs.

What Does a Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Firm Do?

Let's take a quick look at the services that are provided by these firms.

Tenant Representation 

Tenant reps represent businesses in the retail, restaurant, and office sectors in finding and negotiating leases. They know market rent, foot traffic, and zoning to ensure that their clients don't overpay or sign into a bad location.

Landlord Representation 

The landlord reps sell their properties' rental capacity on behalf of the owners, such as shopping centers, strip malls, and individual retail properties. Their responsibility is to get a quality tenant in promptly when the vacancy occurs.

Investment Sales 

Commercial property investment companies bring together buyers and sellers of income-generating real estate, such as leased shopping centers and land waiting to be developed.

Property Management 

Third-party commercial property managers are responsible for maintaining, collecting rents, enforcing leases, and dealing with tenants. This is helpful for owners who are away from the area and require local assistance.

Land Brokerage 

Commercial land brokers are individuals who purchase and sell undeveloped or raw land for retail, restaurant, or mixed-use development.

National Consulting 

There are companies that offer retail brands guidance in the choice of locations and market conditions while they are expanding to new areas.

Are commercial real estate brokerage firms paid? The majority of brokers earn a commission. A few companies use a commission-based pay plan in addition to a base salary, particularly for newer agents.

How Anchor Retail Serves Ohio and Beyond

Anchor Retail is a boutique commercial real estate brokerage firm, headquartered in Cleveland and Columbus, OH, serving the Midwest and 15 states throughout the country. The firm provides all tenant and landlord services, investment sales, land sales, and property management services in one place.

The firm's expertise: An impressive $721M in total sales, 732 transactions, 3.4M square feet leased, and 462 acres sold. Some brands include Panera Bread, Meijer, Dollar General, Verizon, AutoZone, and Academy Sports. If you're looking for the perfect brokerage firm for commercial real estate across the country that provides boutique-type service, Anchor Retail has you covered.

If you're working in Ohio or the Midwest and want proven results with personalized attention, speak with Anchor Retail's team today.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a commercial real estate brokerage firm?

A licensed company that represents buyers, sellers, tenants, and landlords in non-residential property transactions, including retail, office, industrial, and land. 

What does a commercial real estate brokerage firm do?

These firms handle tenant and landlord representation, investment sales, property management, and land brokerage, depending on their specialization. 

How many commercial real estate brokerage firms are in the US?

Thousands, ranging from large global firms to small boutique shops serving individual metro areas. 

How do I start a commercial real estate brokerage firm?

Obtain a broker's license, gain experience as an agent, and build a client base and property portfolio before branching out independently. 

Is a boutique or large national firm better for commercial real estate?

It depends on your needs. Large firms work well for multi-state operations; boutique firms offer deeper local expertise and more hands-on service.