A commercial real estate agent’s job is very different from that of a residential real estate agent. Selling or leasing commercial property usually takes a significantly longer time. C🏅ommercial real estate agents must provide substantial analyticꩵal data and financial information to interested businesses.
Agents may work independently, for a real estate firm, or for a commercial broker. Most commercial real es💙tate agents are paid on a commission basis.
Key Takeaways
- Commercial real estate sales can be a lucrative career choice given the high commissions earned on larger properties.
- It requires a good head for numbers and an ability to analyze and communicate data that are relevant to clients.
- Commercial agents must be licensed and have a high degree of resilience and practical knowledge of the sector, along with good interpersonal skills.
Education and Licensing
The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists a high school diploma or equivalent as a basic requirement for commercial real estate agents. However, most real estate firms require a bachelor's degree.
Community and four-year colleges offer🔯 real estate degree programs, with commercial property sales and leasing offered as a focus or specialty. An educational background in real estate is essential to getting hired by most firms. Courses on finance, statistics, economics, and business administration also are h🐎elpful.
Many brokerage firms will offer educational courses, mentorship, and on-the-job training. The National Association of Realtors provides a list of beneficial courses specific to commercial real estate sales.
Real estate agents and brokers must be licensed to work in the U.S. Most states require candidates to pass a state-administered real estate exam. Some states require only a standard real estate license, while others require a commercial re🍷al estate license.
Tip
Prospective commercial real estate agents can find state-specific requirements by contacting the state's real estate commission or Department of Real Estate.
Skills
Working as a commercial real estate agent requires a specific skill set. Thꦗe ability to work quickly with numbers and to analyze data is essential.
The job is best suited for a multitasker who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment wi🅠th a variety of people.
In♎terpersonal skills, dedication to customer s🐻atisfaction, and persuasiveness are all important.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
A commercial real estate agent must be prepared to present potential buyers with market demographic studies, environmental research, and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:financial analysis about the properties they are offering for sal🌞e or lease.
Commercial clients will examine information about the property's location, data on nearby businesses, and more. Most of an agent's clients are businesses that depend on locating in the place best suited to attract the people who want to buy the goods they sell or the services they provide.
A daily to-do list for a commercial real estate agent involves 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:cold calls to business owners and managers to identify future clients and to glean statistical information. Agents also keep track of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:lease payments for other commercial properties and office complexes in the area. They use statistical analysis techniques, including 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:breakeven analysis, to help clients determine a basic margin of safety.
Fast Fact
Commercial agents need to be knowledgeable about property 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:maintenance costs and possible renovations.
Their routine includes networking wi🥃th local businesses, negotiating between buyers and sellers, overseeingꩵ property inspections, arranging for financing, and facilitating final transactions.
Compensation
The latest data available from the BLS reports that real estate sales agents earned a national average income of $65,850 as of May 2023. The Bureau does not differentiate between commercial and residential real estate agents.
This number is significantly lower than Glassdoor's June 2024 estimate, which is based on 369 salaries. According to Glassdoor, total income for a commercial real estate agent ranges from $155,000 to $284,000 per year, with a median of $206,000 per year. This breaks down to a base pay of $79,000 to $143,000 per year, with additional pay of $76,000 to $141,000 per year.
🎃However, pay varies widely, given the variety of properties and the commission 🌃payment system. Commercial real estate deals can involve skyscrapers in cities, strip malls in suburbs, industrial properties, and rural land for development.
Higher-priced sales and repeat business, along with a credible r⛎eputation, typically bring commercial real estate 𝐆agents larger commissions and higher incomes.
Career Outlook
The BLS estimates that real estate agent jobs will continue to grow at 2% through 2033, which is slower than the average growth for all occupations.
The profession's outlook is dictated by the economy. A strong economy invariably leads to more opportunities in commercial real estate and an economic slowdown makes a tougher selling environment.
What Is Commercial Real Estate?
Commercial real estate is property used exclusively for business and not for residential use. That encompasses a wide range of locations from retail storefro🍌nts to warehouses, factories, office space, and hotels.
What Do Commercial Real Estate Agents Earn on Commission?
The agent commission for commercial real estate transactions is negotiable and ranges from 4% to 8% of the sales price. A flat fee may be paid on rare occasions.
Does the NAR Settlement Affect Commercial Real Estate Commissions?
The March 2024 National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement is specific to residential real estate agents associated with the National Association of Realtors and has no direct effect on the commercial real estate business.
How Do Investors Make Money in Commercial Real Estate?
Investors make money in commercial real estate directly, by buying properties, or indirectly, by investing in 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:mutual funds, 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:real estꦛate investment trusts (REITs✤) that focus on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:commercial real estate. Many further specialize in office space, industrial sites, multifa🌠mi♒ly rentals, or retail locations.
The profits in commercial real estate come from rents paid by commercial property tenants and from appreciation of the real estate assets when they are sold.
The Bottom Line
Commercial real estate agents have to understand the needs of thei🌟r customers. They have to be prepared to gi🎐ve potential buyers detailed numbers and analysis related to the locations of the properties they handle, the demographics of the surrounding population, and the costs of doing business there.