Why a Residential Real Estate Agent May Not Be the Best Choice for Your Commercial Real Estate Needs

Setting a new record for commercial property deals in Canada with over $43 billion in transactions in 2017 , commercial real estate today is steadily on the rise. When dabbling in commercial real estate, you might have considered just asking your real estate agent to help you with the process. Stop! That might be a terrible idea and we’ll tell you why!
Here are some of the most major differences between a commercial and residential real estate agent that could make all the difference between a successful and unsuccessful deal:
Education and Training
While both residential and commercial real estate agents require a special license granted after completing and passing specific courses, usually a high school diploma is all the formal education required for a residential agent.
A commercial real estate agent, however, is required to have formal university education in either business or finance and have better, more extensive knowledge of business terminology, market trends and real estate terms such as gross rent multiplier, capitalization rate and more. This, in turn, means a specialized commercial real estate agent will be able to help you make better decisions when purchasing properties costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Specialization
A commercial real estate agent is used to handling large properties as well as smaller residential properties. From shopping centers, apartment buildings and office spaces to locations for small business start-ups, commercial agents constantly dabble with expensive properties for well-known retailers. This leaves no room for error, and explains why a more extensive training through mentorship programs is required to become a commercial real estate agent.
Industry Knowledge
Commercial real estate agents are expected to stay up to date with both the housing market and the general real estate market, capitalization rates for particular properties, past profits and losses for the property, demand and supply of properties in certain areas as well as have access to unlisted properties. A college degree in business sure comes in handy now!
Over years of working in the industry, a successful commercial real estate agent will be able to build industry connections and relationships, which can further help you get better financing options with lower interest rates, find properties in locations where your business meets city zoning codes and get you in touch with potential buyers if you’re selling property.
With over a decade of experience in the commercial real estate business, we at Pivotal Commercial Realty have successfully closed over $100 million worth of commercial real estate deals and over one million square feet of leased land since our inception. Housing some of the best commercial real estate agents in Toronto, Canada, we provide clients with everything from real estate consultancy to site selection and buying and selling of commercial real estate assets.
Contact us today to get in touch with one of the top realtors in the country.


