Finding commercial real estate for sale can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be if you know where to look and what you’re looking for. To point you in the right direction, you first need to ask yourself these five questions:

1. What kind of property am I looking for?

What kind of property would best serve you and your business? Industrial, retail, office space, undeveloped land, or flex space? Narrowing your options as best you can makes the search for the ideal property much easier.

2. What kind of community do you want to be a part of?

Are you seeking a high foot-traffic urban setting? The up-and-coming neighborhood that all the new start-ups and hip restaurants are flocking to? Or perhaps a quieter, yet still somewhat industrial area? Do some neighborhood farming by exploring the communities you are interested in on foot. Get familiar with local business owners, and keep your eyes open for vacant space that has potential. Industrial real estate brokerage and development agents of that particular area can be contacted after that, for a further narrow-down of properties suitable for you.

3. What quality of property am I willing to invest in?

Class A properties will attract the highest bidding businesses, while class B properties will cost you less on the outset, and still attract decent small businesses and start-ups. Class C properties will take a significant investment to improve and raise to industry standards and you will likely need to hire someone like Multi-M Contracting to renovate the property for you, so keep that in mind when the low price catches your eye. Also remember that context counts: a class B property in one neighborhood might be a class A property in another. Consider how much of your budget can go toward updates and improvements like colored concrete installation before you sign the bottom line.

4. What aesthetic do I want my property to have?

Are you in the market for a clean, simple industrial space? A hip, gutted historical building? Or a fresh, crisp retail space? Your aesthetic will draw in the businesses and clients that are seeking a certain type of space to work in, so keep that in mind during the purchasing and renovating phases of development. If your property is a renovation project, you may want to start with commercial roofing contractors to get the roof looking its best. Starting with the roof will make sure that the inside is weather-proof, whilst it can also drastically improve the aesthetic of the building. Then move on to new windows and doors, and finally think about plastering or cladding if the brickwork is particularly ugly. Who do you want to attract to your property? Base the design around this question and you can’t go wrong.

5. Form or function?

When seeking the ideal commercial property, is your priority form or function? If maximum square footage is your primary goal, perhaps excellent curb appeal and interesting architecture isn’t where you need to invest your dollars. But if you desire interesting boutiques, restaurants, and independent start-ups as tenants, then your investment may be better spent in a property that is not just functional, but interesting and beautiful. Keep your tenants and customers in mind when choosing the space that’s right for you.

Finding commercial real estate for sale can be easy with a little help from an expert. If you’d like to speak with a commercial real estate expert, contact us today. We can help you find the perfect property for your purpose!