How to Get a Commercial Real Estate Broker to Call You Back: Tips for Success
I encounter this question more often than you would think:
Can you help? I can't get any broker to call me back?
When you're searching for commercial real estate, the temptation is to hop online and just start firing away auto-prompted emails. Platforms like Loopnet, Crexi, and 42 Floors all have auto-emails that are generic and vapid. The thing to keep in mind: Commercial Real Estate Brokers are INUNDATED with JUNK MAIL, solicitations, and hackers trying to pry valuable escrow wiring information. Your auto-generated Loopnet inquiry is going straight to the junk folder. Your unknown number is going unanswered.
With AI and automated communications filling our inboxes and phones, it's no surprise that it's difficult to get a broker's attention. That’s why these tips are designed to help you have success in your commercial real estate search!
Preparation is Key
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a business owner venturing into new space for the first time, coming well-prepared will help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of securing the right property. Here’s how to prepare and what information you’ll need to make your inquiry to a landlord broker:
1. Provide a Clear Plan & Business Overview
A clear and concise explanation of your business is essential. Landlords and brokers want to know whether you’re launching a new business or expanding an established one. Understanding your business goals and space requirements will help brokers see the big picture and match you with the right properties.
Tip: Write down a brief overview of your business that you can quickly copy and paste into property inquiries. This saves time and provides consistency in your communication.
2. Prepare a Business Plan & Financial Information
If you’re starting a new business, property owners may be hesitant to invest in modifications without knowing your business is viable. Having a well-thought-out business plan and financial information at hand demonstrates that you're serious, have a solid financial foundation, and are prepared for the responsibility of leasing space.
3. Know Your Space Requirements
It’s important to be specific about your space needs. Define the type of space (office, retail, industrial), square footage, and any special requirements such as parking, signage, or layout preferences. This helps brokers and landlords quickly assess whether a property meets your needs.
4. Be Clear About Your Timing and Logistics
Timing can make or break a deal. Be upfront about your anticipated move-in date, lease duration, and any flexibility you have with the timeline. Landlords appreciate knowing when you’re ready to move, and this helps brokers narrow down the list of available spaces.
5. Follow Up
After sending your initial inquiry, following up with a quick message containing your contact information shows that you're serious about the space. It also increases your chances of getting a response in a timely manner.
Send an email. Follow up with a call. Send a text with your information. Make it as easy as possible for the broker to save your details. The more information you provide up front, the more effective a landlord broker can be when following up with ownership or managing other moving parts.
You, like many whom we have helped, may conclude that having a professional involved actually helps quite a bit. While it’s possible to search for commercial space on your own, working with an experienced broker can significantly improve your chances of finding the right property, negotiating favorable terms, and closing the deal faster. Here’s why a broker can be a game-changer in your commercial real estate search.
If you’re having trouble, feel free to reach out. If we can't help, we can point you in the right direction or try to offer some free advice. Good luck, and happy hunting!
