Tag Archives: commercial real estate requirements

How Commercial Real Estate Professionals Add Value To The Property Search Process

30 Apr

Professional commercial real estate brokers add value to the process of finding solutions to solve commercial real estate requirements. While some consumers believe they can effectively direct their own search due to the rise of online databases such as Loopnet, Reis and Truss, these consumer-facing databases don’t always provide current and comprehensive market data. These online services also cannot provide other significant, personal, and specific services that a real estate professional can provide. A professional commercial real estate broker has access to current market as well as to any off-market availabilities, which is especially crucial in a very tight real estate market such as we are currently experiencing. No online database can fully replicate or replace the market knowledge and experience of a professional broker.

Aside from having access to current available properties, a broker has first hand knowledge of current industry trends, fair market pricing, leasing concessions and other valuable market information which can enable the consumer to obtain the most favorable financial terms. Since professional brokers are involved in the market day to day, they will have a better overall understanding of current market conditions. The commercial broker also can leverage their relationships with other commercial brokers and landlords to achieve the most favorable bargain on behalf of the client. Further, a professional broker understands the complexities and nuances involved in a commercial real estate transaction and that experience is extremely valuable. In addition, brokers work with the client’s attorney in an effort to avoid potential pitfalls in a commercial lease.

It is customary that the brokerage commission is paid by the landlord in the commercial real estate industry.  Landlords include this cost as a line item when they proforma a real estate project, and is a relatively insignificant cost in relation to the overall project. Landlords highly value commercial real estate brokers as they make introductions to prospective tenants which are the linchpin for the success of their investment. So Landlords gladly compensate brokers because of the value they bring to the table, even though Landlords understand that the tenant or buyer broker must advocate on behalf of their client’s best interests.

Finally, a professional full service broker can also provide assistance with other aspects involved with leasing or purchasing commercial property such as referring general contractors or providing guidance pricing on build out costs, relocation coordination and obtaining vendors to help with furniture, fixture and equipment installation, etc. Commercial real estate professionals provide a valuable service to the consumer and should be an integral part of the process when searching for property.

Please contact me to review your specific space requirements and help with finding the best solution to your specific commercial real estate requirements.

Warren Brown, President, Boston Commercial Properties, Inc.




All information provided is from sources deemed to be reliable, however no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof.

Will WeWork Conquer The Real Estate Market?

28 Feb

Actually, WeWork wants to do more than just conquer the real estate market. The ambitious plans for this rapidly growing company includes expanding into residential real estate, high end fitness, and even education. A recent NY Times article describes the enthusiastic goals of  WeWork’s founder. One has to wonder if  WeWork will become the Amazon of the real estate market and change the paradigm of how companies of all sizes use space. This company is a real global landlord to contend with – 2017 revenues were $900m and it will continue to grow in 2018 as they plan on expanding from over 200 locations to 400.

By capturing the imagination of entrepreneurial as well as Fortune 500 companies, and fulfilling the desires of how millennials view the work environment, WeWork appears to have revolutionized how we work. Rather than occupying staid, plain, vanilla office buildings, at WeWork, employers now have the option to lease flexible, fun and creative work environments with chic decor, with many amenities, where their employees enjoy working, never have to leave the office, and are inspired as a result.

The WeWork concept includes flexible lease terms, comfortable, and creative spaces where the theme of the decor and amenities may change depending upon the location. WeWork offers facilities in hip downtown locations around the world including 303 locations in 62 cities. Amenities include free flowing beer, piped in music, fitness facilities, social networking venues and more. An elementary school and wave pool for inland surfing are other concepts currently being developed.

But will WeWork succeed in becoming a game-changer in how we lease space? While WeWork definitely serves a niche – and a growing one at that – there will always be a place for more traditional space alternatives. As an example, for now it appears that WeWork does not aspire to penetrate suburban areas. Leave other experienced real estate developers that are increasingly adding their own amenities to office parks for that. There will also continue to be a role for traditional landlords in downtown markets. For example, law firms, insurance companies and financial service companies that occupy large blocks of space for a lengthy period of time will need their own corporate identity, perhaps their own office tower, and with their own unique corporate image. As companies see the expanding trend of younger talent seeking employment in urban environments, this fast growing company is quickly becoming an 800 pound gorilla to contend with in downtown markets.

Not to be outdone, many upstart co-work facilities have also been expanding in downtown areas. Knotel in New York, the Cambridge Innovation Center, WorkBar and others in Boston are seeking to disrupt how we use space. Given this trend, we should be cognizant of the possibility of over saturation of the co-work concept.

Is the co-work concept right for your business? Contact me to further discuss this and to review your specific space requirements to find the best solution to your commercial real estate requirements.

Warren Brown, President, Boston Commercial Properties, Inc.




All information provided is from sources deemed to be reliable, however no warranty or representation is made as to the accuracy thereof.