How To Be Prepared When Looking for Commercial Property in Columbia, MO

Entering the world of commercial real estate can be intimidating. Securing a location for your business is one of the first, and most important steps in building your business. However, the commercial real estate market in Columbia, Mo does not have to be intimidating. In fact, the expert team at Lindner Properties is here to help you. We’ve been involved in commercial real estate, property management, retail and office space rentals, and more for decades. We take a hands-on approach with our clients to develop customized solutions for their commercial real estate needs.  But, how do you know your commercial real estate agent is the right fit for you and your business? Our team put together the Top 10 questions you should ask your commercial real estate agent to help ensure you’re heading down the right path when choosing a property and location for your business’ store, office, or restaurant in Columbia, Mo.

Essential Questions To Ask Your Commercial Real Estate Agent in Mid-Missouri

1: How Long Have You Been a Commercial Real Estate Agent?

When trying to find a location for your business in mid-Missouri, it’s important to work with someone who knows your industry and the local real estate market inside and out. By asking your real estate agent about their level of experience, you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to move forward in the process with that agent. For example, does the agent you're working with have local ties to the community? How many years have they been serving your area? How many properties or business owners have they worked with in the last six months? These types of questions can help solidify the agent’s experience within the local mid-Missouri market.

2: What Types of Businesses Do You Typically Represent?

Getting a grasp on who your agent has worked with and what type of businesses their clients own will help to inform your decision. Maybe your prospective agent has experience leasing or renting office space, but do they have an understanding of what a robust medical office actually needs to be successful? What about retail? Does the agent have experience working with retail space, but you’re looking for something to showcase interiors and furniture? Will they understand your business’ needs? Nailing down the agent's typical clientele will give you a good picture of their experience in your industry.

3: How Long Will My Real Estate Search Take?

As a business owner, it’s understandable that you would want to get your business up and running as soon as possible. A search for an appropriate commercial real estate location can take some time, so it’s important to ask your real estate agent how long they expect the process to take, and what factors go into that expectation.

4: What Do You Charge For Your Services?

One of the most important parts of hiring a commercial real estate agent is knowing how much their services are going to cost you.

5: Where Do You See the Market Going?

An experienced real estate agent should have a good grasp on where they expect the market to go in the near future. By asking your real estate agent about future market projections, you can learn valuable information about what might be the smartest move for your business, and learn more about the level of experience your real estate agent possesses.

6: Could You Provide References From Previous Businesses You’ve Worked With?

Before you commit to an agent, it would be helpful to hear from previous clients what they thought of their experience with that particular agent. It’s a win-win to hear from previous clients about their experience with a commercial real estate agent, good or bad. Pro Tip: Check out the agent's reviews online!

7: What Geographic Locations Do You Specialize In?

As a business owner, you might have an idea of where your business’ location should be. Making sure your commercial real estate agent is familiar with that location is crucial. For example, the Lindner Properties team are experts at navigating the Columbia, Mo commercial real estate market, and can let you know exactly what location makes the most sense for your business.

8: Can You Refer Me to Other Real Estate Professionals?

During the process of finding the right property, you might need the services of other real estate professionals, like a real estate attorney or appraiser. By asking your commercial real estate agent if they can refer you to these professionals, you can find out how well connected they are within the commercial real estate world.

9: Can You Share Some of Your Success Stories?

The best commercial real estate agents become the best at what they do by handling adversity during the commercial real estate process. Ask your commercial real estate agent to share some of their success stories, and listen to what they say. Take note of any examples of how they faced conflict or difficulty during the process, and how they managed to handle those situations.

10: Is Leasing Or Purchasing A Better Move For Me?

When evaluating a property with your commercial real estate agent, consider asking them whether leasing the property or purchasing is the better option for you and your business. By asking them which option they believe is better for you, you can evaluate what they see for you and your business in that space in the future.

Contact Lindner Properties for Commercial Real Estate Information in Columbia, Mo

If you are looking for commercial real estate properties in Columbia, contact our experienced team of real estate professionals at Lindner Properties. We are intimately familiar with the commercial real estate market in Columbia, Mo and will work closely with you to find a property that fits the needs of your business.