Selling commercial real estate can be a complex and long process, especially if not using a broker to help you sell the property. There is a lot to know about how to market buildings, how to negotiate, find a buyer, and the legal end of selling commercial real estate as well. With that in mind, we'll be touching on three primary areas to give you the basics of how to sell commercial real estate and what to expect when putting a commercial property on the market. 

Selling Commercial Real Estate Off Market

One of the first things people consider when selling commercial real estate is where to let people know the property or properties are for sale. Many immediately think of listing online, since there are so many real estate sales websites, but don't think that is your only option. Selling commercial real estate off-market is listed first to show any potential seller that thinking outside the box can land you a buyer better than competing with all the other listings. This is especially true if you're not using agents or a broker. 

Looking for a buyer off-market is essentially looking for them yourself via three routes:

• Letting family and friends know you're selling off your property. Even if they can't afford it or you know they wouldn't be interested, they can let others know that may be interested or didn't they were till the opportunity presented itself.
• Contacting real estate developers directly. Most developers are always looking for new properties and are also very well connected. Identifying who are some of the leading commercial property real estate developers can land you an offer.
• There are several firms that are always looking for investing opportunities in commercial real estate. Contact them to see if they're interested in reviewing your property and perhaps they'll take the property off your hands. 

Selling Commercial Property Without a Broker

To preface this, it isn't usually a good idea to try and sell commercial real estate without agents or a broker. It's a lot of complex work and requires a lot of knowledge, as well as expenses. If you're committed to putting your properties on the market yourself, here is how to sell commercial real estate on your own:

• You'll want to hire an inspector to review the property and have any repairs that are needed to be dealt with immediately. 
• Hire a commercial property appraiser so that your listing price is justifiable and on point with the market
• List the commercial property
• Promote the listing on social media, through friends or family, and other places you're able to list properties for sale.
• Make the property presentable for showings
• Hire a real estate attorney to ensure contracts and sales are legal, as well as to ensure good negotiating with potential buyers.
• If an offer is made that you find acceptable, decide on a closing date and then finalize the sale with the buyer. 

Be prepared for a time-consuming process and a lot of attention to detail when selling the commercial property yourself. It's easily a full-time job at a minimum. 

Sell Commercial Real Estate Property with a Broker

Working with commercial real estate agents is far easier than trying to juggle the job yourself, and is often a far better strategy to sell your property. Real estate agents and brokers are professional experts and know tricks of the trade that can only be learned through experience. They are also far more well-versed compared to any first-time seller, making them a great guide from inspection to sale. Here are a few ways working with a commercial property broker helps sell your property:

• Real estate agents and brokers know what marketing a property takes, and also have connections with professional photographers, as well as where to list your property. They are a big help in marketing the commercial property to get you the best and fastest sale.
• The first section listed who to contact to sell a commercial property, but there would be no need if working with a broker. They already have a list of contacts and be able to connect you with a potential buyer. 
• Working with a broker or agent saves you time and not just in regard to how long the property is listed. They handle the communications with potential buyers and speak on your behalf with added expertise.
• Real estate negotiating is intense and can be off-putting to a new seller. Luckily, agents and brokers are well-versed in how to negotiate the sale of commercial property and can ensure you get a favorable return on your buildings. 

When looking for a commercial real estate agent or broker, you'll want to make sure they're more experienced in commercial real estate. Residential real estate is a completely different animal than commercial property. As one of the largest developers, property managers, and a leading commercial real estate firm, we understand how to sell commercial property and protect the seller from a bad sale. Since 1937 we've handled properties of all sorts and currently over 4 million square feet of commercial property. Discover more about working with an experienced commercial real estate broker and skip the how-to-sell commercial real estate homework altogether.