What is the IABS?Texas law requires all brokers and sales agents to provide written notice regarding information about brokerage services at the first substantive communication with prospective buyers, tenants, sellers, and landlords concerning specific real property. The Information About Brokerage Services form (or the IABS) is the required method to provide that information to those parties. Show
Posting and delivery are BOTH requiredIt is important to remember that the IABS must both be delivered at the first substantive communication, and the completed IABS must be posted on the homepage of the license holders’ business website. A business website is a website controlled by the license holder, accessible to the public, and that contains information about a license holder’s real estate brokerage services. Posting the IABSMake sure to comply by following these simple rules.
Delivery of the IABSWhat are some acceptable ways to deliver the IABS?
What is the Consumer Protection Notice?The Consumer Protection Notice provides information about filing a complaint with TREC, and information regarding the two TREC recovery funds. This notice must be displayed in a readily noticeable location in each place of business the broker maintains and must be posted on your business website homepage in a readily noticeable place. The link on the website must either state "Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice," in at least 10 point font or "TREC Consumer Protection Notice," in at least 12 point font. Still, have more questions?Review or Frequently Asked Questions on the TREC website. Search by “IABS” or “Information About Brokerage Services”. A commercial real estate broker works with clients to buy, lease, sell, or rent nonresidential properties, such as office or retail space. Commercial real estate professionals start off with the same license as those who work in residential real estate. However, commercial real estate agents and brokers must know a good deal about tax and zoning laws, as well as market data, financial analysis, property management, and more. This isn't to say selling residential real estate is easy work. It's just that residential properties are used for one thing only -- living. Commercial real estate, on the other hand, can be used for a wide variety of uses, from business to healthcare to retail to warehousing. Apartment complexes are also considered commercial real estate. In fact, each of these are considered subsets of commercial real estate that commercial real estate brokers can specialize in. For example, if a dentist is looking to move a practice to a new location, the dentist would work with a commercial agent specializing in medical and dental real estate. Again, while commercial and residential agents and brokers all get their start with the same license, the professional duties are quite different. For example:
When scouting a commercial property, there are some features brokers will be on the lookout for, depending on their client's needs, such as:
Source: Getty images How commercial real estate professionals workCommercial real estate brokers can work with landlords, tenants, or both. For example:
Some states allow for a broker to serve as a dual agent, meaning the broker acts as a neutral third party in the transaction. However, this isn't truly in the best interest of either the landlord/seller or the lessee/buyer, as the broker is needed more for negotiation, not neutrality. How to become a commercial real estate brokerHere's how to begin a career as a commercial real estate broker:
Education and professional development doesn't end with the broker's license. If you want to be a successful broker, you'll commit to continuing education to expand your knowledge and expertise. How much does a commercial real estate broker make?According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for all real estate brokers in 2019 was $59,720. The highest 10% of brokers earned more than $178,720. While the BLS doesn't differentiate between commercial and residential real estate in its salary breakdown, commercial real estate brokers will likely make more in commission based on the value of the properties they help buy and sell. While the sale or lease of a commercial space might net a larger commission for a broker, they don't often come as quickly as residential sales might. That is why some commercial real estate professionals choose to keep one foot in the residential real estate game. For those who wish to concentrate on commercial real estate, they can expect to put in 40-plus hours per week in order to achieve their financial and professional goals. How to find CRE brokersFor buildings that are continuously leased, finding a commercial real estate sales professional might be as simple as calling the front office or looking at the sign on the building. Construction sites in progress often have signage that lists the name and contact information of the CRE brokerage involved in the deal. However, if you have not yet located a property you want to buy or lease as a business owner, you can search your area for CRE agents. You could start with the local Chamber of Commerce, or you can search by location and property type using an online directory, such as the one on Loopnet.com. More on Real Estate InvestingThe bottom lineA commercial real estate broker has the potential to build a lucrative career -- but it won't come easily. Successful brokers are experts in market and financial analysis and are highly knowledgeable in their clients' fields in order to find the best commercial properties for sale or rent. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Related ArticlesMore on Real EstateWhich form of advertisement works well for an agent that deals with specialized properties quizlet?Which form of advertisement works well for an agent that deals with specialized properties? Newsletters can be produced to focus on particular types of properties, thus effectively targeting niche markets.
Which form of advertising is considered the most cost effective method for advertising a home?Newspaper advertising is probably the most common and often the most effective form of advertising for residential property. The most common ad type, these ads are the most effective with buyers.
What kind of advertising aims at increasing sales by informing the public of a company's capabilities?Institutional advertising (sometimes called corporate advertising) attempts to establish a positive image of the company, its services and its reputation in the minds of the public. This form of advertising aims at increasing sales by informing the public of the company's capabilities.
What is a good technique to use to collect feedback from agents?What is a good technique to use to collect feedback from agents when conducting a property showing? Ask each agent to fill out an evaluation. Give each agent a check sheet. Phone each agent after the home tour.
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