Which form of advertising works well for an agent that deals with specialized properties?

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.  

Posting and delivery are BOTH required  

It 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 IABS  

Make sure to comply by following these simple rules.  

  • All fields in the IABS must be correctly filled out. 

  • Post a link to the IABS form labeled "Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Service," in at least 10 point font or "TREC Consumer Protection Notice" in at least 12 point font on the homepage of the business' website, in a readily noticeable place.  

  • On social media, TREC added flexibility for posting a link to the IABS. Just make sure a link to the homepage of  the business’ website with the completed IABS is linked in the social media profiles .  

Delivery of the IABS  

What are some acceptable ways to deliver the IABS?  

  1. Via email  
  • In the body of an email. The link to the IABS must be above the email signature block and specifically reference the IABS form.  
  • As an attachment to an email. The body of the email must specifically reference the IABS in the body of the email.  
  1. Physically  
  • Give the completed IABS form directly to  a client at the first substantive conversation.  
  • First class mail or overnight common carrier delivery service.  

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:

  1. Residential agents and brokers help clients find their dream home.
  2. Commercial agents and brokers serve as liaison between multiple parties in a commercial transaction, know extensive demographic and location information, and provide in-depth financial analyses to determine whether a property is good for their client's bottom line.

When scouting a commercial property, there are some features brokers will be on the lookout for, depending on their client's needs, such as:

  1. Parking for clients/patients/customers.
  2. Proximity to public transportation.
  3. A location that offers plenty of foot traffic.
  4. Access to waterways or highways for easy shipping.
  5. Storage space for inventory.
  6. Additional office space to grow into as the business grows.

Which form of advertising works well for an agent that deals with specialized properties?

Source: Getty images

How commercial real estate professionals work

Commercial real estate brokers can work with landlords, tenants, or both. For example:

  • With landlords: A landlord might list the available commercial space with a listing broker, who then solicits tenants and gets a percentage (usually 3%) of the rent during the lease.
  • With tenants: Brokers will look for space that meets the service or product needs of the tenant. They will also negotiate the lease so there are no hidden fees or other financial obligations that undermine the best interests of their client.
  • Both tenants and landlords: It's quite normal for a broker to work for both types of clients. It usually won't pose a problem, unless the client is interested in leasing space also listed with the brokerage. Brokers must strike a balance between the best interests of both clients as well as their firms' bottom lines. Any potential conflicts should be addressed in the contract.

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 broker

Here's how to begin a career as a commercial real estate broker:

  • Earn a real estate license: While laws vary by state, one will usually need to become a real estate agent first. Individuals can take real estate license courses at a local real estate school or college, then pass the exam. For those agents who wish to become highly specialized in commercial or industrial real estate, they might consider coupling the license with a college degree in business or one related to the field of commercial real estate they will be primarily working in, like healthcare. However, a college degree is not necessary to work as a real estate professional.
  • Gain experience: To become a broker, an agent typically needs one to three years of experience as an agent with a commercial real estate brokerage or under an individual real estate broker.
  • Earn the commercial broker license: The requirements will depend on the state one becomes licensed in, but the broker's license usually involves advanced classes and continuing education before passing an exam. Brokers can then go on to open their own firm or work with an existing commercial brokerage or real estate service.

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 brokers

For 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.

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The bottom line

A 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.

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