What to look for in a commercial or industrial property specialist

Every commercial and industrial enterprise needs a property professional who has their best interests at heart. When choosing the broker who will help you buy, sell or rent premises, there are several factors that you need to bear in mind, and 3Cube Property Solutions takes a deep dive into these considerations. You'll need to ensure that your potential broker specialises in the type of property you're looking for and that he or she is experienced and has the appropriate credentials. You'll also need to find a broker who is accessible, responsive and who you get along well with.

Areas of specialisation

If you're looking for a commercial property, you shouldn't be working with an residential real estate agent, but rather with a specialised commercial and industrial real estate broker. Find someone who has lots of experience in finding the type of property that you need. Since 3Cube Property Solutions' brokers specialise in both commercial and industrial properties (as well as mixed-use and retail properties), we can meet any business's needs. It's also ideal to find someone who has been selling or renting out properties in your specific area for a long time. The more a broker knows about the ins and outs of an area, the more value he or she will provide you with.

The benefits of experience

One of the best ways to choose a great broker is simply to spend some time talking to them about their experience. Ask them how many transactions they have successfully concluded in the past year and what their plan is for finding you the perfect property, or for finding a buyer or tenant for your existing property. Asking him or her questions about the area under consideration is a great way to get an idea of how experienced they are.

An experienced commercial or industrial real estate broker will be able to advise you on certain specifications. For example, they will be able to tell you whether the commercial or industrial space you're considering has the right power offering to meet your company's needs and whether or not the height to the eaves is sufficient. He or she will consider factors such as parking, truck manoeuvring and whether or not the office component will be sufficient for you and your team.

The appropriate credentials

Every estate agent and broker in South Africa - whether specialising in commercial, industrial or any other kind of property - must be registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EABB). The EABB exists as a result of the Estate Agency Affairs Act 112 of 1976 and serves to regulate real estate activities in the public's best interest. A valid Fidelity Fund certificate serves as proof of an broker's up-to-date EABB registration, and this should be viewable upon request. A quick visit to the EABB's website is all it takes to check if a broker is registered.

Five reasons to make use of an industrial/commercial real estate professional

1. You'll get all the advantages of their area and industry knowledge.
2. All the fine details of the contract that you sign will be aligned to industry standards.
3. If you're looking to buy or rent a property, you'll be the first to know when a new listing becomes available.
4. Your real estate professional will be aware of the history of the building and any issues that former owners/tenants have faced.
5. He or she may be able to negotiate favourable terms or prices for your deal.

3Cube Property Solutions has many years of experience in finding companies the perfect industrial or commercial premises in Gauteng. You can trust us to help you sell property, invest in property, find the right tenant or find the right premises to rent. Contact us today or view our list of experienced commercial and industrial real estate brokers.