Whether you are just starting out in the real estate business or a seasoned professional, there is a huge difference between residential and commercial real estate. Everything in this business is different from the residential aspect, including the clients, properties, documents and contracts. If you are new to this business, the faster you can gain experience, the more profitable it will be. Clients in this industry are often entrepreneurs who expect a lot from their agent.

There is no immediate gratification working in commercial real estate. The entire process of making a sale from start to finish can be time consuming. Customers are not going to make a purchase based on emotion as many people do when buying a home. An agent can work with a client for months to find the right property. Usually a great deal of research and analysis of the property is required before an offer is made. Once an offer is made, it can take a long time before the agent receives their commission. The commission, however, is often worth fighting for. Business agents must be smart, aggressive, and proficient in the specialized skills needed to be successful in business. If one person can be patient enough, this field can be financially very rewarding.

So what types of properties does a commercial real estate agent deal with? These properties generally include investor-bought businesses and buildings. An investor has the option of using the properties for their own commercial endeavors or renting them out to a tenant who is looking for a location to have his own office or business. These could include shopping parks, apartment complexes, or warehouses.

An agent must possess a special set of skills to be successful in this business. They should be able to analyze the potential return on an investor’s income from a particular property. A successful agent will be familiar with any zoning laws or issues that can affect both business owners and real estate owners. Perhaps the most important quality an agent should possess is reliability. Agents will have access to their clients’ financial information, so they must be able to keep certain information confidential. They must also have a good working knowledge of the tax laws that may affect their clients.

Many successful agents will take the time to find a mentor and learn the business from them. It is always good to have an experienced person that you can call when you have a question or just need advice. Networking and continuing education can also be important tools for an agent to be successful. Becoming a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) not only offers agents a great educational opportunity, but also the possibility of belonging to a large network of professionals who will promote the businesses of others.

Before making the decision to get involved in the industry, it is important to take the time to research the field and decide if you have what it takes to be successful. If you are going to invest your time and energy in a career, you need to make sure it is the right one for you.