The four main classes of commercial real estate are office spaces, industrial, multi-family rentals, and retail space. Commercial real estate provides rental income as well as the potential for some capital appreciation for investors.

Hiring a commercial real estate broker can not only save you time and money in your search, but also steer you towards exactly what you need. A good broker knows the properties, landlords, buyers and sellers. You are involved in these transactions every now and then, while a broker does this every day. A good commercial real estate broker understands the total cost of the transaction and can help negotiate a deal that best suits your needs.

One of the most common mistakes among businesses is to tour your potential properties without having decided on a commercial real estate brokerage relationship. If you plan on hiring a commercial real estate broker or advisor to represent you, do so before you begin touring properties.

A commercial real estate broker needs to understand the client’s motivations and needs, so honesty is important. Shopping a deal through a number of real estate brokers reduces the effectiveness of the broker.

Subleasing (or subletting) commercial real estate is the act of a third-party partaking in the lease transaction; the sublessee takes over a tenant’s rights and obligations for a certain space until the master lease expires. Though the third-party becomes a new lessee, the primary tenant is still liable for any damages caused by the sublessee. In order to pursue a sublease, the original lease must have provisions which allow it.