How to Succeed in Commercial Real Estate, Third Edition

Book excerpt: The updated and expanded third edition of How to Succeed in Commercial Real Estate is a comprehensive, practical guide for those considering entering the field of commercial real estate and those just beginning in the business, as well as for experienced brokers and sales managers who want to evaluate and strengthen their current strategies related to listings, negotiations, contracts, and sales. This book provides a straightforward overview of the business of selling and leasing commercial property, including coverage of the four main specialty areas--retail, office, industrial, and investment--as well as crossovers and emerging specialties. Rather than pumping a "get rich quick" approach to selling, the author shows brokers that they don't have to sacrifice integrity and ethics to remain competitive and deal oriented. The book includes detailed coverage of Choosing a company and a specialty. Sales strategies and sales points specific to commercial real estate, including practical suggestions for countering other brokers. The importance of focusing on exclusive listings, how to find and get the best prospects, and the most effective strategies for marketing property. Standard parts and points of negotiation for contracts and forms, including earnest money agreements, leases, options, listings, counter offers, and fee schedules. Rent and how it is calculated and quoted, including triple net, modified net, gross and full service leases. Technical knowledge including agency, law, appraisal, taxation, zoning, surveys, environmental investigations, investment analysis, risk comparison, exchanges, financing, and property management. The pros and cons of going independent and how to decide if it's the right move for you. Written in an engaging, straight-talk style, the author shares a wealth of other practical knowledge reaped from over forty years in the business.