How to Hire A Commercial Real Estate Broker

Hiring the right commercial real estate broker can make or break your strategy—especially in competitive South Florida markets like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. Whether you're selling a warehouse, leasing an office, or acquiring retail space, a knowledgeable, local expert is essential. Knowing how to hire a commercial broker is key to success.

1. Choose a Broker Who Specializes in Your Asset Type

Commercial real estate covers a wide range of asset types—industrial, office, retail, medical, and more. Be sure the broker you choose has proven experience in the specific property type you’re working with. Understanding how to hire a commercial broker for your specific needs will ensure better outcomes.

• Recent transactions in your asset class
• Knowledge of lease structures, tenant needs, and value-add strategies
• Expertise in zoning and usage specific to asset type

2. Work with a Broker Embedded in Your Target Market

Real estate is local—and so is insight. A broker who is actively working in your exact market (think Coral Gables, Hollywood, or Pompano Beach) will have access to comps, off-market deals, and active buyers or tenants. When figuring out how to hire a commercial broker, market expertise should heavily influence your decision.

• Knowledge of neighborhood-level activity
• Relationships with landlords, investors, and developers
• Access to listings before they hit the public market

3. Vet Their Track Record and Network

Experience matters. Review their deal history, ask for client testimonials, and see what kinds of investors or tenants they typically represent. Knowing how to hire a commercial broker involves assessing their track record carefully.

• Listings on platforms like CoStar, LoopNet, or CREXI
• Professional memberships in SIOR, NAIOP, or BOMA
• Experience with deals in your price range

4. Evaluate Their Communication and Strategy

Commercial deals can be fast-paced and complex. You need a broker who’s organized, responsive, and strategic—someone who knows how to negotiate and guide you through the entire process.