Is Crexi a joke? Where can a small business find reliable listings? CoStar is out of the budget
I'm looking to lease a commercial property. The Realtors that I've spoken to seem to assert that Crexi is near worthless. I found a good location on the website only to discover it had been leased a year ago!

I've been told brokers don't want to help locate with low value leases. One Realtor said he'd send me some listings but he never did, even after I followed up with calls and email.


 Given that LoopNet, Cityfeet, and Showcase are all owned by the same company (what a joke, just the fake  appearance of competition), what options does a small business have to find a place to lease? A  CoStar account is $6,000, so that's out of the question.
[{"id": "h9np0bm", "text": "How much space are you looking to occupy? I find it hard to believe that you can\u2019t find a leasing broker to work with you", "replies": [{"id": "h9nppf8", "text": "I'm looking for 1,000 to 2,000 sq ft.\n\nA Realtor told me they only care about sales, not leases. She it's not worth her time and effort  and that her customers prefer working with attorneys over Realtors for lease deals.", "replies": [{"id": "h9nq21j", "text": "Reach out to a leasing broker", "replies": [{"id": "h9nq7t4", "text": "I've contacted a few. Most never respond to inquiries about properties they've listed", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "h9nr2kh", "text": "That\u2019s a pretty shitty response. I\u2019m from a smaller boutique firm so I\u2019ll work small deals to fill the gap between bigger paychecks, but your best bet is to find a reputable firm and find the youngest, hungriest agent. They\u2019ll likely work hard for you, a small deal is still big to them and they\u2019ll have the guidance and some over site from their senior broker due to reputation.", "replies": [{"id": "h9nrz04", "text": "Good idea on contacting a young realtor", "replies": [{"id": "h9ny8u8", "text": "When I was new in the business I was thrilled to make $1k on a deal, I still do small deals often, mostly to help friends, old clients or just for more stable income, but younger guys (gender neutral) especially new to the biz, are more likely to take the job and work it hard in my humble opinion.", "replies": [{"id": "h9oe4wx", "text": "My first year I worked deals that didn\u2019t even pencil out just to get experience under my belt. I treated each deal like it had two more 0s at the end of the total consideration.", "replies": [], "depth": 6}], "depth": 5}, {"id": "h9pyo90", "text": "Young brokers it is worth their time if you sign an exclusive agreement. Another option is to identify an area you want to lease and drive the area yourself. Many buildings will put up signs with numbers in vacant units you can call. This could be a lead for you to work with a broker that does work with small leases.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}, {"id": "h9oid6t", "text": "Yup. My first commission after splits was literally $200. There are absolutely young hungry brokers out there that will work for you. \n\nI\u2019d look for a boutique shop. Most of the big firms will outright pass on deals this small.", "replies": [{"id": "h9p2i96", "text": "I'm 8 years into the industry and I did a deal that paid me about the same after split because I wanted to help a friend. A good use of time? No, was it rewarding to assist someone that I could help? Absolutely!\n\nOne of my favorite parts of Real Estate is having a part, no matter how minor, in seeing something change. A Business growing, an area developing, helping someone that hasn't a clue what they're doing, etc. It's a job and money is important, but at the end of the day that's not what it's all about.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "h9nwi8w", "text": "It\u2019s actually an unfortunate reality. A broker may make a couple thousand on the deal, which is hardly \u201cworth\u201d the trouble of some more demanding clients who want dozens of tours, appointments, lease guidance, etc. \n\nNot saying it\u2019s right, just that the broker (realtors are residential) has a point. \n\nA leasing agent won\u2019t WORK for you on a deal size that small. They\u2019ll plug some open vacancies that they know about inhouse or can quickly find on CoStar, but they won\u2019t be putting in the value-add of trying to find the perfect location for you. \n\nThat will have to be your job. Canvas your market, try to create a heat map based on your use vs. existing competition, and call up leasing agents from the signage in the centers you\u2019re interested in. \n\nThat will yield the best result.", "replies": [{"id": "h9nxqun", "text": "We just discussed the same on our office but on the retail side. Doing all that work for that little pay.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}, {"id": "h9o10we", "text": "Thats a sad reality. I just want to see the listings. I can do tours on my own and get an attorney to do all the other things", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "h9nz5h7", "text": "You need to hire a tenant rep.  Go in some small brokers sites and specifically look for tenant reps.  You don\u2019t want an investment broker.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "h9odpj1", "text": "CBRE, Colliers, Cushman Wakefield, JLL. Call the front desk of one of these firms in your market and ask for the office leasing team. When you get connected to the senior guy, see if he has a new associate that would run with this and sort of tease future opportunities\u2026 Will you buy or sell down the line?", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9np8gc", "text": "It is free to browse LoopNet.", "replies": [{"id": "h9npwkr", "text": "I've been using that. Hardly any updates. \n\nI've been told that is only displays about 30% of what's on CoStar and that Realtors pay a premium to use it when they can list on CoStar for no additional fee.", "replies": [{"id": "h9nqu0c", "text": "I didn\u2019t even see your response before posting, but yes, 30% is generous. I elaborated above.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "h9nqrhu", "text": "LoopNet only shares listings that brokers pay to have advertised. In my experience less than 30% show up. Depending on market, it could be far less.\n\nMost Tenant reps don\u2019t charge a fee as they collect their fee from the landlord, may be worth talking to a few and seeing if there\u2019s a good match (disclaimer: licensed broker).\n\nIf not, honestly driving for dollars is your best bet. Try Craigslist, google (as dumb as that sounds), local classifieds, etc.", "replies": [{"id": "h9nrtz3", "text": "I didn't think of old school Craigslist. Good idea. \n\nWhat terms would you suggest for Google? I imagine Google has a lot of stale listings. I've seen actual broker websites that still list unavailable properties", "replies": [{"id": "h9nxt1k", "text": "craigslist is super hit or miss, but old school people still use it.\n\nGonna sound overly simplistic, but just google exactly what you're looking for \"Small office for lease portland, Oregon\" or w/e. it'll bring up loopnet, crexi, property shark, tons of others and sometimes you can at least see enough for a number to call", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9ntd8f", "text": "where are you located OP?", "replies": [{"id": "h9ntrin", "text": "I'm looking in metro DC and Baltimore", "replies": [{"id": "h9nugn5", "text": "you could try to find a few industrial parks that you want to be located in and then drive around them looking for listing signs, find a relatively comparable one and call the broker to see if he has anything available for your requirement, should be able to find something that way if you call 4/5 of the big players (Lee, Cushman, CBRE, Colliers, etc)", "replies": [{"id": "h9nzx0l", "text": "Thanks, that's a good idea", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}, {"id": "h9nuw7c", "text": "I work in Washington DC for a Real Estate Firm who can help you.  Send me a DM or email me here: [mchandler@mgaco.com](mailto:mchandler@mgaco.com)\n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\nMy firm is MGA if you want to look us up", "replies": [{"id": "h9o088b", "text": "Thanks, I'll shoot you an email. Does your company have both Realtors and attorneys?", "replies": [{"id": "h9o0ure", "text": "We have commercial brokers (myself included) that specialize in office leasing/purchasing.  However, We don't have any attorneys on staff .  It is somewhat rare to have in-house legal to assist with Leasing (assuming that's your need), but we know a lot of attorneys who help our clients draft lease documents.\n\n&amp;#x200B;\n\nMatt", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9nup60", "text": "What state and what budget? I would recommend hiring a trusted broker who can share educated listings with you.", "replies": [{"id": "h9nzz6k", "text": "I'm looking in the DC and Baltimore areas", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9nwb3z", "text": "monopoly .... For lease MLS, Loopnet", "replies": [{"id": "h9o0j5h", "text": "How do you search the MLS for commercial leases? All I see are residential", "replies": [{"id": "h9o2t07", "text": "depends on the site. This one in Northern CA has 422 leases. This link is for brokers. But I am sure you can access it from other sites.\n\n[**https://search.mlslistings.com/Matrix/Search/Commercial/CommercialLeaseRental**](https://search.mlslistings.com/Matrix/Search/Commercial/CommercialLeaseRental)", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "h9od233", "text": "This can be v regional. Not all MLS's will host commercial but when they do it's often smaller spaces.  In WA/ID you can use CBA is lieu of CoStar for listings, but not for analytics. Other regions have tried to mimic CBA's success in the PNW, but from what I understand they've had issues with broker buy-in. /shrug", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9nykig", "text": "I think Crexi and LoopNet are great", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9nzua0", "text": "I find all my tenants on Craigslist or with signs.  Brokers are 100% welcome and I happily pay commissions for same.\n\nNever had a problem leasing my spaces.", "replies": [{"id": "h9oav6m", "text": "What category do you list? There doesn't seem to be a commercial real estate section on Craigslist", "replies": [{"id": "h9ocrag", "text": "[https://nameofCity.craigslist.org/d/office-commercial/search/off](https://nameofCity.craigslist.org/d/office-commercial/search/off)\n\nBasically...Housing then office / commercial", "replies": [{"id": "h9ohxa6", "text": "Wow, thanks! I would not have found it", "replies": [{"id": "h9onrva", "text": "I live to serve.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9o0xxx", "text": "Crexi is worthless - retain a younger eager broker who has access to costar, they will usually treat the deal more seriously than a seasoned broker who only thinks about commission. \n\nAs much as I hate it - if you can't afford costar, you're simply not competitive.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9ogdkj", "text": "damn.... if i was a female peacock i'd get down", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9olhc2", "text": "You know you could just tell one of the brokers who dont want to do this deal you will give them a couple hundred bucks to do a co-star search for you.  All the young agents will jump at money in their pocket", "replies": [{"id": "h9pju5o", "text": "That's a good suggestion. Is that something most would be willing to do? Do you think any would be willing to run a search on a weekly/monthly basis? That is, would they get into trouble?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9ove8s", "text": "Have you met with an independent, small time broker yet?", "replies": [{"id": "h9pjycz", "text": "None have returned my messages", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9oxnyy", "text": "Put your sign in front of property and visit local businesses in area and find out if they lease and when leases expire.  Online traffic is not something we rely on because after all it\u2019s just a listing.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9ozasx", "text": "Commercial Real Estate person here....I suggest looking up commercial realtors in your area and check the actual company website. Here are two examples:\n\n [SVN Portland](https://www.svnimbrie.com/listings)\n\n[Commercial Realty Advisors](https://www.cra-nw.com/properties/)\n\nThis should get you started. Good luck!!", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9pwnux", "text": "**Plan B is walk it.** If it's really important to you and you want it NOW do it on foot. Chances are you probably already have a good idea of what you want and also an inkling of where you think you'll find it. First drive the area and see if there are any signs. Note the names and contact numbers. \n\nThen get out of your car and actually **walk** the area and view the buildings closely. Talk to people, on the loading docks, at the front desks,  in the parking lots. Make 50 or so  half page flyers printed on your computer using Astrobrite colored paper (the screaming canary yellow is my preferred color) with a headline saying **WANTED TO LEASE** with your specs and contact info. The word **REWARD** also helps. Around here the words **LOCAL REFERENCES** are help with credibility. Leave at the desks, tack it to the electrical poles, put it on the bulletin boards at the hardware and paint stores. \n\nIf you are willing to walk you will find your deal, and if you really do a good job on the walking you'll end up with a lot of other detailed interesting info too. If you are lucky perhaps you'll also get one or two valuable contacts that will lead to new business for your company. You'll get it fastest if you do it yourself, but it will also work if you hire a pleasant chatty high school or college kid to do the walk &amp; talk, take notes and report back to you\n\nTo me it is amazing that people forget that we've been leasing commercial property for hundreds of years prior to the Internet. The Internet is just one of many ways to find property.I guarantee the old ways still work, sometime they work even better because live and in-person is always better.\n\nI personally think tenant's agents are a very good bet, but as others have commented few real estate professionals are going to devote the time and energy needed for what you can earn on a 3 to 5 year lease on 1,000 to 2,000 sq. ft. space.", "replies": [{"id": "h9q0l7t", "text": "This is some very good advice. I gather your message was for real estate professionals. I'm just a prospective tenant, but much of your suggestion still holds. Thanks!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9qlza5", "text": "Msg me your lease requirement, geographic boundaries and I\u2019ll send you a report of availabilities off over CoStar. Email too please.", "replies": [{"id": "h9rt51o", "text": "I sent you a pm. Thanks for the offer!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9r2km7", "text": "What city are you in? How small is the space you\u2019re looking for? You should call other brokerages.", "replies": [{"id": "h9rta45", "text": "I'm been emailing. Someone did say calling is better. The ones I've managed to reach have no interest in retail leases. Just want sales or large office leases", "replies": [{"id": "h9seu5i", "text": "Then you\u2019re talking to the wrong brokers. You need to find a retail broker, not a capital markets, investment sales or office broker. That\u2019s why I ask what city you\u2019re in. The admin at one of the bigger shops will refer you to the right broker.", "replies": [{"id": "h9stdyj", "text": "I'm looking in the Baltimore and DC markets. Thanks!", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9r7ct8", "text": "Use the resources available AND an agent who is established in the market and who has connections", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "h9sc2go", "text": "Pound the streets (drive), find out a hungry agent, put out an ad in the local classifieds.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hagh0os", "text": "PM me criteria...", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hc2ac9x", "text": "Suggestions from a CRE marketer:\n\n1) If you find a For Lease sign up in a location or a building you're interested in but you think the space is too big for your needs,  call the number, talk to the broker and see if the space can be divided down to fit your criteria.  If it can't, you still have a live broker on the phone.  Ask them about other listings they have or recommendations for other buildings to look into.\n\n2) If there are mixed-use projects/properties around you, check if they have a website. Most larger ones do.  They often list their availabilities or at least point you to the right people.  Ask again about subdividing a larger space to meet your SF needs.  \n\n3) Not sure of your location, but sometimes a (U.S.) city's economic development branch will contain or point to current listings.\n\n4) Look for signs at retail properties around your size range.  They often will convert to office, or the broker may specialize in smaller deals and be able to find something else for you through their network of small-building owners.\n\nWillingness to sign a longer lease (5+ years) will open some doors too, so if that's your case, tell the broker that up front.  Often their commission will increase based on years signed, so they may be more apt to work with you if they know that up front.", "replies": [{"id": "hc3q1tp", "text": "Thanks, this is fantastic advise!", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "hmblto9", "text": "Any tips for anyone in Hawaii? Like specific websites?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ht4miqd", "text": "crexi pro is legit. I love it.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]