Dealing with commercial real estate is tricky. Sellers face numerous pitfalls and delays. Selling at the wrong time can cost you over 30% of your commercial property’s value. Even when you do get a bid, it can take 90 days or more to close the sale. You can’t afford to waste your company’s time and money by trying to manage alone. Buyers struggle with similar issues. Doing due diligence, appraising the property, and determining legal issues related to the transaction is likely to overwhelm the majority of businesses. This could be why some 20% of commercial real estate buyers overpay for their property.
With so much at stake, you need the knowledge and support of an experienced real estate agent whenever you make a property purchasing or buying decision. Commercial real estate is a $3 trillion business in the United States alone. Only qualified real estate agencies know all the techniques for ensuring the property you buy, sell, or develop meets your specifications without going over budget. Real estate agencies also support your company by representing you and negotiating on your behalf. Is your business relocating or expanding abroad? Your agent will guide you through the murky waters of international acquisitions, zoning, and property law. Here we’ve prepared a list of our favorite real estate agencies from all across the globe. You’ll find the conscientious professional care and advocacy you need whatever your real estate goals.
Top 16 World’s Best Real Estate Agencies
- Savills – Best Overall
- Progressive Real Estate Partners – Best for SMBs
- NAI Global – Best for Enterprise
- Cushman & Wakefield – Best for Industrial and Manufacturing
- Marcus & Millichap – Best for Startup and Franchise
- Kidder Mathews – Best for Investors
- CBRE – Recommended for Retail
- TransWestern – Insights Into Global Markets
- BNP Paribas Real Estate – Best European Real Estate Agency
- RE/Max – Best American Real Estate Agency
- Coldwell Banker Commercial – Best for Buyers
- Stream Realty – Best for Sellers
- Tanmu – Best Real Estate Agency in the Middle East and Africa
- Founders 3 – Best Property Management
- PropNex – Best Asian Real Estate Agency
- Sotheby’s International Realty – Best Residential Real Estate Agency
1. Savills – Best Overall
| Pricing: | Prices vary depending on services required, please enquire directly. |
| Location: | 33 Margaret Street, London W1G 0JD United Kingdom |
| Founded: | 1855 |
| Key Clients: | Lacoste, Pret a Manger, Whole Foods, Ann Taylor, Carter’s, Gap, Pretty Green, Hilton, Mariott |
Savills has been recognized internationally for outstanding service and quality. The agency has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Superbrand’s #1 Real Estate Agency of 2020 and the Estates Gazette’s 2020 Global Real Estate Advisor. Savills provides a wide variety of real estate services, including residential and commercial buying and selling, land development, asset management, and property maintenance. With decades of experience across all sectors, Savills is a trusted source of information and a great partner for you and your business.
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2. Progressive Real Estate Partners – Best for SMBs
| Pricing: | Prices vary depending on services required, please enquire directly. |
| Location: | 9471 Haven Avenue, Suite 110 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 United States |
| Founded: | 2007 |
| Key Clients: | AT&T, Baskin-Robbins, Starbuck’s, Petco, Burlington Coat Factory, True Value, Glenborough Realty Trust, Little Caesars, H&R Block, Kimco Realty |
Progressive Real Estate Partners provides comprehensive commercial real estate services to small and mid-sized companies and franchisees. Working only with commercial real estate allows the agency to focus on the unique needs of business clients. Your agent will locate anchor and sub-anchor retail locations for your brick-and-mortar store or office. The agency also teams up with developers to break new ground for enterprise and mid-sized businesses. Their knowledge of zoning and legal frameworks allows for easy land sales and rapid commercial development.
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3. NAI Global – Best for Enterprise
| Pricing: | $5,000+ |
| Location: | 717 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10022 United States |
| Founded: | 1978 |
| Key Clients: | Hertz, Pepsi, Nike, Dow Chemical, City Bank, Coca Cola |
Identifying the best commercial properties to meet your company’s needs is the goal of NAI Global. The agency specializes in locating the right commercial property for manufacturing and industrial needs. They also provide for hospitality and retail needs and offer inexpensive office space. The experienced experts at NAI Global will guide your business through planning, logistics, and acquisition. The agency works with companies of all sizes, from small business to multi-location enterprise. Their familiarity with local markets helps your company find the right property at the right price.
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4. Cushman & Wakefield – Best for Industrial and Manufacturing
| Pricing: | |
| Location: | 225 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 United States |
| Founded: | 1917 |
| Key Clients: | Boehringer Ingelheim, Unilever, National Vision Inc, Toyota, Cromwell Property Group, H&R Block, Avaya |
Cushman & Wakefield works to find you just the right property anywhere in the world. The agency’s international reach brings you the opportunity to work with a partner who understands your needs and the market of the country you’d like to expand into. With offices in 70 countries, you’re sure to find a talented agent who knows commercial real estate. Office, retail, and industrial properties can be found quickly anywhere you need them. The agency also works with investors who are interested in expanding their portfolio.
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5. Marcus & Millichap – Best for Startup and Franchise
| Pricing: | Prices vary depending on services required, please enquire directly. |
| Location: | 245 Victoria avenue, Suite 605 Westmount, QC H3Z 2M5 Canada |
| Founded: | 1971 |
| Key Clients: | Chipotle, CVS Pharmacy, KFC, Walmart, Bank of America, Burger King, Hobby Lobby, Kohl’s, Aspen Dental, Red Lobster |
With Marcus & Millichap, finding a comfortable location for your small business or franchise is a breeze. The agency works with thousands of commercial properties across North America annually. For both buyers, sellers, and renters, Marcus & Millichap provide a variety of effective real estate services. Their intensive research provides up-to-the-minute data on a variety of local markets. This allows your company to better evaluate property listings and schedule relocation or expansion. The agency also works with investors and buyers interested in acquiring multi-family rental property. Other services include property management, financing, and locating investors for commercial ventures.
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6. Kidder Mathews – Best for Investors
| Pricing: | Prices vary depending on services required, please enquire directly. |
| Location: | 601 Union Street Suite 4720 Seattle, WA 98101 United States |
| Founded: | 1969 |
| Key Clients: | AstraZeneca, Google, Bayer, AAA, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Amazon, U.S. Bank, Nova Nordisk, Signature Theatres |
Kidder Mathews provides beautiful, high-quality properties for all your business needs. The agency has helped hundreds of well-known companies establish headquarters, factories, and retail outlets. They will help your company find just the right place whether you’re relocating or expanding. Specialties include retail, industrial, and office properties. They also work with investors and managers interested in multi-family housing, commercially leased property, and office parks. Investors can expect knowledgeable advice and support as well as property management. Kidder Mathews has locations throughout the United States and specialty teams devoted to working with foreign and domestic investors.
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7. CBRE – Recommended for Retail
| Pricing: | Prices vary depending on services required, please enquire directly. |
| Location: | Henrietta House Henrietta Place London W1G 0NB United Kingdom |
| Founded: | 1906 |
| Key Clients: | Oracle, City of London, Sprint, Government of Shanghai, Ali Baba, CitiGroup, Baylor Health, Fairmont Hotels, Cobalt Capital Partners, Northwestern Mutual |
CBRE serves business clients around the world with buying, selling, relocation, and development. The agency works with all industries and specializes in finding real estate for retail, healthcare, automotive, and finance companies. They also provide residential and investment property for professional clients looking to relocate. On-site housing for employees is another service CBRE provides. The highly-experienced team provides beneficial advising on all types of real estate, whether you’re planning to invest, buy a new home, or grow your business in a new location.
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8. TransWestern – Insights Into Global Markets
| Pricing: | Prices vary depending on services required, please enquire directly. |
| Location: | 1900 West Loop South, Suite 1300 Houston, Texas 77027 United States |
| Founded: | 1981 |
| Key Clients: | J.P. Morgan, Red Bird, Northwestern Mutual, Plaza of the Americas, Catapult Health, USAA, Sephora, Clarion Partners, Enercon Engineering, Cielo, Georgia Pacific |
At TransWestern you’ll find experienced agents who know how to provide you with top-notch service and guidance. Advisory services help your business to determine the best move in regard to real estate purchasing and investment. The team’s dedication to research ensures you know all there is to know about the real estate market in your area. With international reach and partnerships with agencies across the globe, TransWestern will find you the perfect property. The agency is known for finding luxurious, centrally-located retail and office property as well as convenient space for factories and warehouses.
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9. BNP Paribas Real Estate – Best European Real Estate Agency
| Pricing: | Prices vary depending on services required, please enquire directly. |
| Location: | 167 Quai de la Bataille de Stalingrad Issy Les Moulineaux Cedex, 92867 France |
| Founded: | 1969 |
| Key Clients: | Google, Amazon, Delta, Dyson, Unilever, Ford, Microsoft, Colgate, Coca Cola, IBM, Proctor & Gamble, Vodafone |
French agency BNP Paribas Real Estate understands the European real estate market. The agency has served many businesses in finding just the right place for hotels, restaurants, retail sales, cultural establishments, and office space. They also provide the help your business needs to locate or construct the ideal industrial or manufacturing hub to help your company grow. With unparalleled understanding of the European market and business culture, BNP Paribas will meet all your purchasing and developing needs. The agency also has offices and talented experts ready to work with you in Hong Kong and Dubai. In addition to fantastic properties and guidance across Europe, BNP Paribas will locate ideal properties for your next home or business location in Asia and the Middle East.
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10. RE/Max – Best American Real Estate Agency
| Pricing: | $50,000+ |
| Location: | 5075 S Syracuse Street Denver, CO 80237 United States |
| Founded: | 1973 |
| Key Clients: | Caterpillar, Boy Scouts of America, General Motors, Fidelity Wealth Management, Chrysler Group, McDonald’s, Krispy Kreme, Otis Elevator, Walgreens, Airgas Inc |
RE/Max works with home and business customers to seek properties that meet each client’s needs. Their commercial division represents corporate buyers by thoroughly investigating and negotiating the terms of any purchase or sale agreement. They also work with companies to build new commercial venues, shops, and headquarters for businesses ready to make their mark. The company’s popular residential services department finds high-quality homes for any budget. RE/Max enjoys a global reach with offices in over 90 countries. At RE/Max you’ll find a well-trained agent who is familiar with the local market, wherever in the world you want to be.
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11. Coldwell Banker Commercial – Best For Buyers
| Pricing: | $1,000+ |
| Location: | 175 Park Ave Madison, NJ 07940 United States |
| Founded: | 1906 |
| Key Clients: | UCLA, Bank of America, Costco, Goodyear, Wells Fargo, Fifth Third, AT&T Global, General Motors, Proctor & Gamble, Michelin |
Coldwell Banker Commercial is a trusted name in commercial real estate. The agency, which is well-known by home buyers, offers services targeted at business owners and corporate clients. There are Coldwell Banker offices and agents throughout the world, with a focus on the Americas. European and UAE properties are also represented by Coldwell Banker agents. The agency also provides financing and investment strategy, legal advice, and insights into local markets. Referrals to developers and investors can be had when your company consults with one of the thousands of agents working under Coldwell Banker.
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12. Stream Realty – Best for Sellers
| Pricing: | $150,000+ |
| Location: | 1601 K Street NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 United States |
| Founded: | 1996 |
| Key Clients: | Centrum, Adam’s Golf, Kohl’s, Armata Pharmaceuticals, Citizen’s Life Insurance, Spreetail, Santa Ana Commerce, Cabot, Highland Park Place |
Stream Realty specializes in marketing business properties. The experienced team will represent your company during the selling process, ensuring a fair deal that works in your favor. They also oversee the design and construction of new homes and commercial real estate structures your company can own and lease out. The result of working with Stream is high-powered home and commercial property designed for efficiency, productivity, and the use of smart technology. Paperwork is a breeze with agents who understand zoning, regulations, and how to communicate with government and local business. Stream Realty has offices across the Eastern, Southern, and Midwestern United States.
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13. Tanmu – Best Real Estate Agency in the Middle East and Africa
| Pricing: | $10,000+ |
| Location: | 159 Abu Baker Al Siddique Rd Dubai, UAE |
| Founded: | 2007 |
| Key Clients: | Mariott, Ramada, Sheraton, Hyatt, Intercontentinal, Le Meridien, |
Tanmu supports business clients who are ready to expand and develop their own custom-build structures for hospitality, retail, and more. The agency specializes in building unique, luxurious hotels for companies whose names you’re sure to recognize. Tanmu understands that expansive projects require guaranteed know-how to make sure they are done right. The agents at Tanmu provide effective cost and energy usage estimation as well as quality monitoring from the early planning stages through ground-breaking and move-in. They also serve as your liaison for negotiating price, verifications, and paperwork. The agency is focused on serving clients throughout the Middle East and Africa.
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14. Founders 3 – Best Property Management
| Pricing: | $1,000+ |
| Location: | 252 E Highland Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202 United States |
| Founded: | 2017 |
| Key Clients: | AutoZone, Dollar Tree, Verizon, Building Trades United Pension Trust, Transducer Capital, Costco |
Founders 3 is known for their innovative property management methods. The agents know the importance of keeping investment property safe and secure while also maintaining good rapport with tenants and advocates. The agency manages multi-family homes, marinas, airports, and commercial facilities. Founders 3 also serves as a brokerage for commercial interests. Office space, industrial facilities, and retail establishments are available for sale or lease through the agency. They also sell undeveloped land so you can sculpt your dream building from scratch.
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15. PropNex – Best Asian Real Estate Agency
| Pricing: | $25,000 |
| Location: | 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh HDB HUB East Wing #10-01 Singapore 310480 |
| Founded: | 2018 |
| Key Clients: | Ovvy, Facebook, Deutsche Bank, Singapore Exchange, Bursa Malaysia, SingTel, Reader’s Digest |
PropNex offers real estate services across Asia, with offices in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The agency courts investors for commercial and beautification projects as well as providing business and residential property for sale. PropNex knows how to find gracious homes for high-class living. They also sell and lease retail and commercial establishments. In addition, PropNex offers land for development, allowing your business to expand and customize the design of your choice. Corporate consultation is also available through PropNex.
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16. Sotheby’s International Realty – Best Residential Real Estate Agency
| Pricing: | $100,000+ |
| Location: | 77-79 Ebury St London SW1W 0NZ United Kingdom |
| Founded: | 1976 |
| Key Clients: | Palm Jumeirah, Barclay’s, Goldman Sachs, Four Seasons, Hilton, Ritz Carlton, New York City Ballet, Prada, Loewe, Samsung |
Highly respected Sotheby’s International Realty locates magnificent, well-appointed residential properties for buyers all around the world. The luxury brand represents some of the globe’s most sumptuous homes, estates, and historic buildings. The name itself conveys glamour and elegance, and the property listings won’t disappoint. Sotheby’s International realty also works with small business to locate commercial properties, specifically business and financial centers. Opulence and style are guaranteed when you partner with Sotheby’s to find the house or business location you’ve always dreamed of.
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FAQs
What exactly is a real estate agency?
A real estate agency is a company which brokers the sales and development of various types of property. Real estate agencies work with individuals and/or business clients to buy, sell, invest in, or develop property.
What is dual agency in real estate?
A dual real estate agency is one which works with both buyer and seller on the same transaction. In this case, both buyer and seller are represented by the same agent or agency. Some are uncomfortable with this arrangement as the agent is looking out for both parties and the client may not be privy to the best deal. It has become more popular to choose a designated agency when arranging a sale or purchase.
What is sub agency in real estate?
A sub-agency is any real estate agency which shows or tries to sell properties they themselves aren’t representing. Agencies which bring buyers to other agencies are sub-agencies. Some agencies do this because a buyer shows interest in a property outside the agency’s listings. The practice is uncommon.
What is designated agency in real estate?
The term designated agency applies when both the seller and the buyer are represented by the same agency but assigned to different agents. The agent representing the seller keeps the information about the client’s property separate, so the buyer isn’t given an unfair advantage. Both agents work for their respective clients, so both parties can be sure of a fair deal. This arrangement is widely considered trustworthy for both buyers and sellers.
What does a real estate agency do?
Real estate agencies provide a number of services. Most commonly, they assist individuals and companies in the buying and selling of property. Going with a real estate agency is considered wise as agents understand property values and regulations in their region and can therefore help buyers and sellers negotiate sales and determine the best time to act. Many real estate agencies confer with business clients about funding and investors. They may also assist in filing paperwork, paying for inspections, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Some real estate agencies provide property management, so owners and investors are free from handling day-to-day tenant concerns.
How much does a real estate agency charge?
Real estate agencies which show homes typically charge a percentage, usually between 2-10% of the sale price. Commercial fees start around $1,000 and go up into the tens of thousands depending on the services requested. During your initial consultation, you will want to enquire about the cost of working with the agency.