In August, I completed my first commercial real estate transaction: Office space for someone I met in a networking group.
That deal was a long time coming, as I’d wanted to expand my scope of services for the past couple years — and it’s one of the reasons I joined Badger Realty & Greywolf in Cottage Grove in 2022. There, I knew I would learn from some of the best people in the local commercial real estate business.
Here’s one thing I learned very quickly: The differences between selling residential and commercial properties are massive. When you want to buy a house, there is one primary source my colleagues and I turn to: Multiple Listing Service, a huge database that catalogs just about any home for sale anywhere. By contrast, there are numerous sources listing available commercial properties. And while the home-buying process sometimes can be completed in a month or two, the commercial purchasing or leasing process can take 12 to 18 months or longer.
Still, the transition makes sense for me. My suite of services now includes helping clients find residential and multifamily properties, as well as commercial property and commercial investment and development opportunities. Sort of like a one-stop real estate agent shop!
The professionalism and perfectionism I bring to the home-buying experience now carries over into the commercial realm, and I’m excited about the possibilities. Already, I’ve established relationships with commercial builders, leasing companies and lenders throughout south-central Wisconsin, and my contacts and expertise expand weekly.
If you’re in the market for a home, retail or office space — or maybe even something in between — I’m here to help.
