Technology can make selling, buying and leasing commercial property less stressful.

By Matthew Wisniewski, Commercial Advisor, Lansing Michigan

02.12.2010

Yes, I know we don't always associate technology and commercial real estate. Heck, they aren't often even in the same conversation together. So why would I possibly want to put out there that I think technology can help anyone in commercial real estate? Because it does, irregardless of what commercial brokers have told you in the past or possibly last week.

To understand why your business, land or commercial property needs to have a technological sales aspect we need to understand who is selling, buying and leasing today. While the average age of commercial brokers have been rising, there are entire new generations that are entering into business for themselves. I hate to admit it but these new generations may not communicate in exactly the same ways you and I have in the past.

Case in point; Last month I leased a retail space out to a young business owner. We spoke over the course of a month twice on the phone but traded emails over 100 times. Not to mention text messages. A shift has occurred in the way people communicate.  The old yellow pages are dead and now people just "Google" it. YouTube shows every mistake anyone has had the misfortune of having caught on camera over and over for the world to see. People expect instant answers and information on their terms.

Enter in our HD video property walk through. The benefits may not be obvious but think about this for a minute. You are selling your business location. You are still operating in that location and attempting to carry on a business and all of the sudden you have a group of investors walking around taking pictures and looking around. They saw the listing and decided to "stop in " since you are already open. After seeing the location they decide it won't work and leave as quickly as they show up. Customers look confused. Your employees are concerned. You are not happy.

Enter the HD video walk through. The client sees your listing on one of many internet listings, in a direct mailer, from a friend or and email blast. They pull up www.rcgmichigan.com, hit the featured tab and in seconds are viewing the business from home... at 3am... in their pajamas.  They decide that it isn't the right spot but they see another one they like and call to arrange a showing. In my experience a video walk through will eliminate 90% of the people that aren't really interested in your location. Your time isn't wasted. The buyers time isn't wasted.

The other neat thing that happens with our HD Video walk through is called syndication. Syndication is the process in which we publish your tour on the web. This sends out the video to our video channel on the web, complete with property info and a link to our site. The great thing about this is that it makes your address a web magnet. Now if someone is looking for any building around your location, your video will be in the search. The results are added exposure for your property, more potential buyers and in the end a higher closing price.

Check out our Featured Listing Page for HD video walk through's and see exactly why we are so excited to offer them. Its just another reason we feel we offer a better value than any other commercial broker in the mid-west. More information on our tools are available on our Commercial real estate buyers page.