Embarking on a path in commercial real estate means finding a brokerage that not only backs your goals but helps you grow at every step. The firm you join will shape your deals, your network, and your reputation. If you’re eyeing a leading land or commercial real estate brokerage, keep these key considerations in mind to set yourself up for lasting success and real impact.
Dean Saunders, Founder & Managing Director of Saunders Real Estate
1. Align Yourself With a Brokerage That Shares Your Values
Culture matters. You want to work with a commercial real estate firm which operates with integrity, people who are passionate about the work, and who take pride in helping clients make smart, informed decisions. One of our core values at Saunders is family, both in the way we support one another as a team and in the long-term relationships we build with clients. The strongest brokerages are grounded in that same sense of connection, trust, and community. Make sure your values align with the people you’ll be working alongside every day. It’s hard to succeed if you don’t respect the mission or the team behind it.
2. Leverage Specialized Market Expertise
Top brokerages distinguish themselves through specialized market knowledge, be it urban office developments, large land transactions, or retail portfolios. By joining a firm with established leadership in your area of interest, you:
- Accelerate Learning: Gain comprehensive insights into market trends, zoning regulations, and capital structures.
- Enhance Credibility: Represent a brand recognized for authoritative expertise.
- Secure Competitive Advantage: Access proprietary research and premium listings that drive deal flow.
3. Seek Training and Structured Mentorship
Even the most driven agents can flounder without the right support. Specializing in land or commercial real estate may feel like a solo pursuit, but the best brokerages thrive on teamwork and knowledge-sharing. When you're starting out or shifting focus, you need more than a welcome packet. You need experienced advisors who guide you through deals and help you grow.
At Saunders Real Estate, our senior advisors are committed to mentoring new team members. We have intentionally created a culture where learning and success go hand in hand. If you’re considering a brokerage, ask what leadership programs they have in place to support your development and what mentorship will look like.
A hallmark of premier brokerage firms is a training framework that extends beyond basic orientation:
- Comprehensive Onboarding: Workshops on financial modeling, advanced negotiation, and, tool & technology training.
- Dedicated Mentorship: Regular one-on-one sessions with senior advisors to review deal strategy and business development.
- Collaborative Forums: Peer mastermind groups where emerging professionals solve challenges and share best practices.
Our mentorship has consistently accelerated new agents to top-producer status, reflecting the power of intentional, expert-driven development.
4. Verify a Proven Record of Results
Before affiliating with any brokerage firm, conduct a thorough review of their performance metrics:
- Transaction Volume: How many deals closed in the past year? How many deals closed in the past year in my area or asset of focus?
- Deal Significance: Are they structuring landmark, high-value projects?
- Growth Indicators: Is the firm expanding into new markets or attracting institutional capital?
Results are the product of visionary leadership, strategic marketing, and an accountable, results-oriented environment. Align yourself with a company where success is systematic and support mechanisms are in place to help you achieve and exceed your professional goals.
Final Consideration: Invest in a Partnership for Your Future
At the end of the day, the right brokerage firm is one that makes you better. Surround yourself with professionals who challenge you to grow, who celebrate your wins, and who are in it for more than just the transaction. The people you learn from early on will shape how you show up for clients and how far your career goes in this business.
Real estate is a long game. Choose your team wisely.