Is There an MLS or Zillow for Commercial Real Estate?

Searching for properties on Zillow became a hobby for many people during the pandemic shutdown. But sadly, joyful Zillow scrolling doesn’t always translate to those looking for commercial real estate listings. This begs the question: Is there a Zillow for commercial real estate?

So, where do you turn if you’re in the market to lease commercial real estate? 

Fortunately, there are a few websites dedicated to commercial real estate listings. However, commercial real estate still lags behind residential when it comes to the availability and reliability of online listings. If you’re wondering if there’s a Zillow for commercial real estate, you’ll be pleased to know that some alternatives exist, although the market is still evolving.

Where Can I Find Commercial Real Estate Listings? 

Websites such as Zillow, Trulia (a subsidiary of Zillow), and Rent.com come to mind when most people want to search residential listings. Rentals also appear in the MLS (Multiple Listing Services), which, contrary to popular belief, isn’t one giant national database. Instead, it’s a cooperative of nearly 600 regional databases.

When it comes to a Zillow for commercial property, however, there is one major player: Loopnet. As the primary online listing service for commercial real estate, it might seem like this 800-pound gorilla is the only game in town. But there are other options that serve as a Zillow for commercial real estate:

• OfficeSpace – Clean, modern design with an intuitive user interface. Plus, it shares a name with one of our favorite movies. We can only hope they include a red stapler with every signed deal. 
• Rofo – A listing aggregator that offered a good selection of commercial options in our area during test searches. The UI is a little dated, but the info seemed on point. 
• Digsy – Worth noting: In our research, we couldn’t browse listings without giving up our contact info. While not necessarily a dealbreaker, it was a turn-off for us. 

Off-Market Commercial Real Estate 

When looking for a alternative to Zillow for commercial property, consider off market commercial real estate. Off market commercial real estate properties are locations that aren’t formally listed, which means you’ll never find them in an online search. However, you might hear about them through your network. It’s also possible to luck out and spot a “for lease” sign while driving around scouting locations. Off market commercial real estate opportunities often require a bit more legwork but can result in finding unique spaces.

If you want to take a more proactive approach, you can identify commercial property you’re interested in and then contact owners directly to see if they have vacancies. While there’s no single Zillow for commercial property, these strategies can help you uncover hidden opportunities. Off market commercial real estate deals can be particularly advantageous, as they often come with less competition and more room for negotiation.

But your best bet is striking up a relationship with a tenant-rep broker who knows the commercial real estate market and has connections with landlords, property managers, and developers. A well-connected commercial broker who specializes in helping tenants will learn about your business and become an essential part of brand expansion. Not only can a tenant-rep broker procure sites, but they will also oversee lease negotiations and provide consistency in deal-making.

Leasecake Can Help 

While we aren’t exactly a Zillow for commericial property, we’ve created a simple, intuitive app that makes lease and location management a piece of cake. We help you track important dates, store crucial information, simplify compliance, and improve collaboration for your entire team.

But even before you sign an LOI or start build-out, Leasecake can help by connecting you with vetted commercial brokers. We have an extensive network of tenant-rep brokers – and we’re happy to provide referrals.

So, while Zillow for commercial real estate might not yet exist in the same comprehensive manner as its residential counterpart, tools like Leasecake and the platforms mentioned above are paving the way. Schedule a demo to learn more.c