Commercial Real Estate Pricing Strategy

First, setting a price allows potential buyers to make a more meaningful comparison of your property to the competition. If your property is comparably priced, but has physical and locational characteristics that are superior to other available properties, potential buyers will be able to get a better sense of overall value. After all, whoever buys your property is looking to do the same thing you are, get the most from every invested dollar. If you don’t set a price, you remove a very important component of determining overall value. Your property may be the best building on the market and should command the highest price, but without a firm number, you make it more difficult for the buyer to come to that conclusion.

Secondly, you need to take into consideration the importance of timing. Vacancy is at an all-time low and few quality buildings are available for sale. Competition for the best properties is intense and buyers cannot afford to go after a “maybe” while other properties fly of the proverbial shelves. The most motivated buyers are pre-qualified for their financing and are ready to pull the trigger when they find the right building. By setting a firm asking price, you give them a clearer path to deciding on your building over someone else’s. If your price represents a good value, even if it is higher than other similar properties, a qualified buyer is more likely to enter into negotiations.

Thirdly, a specific asking price sends the message that you are a serious seller and not just an owner looking for an appraisal. It sends the message that the property is deliverable, even though final terms and conditions of a purchase are yet to be agreed upon. Too often we see TBD-priced buildings languish on the market, even with today’s supply shortage, because buyers and their professional representatives don’t take these offerings seriously. The most active brokers represent the most qualified buyers and they tend to steer clear of offerings that carry the risk of not being deliverable to their clients. A firm asking price sets the bar to begin negotiations and encourages the buyer to engage.

This content was originally published here.