Return to SIOR Pulse Blog

3 Barriers to Overcome When Shopping Industrial Properties

Trying to find the right industrial property for your client? If so, there are some key considerations you will need to make in order to find the perfect asset. 

With CRE’s industrial sector gaining momentum, the competition is ramping up. This means those in the field will need to exercise new strategies to cultivate success. Here are a few tips to reference when navigating through the industrial market: 

1. Location, Location, Location

Did we mention location? When it comes to warehouse real estate, this can be a make-it or break-it point for a business. Industrial spaces are oftentimes intrinsically connected to the supply and demand chain, meaning the transportation of goods needs to be a top priority. 

Look for a location that is easy to access and convenient for those regularly accessing it. If an industrial site is too out of the way, it can increase the transport expenses for the business. So, a well-placed warehouse can cut down on transportation and help your client boost profits. 

This focus on their daily reality gives you a competitive advantage by showing your client that you’re interested in helping their company breed long term success—even after the deal has been closed. Before you even hit the market, let them know you care by asking them about their products’ shipping and delivery needs. 

2. Type

Prepare for your mind to be blown: not all industrial spaces are the same. With the dynamic array of functions that warehouses perform, the property’s design is a major consideration when shopping for an asset. How will their business function in the space? Agents and brokers need to know what the client plans to do with their industrial space in order to find their best option. 

Be sure to ask your clients about their intended use. Make sure you and your client are on the same page from the beginning, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Collect as many details as possible, such as: square footage, design layout, specialty equipment they’ll be installing, team size, etc. The more you know, the easier it will be to narrow down the competition—helping you show your client only winning spaces. 

3. Incorporating Technology

In today’s world, technology is a huge aspect of any business. Whether it’s retail, hospitality, multifamily, or industrial, commercial real estate professionals need to treat technology as a part of their clients’ basic needs.

When shopping for the ideal space for your client, don’t forget to take technology into account. As 5G becomes the baseline for modern tech, your clients will need properties that have the necessary infrastructure to support optimum connectivity. This is especially vital for warehouses as the business begins to rely more and more on data and AI for organization, product handling, and transport.

While your client will be able to invest in specific automated tools, it’s always a good idea to check out a prospective space’s technological capacity. 

CRE professionals looking to find their clients the perfect industrial space will need to overcome these 3 contemporary barriers. Use these strategies to streamline the process, outdo competitors, and impress your clients.

SIOR HQ

SIOR HQ


The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® (SIOR) represents the world’s elite in industrial and office brokerage. SIORs are held to the highest standard by completing thorough requirements and adhering to the SIOR Code of Ethics. SIOR is more than a designation, it’s a symbol of excellence. SIORs value the power that comes with building relationships and sharing ideas that are on the leading edge of the industry. They are the most knowledgeable, experienced, ethical, and successful commercial real estate brokerage specialists. For more information, visit sior.com

afermanis@sior.com