Commercial Listing Sites

Adding and Monitoring Listings on Commercial Real Estate Platforms

Introduction
Commercial real estate platforms such as Crexi.com and LoopNet.com are vital tools for marketing residential income properties to a targeted audience of investors and buyers. These platforms specialize in showcasing investment opportunities, providing robust tools to highlight a property’s financial potential, and attracting serious buyers who are actively seeking properties like yours.

This lesson will guide you through the process of listing your residential income property on these platforms, optimizing the listing for maximum visibility, and monitoring performance to ensure your marketing efforts are effective.

Why Use Commercial Real Estate Platforms?

While the MLS is an essential tool, platforms like Crexi and LoopNet cater specifically to commercial real estate investors, offering features and audiences tailored to their needs.

Key Benefits:

1. Targeted Audience: Attract professional investors, institutional buyers, and brokers actively seeking income properties.
2. Detailed Financial Focus: Highlight income potential, cap rates, and other key metrics that appeal to commercial buyers.
3. Broader Exposure: Extend your property’s reach beyond the MLS syndication network.
4. Built-In Tools: Utilize analytics, lead tracking, and promotional features to maximize interest.

Steps to Add Your Listing to Crexi and LoopNet

1. Prepare Your Materials

Before creating your listing, gather the necessary materials to ensure a professional presentation.

Key Items to Have Ready:

• High-quality property photos (interiors, exteriors, aerial shots).
• A virtual tour or HD video walkthrough.
• Offering Memorandum (OM) or financial analysis, including:
  • Rent roll (current and proforma).
  • Net Operating Income (NOI).
  • Cap rate and cash-on-cash return.
  • Expense breakdown.
• Property details (square footage, zoning, amenities).

2. Create an Account on Crexi and LoopNet

• Crexi:
  • Visit Crexi.com and sign up for an account.
  • Choose a listing plan that fits your marketing needs (free and premium options available).
• LoopNet:
  • Go to LoopNet.com and register.
  • Select a subscription plan for listing visibility and access to additional features.

3. Add Your Listing

Both platforms have user-friendly interfaces for adding listings.

Basic Steps to Follow:

1. Enter Property Information:
   • Address, property type (multifamily, mixed-use, etc.), size, and zoning.
   • Unit mix and occupancy details.
2. Input Financial Data:
   • Include rental income, expenses, NOI, and cap rate.
   • Highlight any value-add opportunities, such as under-market rents or vacant units ready for lease.
3. Upload Visual Assets:
   • Add professional images, videos, and virtual tours.
   • Ensure images are properly labeled and optimized for fast loading.
4. Attach Documents:
   • Upload the Offering Memorandum, floor plans, and any other supporting materials.

4. Optimize Your Listing for Visibility

To stand out in a competitive marketplace, take the following steps:

• Write a Compelling Description:

  • Highlight unique features (e.g., “Turnkey 10-Unit Multifamily in Downtown LA”).
  • Emphasize investment potential (e.g., “8% Proforma Cap Rate with Value-Add Opportunities”).

• Use Keywords Strategically:

  • Include terms buyers are searching for, such as “income property,” “multifamily investment,” or “value-add opportunity.”

• Choose the Right Categories:

  • Select accurate property types and subtypes to reach the right audience.

• Leverage Premium Features:

  • Crexi and LoopNet offer boosted visibility through paid ads or premium listings—consider using these for high-value properties.

Monitoring and Managing Your Listings

1. Track Performance Metrics

Both platforms provide analytics to help you understand how your listing is performing.

Metrics to Monitor:

• Number of views and clicks.
• Inquiries and leads generated.
• Time spent on your listing page.

2. Engage with Leads Quickly

Respond to inquiries promptly to maintain buyer interest and build trust. Use tools like email notifications and CRM integrations to stay organized.

3. Update Your Listing Regularly

• Refresh photos, descriptions, or pricing to keep your listing active and relevant.
• Add new information, such as updated financials or recent improvements, to attract repeat viewers.

4. Leverage Platform Features

• Crexi: Use Crexi’s marketing tools to email your listing to their database of investors.
• LoopNet: Take advantage of LoopNet’s syndication with CoStar and other commercial networks.

Tips for Success on Crexi and LoopNet

1. Showcase Financials: Investors prioritize income potential—ensure your rent roll, expenses, and NOI are prominently displayed.
2. Professional Presentation: Use polished materials and visuals to convey credibility and attract serious buyers.
3. Promote Your Listing: Share your Crexi and LoopNet links across social media, email campaigns, and other marketing channels.
4. Monitor Competitors: Review similar listings on these platforms to ensure your pricing and marketing approach are competitive.

Case Study: Using Crexi and LoopNet Effectively

Scenario: A 12-unit multifamily property in a suburban area needs exposure to attract out-of-state investors.

Approach:

1. Added the property to Crexi and LoopNet with detailed financials and high-quality visuals.
2. Highlighted the property’s upside potential, including below-market rents and minimal deferred maintenance.
3. Boosted visibility with a paid promotional package on Crexi.
4. Monitored analytics weekly, adjusting the price and description based on buyer feedback.

Result: The property received over 200 views and generated 15 inquiries within two weeks, resulting in a competitive sale above asking price.

Leveraging WE ARE REALTY for Additional Support

• Custom Marketing Assets: Email marketing@wearerealty.com or message the marketing team for help creating professional materials tailored for Crexi and LoopNet.
• Analytics Assistance: Use the WE ARE REALTY system to track and analyze your leads from commercial platforms.
• Property Page Integration: Share your WE ARE REALTY property page alongside Crexi and LoopNet listings to capture leads with your referral code.

Conclusion

Crexi and LoopNet are indispensable tools for marketing residential income properties to a targeted audience of investors. By creating detailed, professional listings and monitoring performance, you can maximize exposure and attract serious buyers. Combining these platforms with WE ARE REALTY’s resources ensures you deliver a polished and effective marketing campaign.

Next Steps: Create a Crexi and LoopNet account, and begin drafting a listing for one of your properties. In the next lesson, we’ll explore conducting effective property showings for income properties.