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Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

refer them to the best Commercial agent you know, and tell them specifically why this is in their best interest.

May 02, 2017 08:16 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Friends help friends by placing them in competent hands (COE Article 11) !

May 02, 2017 07:54 AM
Ambassador
2,178,553
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Definitely refer it out or work it with a local commercial or business specialist.  It is a violation of the COE to work outside your area of competence.  

May 02, 2017 08:16 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,370
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Seek to make a referral to someone with more expertise!

May 02, 2017 08:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,186
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I'm a commercial broker and I refer out business opportunity transfers. A couple of reasons. Number one, it's extremely difficult to valuate the (especially intangible) assets of a business and my E/O insurer requires special disclosures for me to do it at all. Also, you need special title/escrow to conduct UCC search and properly transfer over all parts of the business. If you ask around, you'll find that most of your title and escrow companies will not handle this type of transfer. There are brokers who specialize in business transfers. I strongly suggest that you refer to them.

May 02, 2017 08:09 AM
Ambassador
5,229,939
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I totally agree with Bob Crane & Michael J. Perry - You're serving their best interests by referring them to a trusted commercial broker.

One additional thing that you can do is ask the commercial broker if he/she minds allowing you to 'participate' as perhaps, an assistant during the transaction. That may help your friend feel like you're still involved in their sale.

Good luck, Karen!

May 02, 2017 08:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Follow the NAR Code of Ethics and don't do what you have no expertise for. Find a good commerical agent and get a referral fee.

May 02, 2017 08:27 AM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

I know that specific companies deal with specific businesses that are on the Market for sale, i.e., a Sign Shop would be sold by a business that sells Sign Shops.  You could refer someone, to the proper company that would do their sale, and that is if you even could, and that might be done on-line, though you are putting yourself in as a 'middle person', so I'm not sure that would be wise Karen Jones Lewis, MBA, Realtor.  Especially since they could check-out the same companies on-line that you could . . .  and you could certainly check-out companies in S FL that might consider working with you, though I have no experience working with a business of any type.  For me, if would be, 'I don't know what I don't know'.  Best of Luck for your friend! 

May 02, 2017 08:00 AM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Refer to a commercial agent.

May 02, 2017 08:09 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Better ask your broker. We cannot dabble in & out at my company. Either you do it or you don't. I checked the box for 'no thanks'. 

May 02, 2017 10:12 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I agree with Bob Crane!

May 02, 2017 09:06 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Co - list with someone you know who does commercial

May 02, 2017 09:03 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Sorry, but your question makes absolutely no sense.

May 02, 2017 07:54 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,580
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I'm with Bob Crane refer them to the best sommerical guy you know!!

May 02, 2017 06:49 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     If you plan to go into commercial real estate, find a qualified mentor or commercial co-broker to work with you on it.  Don't miss a great opportunity!    If you plan to stay in residential, refer it out.

May 02, 2017 05:48 PM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

I wholeheartedly agree with Michael J. Perry on this one!  Been there, done that and NEVER, EVER again...!

May 02, 2017 01:17 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Karen Jones Lewis, MBA, Realtor Selling businesses is a specialty all of its own. Refer it someone who works this in this area. Also, refresh yourself with Article 11 of the NAR COE before taking this on.

May 02, 2017 12:24 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,462
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Just remember that the commercial "pros" all had a 1st listing @Karen Jones Lewis. Take it, you may love it and it may become your thing. Good luck.

May 02, 2017 11:21 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,153
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

You need a pilot on point with everything esle co-piloting

May 02, 2017 11:08 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

If not comfortable, refer to a trusted agent and stay in the picture to give your friend comfort, as needed.

May 02, 2017 10:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

If that happened to me, I'd partner with a local commercial agent and tag along to learn the ropes.

May 02, 2017 10:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

take a referral fee

May 02, 2017 09:50 AM
Rainmaker
711,752
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I suggest you either refer them to a great commercial Broker, or co-list with such a Broker. In this way, you can gather important knowledge on the process, but also honor the Realtor code of ethics by making sure your client has the best representation in his/her sale. You should not take on a listing exclusively you are not competent with.

May 02, 2017 08:56 AM
Rainmaker
785,106
Abby Stiller
TOP SELLING REALTY - Cape Coral, FL
SW Florida (239) 284-8637

I believe that you need to refer your clients to a FL lic. Business Broker. They typically charge 5 to 10% commission.

May 02, 2017 08:49 AM
Ambassador
5,048,758
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Refer to a competent commercial agent with experience with this specific type of transaction. See what Ken Jones  and Candice A. Donofrio have to say!!

May 02, 2017 08:43 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I would list it and let them a you will be working with another agent

May 02, 2017 08:22 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

 Pompano Beach. That is where I will vacation.

However I'm on the other coast.

Talk to your broker to identify who in your office works commercial/business real estate. Be sure to distinguish if you are selling a BUSINESS or COMMERCIAL real estate. That is REALLY important.

You are in luck. There are agents from Pompano here on AR.

Try the AR referral system for a more proactive method.

It's not your baby, until you figure it out.

May 02, 2017 07:58 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

Send them out as a referral them to a commercial agent you know, and tell them specifically why this is in their best interest.

Apr 01, 2018 04:28 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Refer it to a commercial broker.

May 08, 2017 05:49 AM
Rainmaker
4,935,567
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I would refer it to a commercial agent

May 04, 2017 02:54 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Decline or refer out.

May 04, 2017 10:07 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Stick to the area you know...

May 03, 2017 05:29 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I see you already received a response, but I wanted to chime in also. I totally agree with those who indicate you should just refer it to a commercial broker.

May 03, 2017 03:34 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Refer the

May 03, 2017 03:12 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Karen Jones Lewis, MBA, Realtor - never say no to the business! In fact, this is a great learning opportunity. Just take it.

May 02, 2017 10:37 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

For me it would be easy, since my friend is a business broker& realtor. Do you have someone to guide or mentor you? 

May 02, 2017 10:22 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I was going to suggest colisting with a commercial agent but be prepared they may not want to do that as this type of property takes different skills and approach.

May 02, 2017 10:10 PM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

Like many others have said, I wouldn't do it, I'd refer it out.  Possibly, if the business/commercial broker was willing I'd see if I could be part of it to learn, but not to respresent my friend in something out of my area of expertise. -Kasey

May 02, 2017 09:25 PM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Just say " Sorry, can't do it".  Seller should find a business broker.

May 02, 2017 02:10 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

When  listed my irst business, i asked an agent in my office who did a lot of businesses to assist and split it. Now i have done so many it is agents who ask me. It is tough to turn down a listing from a friend but tougher if it does not sell. If you do refer it, make sure they will be as good as you would be

May 02, 2017 09:34 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Find the best agent in your area who specializes in this niche.  Either work out a referral deal for a referral fee.  Or you and the other agent work the deal and split the commission.

May 02, 2017 09:23 AM