When you picture a real estate career, do you immediately think of showing homes and hosting open houses? That’s the residential side of the business… and it’s great… but it’s only half the story.
The other half? Commercial real estate. It’s the world of office towers, shopping centers, warehouses, and apartment complexes. And if you’ve ever wondered how agents move into bigger deals with longer client relationships, this is where it happens.
Why Commercial Real Estate Feels Different
Here’s the thing: selling a house and leasing a retail space are two very different games. In residential real estate, your clients are usually families making personal decisions. In commercial real estate, your clients are investors and businesses making strategic, financial decisions.
That means:
- You’re talking spreadsheets, cash flow, and return on investment.
- Deals are bigger (and so are the commissions).
- Clients stick around longer, since leases or ownership often last years.
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys strategy and negotiation, commercial real estate might be your sweet spot.
How to Break In
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a special “commercial license” to get started. In Florida, you still begin with your real estate license. Once you have it, you can choose to work with a brokerage that focuses on commercial properties.
That’s where LEAP Orlando comes in. We help you earn your license with flexible pre-licensing courses. This gives you the foundation to choose your path: residential, commercial, or both.
A Day in the Life
So what does a commercial agent’s day actually look like? Think less about staging kitchens and more about running the numbers on a 10-year lease. One day, you might tour an empty office building with an investor. The next day, you could negotiate terms for a retail tenant who wants prime space downtown.
It’s a job where every deal feels like a puzzle. If you enjoy putting pieces together, it’s very rewarding.
Skills You’ll Need in Commercial Real Estate
Working in commercial real estate requires a slightly different mindset than residential sales. Success often comes from skills like:
- Analytical thinking: Evaluating cash flow, leases, and return on investment.
- Negotiation: Working with investors, corporations, and developers.
- Networking: Building long-term relationships with business owners and property managers.
- Market research: Understanding zoning, land use, and local business trends.
LEAP Orlando’s courses give you the legal and practical knowledge you need, while your career path helps refine these specialized skills.
Why LEAP Orlando Makes Sense
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. LEAP Orlando is built to help future professionals like you:
- Flexible learning: Online or in-person courses that fit your schedule.
- Local instructors: People who know the Florida market inside and out.
- Career support: Connections and guidance that point you toward commercial opportunities once you’re licensed.
We’re here to make sure your license isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your launchpad.
Career Benefits in Commercial Real Estate
Some of the biggest rewards in commercial real estate include:
- Higher commissions due to larger transaction values.
- Professional growth working on complex, large-scale deals.
- Variety, from leasing retail stores to selling office buildings.
- Long-term stability with repeat clients and portfolio investors.
In short, commercial real estate can be both financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
Commercial real estate isn’t for everyone. But if you are curious, driven, and excited about big projects, it might be a great fit for you.
And remember, the first step is simple: earn your Florida real estate license. Once you do, you can explore residential, commercial, or both. LEAP Orlando will be with you every step.
Ready to see where commercial real estate could take you? Let’s get started.
