An online real estate destination for commercial buyers, sellers and investors, CommNet organizes commercial real estate agents’ business and saves them time by offering everything they need under one virtual roof, the company says.
“CommNet was built specifically around the idiosyncrasies of the Canadian real estate marketplace. Together with our proprietary database of commercial properties, we have integrated the latest MLS technologies,” says president Sam Kamoutsis. “These technologies simplify the experience.”
MLS listings are integrated seamlessly with thousands of commercial properties, business opportunities and lease vacancies from all sources, including property managers, builders, developers and property owners.
The network connects all of the industries involved in buying, selling, leasing and investing in commercial real estate. “It is a unique system that will change the way commercial Realtors do business,” says Kamoutsis, who has been in the commercial real estate market since 2005 and has extensive technical background.
He says CommNet helps Realtors build a professional and permanent online presence. It’s the only Canadian commercial real estate destination that integrates a number of online systems to deliver the best destination for commercial real estate, he says.
“We promote commercial sales and leasing listings from all sources and companies. Each property is displayed both in the search engine area as well as on the member’s profile page.”
Information is provided free to visitors. Leads generated go to the owner of the listing. The site currently has 7,000 to 10,000 public searches per month but hits are expected to reach 40,000 plus as the service expands to the United States.
Having everything in one place saves agents time they would otherwise spend searching individual sites for elusive exclusive listings, Kamoutsis says. The ability to create professional profiles is another layer of service, offering a place where agents can build their own page with listings, reviews, testimonials and even their own blog spot.
Having a professional profile is important to agents who deal only with commercial properties, but it’s also ideal for residential agents who may occasionally do a small commercial deal, he says.
“Thirty to 40 per cent of Realtors do commercial deals, such as a small lease,” he says. Having a separate commercial profile helps these agents look more professional to those in the commercial market.
The property management section lets you manage your listings online. “Links on our search results are targeted to a specific property listing and visitors to your website will have access to view or search for available space options in your buildings,” Kamoutsis says.
CommNet offers a network so Realtors can communicate with Realtors away from forums and hidden from public view. It also has marketing materials, advertising, IT support and discounts for products and services. The company recently introduced a training site that “gives commercial real estate agents everything they need to know,” he says.
In Canada, CommNet is an approved CREA DDF third-party destination, delivering leads automatically to commercial Realtors across the country. Introduced in September 2014, but revamped this May following CREA’s approval, CommNet now has more than 325 members and 5,700 properties on its website.
“We have local representation in the eastern provinces, Quebec and Calgary, as well as an office in Detroit and one opening at the end of September in New York. We’re able to integrate any MLS system in North America,” Kamoutsis says.
The cost, on a membership basis, is $49 per month for individuals and $69 per month for companies. You pay only once for unlimited properties and leads and there are no hidden charges, he says. “CommNet integrates all of the systems commercial Realtors need to maximize online exposure and deliver commercial buyers and sellers.”
Connie Adair is a contributing writer for REM.
