Do you hire a real estate agent for due diligence?

April 19, 2025

by a searcher from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management in Atlanta, GA, USA

If you are buying a business that includes the real estate, I would be interested in knowing how many of you get a commercial real estate agent involved? I have a great source for the onsite Commercial Property Condition Assessment and Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, but that's not the same. Would it be wise to get help with title search, legal issues, property line issues, advice on property resale value, monitor the deed transfer process, etc.? FYI, this is a small production shop in the state of Georgia.

Reply by a searcher
from Carnegie Mellon University in Denver, CO, USA

Following. I'm also curious if you are not buying the real estate. The chance the new buyer will re-locate is low (moving affects googlemaps SEO, confusion in existing clients-some might not come back, and moving costs) so the landlord has significant leverage to take full advantage of the buyer and increase the lease. Should I hire a real estate agent to see if the new lease is comparable?

Reply by a searcher
from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, USA

I'd recommend using a real estate law firm instead of an agent. Attorneys can support Title, Survey, Zoning and Closing. They'll have service providers for Valuation and Environmental (as do you). Sheley, Hall & Williams are a good partner in ATL.

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