Picture signing a lease only to discover hidden costs your team missed—or buying a property that doesn’t meet zoning laws, stalling your business for months. These are the kinds of costly mistakes entrepreneurs face when they tackle commercial real estate (CRE) decisions alone or with an incomplete team. In CRE, success hinges on having the right experts by your side, guiding you through complex choices like leasing, buying, or managing properties.

​At CRE Insights for Entrepreneurs, provided by CRE.School, we’re dedicated to helping business owners like you thrive in commercial real estate. In this post, we share five essential steps to build a winning CRE team in 2025, including the key professionals you need to make confident, profitable decisions. Whether you’re opening a new storefront or investing in an office building, this guide will set you up for success. Let’s dive in.

Your commercial real estate journey starts with clarity about your business goals—whether it’s leasing a flexible space for a startup or buying a property for long-term investment. These objectives determine the professionals you need on your team, ensuring every decision aligns with your vision. Without this step, you risk assembling a team that’s misaligned or incomplete.

For example, a retailer leasing a storefront might need a broker to find high-traffic locations and an attorney to review contracts, while an investor buying a multi-tenant building adds an appraiser and lender to assess value and financing. One entrepreneur saved time by defining their goal—leasing a 2,000-square-foot office with growth potential—before recruiting a tailored team, avoiding costly detours.

​How to Do It: Write down your CRE objectives, such as property type (retail, office), lease vs. buy, or budget constraints. List the roles critical to your goals: broker, attorney, appraiser, accountant, architect/engineer, property manager, or lender. This roadmap ensures you build a team that’s fit for purpose.

A commercial real estate broker is your boots-on-the-ground expert, guiding you through property searches, negotiations, and market dynamics. They bring local knowledge and deal-making savvy, helping you find spaces that match your needs and secure terms that protect your bottom line. In 2025’s competitive markets, a skilled broker is non-negotiable.

Consider a startup that worked with a broker to find a high-traffic retail space. The broker’s market insights and negotiation skills secured a lease 10% below market rate, saving $15,000 annually. Without a broker, the startup might have settled for a less visible location or overpaid.

​How to Do It: Seek brokers with expertise in your property type (e.g., retail, industrial) and local market. Check their track record through client testimonials or recent deals. Meet with candidates to ensure they understand your business goals and communicate clearly. A great broker is your advocate and strategist.

Legal and financial professionals are the backbone of your CRE team, protecting your interests and ensuring decisions align with your budget. A real estate attorney reviews contracts, spots risky clauses, and ensures compliance with zoning or regulatory requirements. An accountant or financial advisor analyzes costs, tax benefits, and return on investment to keep your finances on track.

For instance, an attorney saved a business owner $20,000 by renegotiating a lease clause that shifted repair costs to the tenant. Meanwhile, an accountant helped an investor identify tax deductions on a property purchase, boosting their cash flow. In 2025, with rising costs, these experts are critical.

​How to Do It: Hire an attorney with CRE-specific experience, ideally with a history of handling leases or purchases like yours. Choose an accountant familiar with real estate tax codes and depreciation. Verify credentials through referrals or case studies, and involve them early to shape your strategy.

Technical and operational experts ensure your property meets practical and long-term needs. A CRE appraiser assesses fair market value, preventing overpayment and supporting financing. An architect or engineer evaluates structural condition and plans renovations, ensuring compliance with building codes. A property manager handles ongoing operations, from maintenance to tenant relations, for leased or owned spaces.

One entrepreneur avoided a bad purchase when their engineer identified outdated HVAC systems, saving $30,000 in repairs. Another relied on a property manager to streamline tenant issues, freeing them to focus on business growth. These roles are vital for 2025’s complex CRE landscape.

​How to Do It: Engage appraisers with certifications like MAI (Member of the Appraisal Institute). Hire architects or engineers experienced in commercial projects, and property managers with strong references. Involve them during property evaluation to catch issues early and plan for efficient operations.

A winning CRE team isn’t just a collection of experts—it’s a cohesive unit aligned on your goals. Without clear communication and collaboration, missteps like missed deadlines or conflicting advice can derail your project. In 2025, with fast-moving markets, a well-coordinated team is your competitive edge.

Take a business owner who held weekly team meetings to align their broker, attorney, and lender on a tight purchase timeline. This collaboration ensured a smooth closing, beating out competing buyers. In contrast, a disjointed team might have lost the deal to miscommunication.

​How to Do It: Set up a communication system, like shared documents (e.g., Google Drive) or weekly calls, to keep everyone updated. Designate a point person—often you or your broker—to coordinate efforts. Share your vision and timeline upfront to unify the team around your objectives.

A winning commercial real estate team—featuring a broker, attorney, appraiser, accountant, architect/engineer, property manager, and lender—turns complex CRE decisions into opportunities for growth. By identifying your goals, recruiting the right experts, and fostering collaboration, you’ll navigate 2025’s markets with confidence and avoid costly pitfalls.

At CRE School, our expert-led courses teach entrepreneurs like you how to evaluate and select commercial properties like seasoned pros. From location analysis to cost breakdowns, we give you the tools to make informed decisions. Ready to find your ideal space?

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Or explore our courses at www.cre.school to master commercial real estate and grow your business smarter.

​Stay tuned for more CRE Insights for Entrepreneurs, where we share actionable strategies to help you thrive through real estate.