Ever wondered how you can manage your commercial real estate deals more efficiently? Choosing the best CRM for commercial real estate is crucial for handling properties, client relationships, and closing deals faster. Whether you’re an agent, broker, or run a large firm, the right CRM can streamline your workflow and help you stay organized.
In this article, we explore some top choices to help you find the perfect solution. From user-friendly options to highly customizable platforms, we’ll cover what makes each CRM stand out.
Let’s dive into which tools can transform your real estate business into a more productive and efficient operation.
11 Best CRM for Commercial Real Estate Brokers in 2024
- REThink CRM: Best for Customizable Solutions
- RealNex: Best for Integrated Property Management
- AscendixRE CRM: Best for Commercial Real Estate Analytics
- ClientLook: Best for Ease of Use
- Apto CRM: Best for Brokerage Management
- SharpLaunch: Best for Marketing Integration
- HubSpot: Best for Free Features
- VTS: Best for Lease Management
- Vtiger CRM: Best for Automation Features
- Apptivo: Best for Affordability
- Zoho CRM: Best for Scalability and Flexibility
REThink CRM
REThink CRM is an efficient solution built on Salesforce, explicitly targeted at commercial real estate professionals. It integrates deeply with Buildout to cover both CRM functionalities and advanced marketing needs.
Pros & Cons
- Built on the efficient Salesforce platform.
- Excellent for managing deal pipelines, contacts, and property data.
- Integrates seamlessly with Buildout for enhanced marketing and reporting features.
- Designed specifically for commercial real estate.
- Pricing could be higher due to Salesforce’s base cost.
- Users may find it overwhelming without prior Salesforce experience.
- Some advanced features require additional subscriptions.
Our Experience
Our experience with REThink CRM has shown it to be a reliable and powerful tool for commercial real estate management. It handles deal pipelines, contacts, and property information efficiently.
The integration with Buildout enhances its capabilities by providing advanced marketing and reporting tools, streamlining our workflow significantly.
We found the platform intuitive, although new users might face a learning curve if they aren’t familiar with Salesforce. The customization options are extensive, allowing us to tailor it to our specific needs.
On the downside, the initial setup was time-consuming, but the long-term benefits outweigh this initial investment of time.
Pricing Plan
REThink CRM’s pricing plans start with a base subscription fee due to its foundation on the Salesforce platform. In addition to the base Salesforce cost, additional features and integrations with Buildout could require further investment.
This layered pricing structure can lead to higher overall costs, but it also means that we can scale the service to fit our specific needs.
It is important to consider both the initial setup costs and ongoing subscription fees when budgeting for REThink CRM.
While it might appear expensive, the value it brings through its comprehensive tools and integrations justifies the cost for many commercial real estate professionals.
RealNex
RealNex offers powerful tools for commercial real estate professionals, including a user-friendly CRM, financial analysis features, and a handy transaction management app. It’s accessible on multiple devices and operating systems, making it a reliable choice for various needs.
Pros & Cons
- A comprehensive suite of tools.
- Accessible on any device and OS.
- Strong market analysis features.
- It may be overwhelming for new users.
- Requires a subscription fee.
- The learning curve can be steep.
Our Experience
We’ve had extensive experience using RealNex, and it’s made managing our commercial real estate operations much smoother.
The CRM helps us keep track of all client interactions, while the financial analysis tools are invaluable for assessing potential investments.
We particularly like how the platform integrates presentation-building features, which save us time when preparing for client meetings.
The user-friendly interface of the RealNex Navigator makes it easy to switch between tasks, although it did take some time to get used to all the features. The mobile app is a game-changer for working remotely, allowing us to access crucial data on the go.
The only downside we’ve noticed is that new users might find the number of features overwhelming at first.
Pricing Plan
RealNex offers various pricing plans to cater to different business needs. Their most basic plan starts at approximately $79 per user per month, which includes the essential CRM functionalities.
For those requiring more advanced tools, such as MarketEdge for financial analysis and MarketPlace for real estate listings, the cost can go up to $129 per user per month.
Custom enterprise solutions are also available for larger teams needing tailored features and support. These plans offer flexibility, making it possible for companies of all sizes to find a suitable option.
For more information on their pricing, visit their official site.
AscendixRE CRM
AscendixRE CRM is a comprehensive solution designed for commercial real estate brokers. Built on Salesforce, this platform offers customization, ease of use, and powerful features tailored to meet industry-specific needs.
Pros & Cons
- Highly customizable
- User-friendly interface
- Built on Salesforce
- Powerful property and lease management tools
- Can be expensive
- Requires some training to master
- Overwhelming for small teams
Our Experience
Using AscendixRE has been largely positive. The customization options allow us to tailor it to our specific workflows. Its property and lease management tools are particularly impressive, helping us keep track of multiple listings efficiently.
The built-in Salesforce platform provides efficient capabilities, but it also means there’s a learning curve. Initial setup and training can be time-consuming, and smaller teams may find it overly complex.
Despite these drawbacks, once customized, it streamlines our operations significantly. The ability to track clients, properties, and leases in one place has made our work more efficient.
Customer support has also been responsive and helpful, guiding us through any issues we encountered.
Pricing Plan
AscendixRE offers several pricing plans based on the level of customization and features you need. The basic plan starts at $79 per user, per month. For more advanced features and higher levels of support, plans can go up to $129 per user, per month.
These higher-tier plans come with additional customization options, advanced analytics, and support. While the cost can add up, especially for larger teams, the investment is justified by the platform’s comprehensive capabilities.
For those looking for a scalable solution that can grow with their business, AscendixRE offers the flexibility and power required to manage commercial real estate effectively.
ClientLook
ClientLook is a CRM designed for commercial real estate professionals. It offers features like contact management, property tracking, and task scheduling. This section details the platform’s benefits and drawbacks, our personal experience using it, and an overview of its pricing plans.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use
- Excellent customer support
- Training-free onboarding
- Customization options
- Lacks advanced features
- It may not suit large enterprises needing more advanced tools
Our Experience
Using ClientLook was a smooth experience for our team. We found the interface to be straightforward and user-friendly. Setting up the system didn’t require any training, which saved time.
Managing contacts, deals, and properties was intuitive. The customer support team was responsive and helpful, addressing our queries quickly.
However, we noticed that ClientLook might lack some features for users who need extensive functionalities. For smaller teams or those new to CRM systems, it’s a great fit. However, larger organizations looking for more reliable tools might find it limiting.
Overall, it served our needs well and helped streamline our workflows efficiently.
Pricing Plan
ClientLook offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs. The basic plan starts at circa $89 per month per user.
There is also a more comprehensive plan at approximately $139 per month per user, which includes additional features like enhanced reporting and more customization options.
These prices make ClientLook accessible for small to medium-sized teams. For most users, the basic plan provides sufficient tools to manage everyday operations effectively. More advanced users might find the higher-tier plan more suitable to their needs.
All plans include unlimited support, ensuring users can get help when needed.
Apto CRM
Apto CRM offers various useful features tailored specifically for commercial real estate brokers, including built-in property data, contact management, and deal management tools. It is trusted by nearly 10,000 brokers worldwide.
Pros & Cons
- Built-in property data
- Effective contact management
- Comprehensive prospecting tools
- Reliable reports and dashboards
- Streamlined deal management
- Slow customer support at times
- Clunky interface
- The steep learning curve for new users
Our Experience
Using Apto CRM has been a largely positive experience. The built-in property data and contact management tools make organizing and tracking information straightforward.
One thing we appreciated was how everything could be linked together, helping us to keep a clear picture of our clients and their interactions.
On the downside, we did find Apto’s interface to be somewhat clunky. There is a lot going on, which can make navigation tricky. Additionally, the customer support team was occasionally slow to respond.
Despite having many features, there is a significant learning curve. New users might find it overwhelming without sufficient built-in tutorials.
The software truly shines when the whole team commits to using it. This collective effort allows us to harness its full potential and streamline our real estate processes effectively.
While some team members had difficulty with the dashboard, the overall benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
Pricing Plan
Apto CRM is not available for free. Pricing starts at a flat rate of $89 per month per user, billed annually. This provides access to all CRM and deal management functionalities.
For an additional $29 per month per user, also billed annually, users can gain access to Back Office features, including API access and a Salesforce.com embedded license. This tiered pricing scheme allows us to choose the plan best suited to our needs.
SharpLaunch
SharpLaunch is a comprehensive digital marketing platform designed for commercial real estate professionals. It offers a range of tools to streamline marketing activities and improve property visibility.
Pros & Cons
- All-in-one marketing tools
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent customer support
- Customizable property sites
- Quick migration and setup
- Initial onboarding can be complex
- Monthly subscription fee based on listings
- Limited integration with Loopnet/Costar
Our Experience
We found SharpLaunch to be a highly effective marketing solution for our commercial real estate needs. The platform provided a seamless transition from our old system, making it easier to manage and showcase our properties.
The customizable templates allowed us to create visually appealing property listings that captivate potential buyers. The support team was always available to assist with any issues, ensuring that our onboarding process was as smooth as possible.
However, the onboarding of properties was initially cumbersome. Once the properties were live, the system worked efficiently.
The monthly subscription fee, based on the number of listings, could be expensive for smaller firms, but the reliable features and ongoing IT support justified the cost.
Pricing Plan
SharpLaunch offers various pricing plans to accommodate different business needs. The platform charges a monthly subscription fee, which is based on the number of listings.
Though specific pricing details are not publicly provided, users can contact SharpLaunch directly for a customized quote that fits their portfolio size and requirements.
This tailored approach ensures that clients only pay for what they use, making it adaptable for both small and large firms.
HubSpot
HubSpot offers a comprehensive CRM solution with a flexible free edition, making it appealing to businesses of all sizes. It integrates well with marketing, sales, and customer service teams, offering a variety of features that can be scaled as your business grows.
Pros & Cons
- Comprehensive free plan with many features
- Scalable and modular for growing businesses
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- Extensive integration options
- Complex pricing structure for paid plans
- Limited live support for free plan users
- It can get expensive for enterprise features
Our Experience
Using HubSpot has been largely positive. The platform’s user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those new to CRM software. We found the drag-and-drop tools for creating landing pages and email templates particularly useful.
The integration with other business apps like Gmail, Google Calendar, and Slack streamlined our daily operations, keeping all our tools connected.
The AI-powered writing tools were a pleasant surprise, enhancing the quality and relevance of our marketing emails.
On the downside, the mix-and-match pricing can be confusing. Even though it’s possible to bundle different hubs, managing costs when adding specific features can become complex.
While the free plan is generous, more extensive support options would be helpful for troubleshooting.
Pricing Plan
HubSpot offers several pricing tiers:
- Free Plan: Includes basic CRM features, up to 1,000,000 contacts.
- Starter Plan: Begins at $20 per month annually. Adds more advanced features.
- Professional Plan: Begins at $1,000 per month annually. Adds advanced automation and team management tools.
- Enterprise Plan: Begins at $4,000 per month annually. Designed for larger organizations needing enterprise-grade features.
Customization options are available, allowing you to purchase specific hubs (e.g., marketing, sales, customer service) individually or as a bundle, which can reduce costs.
VTS
VTS is a powerful tool for managing commercial real estate operations. It offers features to streamline leasing, marketing, tenant experience, and property management.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use, great for tracking leasing progress.
- Bulk editing capabilities.
- Integrates all leasing reporting in real-time.
- Helpful customer support.
- Real-time updates improve efficiency.
- Limited mobile functionality.
- Cumbersome steps for certain features.
- Occasional glitches.
- Difficult to input specifics of complex deals.
Our Experience
Using VTS has transformed how we manage our leasing processes. The platform makes it simple to track each stage of tenant interactions. We appreciate its user-friendly interface and the ability to update our clients with real-time data.
It has eliminated the need for multiple tracking documents, which saves us time and reduces errors.
However, there are some drawbacks. The mobile app is not as comprehensive as the desktop version, which can be inconvenient when we’re on the go. Additionally, some features require multiple steps to complete, making the process a bit tedious at times.
Despite these issues, VTS is a valuable tool that improves our overall efficiency and communication with clients.
Pricing Plan
VTS offers a variety of pricing plans tailored to different sizes and needs of real estate firms. Specific pricing details are often customized based on the scope of service required. For detailed information and to get a quote, it’s best to visit their website directly.
Vtiger CRM
Vtiger CRM is designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. It offers numerous features for contact management, sales pipelines, marketing tools, and more. The platform is highly customizable and provides competitive pricing options.
Pros & Cons
- Competitive pricing, starting at $12 per user per month
- Free forever plan and 15-day free trial
- Highly customizable
- Extensive features, including sales automation, marketing, and project management
- Integrations with third-party apps
- Steep learning curve due to its comprehensive features
- Some features feel outdated
- Navigation can be disjointed with multiple open tabs
Our Experience
Using Vtiger CRM has given us insight into how adaptable the platform is. We found that its range of features, from sales automation to marketing tools, makes it a solid choice for complex business needs.
The customization options allowed us to tailor it precisely to our workflow, enhancing our efficiency.
On the downside, we encountered a learning curve when first using the platform. It took some time to navigate through its various features and settings.
Additionally, some of the interface elements felt a bit dated, which took away from the otherwise seamless experience.
Overall, the performance and operational improvements we gained from using Vtiger outweighed the initial hurdles.
The built-in marketing tools and automated workflows helped streamline our processes, making it easier to manage customer relationships and sales pipelines.
Pricing Plan
Vtiger offers a broad range of pricing plans to cater to different business needs. Here’s a snapshot of their current plans:
- Free Plan: Available with basic CRM functionalities.
- Starter Plan: $12 per user per month, includes more advanced features like email marketing and task management.
- Professional Plan: $20 per user per month, offering complete sales automation and advanced integrations.
- Enterprise Plan: $30 per user per month, providing full access to all features and premium support.
Additionally, Vtiger offers a 15-day free trial on premium plans, which allows users to explore the platform’s capabilities without a financial commitment. Each plan is designed to deliver value, whether you are a small business or a growing enterprise.
Apptivo
Apptivo is a reliable CRM platform widely used in commercial real estate. It’s known for its affordability, extensive customization options, and integrated tools.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable pricing
- Highly customizable
- Includes contract management tools
- Mobile CRM capabilities
- Good customer support
- Limited advanced features compared to some competitors
- Integration setup can be complex
- The user interface may seem outdated to some
Our Experience
Our experience with Apptivo has been mostly positive. The platform’s customization options allow us to tailor it to our specific workflows. We can create custom views and layouts, which helps streamline our daily tasks.
The mobile CRM feature is especially useful for managing leads and deals on the go.
However, setting up integrations with third-party tools can be challenging. It sometimes requires technical know-how to get everything working seamlessly.
Although Apptivo offers good customer support, the user interface might feel outdated compared to newer platforms. Despite these minor issues, Apptivo remains a top choice for us due to its functionality and affordability.
Pricing Plan
Apptivo offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs. The most current options include:
- Free Plan: Basic features for up to 3 users
- Lite Plan: $10 per user/month, includes additional features like lead and opportunity management
- Premium Plan: $25 per user/month, includes advanced features like contract management and integrations
- Ultimate Plan: $50 per user/month, includes all features with priority support
These pricing plans make Apptivo accessible for small teams and scalable for larger ones.
Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM offers a comprehensive solution for real estate professionals, from managing client relationships to streamlining deals. It’s designed to accommodate the needs of both agents and brokers.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly interface
- Integration with various tools
- Excellent customer support
- Customization can be complex
- Limited advanced features in lower-tier plans
- Occasional lags and slowdowns
Our Experience
We found Zoho CRM to be highly effective for real estate professionals. Its user-friendly interface made it easy for our team to get started quickly. We particularly appreciated the seamless integration with other Zoho applications, which simplified our workflow.
Customizing the CRM to suit our specific needs was initially a challenge due to the complexity of some features.
However, Zoho’s extensive online resources and responsive customer support helped us overcome these hurdles. We also noticed occasional lags, but they did not significantly disrupt our operations.
Pricing Plan
Zoho CRM offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs:
- Free Plan: $0 for up to 3 users
- Standard Plan: $14/user/month, billed annually
- Professional Plan: $23/user/month, billed annually
- Enterprise Plan: $40/user/month, billed annually
- Ultimate Plan: $52/user/month, billed annually
These plans provide various levels of access to features, ensuring that both small teams and large enterprises can find a suitable option.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the best CRM for commercial real estate, we should consider various features such as integrations, lead management, and automation capabilities.
After evaluating many options, HubSpot stands out as the winner. It offers excellent integrations and premium upgrades, making it a strong choice for commercial real estate professionals.
HubSpot’s ability to integrate seamlessly with different platforms and its user-friendly interface make it a top pick for teams looking to streamline their processes.
For those focused on advanced customizations, Zoho CRM is a strong contender. It provides many tools to tailor the CRM to fit specific needs.
Freshworks is another good option, especially for its telephony features. It’s ideal for teams that rely heavily on phone communication.
In summary, while several CRMs offer valuable tools, HubSpot’s versatility and user-friendly design give it an edge over competitors.
Our Selection Process
We began by scouring the market for the most popular and highly-rated CRM solutions for commercial real estate.
Our initial list included over 20 CRMs. To narrow it down, we looked at user reviews, professional recommendations, and industry rankings.
We then selected the top candidates for further testing, including:
- REThink CRM
- RealNex
- AscendixRE CRM
- ClientLook
- Apto CRM
- SharpLaunch
- HubSpot
- VTS
- Vtiger CRM
- Apptivo
- Zoho CRM
We put these CRMs through a series of tests. Each was evaluated based on ease of use, feature set, customization options, support, and pricing.
Ease of use: We assessed how intuitive the CRM was for both new and experienced users.
Feature set: We looked at key features such as property and lease management, client portals, and advanced reporting.
Customization options: We evaluated how well the CRM could be tailored to fit different business needs.
Support: We tested the availability and helpfulness of customer support.
Pricing: We compared the cost against the features offered to determine value for money.
This comprehensive testing allowed us to find the best CRM solutions for commercial real estate professionals.
Why It’s Important for Brokers to Have a CRM for Commercial Real Estate
Managing client relationships in commercial real estate can be complex. A CRM system helps us keep track of our leads, clients, and transactions efficiently.
For instance, a CRM allows us to manage all our contacts in one place. We can easily store and access information about our clients, their needs, and past interactions. This ensures we provide personalized service.
Another key benefit is streamlining transactions. A CRM can automate many tasks, such as sending follow-up emails, scheduling meetings, and even generating reports. This saves us time and reduces the risk of human error.
CRMs also offer targeted marketing. With advanced marketing features, we can create personalized campaigns to reach potential clients more effectively. We can segment our contacts based on various criteria, making our marketing efforts more precise.
Additionally, a good CRM helps us stay organized. We can set reminders for important tasks and deadlines, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. This is particularly useful in commercial real estate, where timing is critical.
Some CRMs also provide analytics and insights. We can track our performance, see which strategies are working, and make data-driven decisions. This helps us improve our processes and grow our business.
Let’s not forget the importance of collaboration. Many CRMs allow team members to share information and work together seamlessly. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and can contribute to our overall success.
What to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Real Estate CRM?
When picking a CRM for commercial real estate, there are several key factors we need to consider to make sure it’s a good fit for our business.
Industry-Specific Features: Does the CRM include property and lease management, advanced reporting, or client portals? These are crucial for our operations.
User Experience: A CRM that’s hard to use can slow us down. We need an intuitive interface with a minimal learning curve. The easier it is to navigate, the better.
Customization Options: Customization is important for fitting the CRM to our specific needs. For example, Realvolve is known for its high level of customizability.
Integration Capabilities: Our CRM should integrate with tools we already use, like email platforms or accounting software. This makes our workflow smoother and more efficient.
Automation: Features like automated emails and reminders can save us time and ensure we follow up with clients promptly. LionDesk offers strong artificial intelligence tools that help with automation.
Scalability: We need a solution that can grow with our business. Whether we’re a small team or a large brokerage, the CRM should handle our evolving needs.
Cost: Pricing varies widely, and it’s important to get good value. Some CRMs offer free versions with basic features, like HubSpot CRM. We need to balance cost with the features offered.
Choosing the right CRM can have a big impact on our efficiency and success. By considering these factors, we can make a well-informed choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CRM in commercial real estate?
A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system in commercial real estate helps brokers and agents manage client interactions, track deals, and organize contacts. It streamlines processes and improves efficiency by centralizing all client and property information.
What is the best CRM for property management?
For property management, tools like HubSpot are highly recommended. They offer advanced marketing features and personalized campaigns, making them ideal for managing rental properties and engaging tenants effectively.
Do I need a CRM for real estate?
Yes, a CRM can be invaluable. It enhances organization, improves client communication, and helps track transactions easily. It is essential for managing relationships and ensuring that no opportunities are missed.
How much is a CRM for real estate?
Costs vary widely. Free versions are available, while premium options can range from $25 to $300 per user per month. Prices depend on features and scalability.
Which ERP is best for real estate?
While not a CRM, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems like SAP and Oracle can be effective for larger real estate operations. They offer comprehensive solutions for managing finances, projects, and human resources.
Is Monday CRM good for real estate?
Yes, MondayCRM is known for its ease of use and minimal training requirements. It is ideal for those who want simplicity and a user-friendly interface.