1. Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

This is the most common type of commercial brokerage, involving properties used for business purposes:

• Office buildings
• Retail spaces
• Industrial facilities
• Warehouses
• Multifamily apartment complexes (typically over 4 units)

Commercial real estate brokers help clients:

• Buy or sell commercial properties
• Lease office or retail space
• Analyze market conditions
• Negotiate contracts

2. Business Brokerage (or M&A Brokerage)

This involves buying and selling entire businesses rather than just real estate.

• Brokers help value the business
• Market it confidentially
• Vet potential buyers
• Facilitate negotiations and due diligence

3. Investment Brokerage

These brokers help investors find income-producing commercial assets and assist in portfolio management or 1031 exchanges (tax-deferred exchanges of investment property in the U.S.).