Commercial Property Types

Small office buildings — from a converted Victorian to a purpose-built professional suite complex — are among the most common commercial FSBO transactions. Owner-occupants selling as they retire or relocate, and small landlords exiting the market, often sell directly to other owner-occupants or small investors.

Industrial and flex properties have been among the strongest performers in commercial real estate. Warehouses, distribution facilities, and flex space (part office, part warehouse) are in high demand from e-commerce, last-mile delivery, and small manufacturers. FSBO sales are very common in industrial — buyers tend to be investors who respond well to straightforward income data.

Small multifamily properties — duplexes through 20-unit apartment buildings — straddle the line between residential and commercial real estate. Properties with 5 or more units are typically financed commercially and valued using the income approach. FSBO sales are common, particularly for mom-and-pop landlords exiting after decades of ownership.

Mixed-use properties combine commercial and residential uses in a single building — typically retail or office on the ground floor with apartments or condos above. They are common in downtown and urban infill markets. FSBO sales occur when an owner-occupant exits, when a small landlord decides to sell, or when a developer completes a small project and sells to an investor.

Vacant commercial land — lots zoned for retail, office, industrial, or mixed-use development — is valued based on location, zoning entitlements, and development potential rather than income. FSBO sales are common in land transactions, particularly among landowners who inherited the property or acquired it for investment. Buyers are typically developers, builders, or investors banking on future appreciation.