Looking for the best CRM for commercial real estate? Here's a quick rundown of the top options to help you manage property data, streamline client relationships, and close deals faster:
- Plotzy: AI-powered tools for property research, owner contact searches, and zoning analysis. Affordable plans starting at $65/month.
- Buildout CRM: Advanced marketing tools, property presentations, and predictive analytics. Best for larger teams, starting at $129/user/month.
- ClientLook: Simple interface with strong integrations like LandVision. Great for smaller teams but limited automation.
Quick Comparison
| CRM | Key Features | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plotzy | AI tools for research, prospecting, zoning | $65/month | Solo brokers, small teams |
| Buildout CRM | Marketing tools, predictive analytics | $129/user/month | Large brokerages |
| ClientLook | Easy-to-use, strong integrations | Contact vendor | Small teams |
Why it matters: With $957 billion in commercial mortgages maturing in 2025 and rising office vacancies, the right CRM can save time, improve efficiency, and help you stay competitive. Read on to find out which solution fits your needs.
Top 6 Commercial Real Estate CRMs
1. Plotzy
Plotzy is an AI-powered CRM platform tailored specifically for commercial real estate professionals. Whether you're a broker, developer, or part of a land acquisition team, Plotzy simplifies the often complex tasks of property research, prospecting, and data management. By focusing on the unique challenges of parcels, zoning regulations, and property ownership data, Plotzy delivers tools that make navigating these hurdles more efficient.
Property Data Management
When it comes to parcel searches and data gathering, Plotzy stands out. It pulls accurate property information directly from public records and county tax assessors, allowing users to filter properties by zoning criteria and other specifications. This makes identifying potential investment or development opportunities faster and easier.
One of Plotzy's standout features is its ability to create detailed property reports. These reports consolidate crucial information from multiple sources into a single document, saving commercial real estate professionals countless hours of research. For those juggling properties across different jurisdictions, this centralized approach is a game-changer.
AI-Powered Features
Plotzy takes prospecting to the next level with its AI-powered owner contact searches. The platform uses advanced algorithms to comb through online records, county websites, and municipal databases to find property owner contact details. This eliminates the need for tedious manual research and helps professionals connect with potential sellers or lessors more efficiently.
Looking ahead, Plotzy is developing even more advanced AI capabilities. One such feature is the Open-Ended Agent Research tool, designed to search for unstructured data like comprehensive plans and impact fees. This tool aims to tackle one of the trickiest parts of commercial real estate research: sifting through municipal documents to uncover development constraints and opportunities.
Another innovation in the works is the LLC Search Upgrades. Since many commercial properties are owned through LLCs, identifying the right decision-makers can be a challenge. This feature uses custom logic to locate registered agent information for LLC-owned properties, making it easier to connect with the right people. Together, these tools enhance prospecting and lead tracking, ensuring professionals can work smarter, not harder.
Prospecting and Lead Tracking
Plotzy also offers list management tools that simplify organizing and tracking prospecting efforts. Users can create and maintain lists of target properties and contacts, making it easier to stay on top of their outreach.
For those on a budget, Plotzy's pricing is accessible. During the beta release, the Basic Plan includes 200 owner contact info matches per month for just $65. This makes it an affordable option for professionals who need consistent access to ownership data without the hefty costs of enterprise-level tools.
Integration Capabilities
Plotzy goes beyond standard CRM features by offering custom solutions like lease analysis, zoning reports, and parcel searches tailored to specific development projects. For businesses with unique workflows, the platform also provides custom software development services.
This adaptability sets Plotzy apart from generic CRM platforms. Whether you're involved in retail development, industrial acquisitions, or office leasing, Plotzy can be customized to meet the specific needs of your commercial real estate niche.
2. Buildout CRM
Buildout CRM is a platform tailored to meet the unique challenges of commercial real estate (CRE) professionals. With over 50,000 CRE brokers actively using the platform and more than 29,000 brokers managing 120,000+ listings, it’s clear that Buildout CRM has carved out a significant presence in the industry. The platform also provides access to a database of more than 8.5 million commercial properties. Let’s dive into what makes Buildout CRM stand out, from its property data management tools to its AI-powered features and prospecting capabilities.
Property Data Management
Buildout CRM simplifies managing vast amounts of property information, offering tools that make organization and accessibility a breeze. One of its key strengths is the ability to create and maintain a comprehensive comp database, which is crucial for analyzing trends and supporting negotiations.
A standout feature is the property inventory plugin, which integrates directly with existing websites. This allows potential buyers to filter listings by criteria like price, location, or square footage, making it easier for brokers to present properties across multiple markets.
The platform also includes a shared database where users can tag contacts, view details, create call lists, and assign tasks - all from a single, unified dashboard. This eliminates the need for clunky spreadsheets and keeps everything in one place.
AI-Powered Features
Buildout CRM incorporates artificial intelligence through its AI assistant, AL, designed to save brokers time and improve efficiency. AL generates property descriptions and highlights, speeding up the content creation process.
The platform’s mobile app, also powered by AL, allows brokers to interact with property data hands-free - an especially handy feature for those who spend a lot of time on-site or in transit. AL can respond to prompts and answer questions about property details directly within the research map.
"Our new AI functionality within Showcase not only saves time but empowers our users to craft high-quality listings that stand out, enabling them to dedicate more effort towards what truly matters - their clients and closing deals." - Jason Tillery, Co-CEO and Founder, Buildout, Inc.
Even better, these AI-powered tools are available at no additional cost for Showcase users, ensuring brokers can access advanced features without worrying about extra fees.
Prospecting and Lead Tracking
Buildout’s Prospect by Buildout tool leverages AI and predictive analytics to help brokers identify lucrative opportunities. This tool integrates seamlessly with the CRM, ensuring a smooth transition from prospecting to closing deals.
The platform also includes Connect, designed to help brokers source property owner contact information and monitor outreach efforts. On the lead management side, Buildout CRM allows users to perform targeted searches, create task and call lists, and manage client relationships through organized workflows. The dashboard brings everything together, enabling brokers to tag contacts, view details, and assign follow-up tasks with ease.
"You'd rather be wheeling and dealing than worried about spreadsheets and scribbled notes. So we make it easy to manage your leads and contact data." - Buildout
Integration Capabilities
Buildout CRM bridges the gap between front-end and back-end processes, allowing brokers to track a property from its initial listing all the way to its sale or lease - all without switching between platforms. The platform also offers Buildout Lite CRM, a scaled-down version designed for smaller brokerages that need a straightforward CRM solution.
Pricing for Buildout CRM starts at $129 per user per month, while Prospect by Buildout begins at $149 per user per month for the Residential Plan. This flexibility ensures that firms of all sizes can find a solution that fits their needs.
3. ClientLook
In the world of commercial real estate CRMs, ClientLook stands out for its mix of simplicity and integration capabilities. Designed specifically with commercial real estate in mind, ClientLook has earned a G2 user review rating of 3.6/5 based on 12 reviews. Its focus on accessibility makes it a popular choice among brokers.
Following the advanced data handling of Plotzy and the feature-rich Buildout CRM, ClientLook takes a more streamlined approach, emphasizing ease of use and strong integration options.
Property Data Management
ClientLook excels at property data management by leveraging its integration with LandVision, a property data service from LightBox. This integration provides real-time updates on ownership, sales, and financial histories. Unlike traditional spreadsheets, its comp reports offer a more dynamic way to analyze market trends and property values.
"ClientLook® has helped me organize my contacts and streamline my business. I am much more efficient this year, and I attribute that to using ClientLook. ClientLook gave me a foundation for my business, and it's the backbone of everything I do."
– Will Poole, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Lee & Associates
AI-Powered Features
One of ClientLook's standout tools is its Virtual Assistant (VA) feature, which automates routine tasks like updating contact details and entering property listings. By reducing the time spent on administrative work, brokers can concentrate on their core business activities.
Integration Capabilities
ClientLook connects seamlessly with a variety of CRE tools, including RPR, TheAnalyst PRO, Google, MailChimp, and other LightBox products. These integrations ensure real-time property data access and simplify tasks like email marketing.
In 2017, Allen Buchanan from Lee & Associates highlighted the platform's integration strengths, particularly with tools like Xceligent, ProspectNow, Buildout, MailChimp, and AnalystPro. Reflecting on his experience, he shared:
"I can pull up a survey of buildings in Xceligent and put it into ClientLook... If the data on the buildings changes, real‑time, in my CRM, I don't have to worry about manually updating it. I love this program."
"ClientLook® is the easiest CRM solution in the industry. In fact, it requires minimal training."
– LightBox
While ClientLook offers plenty of useful features, it falls short in automation and back-office customization compared to some other platforms.
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Advantages and Disadvantages
Choosing the right CRM depends on balancing its strengths and limitations with your specific business needs. Here's a closer look at the standout features and challenges of three popular platforms.
Plotzy stands out with its AI-driven tools for property research and prospecting. It simplifies tasks like parcel searches, retrieving owner contact details, and zoning research. Businesses using CRM automation have reported nearly a 15% boost in sales productivity. With pricing options of $65 for the Basic plan and $200 for the Pro plan, it caters to both solo brokers and larger teams. However, its focus on automation means it lacks some traditional CRM features as it continues to evolve.
Buildout CRM, on the other hand, shines with its marketing automation and property presentation tools, which are ideal for engaging clients. Its advanced customization options support complex workflows, making it a powerful tool for larger operations. That said, this complexity comes with a steeper learning curve and higher maintenance costs.
ClientLook offers a more straightforward approach, featuring an easy-to-use interface and seamless integrations, such as real-time data access through LandVision. It has a G2 rating of 3.6 out of 5, based on 12 reviews. Its Virtual Assistant feature helps automate routine tasks, but the platform offers fewer automation options and limited back-office customization compared to its competitors.
Here's a quick comparison of the platforms:
| CRM Solution | Key Advantages | Main Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Plotzy | AI-powered research tools, competitive pricing, zoning analysis | Lacks some traditional CRM features |
| Buildout CRM | Excellent marketing tools, advanced customization, robust property management | Steep learning curve, high maintenance costs |
| ClientLook | Simple interface, strong integrations, real-time data | Limited automation and customization options |
The use of CRM systems in real estate is growing rapidly. According to the National Association of Realtors, 27% of realtors used CRM software daily in 2021, with that number expected to hit 44% by 2025. This growth highlights the value of CRMs in streamlining lead management and improving client communication. However, common hurdles like setup costs, training, and data security remain.
Generic CRMs often fall short for real estate professionals, as they lack industry-specific features. This forces agents to adapt tools not designed for their workflows, leading to inefficiencies. Additionally, integrating CRMs with existing systems - such as marketing platforms or accounting software - can sometimes require manual data transfers, increasing the risk of errors.
To succeed with a CRM, it’s crucial to align the platform’s capabilities with your business needs. AI-powered features are becoming a baseline expectation, with 89% of real estate leaders considering AI essential for staying competitive by 2025. But even the most advanced CRM won’t deliver results without proper user adoption and a clear strategy.
Cost is another key factor. High upfront expenses, including software licenses and training, can delay returns on investment. However, over time, CRMs can significantly improve efficiency and save money. For instance, CRMs are responsible for generating about 31% of realtor leads - second only to social media.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right CRM for commercial real estate comes down to understanding your specific business needs and finding a platform that strikes the right balance between features, usability, and cost.
Here’s a quick recap of what each solution brings to the table: Plotzy stands out for its AI-driven tools that streamline research and prospecting. Buildout CRM caters to larger teams with its strong property presentation tools, while ClientLook offers a simpler, more accessible option, ideal for smaller teams. With these distinctions in mind, here are some tips to guide your decision.
Think about your business structure and future goals - whether you're a solo broker or part of a multi-office agency, your needs will vary. Focus on features that can genuinely boost your team’s productivity and workflow efficiency. A system that’s overly complicated might lead to low adoption rates, so aim for something that fits seamlessly into your daily operations.
Take advantage of free trials and ask for feedback from peers who’ve used the platforms. This hands-on approach can help ensure you’re making a choice that truly addresses your challenges.
For many in the commercial real estate space, Plotzy’s AI-driven tools offer a strong mix of industry-specific features, ease of use, and affordability - making it a solid choice for tackling the demands of property research and prospecting.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of using Plotzy's AI tools for commercial real estate professionals?
How Plotzy Transforms Commercial Real Estate Operations
Plotzy's AI-driven tools are built to make life easier for commercial real estate professionals. By automating repetitive tasks, they reduce the time spent on manual processes, improve the precision of property valuations, and support quicker, data-backed decisions.
With Plotzy, managing property details, keeping tabs on client interactions, and streamlining prospecting becomes a breeze. These tools are specifically crafted to tackle the unique demands of the commercial real estate world, empowering brokers, developers, and investors to achieve more with less effort.
How affordable is Plotzy for small teams in commercial real estate?
Plotzy provides an affordable pricing model specifically aimed at small teams in the commercial real estate sector. With flat monthly fees starting at around $50, it delivers a wallet-friendly solution while still offering all the essential tools.
Unlike many other CRMs that come with hefty price tags, Plotzy focuses on helping small teams optimize their workflows without breaking the bank. It’s a smart choice for those who want to keep expenses low while maintaining access to key features.
What makes Plotzy uniquely suited for addressing challenges in commercial real estate research and prospecting?
Plotzy makes commercial real estate research and prospecting easier with its AI-driven tools. By combining data from county tax assessors with information from sources like LinkedIn and Google, it enables users to quickly pinpoint property owners and simplify their outreach process.
With this streamlined approach, brokers, developers, and investors can handle property data, uncover ownership details, and connect with key contacts - all through a single, user-friendly platform.
