How can I be sure I get my finders fee for a commercial real estate deal?

A finders fee is granted in a commercial real estate deal when you assist in the facilitation of a deal going through. In other words, you may connect two interested in parties- one of whom is selling a property and the other of whom wants to buy one. Making sure you get a finders fee is not always easy, since this is essentially a referral you are providing. However, the best way to ensure you get a finders fee is to create a contract for one or to get it in writing that you are entitled to one.

For example, assume that you have found a buyer for a given piece of commercial property that is for sale. You may either get the finders fee from the buyer involved in this transaction, or from the seller involved. Either the buyer or the seller may be offering the commission, or you may wish to approach one of the parties and ask for the fee in exchange for making the connection between them.

To ensure you get your fee, before you actually bring the parties together, you will want to get it in writing exactly what your fee will be. You should specify a percentage (three percent is common) or a flat fee in the contract. You should state clearly in the contract that if the deal goes through, you will be paid whatever this fee is. The party involved who is paying the finders fee should sign the contract before you facilitate any introduction, and then you should monitor to see whether the deal goes through so you may collect your money. 

In order to protect yourself and ensure you get the fee you have negotiated and that you deserve, you should also strongly consider speaking with a lawyer before you refer the buyer to the seller or vice versa.