Commercial RE agents

[Christine Tolchin]

Hello,

We are just getting started into commercial real estate and I'd like to know if there are any resources on how to choose the best CRE agent? I have a Century 21 CRE agent who'd like me to sign an exclusivity form, but since he's the only person I've talked to so far, I'd like to make sure I know what I'm getting into before signing anything. He seems responsive, knowledgeable, and nice enough, but what else should I be looking for? The problem is, we need to move fast in order to do a 1031 exchange so the temptation is there to sign and move forward. Any thoughts on this topic are welcome.

As a side note, the exclusivity is specific to the state...is it bad form to have an agent working in another state at the same time?  I'm nervous about the time frame for the 1031, and thought it would be beneficial to be able to move quickly in either state based on which has something available during my 45 day window. The area I am considering is on state lines. 

Thanks,

Christine