San Francisco or Sacramento commercial real estate broker position?

Question

I am wondering whether it would be best to take a commercial real estate broker position in Sacramento or San Francisco? Which market do you think will provide the most opportunities in the long-run? The positions are at the same firm, by the way.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

A slightly different perspective assuming you are talking about leasing rather than investment sales...

While the market downturn is hurting both markets, Sacramento has a relatively stable tenant base with a great number of state government and GSA leases.  The government and support structure related to that sector is less volatile to overall market fluctuations than the finance-heavy tenant base in San Francisco.  While there is much more product in SFO (at obviously higher face rates), a true recession will probably drive up the sublease vacancy pulling all rental rates downward.

All real estate is cyclical.  However, given the additional factor of the lower cost of living near Sacramento, I would probably choose that option over SFO assuming the rest of the details were equal.

Answer 2

Flip a coin. There are a lot of brokers in both places. Competition is tough.  Everyone overhires.   Go where you get a good feeling.

Answer 3

If you feel you can succeed in San Francisco why take the position in Sacramento?  

http://www.gregorygarver.com

Answer 4

San Francisco, if you are serious about making the big bucks.

Sacramento is really hurting financially right now.

I live in northern California and know both areas well.

P. S. Below, is the latest reason why you should NOT do business in Sacramento!