LoopNet vs Crexi vs CoStar: Finding Office, Studio, or Workshop Space for Coaches & Online Educators

The Quick Answer

For coaches and online educators needing a dedicated space, start your search on LoopNet. It's free to search, has wide listing coverage for small business tenants, and links with CoStar data. Many of the spaces you'll look for—like executive suites, small private offices, or flex spaces—are listed here. Use Crexi as a backup to find listings that might not appear on LoopNet, especially if you're in a smaller town. CoStar is for big commercial real estate pros; it has the best data but costs too much for most small coaching or online education businesses ($400–2,000+/month). Stick to the free tools first.

Side-by-Side Breakdown

LoopNet: Offers free basic search, with paid plans ($130–300/month) for full details. It’s the largest publicly available commercial listing site in the US and is owned by CoStar. It’s best for finding small office spaces (like 150-500 sq ft private coaching rooms), flex spaces for a small studio setup, or even executive suites. Crexi: Lets you search listings with contact info for free. It’s strong in western US markets but growing everywhere else. It has an easy-to-use map search and some free data tools. This can be good for finding smaller, potentially more affordable, spaces that fit a coach's or tutor's budget. CoStar: Costs $400–2,000+/month, depending on the area and how much data you need. Commercial brokers and big investors use it. It has the most complete data, including past lease prices and properties not publicly listed. This tool is not built for coaches or online educators to use themselves.

How to Use LoopNet as a Coach or Online Educator

LoopNet's free level shows you available properties, basic size, price, and who to contact. For most coaches, tutors, or online educators looking for a small office (under 500 sq ft) or a flexible studio space, the free tier gives you enough info. Use the filters: select 'office' (look for executive suites or shared office buildings), or 'flex' (for a small recording studio or workshop area). Filter by a small size range (e.g., 100-750 sq ft) and your price per square foot limit. Save your searches and set up email alerts for new listings in your target area. When you find a promising spot, note amenities like reliable high-speed internet, soundproofing, and access to shared meeting rooms—these are key for your business.

When to Work Directly With a Broker

In most commercial lease deals, the landlord pays your tenant's broker fee. This means you can get help from a broker at no cost to you. A good tenant broker knows about spaces that aren't advertised online, has connections with landlords in your area, and can negotiate on your behalf for better lease terms. If you are looking for a dedicated private office, a permanent studio space for recording, or a classroom for long-term use (say, for more than 90 days), it's smart to work with a tenant's broker. They can help ensure your space has the internet speed, sound quality, and privacy you need, and can often access CoStar data on your behalf.

The Verdict

Use LoopNet to do your own research and find initial options for your coaching office, online course studio, or workshop space. Add Crexi to your search, especially if you're outside a major city, to catch more listings. Once you have 3–5 properties you're seriously considering for a long-term lease, reach out to a local tenant's broker. They can get deeper information (like from CoStar) and negotiate better terms than you might on your own. For any commercial lease, no matter how small or short-term, never skip getting a commercial real estate attorney to review the full agreement before you sign it.

How to Get Started

1. Go to loopnet.com. Set your property type filters to 'office' (and look for 'executive suites' or 'shared offices') or 'flex' space. Set a small size range (e.g., 100-750 sq ft) and your location, then save your search for email alerts. 2. Run the same search on crexi.com for extra listings, especially if your initial LoopNet results are slim. 3. For each property you're serious about, contact the listing broker. Ask specific questions about internet speed, noise levels (crucial for recording or private coaching), and shared amenities like meeting rooms or a reception area. 4. After touring at least 3 spaces, decide if you want to work with an independent tenant's broker for the negotiation phase, especially if you're signing a multi-year lease. 5. Before signing any commercial lease, have a commercial real estate attorney review the entire document, including all extra papers. They can catch hidden costs or unfair terms related to internet access, maintenance, or early lease termination that are critical for your online or in-person service business.

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