LoopNet vs Crexi vs CoStar: Finding Storage for Your Lawn Care Business
Finding the right commercial space for your lawn care business means knowing where listings for suitable storage, garage bays, or secure yard space actually live. Not all commercial property shows up on every platform, and the tools vary a lot in what they show for free versus to paid members. Here is which tool to use and why to store your mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, and snow gear.
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The Quick Answer
Start your search on LoopNet. It's free to look, has the most listings for small industrial units or garage bays, and connects with CoStar data. Use Crexi as a backup to find spaces that might not be on LoopNet, especially in smaller towns or less populated areas. CoStar is for big companies and investors. It has the best information but costs $400–2,000+ per month, which is too much for a solo lawn care business or someone just starting out.
Side-by-Side Breakdown
LoopNet: Lets you search for free. Paid plans cost $130–300 per month for full details, but the free version often shows enough for a small space. It's the largest public list of commercial properties in the US, owned by CoStar. It’s best for finding small warehouse units, garage spaces, or even fenced land by looking up an address or town. Crexi: Free to look at listings and get contact info (no paywall for basic listings). It's strong in western US areas but growing everywhere. It has an easy-to-use map search and some free data tools. CoStar: Costs $400–2,000+ per month, depending on your area and how much data you need. This tool is used by commercial real estate brokers and big investors. It has the most complete data, including past lease prices and properties not publicly listed. It's not made for a small lawn care business owner trying to find a space on their own.
How to Use LoopNet as a Lawn Care Business Owner
LoopNet's free level shows you available properties, basic size, prices, and broker contact info. For most solo lawn care business owners looking for a secure garage bay or a small fenced yard (around 200–1,000 sq ft) for their mowers, trailers, and snow removal gear, the free tier gives you enough to make a first list. Use the filters for 'Property Type' and select 'Industrial,' 'Flex,' or even 'Land.' Set the 'Size Range' to what you need (e.g., 500-1,000 sq ft for a small bay, 2,000-5,000 sq ft for a larger yard). Check the 'Price per Square Foot' filter for what you can afford, typically looking for a total monthly rent of $300-$800 for a basic storage spot. Save your searches and set up email alerts for new listings in your target area.
When to Work Directly With a Broker
In most commercial lease deals, the landlord pays the tenant's broker fee. This means you can work with a broker who helps tenants without paying them directly. A good broker knows about spaces that aren't advertised on LoopNet or Crexi. They have connections with landlords in your area and can bargain for you. If you're looking for a space for more than 90 days, or need something specific like a bay with a tall door for a dump trailer, engaging a commercial real estate broker (especially one specializing in industrial or flex space) is worth your time. They can help you find secure spots for your truck, trailer, zero-turn mowers, and salt spreaders.
The Verdict
Use LoopNet to do your own research and make your first list of possible storage spots. Add Crexi to your search, especially if you're looking in areas outside big cities. Once you have a list of 3–5 properties that look serious, contact a local tenant's broker. They can get access to CoStar data for you and might be able to get you better lease terms than you could on your own. For any commercial lease you decide to sign, always have a commercial real estate lawyer review it. This is key, even for a simple garage lease, to protect your business.
How to Get Started
1. Go to loopnet.com. Set your property type (Industrial, Flex, or Land), size range (e.g., 500-1,000 sq ft), and location filters. Look for features like 'drive-in bays' or 'fenced yard.' Save your search for email alerts. 2. Do the same search on crexi.com for more options. 3. For each property you are serious about, contact the listing broker to get all details and arrange a visit. Ask about security, access hours, power outlets for battery chargers, water access, and parking for your truck and trailer. 4. After visiting at least 3 spaces, decide if you want to work with an independent tenant's broker for the negotiation part, especially if the space is larger or the lease is complex. 5. Before signing anything, have a commercial real estate attorney review the full lease agreement, including any extra documents.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is LoopNet free to use?
LoopNet offers a free search tier that shows listings, basic details, and broker contact information. Paid plans ($130–300/month) unlock full property details, demographics, traffic counts, and saved search alerts with more data. For most small business tenants building a shortlist, the free tier is sufficient.
Why do some commercial spaces not show up on LoopNet?
Some landlords, particularly smaller local owners, do not pay to list on LoopNet. Some spaces lease through word of mouth or tenant networks before hitting any listing platform. A local commercial broker has access to these off-market availabilities through CoStar and direct landlord relationships.
How do I know if the asking rent is fair?
Ask the listing broker for comparable lease data in the market. You can also search recent LoopNet and Crexi lease comparables in the same submarket. For a more rigorous analysis, a tenant's broker can pull CoStar lease comp data for free as part of their representation service.
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