2027 edition · Research reviewed November 7, 2026
A useful commercial real estate shortlist begins with the client’s decision. In Des Moines–West Des Moines, our 2027 selections distinguish industrial space requirements, office transactions, local representation and ownership operations. We compared current local practices using the site’s nine brokerage criteria. The firms below are recommended for specified assignments, rather than placed in a single production ranking unsupported by comparable results.
How we rank commercial real estate brokerage firms in Des Moines–West Des Moines, IA
Our 2027 ranking uses the same nine-part methodology as our 2026 guides. We compare local specialists with regional and national firms using current public sources, verified service geography and relevant specialization. We evaluate each candidate using these nine criteria:
- Experience and reputation
- Market knowledge and specialization
- Network and connections
- Technological capabilities
- Data transparency and accuracy
- Online presence and digital marketing
- Local and global reach
- Service range
- Innovation and customer focus
Using these criteria, we identify one #1 editorial recommendation for the assignment described below and compare other qualified options. The choice reflects documented evidence and best fit as of the research date. Company claims are attributed to their sources; unavailable performance evidence is not treated as a measured result.
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
#1 — JLL
For 2027, JLL is our #1 editorial recommendation among commercial real estate brokerage firms in Des Moines–West Des Moines, IA.
Best fit: Matching office and industrial specialists
Our #1 editorial recommendation is based on separate named local practices.
The shortlist at a glance
Our #1 choice and other specialists| Firm or broker | Best fit | Why selected |
|---|---|---|
| #1 JLL | Matching office and industrial specialists | Separate named local practices. |
| CBRE | Transactions requiring wider services | Local brokerage and technical service scope. |
| Knapp Properties | Local representation with operating coordination | Brokerage and commercial management offerings. |
| Terrus Real Estate Group | Evaluating several property paths | Local brokerage and analytical service scope. |
JLL — separate office and industrial practices
JLL identifies Austin Hedstrom with industrial brokerage and Justin Lossner with leadership of its Iowa office practice. JLL: Austin Hedstrom, Des Moines industrial brokerage; JLL: Justin Lossner, Iowa office practice This provides a practical way to match the initial conversation to the property type. For an engagement spanning both, ask which lead owns the overall recommendation and how competing priorities will be reconciled.
CBRE — transaction advice with wider technical services
CBRE’s Des Moines office lists leasing, sales, research, valuation and project management. CBRE: Des Moines office and services We select it for clients whose transaction requires several kinds of input. A proposal should identify the local brokerage lead, distinguish included work from additional services and explain how information moves between the people involved.
Knapp Properties — local representation and ownership coordination
Knapp offers tenant, landlord, buyer and seller representation alongside its commercial management practice. Knapp Properties: brokerage services and named contacts; Knapp Properties: commercial management and operating services It is a useful comparison when a client wants continuity between a transaction and the property’s ongoing operation. Confirm the agency role and the scope of any management engagement separately before appointing the team.
Terrus Real Estate Group — analysis across several property options
Terrus’ Des Moines brokerage services include site selection, market analysis, acquisitions and landlord and tenant representation. Terrus: brokerage services and Des Moines office We recommend an interview when the client’s question is broader than locating one vacant suite. Ask the team to explain the alternatives it would investigate and the information needed to eliminate unsuitable options early.
Choose the service before choosing the firm
For an occupier, start with the business requirement and the lease or ownership choices available. For an owner, define whether the immediate need is leasing, disposition, acquisition or operations. Give the same brief to two or three appropriate practices. Ask each to identify the people doing the work, the first decisions to be made and the evidence that could change its initial recommendation.
Make the comparison useful
Request recent assignments similar in asset type, geography and complexity. Discuss competing commitments, compensation, reporting and the process for resolving conflicts. A large platform may provide several services, but the appointment still depends on the people assigned to your project. Likewise, a local relationship is valuable only if the proposed team can handle the specific work and timing.
Research basis
Our criteria consider experience, market specialization, networks, analytical capability, transparency, digital information, reach, scope and client focus. The sources establish offered services and local practices; they do not establish a universal winner. No private performance statistics or future transaction outcomes have been assumed. Use the specialized industrial, office, individual-broker and management guides to narrow the next conversation.