2027 edition · Research reviewed November 7, 2026
Office tenant representation should help a business decide whether to renew, relocate or take a different approach to its premises. In Des Moines–West Des Moines, we selected four practices with documented tenant-side services and complementary strengths. The nine brokerage criteria guide the review. The recommendations focus on the proposed advisory relationship and the evidence behind it, rather than assuming every national or local firm offers the same team.
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 in office tenant representation. 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 for office tenant representation in Des Moines–West Des Moines, IA.
Best fit: A structured office decision process
Our #1 editorial recommendation is based on named office leadership and analytical practice.
The shortlist at a glance
Our #1 choice and other specialists| Firm or broker | Best fit | Why selected |
|---|---|---|
| #1 JLL | A structured office decision process | Named office leadership and analytical practice. |
| CBRE | Transaction coordination | Office tenant services and financial analysis. |
| Knapp Properties | Local office-specialist advice | Tenant service offering and SIOR office specialization. |
| Terrus Real Estate Group | Comparing strategic premises options | Office tenant representation and analysis. |
JLL — a dedicated office practice
Justin Lossner leads JLL’s Iowa office agency and tenant-representation teams, while Lucas Hedstrom’s profile identifies office research and data analysis. JLL: Justin Lossner, Iowa office practice; JLL: Lucas Hedstrom, office and retail brokerage This supports an interview for an occupier seeking a structured office decision process. Ask who will conduct the analysis, how the team will compare renewal with relocation and how agency conflicts will be disclosed.
CBRE — transaction coordination and financial comparison
Michelle Drummer’s West Des Moines profile identifies office tenant representation, account coordination and financial and site analysis. CBRE: Michelle Drummer, transaction and tenant services We select this practice when a business needs the decision process organized across several participants. Require a named lead for the transaction calendar and an explanation of how assumptions will be kept consistent as alternatives change.
Knapp Properties — a local office specialist
Knapp’s brokerage offering includes tenant representation, and SIOR identifies Angie Tessau as a West Des Moines office specialist. Knapp Properties: brokerage services and named contacts; SIOR: Angie Tessau, West Des Moines office specialist That combination supports a local alternative for the interview list. Ask for recent assignments resembling your space needs and a clear explanation of how the search will cover options outside any properties associated with the firm.
Terrus Real Estate Group — evaluating strategic options
Terrus explicitly includes office properties, tenant representation, market analysis and strategic analysis in its services. Terrus: brokerage services and Des Moines office We include it when the tenant wants to examine several possible paths before committing to a location. Request a sample decision framework and identify the information the business must provide to make the analysis useful.
Make the requirements usable
Start with the activities the office must support and the likely range of future needs. Give finalists the same occupancy deadline, location priorities, budget assumptions and current obligations. Ask them to explain how they would investigate available space and document the reasons for advancing or rejecting an option. This makes competing proposals easier to compare than a collection of attractive property brochures.
Assess the complete engagement
Review the scope, fees, conflicts and who will perform each part of the work. Have finalists identify which costs require outside estimates and how changes to assumptions will be communicated. Discuss the process for dealing with a delayed move or a renewal decision that must be made before all alternatives are known.
Selection evidence
Local roles, office focus and offered analysis are documented in the linked material. The wider criteria include experience, networks, tools, transparency, digital information, geographic reach and client strategy. Comparable independently audited savings are not available across this group. Appointment should depend on relevant references and a convincing response to the tenant’s actual brief.