Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Commercial Real Estate Services in the East Bay
Norheim & Yost is a premier commercial real estate brokerage with over five decades of experience serving the East Bay area. Founded in 1972, our firm has completed more than 3,500 transactions across Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, and surrounding communities. We specialize in office, industrial, and retail property sales and leasing, with deep expertise in navigating local zoning regulations and development opportunities. Our team combines generational knowledge of West Berkeley's commercial landscape with a client-first approach, maintaining long-term relationships with landlords, tenants, developers, and investors.With a legacy of community involvement and a track record of successful transactions, we provide tailored solutions for complex real estate needs. Our brokers bring specialized skills in property valuation, lease negotiation, and market positioning, supported by decades of combined experience in construction, project management, and urban planning. We prioritize transparency, ethical practices, and local market insights to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
Services
Commercial Real Estate Sales
Office Space Leasing
Industrial Property Management
Retail Space Brokerage
Development Site Acquisition
Zoning Consultation
Tenant Representation
Landlord Services
Investment Property Sales
Market Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in East Bay commercial real estate
- Our team has completed 3,500+ successful transactions since 1972
- We maintain deep expertise in Berkeley's unique zoning regulations
- Our brokers combine real estate and construction industry knowledge
- We offer personalized service with multi-generational community connections
What people say
Deep local knowledge
Successful transactions
Ethical practices
Regulatory expertise
Long-term relationships
Services
Commercial Real Estate Sales
We facilitate commercial property sales with expert valuation and market positioning. Our brokers leverage decades of local experience to maximize returns for clients. We handle office buildings, industrial sites, and retail properties across the East Bay region.
Office Space Leasing
Our team specializes in office space leasing solutions for tenants and landlords. We offer market analysis, lease negotiation, and property management services tailored to Berkeley's unique commercial landscape. Clients benefit from our regulatory expertise and long-term tenant relationships.
Industrial Property Management
We provide comprehensive management for industrial properties including warehouses and R&D facilities. Our services cover lease administration, tenant relations, and property maintenance. Our brokers have specialized knowledge of East Bay industrial markets and zoning requirements.
Retail Space Brokerage
Our retail space brokerage connects tenants with prime commercial locations in Berkeley and surrounding areas. We offer lease negotiation, market analysis, and tenant representation services. Our team understands local zoning laws and development opportunities affecting retail properties.
Development Site Acquisition
We assist developers in acquiring strategic development sites across the East Bay. Our services include market analysis, zoning evaluation, and transaction facilitation. Our brokers have extensive experience with Berkeley's planning processes and regulatory requirements for commercial developments.
People
John Norheim
Managing Partner
Co-founder with 40+ years of East Bay real estate experience. Specializes in West Berkeley commercial properties and zoning regulations. Former Berkeley Chamber of Commerce board member.
Steve Smith
Partner
Licensed broker with architecture background. Handles diverse commercial transactions including industrial, retail, and office properties. Berkeley Chamber of Commerce board member.
Elena Holsman
Broker
Specializes in office leasing and sales since 2006. Berkeley native with deep local market knowledge. Former Colliers International broker.
Jeff Lahr
Broker
24-year industrial real estate veteran with 300+ transactions. Former Cornish & Carey broker. Focuses on Berkeley-Oakland industrial markets.
Questions
What areas do you specialize in?
We focus on Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Albany, El Cerrito, and Richmond commercial real estate markets.
What property types do you handle?
We specialize in office, industrial, retail properties, and development sites across the East Bay region.
How long have you been in business?
Our firm has operated continuously since 1972, with over 50 years of East Bay commercial real estate experience.
What sets you apart from other brokers?
Our deep local expertise, long-term client relationships, and specialized knowledge of Berkeley's zoning regulations distinguish us.
Do you offer tenant representation?
Yes, we provide comprehensive tenant representation services including lease negotiation and market analysis.
