"We are not completing transactions online yet," Robert W. Miller, senior vice president, CB Richard Ellis Inc., Orlando, tells GlobeSt.com. "However, we do a lot of our marketing via the Internet and via e-mail."

Miller, who has closed numerous mega deals in person during his 20-year career, says he thinks "it will be awhile before transactions are completely done on line, although with e-mail and the Internet, information can be sent and deals done faster."

He sees the Internet to date as "just another tool" brokers are using to close deals in person. "Real estate is still a relationship business."

Those sentiments are echoed by Michael Heidrich, a senior vice president at Realvest Partners Inc. in suburban Maitland, FL. "There are too many reasons to physically see the space and the meet the principals," he contends. "As far as finalizing contracts, leases and other paper work online, I am doing that now."

Heidrich also solicits and receives comments on pending leases and contracts but rules out closing deals, so far, in cyberspace. "I do not believe commercial transactions will (ever) be negotiated online," the broker tells GlobeSt.com.