Tips on Leasing Commercial Property. Leasing commercial property can sometimes be a challenge to a small business owner who is new to the market. Small business is the backbone of the economy, so the saying goes. And if you are building a small business, you know the challenge and the excitement of seeing your business reach the point that you need to lease commercial property. While your commercial property real estate agent will be invaluable to guide you through the process, it would help to start out with a short list of insider tips of what to look out for as your begin your search for your perfect commercial property.
Location, Location, Location. That is the old adage about what makes a great retail commercial property. Location, location, location. If yours is a retail business that would benefit from a savvy choice of location, then put some time and energy into that part of your search. But even if you are not retail, think about where your customers are, what part of town would best serve them. Do you need quick access to another business like a market or airport? All of these things can refine your search for the ideal commercial property to lease. What is going on around here? Nothing could be more disruptive to your move into your new commercial property than to see it disrupted by a major road renovation or highway expansion in front of the building. So do some homework to make sure that access to your commercial property is in no danger of being slowed or stopped by building projects or other city improvements. Further, find out what is going on with the building. If the roof is in for repair or the plumbing is going to get overhauled, do you really want your new lease to lock you into that nuisance. So while talking to the landlord, also talk to some people behind the scenes who are “in the know” about your new commercial property location. How about an RFP? RFP is a simple acronym for Request for Proposal. One way to make sure you get the best deal from your new landlord is use the natural competition of the market to get them working against each other. Sit down with your attorney and business advisors and build a laundry list of what you want in your new commercial property and the price you want to pay. Then “put it out for bid” as they say. If the commercial property owners know they are competing, they will work harder to meet your needs and your budget. 'Legalese'. A commercial property lease is a complicated thing. Make sure a lawyer you trust is part of your team. It will cost a bit but it’s worth it to avoid the pitfalls that can be buried in complicated legal mumbo jumbo of a standard commercial property lease. Do your homework and get out there and be a smart and savvy commercial property customer. The time and energy you put into your preparations will pay you back over and over again when you have settled into the perfect commercial property for your business. | 
