Leasing a commercial property for your business is a huge step to take in the journey of creating a brand. If you’re considering spaces for your business, we know you want to get the best possible deal while still hitting every item on your must-have list. You might be a little nervous about finding a space. We understand! Commercial leases can be a bit more complicated than residential leases. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to be prepared and make sure you end up with a space you love where your business will flourish.
Step One: Do Some Research and Identify Potential Spaces
Luckily, with the multiple real-estate sites and apps we use today, finding the perfect space for a commercial lease generally isn’t too hard. Try not to rely solely on real estate sites, but they can be a great resource. Take note of any commercial property that interests you while you’re out and about, along with phone numbers and the names of the company or individual who is renting out the property. Take photos of the places you see and create a folder on your phone specifically for properties that you are interested in; this will help you stay organized.
Read Leases Carefully!
This is a good idea for any lease, but especially for commercial leases. They tend to have more fine print than a typical residential lease, so it’s extra important to read every word so that they don’t catch you off guard with an unexpected charge or clause later. It may be helpful to go through the lease with another person. Sometimes a second set of eyes can help you catch something you didn’t notice before, and that can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Remember Location, Location, Location
We know you want to get the best deal on your new commercial property, but consider costs vs. benefits when you’re pricing spaces out. A higher rent might be a bit of an “ouch” at first, but it may be worth it in the long run if it gets you into a location that brings more traffic into your business and thus drives your profits. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should rent a space that’s way out of your budget– be realistic, but remember that when you change your space, you’ll see a change in your profits as well. That change will depend on many factors, but location is a big one. If you move into a commercial property that’s too far from your main customer base, you may lose them. Building a customer base from scratch is difficult, so you don’t want to start that process over if you don’t have to.
How Long Do You Need The Space?
Be realistic about how long you plan to stick around in the commercial property you’re leasing, and seek out an appropriate lease. If you’re just starting up your business, a 48 month lease may not be a good idea right off the bat. Try a 12 or 24 month lease first and see how things go. You don’t want to end up stuck in a space that doesn’t work for you and your business because you signed a lease that ended up being too long.
Consider a Professional to Help You Negotiate
Again, this is a cost that could make you cringe at first, but may be worth it to find the best commercial lease, especially if this is your first one. Bringing in a lawyer to help you negotiate your lease can be helpful because they know exactly what to watch for and how to help you get the best deal- plus, if your landlord is less than honest, the mere presence of a lawyer may discourage them from trying to pull one over on you.
Need Help Finding The Perfect Commercial Property?
Contact us for help finding the perfect commercial property for lease! Schwarz Properties specializes in commercial and residential property management in Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. We lead the market for industrial and warehouse spaces for lease and our portfolio also includes retail space, restaurant space, residential, office space, and many more. Please contact Schwarz Properties at 336-895-1336 or visit our website.