Know Your Space Needs
You should have a very clear understanding of your space requirements before you begin looking for your office. Square footage, budget and location are a must. However, you should also be clear on layout, building type, HVAC requirements, desired lease term, future expansion needs, parking issues, etc.
Source All Alternatives
Don’t just look at a few options. Make sure you see everything that is available in your market that meets your parameters so that you can make an informed decision. GotOffice should show available listings in your market, but there may be more alternatives out there for you. Once you begin to really understand and clarify your needs to source all alternatives, scour the web and then do a drive by of the areas you’re considering.
Select Several Different Options
Don’t just pick your favorite space and go for it. Often, your number one pick may be eliminated for any number of reasons during the leasing process. For the best deal, and to make sure that you have back-ups, select at least 2-3 properties to negotiate on.
Always Negotiate in Writing
Don’t negotiate verbally. Instead, send any offers, proposals, counter-offers, etc. in writing. Also, always make the landlord responds to you in writing. Often, verbal agreements don’t show up properly in the final document. Some landlord’s memories can get inconveniently short in the 11th hour of a lease deal.
Read and Negotiate Your Lease
All leases are negotiable. Not only should you negotiate the rental rate, but all other economic and subjective aspects of the lease are negotiable as well. Also, all leases are not the same and many have hidden sections and wording that can come back to bite you later during your lease term if you don’t know what you’re doing. So, read your lease thoroughly and get expert help if needed.
