Here is a great article that describes the process our reps go through to ensure they find you the best possible office space at the best price.

"I was recently asked that question by a reporter from Miami Today.  Actually she emailed me the question in advance of an interview.  My first off-the-cuff response was “simple, I pull the database, make a bunch of calls, know my buildings and off we go”.  Then the next morning during my walk, I began thinking that it’s not that simple.

Before I can search the database and make a bunch of calls, I have to know what I’m looking for. That means a bunch of nosy questions for my client, a walk-thru of their current location and a thorough understanding of their budget, use, employees and a host of other items.  With a seemingly ample inventory of office space, on the surface I could have 50 possible spaces for a client.  When I began applying the criteria that I develop from my client interview, the number begins to shrink very quickly.  

Sometimes it suddenly develops into a search for the needle in the haystack.

When you are interviewing a tenant rep broker to represent you in your search and/or renewal of your office, who is doing all the talking?  If it’s the broker, tread carefully.  They may not be listening and thus will not completely understand what you need.  This can result in wasting your time touring spaces that do not fit your needs and even proceeding into negotiations before discovering a “deal killer” problem with the space or building.

I try to remember the old sales axiom:  “You have two ears and one mouth, so you should be listening twice as much as you speak.”  The exception is if you make the mistake of asking me about my children.

So how do I find the space? Through a lot of research both with the client and by knowing my market.  Contact me me so I can help you with your office lease on the Miami area."

Guest Post by our Miami Office Representative

Some property owners of commercial real estate may not understand the reasoning behind why a tenant who has been renting a retail or industrial space for some time, perhaps 5 or 10 years, would want to include a commercial real estate broker tenant representative as an advisor when it is time to renew the lease, change the lease to include an expansion, or agree upon some other transaction with the landlord.

If you think about it, how is a renewal any different than an initial lease transaction? Does the commercial lease not need the same expertise, market and lease knowledge, and experience that can only be assured by engaging a professional advisor? Craig Trbovich, Sales and Leasing Advisor at Commercial Properties, Inc. commented in a LinkedIn Discussion Group, “Even if you have real estate and contract experience, it’s current market knowledge that will be invaluable. And being in the trenches every day is the only way to be current.”

Today, it is critical for top corporate executive to provide the company’s stakeholders with only the best financial decisions to ensure maximum profitability. Yet, a small business or corporate executive is not an expert on negotiating leases for commercial real estate. A professional advisor can help the tenant best determine the answer to questions such as:

·         How large should the leased facility be to need the tenant’s needs?

·         Exactly what configuration of space bets suits the business’s needs?

·         What interior improvements need to be performed and who will pay for these changes?

·         What is the best length of lease term is optimal for the tenant?

·         Should the tenant secure rights for expansion or consolidation?

·         What other options should be negotiated into the lease?

·         Can a period of free rent be rolled into the negotiations?

·         Is the landlord and building in good financial condition?

·         Should relocation be seriously considered?

The owner of the commercial real estate being leased would probably quite pleased if the leasing business does not want a tenant representative because negotiations will likely be very easy and the landlord will get options that benefit them rather than the business. Daniel Rudd, Executive Vice President and Office Broker at Colliers International states, “It is short sighted for a tenant not to have representation and the tenant is ceding the landlord an incredible amount of leverage.”  With a broker, the tenant can be assured they have someone fighting for their right and making sure their best interests are covered. 

Find a good tenant represetnative

When leasing commercial office space to house your business, you may be lucky enough to locate a space that is just perfect for your needs without a single change. That, however, is not usually the case and changes may be required to fit the office space to your specific requirements. Before beginning any negotiations, it is important to understand two key terms:

Tenant Improvements (TI): This term refers to the construction or remodeling of leased commercial real estate that are made to accommodate the needs of the lessee. This could include adding or removing interior walls, signage, lighting, wiring, flooring, or other changes needed. The cost of these changes is negotiated between the landlord and lessee and agreement must be reached as to which party will pay for exactly what expenses.

TI Workletter: This is a written legal document negotiated between the landlord and lessee that outlines exactly what office building standards are used in any TI construction and the number of items supplied in the leased space such as light fixtures, power outlets, and other items required to make the space suitable for the lessee. The document also outlines how much the landlord will pay and what financial responsibilities on the part of the lessee may be.

TI Workletter Issues:

The Tenant Improvement Workletter may include:

• Exact descriptions of the TIs to be built
• The design process to be followed
• Contractors or other parties that will perform the TIs
• Who will pay for what improvement
• A clause regarding changes the tenant may want to make after initial design
• Definition of what happens if TI work delays result in impacts to the tenant move date

Scope of Work and Changes in Scope

The landlord’s architect, planner or designer prepares plans and specifications defining the TIs to be performed. Because the landlord likely owns the entire building, he or she will control this work because of potential impact of the TIs on the building or building infrastructure. The tenant should be consulted and involved in the process and a time schedule should be agreed upon. The landlord may agree to pay for certain basic improvements but if the tenant wants to make upgrades from the building standard, the costs will be levied on the tenant. Tenant requested changes are usually paid for by the lessee. If the lessee requests changes in mid-stream, the change in scope will be at their expense and may impact the move in date without any penalty on the part of the landlord or construction team.

Construction Phase

The landlord will normally be the party in charge of obtaining bids for agreed upon changes, selecting the contractor and obtaining permits, as well as managing the work and ensuring that as-built drawings are prepared. However, should the tenant be permitted to perform the TIs, he or she will be required to take care of all items above plus obtain payment and performance bonds and obtain lien waivers from all parties working on the commercial office space.

Payment for Tenant Improvements

The workletter must specify exactly who is responsible for paying for the TIs and how much will be paid. In some cases, the landlord will agree to a “turnkey” TI where all costs are absorbed by the landlord for the initially agreed upon improvements. Leases commonly provide a tenant improvement allowance stated in an amount per square foot rented and in this case the landlord pay the allowance and the tenant pays for all improvements. The workletter must outline exactly what the allowance can be used for such as planning, permits, and construction, as well as what can not be upgraded with the funds from the allowance, often items such as telecommunication wiring, trade-specific fixtures, and equipment.

Work Delays

This portion of the workletter should address exactly what happens if the facility is not ready for tenant occupation by a defined move in date. Usually the landlord does not have any financial liability because of late delivery and the lease normally remains in effect during any delays. If the delay is caused by the tenant, there is no reduction in rent due. However, the tenant should pay close attention to workletter clauses regarding delays and negotiate a better outcome if the delay in work is not their fault. There may be consequences negotiated into the workletter that result in contractor penalties or rent abatement if the delays are in no way caused by tenant delays or tenant requested changes of scope.

This is one of the areas that a good tenant representative will take the lead on assist you. Understanding the 'norm" in your are is important to make sure you get as much of an Office Space Tenant Improvement allowance as possible.

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Check out our newest video presentation of the 3 biggest mistakes tenants make when looking for office space.

Find Office Space

According to a recent report by the National Association of Realtors, the US commercial real estate markets stabilizing with more demand and growing employment numbers. According th the NAR forecast office vacancy rates are expected to drop slowly over the next few years. The national office vacancy rate is expect to fall from 16.1% now to 15.3% by the end of 2012. This is based upon their economist's forecast of job growth of 1.5 million and 2 million jobs in 2011 and 2012.

If the NAR is correct and job growth continues at this pace beyond their predicted time period ending 2012, it would be 2018 or 2019 before the Office Vacancy rate drops to a more normal 10% level. This is assuming developers don't decide to provide any significant amount of new office space.

It also means that there are great opportunities in the market place for office tenants looking for office space. With the help of an experience local representative, a great deal can be had on office space of all types.

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