Is it more profitable for me to
spend my time working in my profession or learning
the real estate market?
Do I have the extra time and resources
needed to effectively find the right office space?
How will I know if I have neglected
to consider one of the fundamental steps in the
process of finding a new office or renewing our
existing space?
How will I know if the property
I am considering is fairly priced and if I can
obtain additional incentives (such as free rent),
given current market conditions? If incentives
are available, how will I know that I am negotiating
the best deal for my company?
Were terms of recent leases in
this building similar to the ones the landlord
is giving me?
Will this building allow for my
office to expand or contract in the event of future
changes to my company? What protections will I
have in that situation?
Does the building feature sufficient
parking, HVAC, speed for internet access, and
the right environment I would like to portray
to my clients?
Are these property managers and
landlords individuals that are accommodating or
will it be difficult to get things accomplished
after my lease is signed?
Are the provisions in the lease
even-handed or heavily in favor of the landlord?
(Note: generally attorneys negotiate the legal
terms of the lease, not the best business terms
based on the changing needs of the industry) How
will I know what terms can be negotiated based
on the landlord's prior accommodations?
Considering the lease will be
the governing source to settle future disputes,
will my company's position in the lease be strong
or weak?
Are there any tenants in the building
or are any tenants negotiating leases that are
in competition with my company or that will otherwise
negatively impact my company's presence?
Is the building currently for
sale? If so, what kind of entity is scheduled
to purchase it? An independent investor with experience?
An institution? How will that impact my company?
What are our company's rights
or responsibilities in the event of a fire or
other natural disaster? What are the landlord's
responsibilities?
What is our recourse if the landlord
lapses in providing vital building services such
as air conditioning, water, or functioning elevators?
How can I learn whether the landlord
is being honest about their "plans"
to renovate the common areas of the building?
How will I protect my company
to get fair terms for renewal upon expiration
of my lease if the market conditions are more
favorable to the landlord at the time of renewal?
Once the lease is signed and all
the products and services are ordered, how can
I be sure the space that the landlord is supposed
to be building out for us will be ready as scheduled?
What happens if it is not ready? What recourse
will our company have?
Isn't the landlord's agent representing
the best interest of the landlord? If that is
the case, where does that leave me?