“Why do I need a Tenant Rep Broker?”

Commercial Tenants will often sign leases without a broker- unfortunately, it’s unlikely those tenants get the best deal. Having a broker advocate for your terms is crucial. 

Commercial landlords have goals for their property and above all, they want maximum returns and higher rent. Property owners typically hire listing brokers who handle the day-to-day leasing activity and get compensated in the form of a commission after the deal is executed. When a tenant searches for commercial space on their own, it is important to remember the lessor broker has a fiduciary duty to the property owner, not you the tenant.

Maybe the most common industry misconception is a tenant operating without broker representation will save the landlord money by eliminating one side of a commission. While that may be true, listing agents are far savvier than that. What actually happens when a tenant is unrepresented, is the listing agent ends up receiving a larger commission for less work on their part as listing agreements typically provide full market commission regardless of whether or not the tenant has a broker.

 

“So where is the value in hiring a real estate professional for Tenant Representation?”

 

Maybe the most valuable is by saving the tenant time and energy. As a business owner, you don’t always have time to search available properties, schedule tours, contact listing brokers, or negotiate rates and terms. An experienced and driven Tenant Rep Broker is there to handle all the busy work so you can focus on your expanding business venture.

Your Tenant Rep Broker also lends their market knowledge and has the ability to effortlessly navigate the moving parts of a lease. A well-versed Tenant Rep Broker knows what is available, who represents the owner and submarket rental rates. A deal is really an equation for these landlords so good Tenant Rep Brokers know how to calculate what is available and suggest where the ‘give’ is for each space. For example, a property with a high vacancy rate may have flexibility in its asking rent, whereas the final vacancy of a property may be firm on the asking price, but willing to offer a tenant improvement allowance to build out the space.

Tenant Rep Brokers also know the complicated dynamics of leasing and facilitate the process from start to finish. Including, finding and touring available spaces, presenting offers and letters of intent with credit statements and proof of financials, negotiating terms to get to a lease draft, reviewing a lease with an attorney when needed, advising on the time and cost estimates if there is a buildout, guidance on required permitting through the city- all these of which are done with the tenant’s best interest in mind.

Lessor Rep Brokers are unconcerned with tenant needs and will not be of use to a prospective or hopeful tenant, which is why it’s important to remember who is on your side.  Working with a professional and having someone advocate for you through such a large life milestone is invaluable.

To learn more about Tenant Representation, please reach out to Alec Spencer at [email protected] 

Autumn Valencia is the Marketing Coordinator at Intersection, providing strategic marketing expertise to support business objectives across company divisions. For general and marketing inquiries, please contact Autumn at [email protected]