Or perhaps an alarm system is a must-have. Knowing what you're looking for beforehand can help you get a sense for costs, so that you can adjust your budget or your criteria as necessary. Class A space, for example, is typically a modern, attractive, secure building in desirable location. But Class A space in a metropolitan area is far more expensive than Class A space in a less-populated region. Once you know what kind of space you want and how much you can pay, it's time to find a broker.
Brokers also can provide insight on the quality of different landlords.
However, there are brokers who work for the building owner, not you. Some brokers work on commission, which is paid by the landlord and usually ranges between 3 percent and 7 percent of the cost of the lease. This practice can lead to situations where your broker is not working in your best interest. With that in mind, make sure you get a disclosure statement upfront, which details whether the broker is representing the landlord or the tenant or both. These designations will ensure that you're dealing with an educated and recognized professional.