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You might not be able to find any properties on your own, either online or in the newspaper. Don't worry. You can work with a broker, who can find something suitable based on your needs. Get referrals to a tenant broker in the following ways: Talk to your real estate attorney. They should know local brokers. Ask someone who rents commercial real estate. Tell them you are looking to rent and ask for the name of their broker. Look at the Loopnet website and click on "Find a Broker." Commercial real estate brokers typically charge around 3% of the total lease costs. Accordingly, a five-year lease at 20,000 a year would cost around $3,000 in brokerage fees. However, you might be able to negotiate a flat fee, which could be lower. Many landlords pay for the brokerage fee, so find that out ahead of time. If the landlord pays, then using a broker is an ideal way to retail space. Brokers typically want you to work exclusively with them. Accordingly, they may ask you to sign a representation agreement, where you agree to pay their brokerage fee even if you find a property on your own. Consider whether this is your best option. For example, you might sign this agreement if you have a lot of confidence in the broker's ability to find you a property, or if there isn't a lot of retail space available in your town. Consider a non-exclusive agreement instead, in which you pay the broker a fee only if they actually find you a property.
Obtain referrals. Ask about the broker's fee. Consider signing an exclusive representation agreement.