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Working With A Tenant Representation Firm
Tenant Representation is a term describing a licensed real estate professional who represents only
tenants and users of
commercial real estate. The basis for this representation is that the client company is certain
that its agent has no conflicts of
interest (i.e. building listings and landlord contracts). Retaining a Tenant Representative is in
essence adding a partner devoted
to the success of your company and to an efficient, economical and error-free real estate process.
Your agent is on your side and
represents only your interests.
What Do Tenant Reps Do?
- The Pre-planning Process
As part of your professional team, Tenant Reps work with
your architect or space planner, attorney and key
executives to target the best location, amenities, size
and configuration to ensure that your company's needs
are met, both now and for the future.
- The Search Process
Searching for available space includes "behind the
scenes" activities to research facilities that may become
available. Many space searches include:
. Contacting all applicable Landlords and Brokers by
phone, fax and e-mail
. Broadcasting the space requirement via various
industry/trade media
. Networking with brokers and landlords at
trade meetings
This coverage assures clients the maximum number of
location choices. Often the best space is not currently
vacant, so there will NOT be a sign in the window. The
Tenant Rep's business is to know of that vacancy before
it exists.
- The Market Research Process
After the Search Process has been completed, the
Tenant Rep performs site inspections, along with market
rate and term comparisons. This market research will
ensure that clients receive the best price and terms
possible.
- The Negotiation Process
Once the Client has decided on one or more facilities,
the Tenant Rep will prepare and issue Requests for
Proposal (RFPs) to provide to applicable Landlords or
issue Letters of Intent (LOIs). The responses are then
analyzed and in-depth lease negotiations are performed.
- Lease Renewals
Up to a year in advance of your lease expiration, your
Tenant Rep will research the market to determine fair
renewal terms, including new Landlord upgrades and
new Lease Clause protections, if necessary.
Can't I Do It Myself?
- Yes, of course. However, experience indicates that a
commercial real estate transaction entails an average of
six to nine months and years of expertise in order to
effectively negotiate complex transactions. Using a Tenant
Rep allows clients to focus on their core business.
Do Tenant Reps Work With Other Real Estate Companies Too?
- Tenant Reps gladly work with all other real estate
companies and property owners on a daily basis to
satisfy the needs of clients. While it is most common for
your Tenant Rep to contact these companies on your
behalf, under certain circumstances it might be
appropriate for you to communicate directly. However, it
is crucial to mention right away that you are represented
by a Tenant Rep who will be negotiating the transaction
on your behalf.
What If I See A Good Location Myself?
- Simply contact your Tenant Rep to be sure the location
has been researched as part of the process and to
ensure that the best possible terms are negotiated for
you in the event the location is chosen. In all likelihood,
your Tenant Rep is already familiar with the building and
can provide valuable insight into the assets and
drawbacks of the location and the particular landlord.
What Will It Cost?
- Normal site selection or acquisition tasks require NO
fees from the client. Tenant Reps are compensated
through a share of the leasing or brokerage fee that the
Landlord pays and budgets for each year. More importantly,
since Tenant Reps typically are successful in
securing better terms for their clients than the clients
would have been able to negotiate themselves, clients
who use a Tenant Rep spend less money in the lease
process by having professional representation.
Other services such as market research, consulting,
lease analysis and lease termination negotiations are
available, and are typically billed on an hourly or
fixed-rate basis.
Is It Fair And Legal For Tenant Reps To Represent Tenants And Be Paid By The Landlord?
- Yes! Real Estate Commission regulations clearly state
that it is both legal and ethical to represent the Tenant
and be paid by the Landlord.
Is An Exclusive Agreement Necessary And In My Best Interest?
Hard-working Tenant Reps contact all other brokers and
owners on your behalf. If other brokers are concurrently
making the same contacts, the result will be confusion
and a compromise of the Tenant Rep's reputation. An
experienced Tenant Rep will not invest the time and
resources necessary without the exclusive commitment
of the Client.
ALL BROKERS
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES
520-770-9221
Affiliate: International Tenant Representative Alliance
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