How to Choose the Right Space for Your Business: A Tenant Rep’s Guide for Businesses in The Triangle
How to Choose the Right Space for Your Business: A Tenant Rep’s Guide
Finding the right commercial space is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make. The right location, layout, and lease structure can support your growth and brand image. The wrong one? It can be a costly distraction.
If you're looking to find commercial space for your business in the Raleigh-Durham area, this guide will walk you through the process—step by step. It’s designed to simplify the experience and show how working with a tenant rep can save time, reduce stress, and help you negotiate the best possible deal.
Step 1: Define Your Needs Clearly
Before you tour a single property, get crystal clear on what your business needs to thrive. Consider:
Size: How much square footage do you need now—and in 3 years?
Type: Do you need office, flex, retail, medical, or warehouse space?
Location: Do you need to be near RTP, downtown Durham, or close to highways like I-40 or 540?
Layout: Open concept? Private offices? Showroom?
A tenant rep can help assess your current and future space requirements so you don’t overcommit—or under-size.
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget
When people search how to choose office space, budget is usually the first question—and for good reason.
Factor in:
Base rent
Operating expenses (NNN or CAM charges)
Utilities, internet, and janitorial
Furniture and build-out costs
Your rep will help you compare lease types and create an "apples-to-apples" cost analysis for each option so you understand the total monthly and annual spend.
Step 3: Identify the Right Location
Location is more than just a pin on a map. Ask yourself:
Where are your employees coming from?
Is it accessible by car, bus, or bike?
Will the neighborhood impress clients or customers?
Are there restaurants or services nearby?
In fast-growing areas like Downtown Raleigh, North Hills, or Southpoint in Durham, your tenant rep will know what’s up and coming—and where you’ll get the most value per square foot.
Step 4: Tour and Evaluate Properties
Now the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part—property tours. A tenant rep will:
Schedule and lead tours of properties that match your needs
Ask the right questions about build-out flexibility, parking, signage, and amenities
Help you compare pros and cons of each space
With someone advocating for your needs, you can focus on how each space feels—not on tracking down brokers or digging through spec sheets.
Step 5: Negotiate the Lease Terms
Here’s where having a tenant rep really pays off. Once you find the right space, they’ll help you:
Negotiate the rent and tenant improvement (TI) allowance
Review lease terms like renewal options, rent escalations, and operating costs
Identify red flags in the lease document
Coordinate with your attorney, architect, or contractor as needed
Your rep’s job is to protect your interests—not the landlord’s.
Step 6: Plan the Move and Transition Smoothly
Once the lease is signed, your rep can stay involved to:
Coordinate with property management and vendors
Monitor construction timelines (if there’s a build-out)
Help with signage approvals or permits
Make sure your move-in goes smoothly
This support helps you avoid delays and stay focused on running your business—not project-managing the lease.
Why Work with a Tenant Rep in Raleigh-Durham?
The Triangle is one of the most dynamic commercial markets in the country. With constant development, tech and life science expansion, and shifting lease rates, having a local expert on your side is essential.
A tenant rep doesn’t cost you anything—their fee is typically paid by the landlord—but they work solely for you. Their goal: to help you find the right commercial space for your business and negotiate a lease that supports your long-term success.
Need Help Choosing Office Space?
If you're exploring options across Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill, we’re here to guide the process from start to finish. Let's work together to find the ideal space for your business—on your terms.