How to Find the Right Tenant Representation
Property prices may have dropped somewhat over the past couple of years, but Collier County still has a fairly competitive market. We were fortunate in that although things got bad, we didn’t get hit as much as other parts of the country. It’s one of the many benefits of living in paradise!

If you are looking for commercial space in Naples, tenant representation is a must. Yes, there are plenty of vacant lots, and prices are keen here, but there is still a competitive edge to the property market here, and you need all the help you can get.

Finding the right tenant representation is the first step in any property search, commercial, industrial or retail. You need someone who is experienced, knows the area and is a tough negotiator. A good tenant rep will spend time with you to understand your business and it’s need in order to find you the right location and the right deal.

A landlord or listing agent is going to want you to lease the largest space possible. Having your own tenant representation is going to prevent anyone taking advantage of you. They will use what they have learned of your business to analyze the space requirements accurately and advise on just how much space you really need. This can save you a lot of money in the long run. Local knowledge is essential in any property expertise, but make sure there is no conflict of interest between your rep and the landlord or agent. Roots go deep in Naples, and there are lots of ties between lots of people. Make sure the rep you employ is completely impartial.

You may know your way around a letting agents office, be able to surf the internet or read the property pages, but there are many other places that vacant lots are advertised. A good agent will know most, if not all of them and use them to your advantage. Finding property that hasn’t had a lot of publicity or interest is only going to strengthen your position. As will encouraging a bidding war between landlords. A good tenant rep might be able to find more than one space for your business and encourage the respective landlords to sweeten the deal to win your custom. In the current climate where there is a lot of vacant space, this is an effective way or reducing the costs significantly.

Good tenant representation is also useful when renewals come around. Landlords aren’t keen on tenants using them, because that’s when they should get the most money out of you. When you first lease a building, certain refurbishment or building costs are factored in to cover any expenses. These are often included in the renewal, even though they may not be needed. If you paid a premium of $x per square foot on the initial lease, you aren’t going to need to pay that premium if you’re staying on. Effective tenant representation saves you money, not costs you money. You’re paying for it anyway, you may as well use it.