Answering Your Questions About Retail Leasing

This collection of videos is designed to address frequently asked questions gathered by our leasing team after years of working with tenants opening their first brick-and-mortar spaces. Additionally, we have included a recent Commercial Leasing Workshop, based on our Tool Kit, produced in partnership with the Boston Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion.

What’s the very first step in beginning my retail real estate search?

Who should be part of my real estate search (i.e. brokers, architects, etc.)?

How do I determine the right size for my retail space?

How do I find available retail spaces?

How long does the leasing process take?

What do I need to know about existing conditions relevant to a building/space I’m interested in?

Does a broker work for me or the landlord, and who pays for a broker?

What are average rent and lease terms?

What are NNN rent/CAM charges, and are they negotiable?

How much money should I allocate for improvements to a retail space, and what is TIA?

What is an option to renew in a retail lease?

How do I navigate the digital version of the Small Business Tool Kit?