You should start a map where you place markers for each and every property that you are considering. This way once you get a feel for which part of town you want your business located in, you'll be able to quickly rule out properties that are not located within your choice area.

Another very valuable resource for locating city office space is to use http://CraigsList.com. Be sure to switch to the Craig's List for your location and then use the housing category or the sub-category of industrial / commercial to find what you're looking for. You're much more likely to find lesser known or owner-listed office space this way. I've had much better luck looking for city office space on Craig's List than I have with the large local commercial real estate firms.

Once you've narrowed things down to a few properties, have gone and seen them in person and you're ready to sign a lease, be sure you understand what you're required to pay for each month. A gross lease is one in which the landlord agrees to pay for all maintenance and utilities associated with ownership. A net lease is one where you, the tenant, will be responsible for anything from common area maintenance fees to property taxes in addition to monthly rent. So read the lease carefully and research any portion you are not sure about.


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