Leasing a Brick & Mortar – Understanding the Commercial Real Estate Leasing Process

Thinking about opening a physical storefront or office?

This workshop is designed for business owners who want to better understand the commercial real estate leasing process—from choosing the right location to navigating lease negotiations with confidence.

What You’ll Learn

• Participants will gain practical insight into: Commercial real estate terminology
• Understand commonly used industry terms such as Gross Lease, Modified Gross Lease, Triple Net (NNN), Common Area Maintenance (CAM), and more.
• Site selection strategy
• Learn how to identify the type of commercial space that best fits your business and how to evaluate potential locations.
• Rental rates & hidden costs
• Understand how lease rates vary by location, what impacts pricing, and the additional fees that can affect your long-term bottom line.
• Letters of Intent (LOI) What an LOI is, why it matters, and how it can be used as a negotiation tool.
• Personal guarantees What they are, why landlords require them, and whether they can be negotiated.
• Lease negotiations
• Key sections to review carefully, red flags to watch for, and common negotiation considerations.
• Additional resources & support When and why to seek legal, financial, or professional guidance during the leasing process.

This is a no-cost, in-person training!