The deal cycle, from the first call to the keys

Before the search

1. Research. I look at your current lease, your market and your timeline. If you’re renewing, this is where the renewal check happens.
2. First call. Fifteen minutes. What’s going on, what you need, and whether I’m the right person to help.
3. Needs meeting. Size, area, budget, timing, power, parking, loading, signage, hours, growth plans, and what would make you walk away.
4. Disclosure and agreement. BC rules require me to give you a Disclosure of Representation form before you share anything confidential. If we work together, we sign a tenant representation agreement through my brokerage that sets out what I do and how I’m paid. Read more on how commissions work.

The search

1. Market survey. Listings from every brokerage, plus space coming up that isn’t advertised yet. I send a short “wanted” notice with your requirement (no names) to commercial agents and landlords.
2. Tours. A short list of real options, with the real cost and the problems of each.
3. Proposals. I ask the best two or three landlords for written proposals at the same time. Landlords sharpen their pencils when they know they aren’t the only one being asked.

The deal

1. Negotiation. Rent, free rent, allowances, term, renewal options, assignment, guarantees. See what’s negotiable.
2. Offer to lease. The agreed terms go into an offer to lease with conditions for your protection.
3. Due diligence. Your lawyer reviews the lease, we check zoning, permits and the building, and you arrange financing if needed.
4. Conditions removed and lease signed. Signing the offer isn’t the finish line. Things still come up in the lease document, and they get negotiated too.

After signing

1. Build-out and keys. The fixturing period, landlord’s work and your contractor’s work, permits, then possession.
2. The long tail. I keep your critical dates (renewal notice, rent steps, option deadlines) and check in well before they arrive.