Why I focus on tenants

What “focused on tenants” means

I help businesses lease space: finding it, negotiating it and renewing it. On a lease, I work for the tenant.

Why a tenant needs their own agent

When you call the number on a “For Lease” sign, you reach the landlord’s agent. Their job is to lease the space on the best terms for the landlord, and they’re paid by the landlord.

That’s normal and proper, and many of them are very good at it. It just means nobody in that conversation is looking out for you.

Your own agent changes that. I show you any suitable space from any brokerage, compare buildings on real cost, ask several landlords for proposals at once, and negotiate the terms that matter to your business. How landlords think explains why that matters so much.

Who represents whom, in writing

Since 2021, BC rules generally don’t allow one agent to represent both sides of the same deal. Before we start, you’ll get a short Disclosure of Representation form, and on every deal I’ll tell you in writing who represents whom.

Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty is a full-service brokerage, and other agents there may act for landlords. If a space you like is listed by someone at my brokerage, you’ll know before anything happens, and the BC disclosure rules apply.

How I’m paid

On most leases, by the landlord, out of the fee set in their listing agreement and shared with my brokerage. If a landlord won’t pay, we agree on the fee up front, in writing, through Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty. Commission and fees are open for discussion, and there’s more on the mechanics in how commissions work.

What it looks like day to day

1. A requirement written for you, sent as an anonymous “wanted” notice to agents and landlords across the market.
2. A short list ranked on fit and real cost, whoever happens to be listing it.
3. Proposals from several landlords at once, so they have a reason to sharpen their pencils.
4. Negotiation on what matters to you: rent, free rent, allowances, renewal options, assignment, guarantees.
5. Your critical dates in my calendar, so the next renewal starts on time.

Questions people ask

Do you only work with tenants?

Tenants are my focus, and on a lease I work for the tenant. I also help business owners who are thinking of selling, and people buying a business or a commercial property. On every deal you’ll know in writing who I represent.

Does it cost more to have my own agent?

Usually not. On most commercial leases the landlord pays the leasing fee and shares part of it with the tenant’s brokerage. If a landlord won’t pay, we agree on the fee in writing, through Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty, before I start.

What if the space I want is listed by your brokerage?

I’ll tell you in writing before anything happens. Other agents at Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty may act for landlords, and the BC disclosure rules apply, so you always know who represents whom.

What is the difference between a tenant rep and a listing agent?

A listing agent works for the landlord and is paid to lease the space on the landlord’s terms. A tenant rep works for the tenant: they search the whole market, compare options and negotiate for the tenant.