and I in finding a retail space to open a small clothing business. How do I find one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? We are looking foe a space around 17,000 sq ft for about $1,300 a month. There are too many options and we need to concentrate the search. How much do these people charge for helping? We don't have tons of money. Would we be better off driving around and looking ourselves?

I have no idea what city you are in, however if you are looking for 17,000sq ft for $1300 mth it won't happen in any big city and maybe not in a smaller town.

a tenant commercial rep will not charge you for finding a retail space, just like in buying a house.
however you will need to sign an agreement, and give financials.


good luck

no worries, you can hire a buyers agent, and the get paid from the seller(leaser) so you do not have to pay them.
Go to www.remax.com and look for an agent in your area, you will be happy you acquired their services.

Pick up the yellow pages, call one and ask.

I thought that the agents were paid by the property owners.

Yes, I would drive around and look.

Retail is very tricky. Location, location, location. Don't trust a broker to be an expert on your business. The real estate market is quite efficient, the more rent you pay, the more business you will get (assuming locations that are complementary to your business).

Yes they are a terrific site. That will save you a lot of money by doing it that way.