Industrial & Flex Tenant Representation
Warehouse, manufacturing, flex, service industrial, distribution, outside-storage and specialized-facility requirements.
Services / Tenant Representation
Tenant Representation
Independent advocacy for businesses leasing industrial, office or retail space in Austin and Central Texas.
Greg Cooper represents commercial occupants through requirement planning, market search, site comparison, lease economics, negotiations, due diligence and the path to occupancy.
$2B+Career transaction experience
20+ yearsCommercial real estate experience
$650MInstitutional multifamily transactions
J.D.University of Texas School of Law
AustinCentral Texas market focus
In short
What does a commercial tenant-representation broker do?
A commercial tenant-representation broker advises the business occupying the space. The work includes defining the requirement, evaluating renewal and relocation options, identifying on- and off-market properties, comparing complete occupancy economics, negotiating business terms and coordinating lease, diligence, improvement and occupancy issues with the client’s attorneys and other specialists.
The objective is not simply to locate available space. It is to help the business make a defensible location and lease decision while preserving leverage and avoiding costs or constraints that are easy to miss in an asking-rent comparison.
By property type
Tenant representation by property type
Office Tenant Representation
Office relocations, renewals, expansions, contractions, medical-office requirements and owner-user comparisons.
Retail Tenant Representation
Storefront, restaurant, service, neighborhood and specialty-use locations where trade area and site economics matter.
Need land rather than leased space? Use Land Sales & Site Selection for commercial land and development sites.
Compare complete economics
Asking rent is only the beginning.
Useful lease comparisons account for base rent, operating expenses, taxes, insurance, utilities, escalations, free rent, tenant-improvement economics, commissions where applicable, moving cost, downtime, parking, signage, restoration obligations and renewal or expansion rights.
The lowest quoted rate may not be the lowest-cost—or lowest-risk—option once the full term and operational fit are compared.
Representation process
From requirement to occupancy
A strong process begins early enough to preserve alternatives. The sequence is adapted to the business and property type.
- 01
Define the requirement
Document location, size, timing, use, loading, power, parking, visibility, budget, growth and other non-negotiables.
- 02
Test renewal and relocation
Evaluate the current location and credible alternatives before the tenant loses negotiating leverage.
- 03
Survey and tour the market
Identify realistic options, inspect operational fit and document tradeoffs consistently.
- 04
Compare proposals
Normalize rent, expenses, concessions, improvements, term, options and occupancy risk.
- 05
Negotiate business terms
Use competition and evidence to improve the complete package rather than focusing on one headline term.
- 06
Coordinate diligence and occupancy
Work with legal, design, construction, finance and technical teams through lease execution and delivery.
Different assets, different questions
What changes by property type?
| Property type | Typical decision factors |
|---|---|
| Industrial & flex | Loading, clear height, power, yard, truck circulation, zoning, outside storage, labor access and highway connectivity. |
| Office | Employee and client access, parking, layout efficiency, building systems, amenities, image, security, after-hours use and improvement cost. |
| Retail | Trade area, visibility, access, co-tenancy, tenant mix, parking, signage, permitted use, delivery, exclusives and store-level occupancy economics. |
Agency and conflicts
Know who the broker represents.
The property’s listing broker represents the landlord unless another relationship is disclosed and agreed. A tenant representative is engaged to advise the occupant. Any potential conflict, intermediary role or change in representation should be explained and documented as required before the parties rely on the broker’s advice.
Legal review of the lease remains the role of the tenant’s attorney. The broker focuses on real estate strategy, market evidence and business terms while coordinating the broader team.
Frequently asked questions
Tenant Representation FAQs
When should a business hire a tenant-representation broker?
Begin early enough to preserve renewal and relocation alternatives. The appropriate lead time depends on size, use, construction needs and market conditions, but complex industrial, office and restaurant requirements may need substantial time.
Who does a tenant-representation broker represent?
A tenant-representation broker represents the occupant under the agreed agency relationship. The listing broker generally represents the property owner unless a different relationship is disclosed and documented.
How is a tenant-representation broker paid?
Compensation varies by transaction and agreement. In many leases the landlord offers brokerage compensation, but the tenant should understand the representation agreement, compensation and any potential conflicts before proceeding.
Can Greg help with a lease renewal?
Yes. A renewal should be evaluated against credible alternatives, the cost and disruption of moving, the condition of the existing space and the terms needed for the business to remain.
What is included in a lease comparison?
A useful comparison can include base rent, operating expenses, taxes, insurance, escalations, concessions, tenant improvements, moving cost, parking, utilities, restoration obligations, options and other property-specific costs.
Does tenant representation include site selection?
Yes. Location and site selection are central to industrial, office and retail tenant assignments. Commercial land and development-site searches are organized separately under Land Sales & Site Selection.
Can Greg help compare leasing with buying?
Yes. A lease-versus-own analysis considers occupancy needs, capital, financing, flexibility, improvement costs, timing, exit options and the availability of suitable owner-user property.
Does Greg review the lease?
Greg advises on market terms and the real estate business points. The tenant should use qualified legal counsel to review and negotiate the lease document and provide legal advice.
Start with strategy
Discuss a renewal, relocation, expansion or new location.
Share your current location, property type, size, use, timing and the operational requirements the next space must satisfy.