Lessor Matters

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• Most office spaces allow for about 200 square feet per person.

• A building's class is a big factor influencing rent. Class A buildings are typically high-quality, high-rent, and in prominent locations. Class B buildings don't carry the same cachet but are usually well maintained, making them a good choice if you're on a budget but still need to make a good impression. Class C buildings typically have few frills, or even regular maintenance. The rent may be affordable, but be prepared to change your own lightbulbs. To browse space for lease in your market, try CoStar's free property search tool at costar.com.

• Be sure to consider all costs when comparing rents, says Jay Butler, director of realty studies at Arizona State University. Most office leases are still full-service, including everything from utilities to tax to cleaning. But more landlords are shifting some of those operating costs onto their tenants. So-called net leases don't include all of a building's miscellaneous costs. "A lot of times landlords can jack up expenses on the operating side and make money there," says Butler.

• Subleasing from another business can save on rent, especially now that demand is down and some businesses are suffering. You might get into a space for half the going rate, but you won't be able to customize it, says Rick Wolfe, a managing partner with the commercial division of Keller Williams Realty. Don't count on extending your cheap rent after the sublease expires—landlords know it's a pain to move.

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