1: Getting Ready

Your business is booming, your acting troupe or gallery growing, or you're just itching to live in a different neighborhood. Is it time to move?

Think about why you need a new space. Do you want high ceilings? Proximity to more art galleries? Better access for your clients, colleagues or students? More parking options? Lots of windows or more open space? Your answers will help define and direct your search.

While brainstorming, try to answer these five fundamental questions:

1. What size of space do you need?
   
2. What type of space do you need?
   
3. What can you afford?
   
4. Which neighborhoods can provide you with the space you want and need at a price you can afford?
   
5. Which neighborhoods offer the professional and artistic support systems you need to thrive as an artist, business or organization?
   

Many other questions will arise that will be unique to your situation and needs: Do you need special ventilation? Do you need a space that can accommodate several art production methods? You might end up with a very long list!

Once you’ve articulated your needs, prioritize them. Try to spend at least an hour or more devoted to this step. Round up all major stakeholders -- including those who will live and work in the new space -- to participate in this exercise, so that the final list of priorities, wants and needs will reflect each person's concerns.

If your need for space is urgent, and you do not have time to go through the first step, at least read Chapter 6: Residential Leases and Chapter 7: Commercial and Industrial Leases. These contain critical information on expenses you might be liable for over and above your rent, as well as your rights and responsibilities in most residential and commercial or industrial leases. If you are thinking of purchasing, review Chapter 8: Buying Real Estate for information on how the lending process works.