Insights

I recently came across a very interesting article regarding networking and the “golden rules” that comes with it. I would like to take this further by showing how TAG views networking and the benefits it has delivered.

A lot of tenants commonly ask, “What is TI and Abatement?” and it’s a good question. Tenants ask because a lot of landlords don’t typically offer it, so it’s unknown what it is. However, it is certainly available in every transaction.

Where do you see yourself in five years? No matter how old we get, this question never becomes less annoying. Whether we’re interviewing for a new job or even thinking back to our post college days right before we landed our first job–no one wants to answer this question. Now, where do you see your...

Last week TAG had the privilege of attending the Office Max Roundtable event for business owners. Senior Vice President Steve Sunderland and Executive Vice President Kim Feil facilitated the panel discussion of what it’s like to run a business and how a large corporation such as theirs could connect with us. From there we were...

As a tenant broker we are the proverbial parent and our clients, the tenants, are our children. We want to ensure that they’re safe, warm, and well protected with a strong roof over their heads and an even stronger lease. Just like a student applying to a college that will check their credentials and qualifications,...

In commercial real estate building class is an important factor to consider when determining which sort of office will be most suitable for your company. While one building may seem comparable to another, upon closer analysis, frequently they will be quite different.

Negotiation is an integral part of initially securing your lease. Imagine this: Your broker did a great job negotiating your lease. The space comes with all the amenities you could imagine AND you saved a great deal of money a few years prior when you signed. Your company loves this space, but this year has...

So you finally found the space you were dreaming of. Now it is time to work out the details beyond the first year’s rent. Each particular aspect of the lease has its own importance and to ensure the security of the great new spot you are locking down, do not just skim over all the...

When searching for the most suitable office for your company, it’s important to consider the building class type. While the class type is often overlooked by tenants, it is actually an important factor to determine and compare one building’s price to another.

All businessmen and women know that a baseline of trust between parties is critical to the success of any negotiation. But within the course of business dealings, how do you build that trust? What active steps can you take to raise the chances of a positive outcome for both sides? Instead of simply hoping that...

In a time where the commercial real estate industry is as fast-paced and as dynamic as ever, having helpful insight and advice about what’s important and what’s working (or not) can help anyone learn as they go. We’ve launched an all-new series with MeetAdvisors.com – “Commercial Real Estate: What I Know Now and Wish I...

Coworking workspaces are becoming the new norm for up-and-coming businesses, offering the creature comforts of a big corporation – high-tech workstations, coffee supplies, conference rooms – at a price startups can afford. However, just because a coworking space seems to have it all doesn’t mean there isn’t room for negotiations or amendments to your lease.

Lease office space on the second and/or third floors of a quiet building at 744 N. Wells. Located in River North, this opportunity also comes with access to VentureShot networking events.

It’s an exciting time in the Chicago tech scene, with new startups changing the entire face of our commercial real estate market. This infusion of creativity and drive is fantastic for our city, but is it really driving our overall economy forward? Reports say it’s not.

The best way to navigate the tricky landscape of a lease is to stay current on all the common phrases, clauses and definitions. You may have a general understanding of the terms, but it takes a professional to really navigate the ins and outs. Here are a few of the most common points you may...

The Chicago commercial real estate market is enjoying a 15-year low in its downtown vacancy rates, hitting 11.7 percent during the second quarter of 2016. This is the lowest Chicago has seen since 11.6 percent in 2001. The surge of businesses moving downtown has been a driving factor in reducing the vacancy rates and contributing...

Glamorous downtown Chicago is bustling with the impressive influx of top corporations moving into downtown. However, apartment buildings are beginning to feel the effects of over-saturation and landlords are having a tough time renting their downtown spaces. With more buildings coming online in 2017, the increase in supply should cause rents to deflate as vacancy...

The Chicago Association of REALTORS has named Lisa Kalous as a 2016 Top Producer! Tenant Advisory Group is proud to work with such a talented and caring realtor. Congratulations, Lisa!

Scott Hansen of Success Hackers sat down to speak with Tenant Advisory Group’s owner, Bill Himmelstein, to discuss Bill’s success.

After finding the right office for your business, you’ll enter into the transaction process. This next step will consist of several important items: such as the lease negotiation, review and planning the buildout. Many of the opportunities that lie within the this phase rely on the success of your lease negotiation. If it’s handled properly,...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqBo3zTs7m4

We are proud to announce our newest partnership with Dan Porcaro of PSM Partners. This exclusive partnership enables us to offer you premium phone and data brokerages services, as well as cloud services. Through this new affiliation, TAG will be able to provide even more services and solutions to help grow your business. Click here...

We are excited to debut our newest affiliate architect, George DePalma of the DePalma Group. This partnership opens up new opportunities for our clients to take advantage of elite space planning, architectural services and interior designers. Tenant Advisory Group is able to provide a variety of new services to help your business thrive.

Ten years ago, Tenant Advisory Group was founded to bring value to clients and partners, regardless of the need for a real estate transaction. In addition to being a highly experienced commercial brokerage firm, TAG’s mission was to be high-level connector and supporter to those who crossed our path. The company accomplishes its client support...

Tenant Advisory Group’s own Bill Himmelstein Bill Himmelstein was invited on WGN Radio’s Startup Showcase to talk about TAG and the commercial real estate industry.

Voyage Chicago reached out to Bill Himmelstein to dive deep into the history of how Tenant Advisory Group began, and the foundation it was built upon.

Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Bruncheon to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business. During May’s Executives Bruncheon, attendees were prompted with two questions: “What is the best thing that’s happened to you in the last few weeks both...

Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Luncheon to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business. During May’s Executives Luncheon, attendees were prompted with two questions: “What’s the toughest part of running your business and how do you manage through it?”...

Description: Here is an opportunity to lease in the base of the new Homewood Suites Hotel in Skokie on the prominent corner of Oakton & Niles. The space is divisible to possibly 2 – ~5,000sf restaurants and a 2,130 retail use. It’s adjacent to a new residential development site with plans to build 92 loft...

Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Bruncheon to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business. During June’s Executives Bruncheon, attendees were prompted with the question: ““What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your professional career?”” Here are a few of...

  Approximately 1.5 acres located at the corner of East Dundee and Wolf Road. Just minutes away from the new Wheeling Town Center which is currently under construction. The Wheeling Town Center is a $110 million dollar transit-oriented master-planned mixed-use development where it will be the “Center of it All.” This is a great location...

We just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who was able to attend our yacht outing! The weather held up and a great time was had by all. As mentioned when we first got on board, the purpose of these events is for the best people in my network to meet one another...

Chicago is a city of industry, delicious food, diverse culture and taxes. If you don’t know by now, Chicago is facing another round of tax increases, especially on real estate. This may lead everyone in Chicago to think: How am I going to afford running a business here? Or even, Why should I keep my...

  Newly built-out spec suite available for sublease 30 N LaSalle, Suite 2630 3,915 SF Asking $34/SF Lease expiration 12/30/23 Available 30 days from sublease execution

Thank you so much for supporting our business. It’s this support that allows us the opportunity to give back to the worthy causes below. Check them out to see all of the amazing work they do, and if you’re able to, consider donating or even volunteering. A little help goes a long way!  American Heart...

When searching for the most suitable office for your company, it’s important to consider the building class type. While the class type is often overlooked by tenants, it is actually an important factor to determine and compare one building’s price to another.

When searching for the most suitable office for your company, it’s important to consider the building class type. While the class type is often overlooked by tenants, it is actually an important factor to determine and compare one building’s price to another. Office buildings are classified into three categories (A, B and C). The class...

When building your office floor plan, it’s always better to have more room than not enough space. Packing people into an office lowers employee satisfaction and can lead to a counterproductive work environment, which may negate any money you save in rent. By offering your staff more free space and a comfortable office, not only...

A space may be absolutely perfect, but need substantial work to become the perfect space for you. For this, a Tenant Improvement Allowance, number of dollars the landlord is willing to offer per square foot of rentable space, is extremely beneficial.

  QSR w/Drive-Thru Opportunity  – Immediate Occupancy/New Construction 2,045 Square Feet 737 Square Feet Shared Restrooms 7-Eleven Convenience Store Mobil Gas Station 11601 West Touhy Ave, Building 840

Even with the changing landscape surrounding the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), businesses still need to move. If you are in the middle of a corporate move, there are effective ways to continue your office space search while remaining healthy and safe. Here are some tips for those who are working with commercial real estate brokers...

  Prime Retail Space Available  – 25-27 E Illinois 5,000 Square Feet Area Tenants: HUB 51, RPM Steakhouse, Shaw’s Crabhouse, Hotel Palomar, Star of Siam, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Public House, LYFE Kitchen

  Coworking & Office Space Available – Prime River North Location  – 444 N Wabash 10,000 square feet 5,000 sf direct lease available $25.50/sf MG 2-60 person coworking spaces available Several options & configurations possible

  Coworking & Office Space Available – Prime Loop Location  – 9 W Washington 16,000 square feet Available for direct lease at $26.25/sf MG Coworking space for 3-40+ people Several options & configurations possible

  For Sale – Office Building / Medical Facility – 1 S Virginia St/Route 14, Crystal Lake, IL  Property Highlights Building Size: 4,500 sq. ft. Lot Size: +/- 26,000 sq. ft. Parking Spaces: 14 on site/4 on adjacent property Zoned: Office Parcel No.: 19-06226028 Taxes (2018): $17,256 Asking Price: $800,000 Built: 2004 Move-in ready – fully equipped...

  New To Market – Loop Sublease Space – 35 W Wacker, Suite 800 11,054 square feet Available April 2021 LXP – 02/28/27 Mostly open floor plan Fully furnished Beautiful river views CLICK HERE FOR VIRTUAL TOUR

Loop Sublease Space – 227 W Monroe St, Suite 650 7,963 square feet Available Immediately Asking Rate: Negotiable LXP – 02/28/22 Click HERE for virtual tour!

Networking is vital for any sustainable and growing business. Here are a few key tips to follow to maximize your networking success.

In most negotiations, it is rare for someone to get what they want without having asked for it first. If a tenant asks for a particular term or concession during a lease negotiation, the tenant will undoubtedly gain more than they started with. Even if the tenant does not acquire exactly what they desired, often a...

Networking is key for any sustainable and growing business. There is tremendous value in it and we know it works. Networking, to be clear, is not just going to an event or getting someone’s business card after an interesting conversation. It’s following up, having a one-on-one meeting, and diving deeper into how you can help someone...

Prior to beginning the search for new space, many of our clients are interested in understanding what exactly is involved in the process. Below is an outline of the key steps involved in finding new space for your business.  1. A tenant representative broker assembles a market survey of options that fit the Client’s criteria...

Need to know the latest trends in the Chicago Real Estate market? In this video, Bill Himmelstein shares the latest real estate data in the Chicagoland market. The January CRE update gives you the most current insights on what the market is doing and the implications it has on future real estate transactions in the area.

On March 2nd, BILL HIMMELSTEIN of Tenant Advisory Group, along with GARY BREDEN of Insperity and Venture X Chicago – Oak Brook co-hosted a high level networking event at the co-working space of Venture X in Oak Brook. This incredible networking event was for Chicago’s highest producing business owners and C-suite executives. We were honored...

Bill Himmelstein, Founder, CEO & Managing Broker of TAG, was featured in the publication – BACK OF HOUSE, an online resource providing insights and services that help restaurants win. In this article, Bill discusses the best strategies for negotiating ands re-negogiating favorable lease terms for commercial restaurant spaces. The best part about using the strategies...

Welcome to the Topic “The Massive Effect of E-commerce on Industrial Real Estate (Warehouse and Distribution centers)” Industrial warehouses and distribution centers have evolved substantially due to the boom in e-commerce and the growing inventory needs of e-commerce powerhouses like Amazon.  Traditionally, warehouses and distribution centers were built-in storage chambers for giant store-front retail corporations. ...

Want to get your employees back to the office in 2022? Working in a dedicated office space has numerous benefits to the longevity and health of a business to include more productivity, more collaboration, more employee allegiance, faster learning curve, and more social enjoyment just to list a few. In this video, Bill Himmelstein shares...

Welcome to the topic “Commercial Real Estate Trends in Chicago” The commercial real estate market is ever-changing, and the properties that yield the best results for owners, tenants and investors are those that adapt to trends as they emerge. Keeping tabs on current conditions and anticipating future needs is key to staying ahead of the...

Welcome to the Topic “Strategies on Getting Employees Back to the Office” Employees were forced to leave the office and enter their houses more than two years ago due to COVID-19. And though most offices have already reopened, not everyone is as eager to go back. As more companies are embracing their employees back into...

Welcome to the topic “Chicago Office Space Trends – How to Design Your Office for Returning Employees” Many businesses have developed creative solutions to keep workplace safety a major priority while preserving corporate culture, ensuring high levels of productivity and efficiency, and encouraging a much-needed sense of employee well-being. As you begin to welcome your...

Welcome to “How to Re-Negotiate Great Terms for Commercial Real Estate”. One of the best opportunities to lower expenses and improve margins in your business is when you are renegotiating your commercial lease terms. Renegotiating terms can be tricky if you are uninformed and unprepared. However, with a knowledgeable and experienced broker on your side,...

Welcome to “Why Now Could Be the Best Time To Lease Commercial Office Space” Many companies prefer to lease their commercial offices rather than purchasing space. Leasing offers a greater amount of flexibility and leverage to accommodate any future changes in your business. If you are considering leasing space but don’t know much about commercial...

Topic: Commercial Real Estate and The Markets Grab your coffee and Buckle up this Thursday when Mike Morawski and Bill Himmelstein talk about commercial real estate and how to gain the edge in a changing market. Bill Himmelstein is featured on this episode of Thursday Morning Live with Mike Morawski. Listen to Bill discuss the...

Topic: How to Get Wealthy Slowly Bill Himmelstein was featured on the Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast! Listen to Bill speak with Mark Ainley and Tom Shallcross about long-term investing and how real estate is not a “get rich quick” but rather a “get wealthy slowly” investment. Bill starts by talking about his start in...

Topic: Networking and Event Hosting to Explode Your Real Estate Business Bill Himmelstein, founder and CEO of Tenant Advisory Group, speaks with Freedom Chasers Podcast hosts Tim Winfrey Jr and Matthew Cavanaugh about the keys to networking and how to maximize networking to grow your business. // KEY QUOTES “What can I do best to...

Welcome to “CRE Opportunities: Turning Warehouses Into Data Centers” The pandemic hit every industry out there pretty severely and commercial real estate was no exception. In fact, this sector had to bear long-lasting damages as the extended lockdown forced a lot of businesses to shut operations. Many tenants had to close permanently. Although the world...

Welcome to “Tenant Advisory: What Is Commercial Tenant Representation?” It’s pretty common for businesses to relocate. Perhaps they are expanding, or maybe their requirements have changed, or it could also be that they intend to target a new market. Whatever the reason is, everyone will agree that finding a suitable office for your business is...

Want the latest cre market update? In this video, Bill Himmelstein gives a market update on the industrial, retail, and office commercial property sectors and the opportunities available for business owners and those active in the sectors.

This past year, TAG has been fortunate enough to give back to our community, both locally and abroad. This year, we feature over a dozen organizations that have touched the lives of countless individuals. These organizations are pillars in their communities, addressing the various needs of people in their sphere of influence. Visit the websites...

Welcome to the topic “Tenant Advisory 101 – What Your Tenant Representative Should Do For You“ Looking for a commercial space can be quite a tough feat. More often than not, people are unable to figure out where to even begin. There’s so much to think about, including the budget, location, features, amenities and so...

Welcome to the topic “Commercial Broker Challenge – Top Things To Look For In A Great CRE Broker“ Commercial real estate dealings can be quite overwhelming. On the one hand, you want to ensure that you get the best possible site for your business. But at the same time, you are worried about the terms...

Want the latest cre market update? In this video, Bill Himmelstein of Tenant Advisory Group gives an overall outlook on the state of the commercial real estate market for 2023. Find out what you need to know before getting your next commercial space.

Welcome to the topic “2023 Commercial Real Estate Outlook“ A lot happened in 2022, which is bound to show its impact on the 2023 commercial real estate outlook. The spiking interest rates, along with inflation, are predominantly to be blamed. One cannot forget about the Ukraine war, either. Of course, there are also the repercussions...

Welcome to the topic “Upfitting Commercial Space To Fit Company Brand“ No business can thrive unless its employees are happy and satisfied to be a part of the company. This is primarily why every good business leader gives utmost importance to their team. However, with the pandemic, people have become more inclined to work remotely....

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bill Himmelstein, founder, and CEO of Tenant Advisory Group, located in Chicago, IL, USA. What’s your business, and who are your customers? We are a commercial real estate brokerage firm focusing on representing the transactional needs of businesses...

Bill Himmelstein: Givers Gain Philosophy of Networking In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Bill Himmelstein discuss: Key Takeaways: “What givers gain means is finding people that you believe can support you back and give to them.” — Bill Himmelstein

Welcome to the topic “What To Expect During The Tenant Representation Process“ Many people can be skeptical of using tenant representation in their lease transaction, mainly because they don’t know the benefits. It’s surprising how so many are still unaware of how a tenant representative broker can assist in making their leasing transaction easier, smoother,...

Welcome to the topic “What Is Office Tenant Representation And Why Do You Need It” Finding a desirable and suitable office space can be an incredibly tough feat. For one thing, you often have limited choices that will work with your size, location and budget. There are also so many additional factors to consider. Then,...

The Illinois Real Estate Journal Awards hosted over 600 CRE professionals from across Chicagoland for an evening of networking and celebration. One hundred seventy-five finalists were recognized this past year, and 52 awards were given. We are humbled and honored by our nomination and sincerely congratulate all finalists that were awarded. We could not have...

On this episode of the Work Inspired podcast, Bill Himmelstein, the Founder & CEO at Tenant Advisory Group, LLC talks to host, George Lucas Pfeiffer, about the new and exciting innovations that the commercial real estate market is seeing and developing. He also speaks on what organizations can do to bring employees into the workplace and to...

Welcome to the topic “Traditional Office Space Vs. Co-Working Space” There are many choices people have these days when it comes to renting commercial spaces. Naturally, most business owners want an office space that’s not only cost-effective but also convenient for their clients and employees. These spaces should also fulfill all organizational requirements in terms...

Welcome to the topic “The ROI Of Leasing Traditional Office Space” There are many valid reasons for why businesses began to reconsider their need for traditional office space over the last few years. The American workforce has had a major shift in perspective regarding work-life balance; the state of working underwent a complete transformation in...

Welcome to the topic “When to Walk Away from a Commercial Real Estate Deal“ The decision to stop commercial real estate deal negotiations is seldom easy. Quite a few times, you enter the deal confident that you have found the perfect space for your commercial real estate needs. However, soon enough, the red flags become...

Welcome to the topic “When to Renew and When to Cancel Your Commercial Lease” Moving your company location can definitely be time-consuming, not to mention costly. This is precisely why many tenants struggle with the decision of canceling their commercial lease or renewing their contracts. There are many factors to consider, and you have to...

If you find yourself in a commercial space that no longer fits the needs of your business, and you think there’s just too much or too little time on your lease to make any changes, consider this… Your lease, or the building you own, is not a fixed liability. Much like your business, there are...

Welcome to the topic “Why You Need a Real Estate Attorney for Lease Negotiations“ The importance of hiring the right attorney cannot be overstated when engaging in lease negotiations. Just as you wouldn’t trust a cardiologist to perform brain surgery, you shouldn’t rely on a general counsel to navigate the intricate world of real estate...

Welcome to the topic “Best Practices for Negotiations in Commercial Real Estate“ Navigating the complex world of commercial real estate requires exceptional negotiation skills. Whether you’re a buyer, a seller, or a broker, understanding the nuances of negotiation can make all the difference in closing deals and obtaining favorable terms.  In this comprehensive guide, we’ll...