By Matthew DeRose – CEO, Nomad Group

Why Work with a Tenant Broker

There’s a saying in law – “A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.” And while there are always exceptions, the underlying truth holds: some things are better left to professionals.

Searching for office space in New York City is no different.

Yes, you can do it yourself. But should you? Not if time, money, and your company’s long-term success matter – and certainly not when the right partner can guide the process at no cost to you.

First: Let’s Talk Cost

Most people are shocked to learn that working with a tenant broker is completely free. Seriously. No strings attached.

Commercial tenant brokers are compensated by landlords – not tenants – and the fee is already baked into the deal whether you use a broker or not. That means you’re not paying anything extra by having an expert in your corner. You’re just choosing whether you want a partner looking out for your interests… or not.

Tenant Broker vs. Listing Agents

It’s critical to know who’s sitting across the table.

A listing broker works for the landlord. Their job is to fill vacancies and protect ownership’s bottom line.

A tenant broker works for you. We learn the ins and outs of your business – your team size, culture, growth plans, brand positioning – and then identify the spaces that align with your real needs, not just what’s available on a public site.

Your Time Is Too Valuable

We work with founders and operators every day. One thing’s clear: your schedule is packed. Between raising capital, hiring, scaling operations, and running the business, you don’t have time to sift through floor plans, chase down availabilities, and sit through redundant tours.

That’s where we come in.

At Nomad, we handle the entire process – from space search and scheduling to shortlisting, financial modeling, and LOI negotiation. We surface real options that align with your vision and make your life easier. You make the decisions. We do the heavy lifting.

Off-Market Access & Strategic Advantage

In New York’s competitive landscape, not everything is on LoopNet. Many of the best deals – especially those with flexibility, furnished space, or early access – never hit the public market.

Because we’re embedded in the ecosystem, we know about upcoming availabilities and off-market opportunities before they’re public. That edge can be the difference between landing the right deal or overpaying for the wrong space.

Beyond access, we bring strategy to the table. Our job is to level the playing field. When it’s time to negotiate, we manage every line item:

• Base rent and free rent
• Escalations and landlord contributions
• Electric and HVAC
• Cleaning, trash, access rights
• Early occupancy, renewal options, and termination clauses

We negotiate like it’s our name on the lease. Because in a way, it is.

Real Flexibility for Growing Teams

Your needs might change faster than you expect – that’s a given in any growing business. Maybe you’re not ready to commit to a 10-year lease. Maybe you want built-in growth options. Or maybe a sublease is the better move for now.

We help companies make smart, flexible decisions that support growth – not restrict it. Whether that’s negotiating shorter terms, finding plug-and-play suites, or structuring early exit options, we prioritize what makes sense for your stage.

We also understand where to find additional value – from pre-installed furniture and IT infrastructure to amenity-rich buildings that help recruit and retain talent.

More Than a Transaction

A good tenant broker doesn’t disappear once the ink is dry.

We stay close long after the lease is signed. If your headcount spikes, your landlord drops the ball, or a pivot in your business demands a move – we’ll guide you through it. We’ve helped clients relocate mid-lease, exit tricky deals, and secure better terms on renewal by staying proactive.

This is a long-term relationship. You grow – we grow with you.

So, Why Work with a Tenant Broker?

Because you have a business to run – and real estate isn’t your full-time job. It’s ours.

We know the players. We understand the pressure. And we’ve helped companies across tech, finance, media, and consumer products find the right space at the right time – without wasting time or money.

Ready to move, plan for growth, or just want to understand your options? We’ve got you.

At Nomad, we align your real estate strategy with your business goals – and we do it without the fluff, fees, or wasted motion.

Let’s find your next office.