Do you need a realtor to sign up for your business's next location? No.
Should you use a realtor? Probably.
But make sure you are using the right one.
Good commercial realtors write a lot of leases, manage several commercial properties and have seen many business come and go through the years.
Good agents offer tremendous insight to the business of commercial real estate that would otherwise be unavailable to you in effective professional form.
Additionally they are the "project coordinator" of your purchase or lease signing.
They do a lot of legwork and help you organize surveys and closings and such.
Drive up and down the busiest commercial districts in the town you are planning to set up shop.
Note which commercial realty signs are prominent in the area.
One should appear much more frequently.
If a few seem to dominate, you are lucky and get to interview a couple before you choose.
Do your homework and know what you need from a parcel.
Let your realtor offer up suggestions.
And, be open minded of their implications.
Know your limits as far as money and time for your lease.
READ, READ, READ all leases to be certain you understand the terms.
Hire a commercial attorney if you are uncertain of the lease terms implications.
If you plan to buy, do the same of your contract for sale.
Be certain of your survey and all possible municipal restrictions.
Most every township and county has their codes online.
If you feel uncomfortable doing that on your own, you should refer to a title or commercial attorney.
These areas are outside the boundaries of a realtor.