What is up with Landlords and the I don't have to do crap lease agreements? man, these guys just sit back and collect money? ok, there is a lot of things he does outside to keep the property clean and the lights lit, but geez, I should just buy a building , hmmm, yeah maybe next year.
Yes, yes and yes. I am in a 1920s era building with 4,000 square feet, it took me 3 years to find something I liked to move my school there. Been there a year, and while I like the space, I am looking for something now with a little more visibility and that is a little more modern, but like you...it is so frustrating dealing with potential landlords. Some have buildings that have been vacant for 2 years or more, and the reason is that they are ridiculously overpriced.
Anyway, anyone that has been in it for a while suggests buying some commercial property and avoid renting. The more I think on it, the more I am inclined to agree, of course buying brings up a whole new can of beans. You want a place you can stay in for quite a while and that will be very visible, and you can sell hopefully for a profit in a few years if the need arises. It all makes my head hurt. I detest the business side of the art, I wish it were possible to just avoid it and teach!!!!! But, alas if you want to teach more than just a handful of people business comes in, and for me it means dealing with Landlords or considering buying some commercial property eventually.
I share your frustration and we are 100s of miles apart :)
If I may interject here. Look at the growth of the town your in over the last 10 years and use that as a projection into the next 10 years when buying property. If you judge it right you can buy some low end property and in 10 years you'll be one if not the top school in the area.
Butch
BIG news!!, We have a lease agreement, took some finageling, but it looks like we are both happy, we will be signing the revised lease as soon as it's inked. Now I have to get moving on promo, reworking my website and such.
I will have the Grand Opening the week after Kodanja!!
AWESOME! Congrats, Mr. Redfield -- now I'll have a place to train when I head up to visit my in-laws (and if that's not a good time to get out of the house and go train, I don't know what is!). Good luck and best wishes for success. Tang soo!
I hope I can make you all proud, I intend to do my best to make this a school that will put out quality martial artists who know the art, the history, and have the skills.