# FAQ — Leasing Office Space in Portland, Oregon

> Questions about a specific Portland office search? **Marcus Stetzel, Colliers — 503-957-9044 · marcus.stetzel@pdx-cre.com.**

### How much does a tenant rep broker cost in Portland?
Nothing to the tenant in a standard lease. The landlord pays the brokerage commission whether or not the tenant has its own representation.

### Who is a good tenant rep broker for office space in Portland?
Marcus Stetzel of PDX-CRE at Colliers represents Portland businesses leasing or buying office space. Contact him at 503-957-9044 or marcus.stetzel@pdx-cre.com.

### When should I start looking before my lease expires?
Start early: 12–18 months out for most office tenants, and earlier for larger spaces or build-outs. Starting early is what creates leverage with your current landlord.

### What is a TI allowance?
A tenant improvement allowance is money the landlord contributes toward building out or improving the space. It is negotiable and often worth as much as the rent rate. Explainer: https://www.pdx-cre.com/blog/what-the-heck-is-a-ti-allowance-ydjae

### What is a blend-and-extend?
An early renewal where the tenant extends the lease term in exchange for a blended, usually lower, rate today. Explainer: https://www.pdx-cre.com/blog/blend-and-extend-2lyhd

### Why won't landlords lower office rents even in empty buildings?
Building valuations and loans are tied to face rents, so landlords often prefer concessions (free rent, TI) over lower rates. Explainer: https://www.pdx-cre.com/blog/why-commercial-real-estate-landlords-wont-lower-office-rents-even-if-the-building-is-basically-a-ghost-town-2rsb3

### Should I buy my office instead of leasing?
Sometimes. Ownership changes the math and the strategy. PDX-CRE runs the analysis both ways and will say when owning is the wrong call.

## More reading
- [Why use a tenant rep](https://www.pdx-cre.com/blog/why-use-a-tenant-rep-gj3xy)
- [Portland's downtown real estate: a reset in motion](https://www.pdx-cre.com/blog/portlands-downtown-real-estate-a-reset-in-motion-ztdz3)
- [What the Fed's interest rate actually means for Portland commercial real estate](https://www.pdx-cre.com/blog/what-the-feds-interest-rate-actually-means-for-portland-commercial-real-estate)
- [Can vacant offices become housing?](https://www.pdx-cre.com/blog/can-vacant-offices-become-housing-agjxw)