Author: Roland

5 Tips for Renting Your First Office Space in McAllen

Posted on October 9, 2021 by Roland - Office space

Congratulations! You are ready to rent your first office space, and you have chosen McAllen as your preferred location. This is an exciting step in your company’s journey, but the process of finding the perfect place may seem intimidating. Where do you begin? And how do you find an office that will work as your business continues to grow? Here are our 5 top tips for renting your first office space in McAllen.

Tip 1: Consider your budget

Renting office space in McAllen can be just what your business or your career needs to grow. However, as an entrepreneur, remote worker, or freelancer, you also need to manage your budget carefully to make sure that rental expenses do not end up putting you into debt and harming your financial health.

Before you begin to look for office space, evaluate your monthly budget. Decide what you can reasonably spend, and do not forget to leave extra room in your budget for unexpected business expenses.

Tip 2: Choose a convenient and desirable location

Location may not be everything, but it counts for quite a bit when you are establishing a professional space for your business. To that end, look for an office space that is

Convenient, and
Desirably located.

More specifically, you should look to rent office space that is located near where your clients and your employees (current or future) live and work. For example, choosing an office space out in the suburbs or the country may not work if most of your clients live in the city or if you are trying to tap into the talent that resides in the nearest urban area.

Similarly, you want to rent office space in a professional and desirable location. Providing clients with such an address gives them a sense of confidence in your business and boosts your company’s reputation.

Here at Via Executive Suites, we offer multiple McAllen locations in some of the best areas of the city. Choose the location that works best for your business for a convenient, desirable, and professional address that supports your business growth.

Tip 3: Take amenities into consideration

As a small business or freelancer, your budget is likely tight. When you move into office space, however, you will need certain services, such as front desk staff, break rooms, conference rooms, parking, and more.

Get the amenities you need without paying extra by finding office space in McAllen that offers those features as part of the lease. Here at Via, every one of our locations provides a range of amenities designed to make work better in the Valley.

Enjoy any or all of the following, depending on your needs:

Bilingual front desk staff
Parking
Maintenance
Conference rooms
Mediation rooms
Break rooms
Utilities
Private phone lines
Cleaning of general areas
Complimentary Starbucks coffee
And more

With all the amenities you need included in your lease, you only have to worry about growing your business into the strong and healthy local presence you are dreaming of.

Tip 4: Choose secure office space to rent in McAllen

Security is important, no matter what type of business you run. Keeping your belongings, your staff’s belongings, and your clients’ sensitive information safe means renting office space that includes security. Look in particular for the following features:

Security guards
Cameras
Manned entry

Here at Via, we provide security as part of your lease. Enjoy 24/7 security, along with camera surveillance, to ensure that your business, employees, and belongings remain safe. The right security can impart a peace of mind that makes running your business easier.

Tip 5: Make sure you understand the lease

Your lease will guide how your business uses your office space for the next several years. Before signing any lease, make sure you thoroughly understand its terms. Here are some questions to ask:

What is the length of the lease?
What amenities are included in the lease?
Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
Are utilities included ?
Are there extra fees you may be responsible for?
Is there room for your business to grow?
What changes are you allowed to make?

Here at Via Executive Suites, we make sure that our leases are clear, comprehensive, and fair. That makes renting office space in McAllen easier and more fulfilling than you may have ever expected.

Making work better in the Valley is our goal here at Via. We do that through four convenient locations, an array of amenities, and beautiful spaces that are perfect for many kinds of business. We would love to help your business grow right here in the Valley!

Should You Buy or Rent Commercial Office Space?

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Roland - Office space

As a small business or freelancer, you need affordable and professional workspace solutions where your business can thrive. Your search for that space starts with a big decision: Should you buy or rent commercial office space?

Making that decision means taking into account your unique situation, including your company’s size, your budget, and your business needs. However, there are also some big differences between buying and renting that you should consider. Here are a few of them.

Upfront Costs

Buying vs. renting commercial office space requires different upfront costs. When you buy space for your business, you will pay more to obtain the property, including any or all of the following:

Down payment
Appraisal fees
Closing costs
Property improvement expenses

Choosing to rent property for your business will also require some upfront expenditures, such as a security deposit and broker fees, but these expenses will be much less than those involved with buying your property.

These lower upfront costs can free up capital for you to use in improving and running your business and make moving into your own office space much more affordable.

Long-Term Costs

Once you purchase commercial office space, you become responsible for any ongoing expenses related to its upkeep and maintenance. That broken toilet? That leaking roof? That parking lot that needs paving? It all comes out of your pocket.

That means you become responsible for everything from utilities to

Grounds
Cleaning
Repairs
Taxes
Routine maintenance
And more

Before choosing to buy workspace for your business, you will need to ensure that your budget can handle all of these ongoing expenses.

When you rent instead of purchase your office space, many of these long-term costs become the responsibility of your landlord. That can make renting a more affordable option, particularly if your business runs on a tight budget.

Equity and Taxes

Purchasing your office space does have some financial benefits that you need to consider. Chief among them is the ability to build equity as you pay down your mortgage. You can use this equity in the future to pay for other needs, including property improvements or business growth.

Additionally, you may be able to receive tax benefits from owning your own office space. For example, you may be able to use property depreciation and mortgage interest to lower your tax burden every year.

You will need to consider whether these financial benefits provide enough of an incentive to offset lower monthly costs and upfront expenses associated with renting your office space. For businesses that lack the sizable down payment or ongoing cash necessary to purchase and maintain their own commercial office space, renting may still be the more affordable, and preferable, choice.

Property Location

Strong real estate markets in desirable locations can drive up the costs of professional office space and make purchasing workspace in a prime location too expensive.

In that case, renting office space can help businesses to establish themselves in a professional location for an affordable price.

Thanks to the lower upfront costs of renting your office space, you may be able to lease space in your preferred location for less than it would cost to buy.

If building your company’s reputation is important, if you require a professional address for your business, or if you need to be in a certain spot for easier access to customers, you may want to consider leasing rather than buying.

Property Amenities

When you need on-site security, a front desk, or even office furniture, where do you turn? If you choose to buy your commercial office space, you will be responsible for providing all of these amenities for yourself.

When you choose to rent office space, however, you may be able to enjoy amenities and maintenance as part of your lease package.

For example, here at Via Executive Suites, you enjoy access to a full range of amenities, from complimentary Starbucks coffee to 24/7 security and friendly bilingual front office staff while you focus on growing your business in a flexible office space that meets your needs.

Flexibility

How quickly do you see your business growing? What do you think your office needs will be in the next 5-10 years? If you purchase office space, will that space fit your needs as your business changes and grows?

For businesses that anticipate changes over the next few years, renting office space can be a smart choice because it gives you greater flexibility than purchasing your workspace.

Rather than undergoing the hassle of selling your property, or the expense of renovating it, as your business grows, you can simply change your office space at the end of your lease.

That means that you can focus on growing your business into the company you want it to be, rather than trying to fit it into a property that no longer works for you.

Here at VIA Executive Suites, we have flexible lease options and a variety of office spaces across 4 locations. That means you can grow in the confidence that you will always have access to the space you need.

Here are Via Executive Suites, we make better work achievable with 4 business centers throughout the Valley. Our flexible office spaces include a huge array of amenities and every convenience in state-of-the-art facilities.

If you choose to rent rather than purchase your office space, reach out to us. We would be happy to show you how we can make professional workspace possible for your satellite office, small business, freelance or remote work needs!

Top 5 Reasons to Rent a Meeting Room in the Rio Grande Valley

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Roland - Conference room

Meeting rooms are a necessary part of any business office. If you are a small business owner in the Rio Grande Valley, you will need a space to conduct various work-related activities – team meetings, presentations, pitching to clients or investors, collaborating, and so on. But what if you don’t have such a room on your office premises? In this case, you can rent a meeting room at the proper business location.

Renting a meeting room has many advantages like:

Creating a lasting impression
Managing costs
Providing your teams with a change of scene
Cutting down on the hassles of setting up and maintaining a meeting room
Getting the most out of your investment in terms of finding new business opportunities

Here are the various reasons to rent a meeting room in the RGV:

1. Present a professional image

Most meeting rooms on rent are an extension of your business. They are designed professionally and exude a corporate charm. They have comfortable seating and ample spaces to get around easily. You can also customize the seating. There are trained front desk staff members to greet your attendees and guide them to the room. The venue has parking and is easily accessible by major roads and public transit. These rooms set the tone for the day.

There are a few service providers who offer entire office suites on rent. Executive suites, virtual offices, conference room – the whole thing. Water and electricity, a fully functional kitchen, waiting area, and lots more are in the offing. This further saves you the stress of keeping the physical location of your office in top shape.

2. Enjoy Low overhead

The cost of conducting meetings has gone through the roof. When you rent a hotel meeting room, prepare to shell out almost double the amount you spend on renting custom meeting rooms. Plus, you don’t need to worry about hiring a separate resource for setting the room up. There is usually all-inclusive pricing for the space and amenities you need.

Hiring meeting or conference rooms that cater to your business needs is a lot more cost-effective. You can ask for customization and choose payment plans that suit you. Small businesses find it helpful when they can do a little cost-cutting without compromising on the output or spoiling the company image.

3. Find all meeting room essentials in one place

Today, meetings are not confined to a single physical location. Remotely working staff are also required to tune in. Technology dominates. When you rent a meeting room, expect to find it equipped for your needs- Wi-Fi, projectors, smart screens, printers, and lots more.

Don’t hesitate to ask your provider about other facilities like break rooms or bilingual staff at the reception. Show your guests you are mindful of their needs by arranging for food and beverage. Catering is an important facility you can hope to find in rented meeting venues.

4. Improve focus, collaboration, and innovation

Businesses often see a spike in profitable ideas simply by providing a new environment. When your staff labors in the same spot week after week, they begin to grow bored and uninspired. If you call a meeting in the same spot, they will likely not be able to participate actively. But the situation changes when you have a new setting.

The thing with a fresh meeting room is it sparks creativity and collaboration. Your guests will appreciate a change of scene. They will feel and be more productive, more attentive, and at a better place mentally to receive your message. Hence, a rented room away from your office and away from the pile of files on their desk is a welcome distraction.

5. Improve networking and maximize investment

Meeting rooms can double up as promotional spaces. It gives your business exposure and credibility. When you meet local, national or global clients in a meeting room at an upscale business district, you show them how serious you are about your brand. These can help you reach out and connect with new customers as well. It shouldn’t come as a surprise when you start getting calls from new customers who find out about your business from the venue or through your provider.

Summing up

Meeting room rentals are the next big thing in business. When you rent a meeting room in the RGV you are not only saving up more but also infusing fresh funds into the local economy. Check out what they offer for your budget. Before scheduling your next meeting, get in touch with a service provider and book a space in the Valley space without further delay.

The Do’s and Dont’s of Renting Conference Rooms

Posted on August 24, 2021 by Roland - Conference room

If you run a small business, sooner or later you are going to need conference rooms. As a start-up, you might not have a separate location in your office to hold business conferences with clients or partners. Alternatively, if you feel a professionally designed negotiation room would create a powerful impact, you can always rent one. The Rio Grande Valley is no stranger to swanky, well-equipped conference venues. But how do you find one that fits your needs – budget, space, location, and amenities?

Here’s a list of Dos and Don’ts of renting conference rooms:

Do’s

1. Select a site that’s easy to reach and easy to access

If you are meeting investors in McAllen, you may want to look for appropriate space in the business centers in the city. This lends an instant corporate charm to the event. Do select a location that’s well connected to major roads or highways and is easy to find via public transport. Lifts, wheelchair access, and parking are some of the necessary things.

2. Ensure strong Wi-Fi

In a world driven by technology do use strong Wi-Fi in the conference room. This is especially true if you need video conferencing, smart boards, projectors, and such equipment. It pays to remember that lots of people will carry more than one device that uses Wi-Fi. It’s always a great idea to check how strong the network is and provide backup.

3. Check for modern light, acoustics, and flexible seating

The room should be brightly lit, and accommodate all guests. If you are renting a conference room, it’s a good idea to visit and check out the features yourself. Does your voice carry over to people sitting far away from you? What is the level of soundproofing?

Ask your provider how much customization you can expect when it comes to seating. Are there a sufficient number of chairs and tables? Is there space for a long boardroom table or several smaller ones?

4. Make sure you have polite front desk staff

When your guests arrive, they expect to be greeted in a way that’s respectful and professional. The front desk is the first impression of your business. In a rented conference room too, the reception can make or break it. Bilingual staff is a definite plus.

5. Do provide opportunities for leisure

Often, conference venues are located near restaurants, shops, and other entertainment zones. Once the event is over, your guests are free to visit these joints and let their hair down.

6. Do check what the rent includes

Find out what you are paying for. How is the rent calculated? Is it an hourly flat rate or varies with the amenities you ask for? For instance, if you need access to the reception, will you be paying extra? Usually, service providers will offer a bundle of features and facilities when they rent out a space, so be sure to read the fine print.

Apart from the things that you positively must do, there are a few things you are better off avoiding. The Don’ts, as they are called, are crucial and can’t be ignored. So, here is a list of things you shouldn’t do while hiring a conference room:

Don’ts

1. Don’t delay booking

Conference rooms are regularly oversubscribed in the McAllen metropolitan area. So, if you have the dates pick up your phone and call up the service provider. Find out their renting policies and cancellation charges. Also, enquire about their payment plans.

2. Don’t forget to ask for choices on the venue

A few expert providers may be able to give you not one but multiple options at multiple locations in the same city. Pick the location and finalize the rooms only if these meet your needs. Small things like design aesthetics and functionality go a long way in creating conference rooms that leave a lasting impression.

3. Don’t leave it to chance

You’re better off visiting in person. If it’s a genuine provider, they will gladly arrange for a show. In case you are unable to physically check everything, they may offer you a virtual tour. It is a chance for you to find out whether the conference room or the other business spaces they rent out are aligned with your trade.

Summing Up

In short, renting a conference room for the short and long term involves taking care of a few important factors. The Do’s and Don’ts listed above covers the most important areas. Reach out to Via Executive Suites and end your search for the perfect conference rooms in the Rio Grande Valley.

What to Consider When Looking for Office Space in the Rio Grande Valley

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Roland - Office space

If there’s anything that can make or break your business, it’s your workspace. Whether it’s an executive suite or a virtual office, it’s the seamless integration of amenities, aesthetics, and affordability that help new businesses grow and existing ones thrive. Startups need a slew of services, a proper location, the right type of workspace, and rent that suits their budget.

What amenities do startups need?

Entrepreneurs in the Rio Grande Valley who are starting new businesses often look for workspaces that enhance productivity. Some of the services they should look for are:

Office space
Break rooms
24 / 7 Surveillance cameras
Cleaning
Front desk service
Water and electricity
Parking
Furniture on rent
Wi-Fi

All these come together to give your employees a safe and comfortable working zone. Small businesses thrive when their staff is able to realize their unique working styles. Not everyone likes to sit on long benches or uniform cubicles. Also, customized workspaces that align with company values help maximize output and create more business opportunities.

What amenities do small businesses desire?

All-inclusive office suites have everything a small business might need, as well as what they desire. Conference rooms are bare essentials. Today, small businesses thrive on networking and the things that make networking more profitable and effective are:

negotiation rooms
state-of-the-art illumination
ready-to-move-in workspaces
customized and flexible seating
courteous front desk staff
shared spaces like coffee rooms, lounges
adjustable cubicles
visitors’ corner that’s warm and welcoming
terrace seating
kitchen
bilingual staff

Apart from basic amenities, a growing business entity needs a combination of these facilities to become a business that’s ready to take on the challenges of modern times.

What location is suitable for your workspace?

Location is one of the big things a thriving business needs. Where you set up shop is as important as what you sell in that place:

In the Rio Grande Valley, this translates as McAllen–Edinburg–Mission metropolitan area.
The Edinburg Area is a fitting choice for existing businesses as well as startups.

If you rent a workspace at one of the business hubs in the McAllen or Edinburg area, you lend a professional appeal and a high degree of credibility to your business. A physical business location is how you announce your presence to the world. It’s where your most important business decisions are made. The right workspace location reflects a business’s ideas of itself.

What types of workspaces are available at the Valley?

Different businesses need different types of workspaces through executive suites and virtual offices that have their own fan following.

Executive Suites

Executive suites are all-inclusive workspaces.
They are ready-to-use workspaces. They are usually equipped with facilities that a busy workplace needs. Whether you need an exclusive office or coworking space, McAllen has it all.
There are often multiple locations available for business conferencing.
Explore mobile suites for greater flexibility
Setting up the first office or moving to the next location is easy when there are multiple suites available with a provider.

Virtual offices

If a business operates online with its employees working remotely, a virtual office could be the solution.
They offer a combination of physical address, phone numbers, and a range of work-related services
The overheads are low while an actual physical address helps in branding and communication.
Especially true for startups who enjoy the perks of a mailing address without being overwhelmed with maintenance worries.
Easily set up in a matter of minutes.
Their functionality and affordability make for an unbeatable combination.

What does the Rent include?

Most often rents are all-inclusive. If businesses require additional facilities they might have to pay additional charges. It’s always better to find out what’s included and what’s not. Workspace rents come in all shapes and sizes.

To narrow down the hunt, businesses often consider places that are:

Accessible

Teams need to be able to commute to the place comfortably. Whether or not you have a big team yet, choosing a place with lots of commute options pays off in the long run. A safe neighborhood is a priority.

Facility-rich

Not just indoors, a workspace is better off at an upbeat location. Banks, shopping areas, and restaurants are some of the most common facilities businesses look for around their office.

Customizable

And this doesn’t stop at current needs. The best decisions are forward-looking and before moving in it is always a good idea to find out what degree of customization is available. And also what features can’t be tweaked. The space needs to accommodate all members and all teams, all items of furniture, equipment, and storage, and everything else that comes with an office.

Hence startups usually opt for all-inclusive rents that reduce operating costs and fit their budget.

How long do you need the workspace for?

Moving to a professional business suite is a big step. While there is excitement around mailing addresses and phone lines, startups usually have a backup plan in case something changes in the business. Consider how long you are going to occupy your first office and how much are you willing to pay for that long.

How to choose a workspace?

To get a better idea of the workspace, small businesses sometimes get in touch with local service providers and go on virtual excursions to the future office.
It is an opportunity to explore the look and features of a possible future workspace.
Check its suitability against your business needs. For instance, if you run a beauty & lifestyle business, or an art studio, you would want to make a strong visual statement through colors, shapes, and other design elements.
Get in touch with reputed workspace providers in the RGV who understand your needs and are interested in fulfilling them. Your enterprise grows and so does the local economy.

Summing up

McAllen–Edinburg–Mission metropolitan area is a bustling center of trade. If you are a small business, the time is right to move into all-inclusive, affordable, and fine-looking workspaces. Consider all your options and take a step forward towards building an exclusive business identity.