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Hi,

I looked over the forums and discussions and did not find this topic addressed, so am starting a discussion. I need the insight, experience, opinions and wisdom of fellow MTs.

 

I am currently in a one room office that is roughly 150 sq. ft., on the 2nd floor of a 2 story building, housing other businesses (contractor/builder, cleaning company, lawyer, psychotherapist, copy/print center, an aesthetician, Curves for Women, and an Optometrist's office). I have looked at a place 4 miles from my current office, in the next town closer to the largest city in the state (Portland, Maine). The office available is nearly 1/3 the cost of my current space and double the size, with two rooms. This office has virtually no natural daylight as it is in a basement/lower level with two small windows, and the building next door is very close. My current space has ample daylight (2 windows on east side). In both spaces, the landlord is on site (current: builder/contractor, available: engineer with wife that is a MT that works from home in town I'm currently in). The space I am considering is in a town with demographics from the 2000 census that show virtually the same population, but the average income was about 10k less. Before this space became available I was considering raising my rates to cover the increasing overhead costs. Currently the common space that I share with an aesthetician (who sometimes uses the common space for spa parties that are loud and often works with her door open and her voice travels - especially when she is on the cell phone with her children or spouse), the cleaning company (not into cleaning here because they clean all day other spaces), and a lawyer. The wall between my office and the common area is thin and most sounds come through. The wall between my office and the aesthetician's is really thin, with two windows (covered with frames covered with fabric). In the available space, it is the only office space in the lower level, though sometimes the landlord uses the bathroom when he bikes or kayaks to work. In the current space, the bathroom and common space are cleaned via the landlord, and bathroom supplies are provided as well. In the available space, that would be my responsibility. The available space is on Main St in a medium size town, with a major bank, coffee shop, newspaper publisher, wellness center, and Podiatrist surrounding. I would be able to have signage on the front and rear entrances. It can get congested during high traffic times - especially in the late afternoon/early evening. My current area is the same, but not on Main St, and surrounding businesses include: a major supermarket, a small family oriented fitness facility, a post office, and a hair salon. Most of my clients are from the town I am currently in. A few of my regular long term clients are in the new town, and it is also easily accessible to the highway.

Would you move? What is your opinion on what I should consider. Also the name of my business includes the name of the current town I am in.

Thanks for any ideas, suggestions, comments, advice, opinions, etc. ~

Linda

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