Commercial Property Location: Factors to Evaluate Before You Buy

When purchasing commercial real estate, the building itself is only part of the decision. Location can influence accessibility, visibility, operating considerations, and how well the property fits your business plans.

Whether you're considering a property in Jonesboro, Paragould, Craighead County, Greene County, or another Northeast Arkansas community, carefully evaluating the location is an important part of the buying process.

Consider Accessibility

Think about how customers, employees, vendors, and deliveries will reach the property.

Consider:

• Major roads nearby
• Road access
• Entrance and exit points
• Traffic patterns
• Parking
• Delivery access
• Accessibility requirements

The importance of each factor will depend on the type of business and property.

Evaluate Visibility

For some businesses, visibility from a major road may be important.

Consider whether the property provides:

• Road frontage
• Signage opportunities
• Clear visibility
• Convenient entrances
• Appropriate parking

Not every business needs a highly visible location, so evaluate these factors based on your specific operations.

Research Zoning and Permitted Uses

Before purchasing commercial property, verify that the property's zoning and permitted uses align with your intended business activities.

Don't assume that a property currently being used for a particular business can automatically be used for every other purpose.

Depending on the property, you may need to research:

• Zoning classification
• Permitted uses
• Parking requirements
• Sign regulations
• Building requirements
• Future improvements

Contact the appropriate local authority for current zoning and regulatory information.

Consider Parking

Parking requirements can vary considerably between businesses.

Evaluate:

• Number of spaces
• Parking layout
• Customer access
• Employee parking
• Delivery areas
• Accessibility
• Potential future needs

Make sure the existing parking arrangement works for your intended use and complies with applicable requirements.

Look at Surrounding Properties

Don't evaluate a commercial property in isolation.

Consider what surrounds it and how neighboring properties may affect access, visibility, noise, traffic, and overall operations.

Also consider whether nearby properties complement or conflict with the type of business you plan to operate.

Evaluate Utilities and Infrastructure

Commercial properties may have different infrastructure requirements than residential properties.

Depending on your business, investigate:

• Electrical capacity
• Water
• Sewer
• Internet availability
• Natural gas
• Drainage
• Waste services

Your contractor, utility provider, engineer, or other qualified professional can help determine whether the property's infrastructure meets your business requirements.

Think About Future Business Needs

A location that works today may not necessarily work if your business expands.

Consider whether you may eventually need:

• Additional parking
• More office space
• Storage
• Additional employees
• Larger delivery areas
• Expansion space

If future improvements are important to your plans, investigate whether zoning, site conditions, and property restrictions would permit them.

Research the Surrounding Area

Location research should go beyond what you see during a property tour.

Review available information about:

• Traffic
• Nearby businesses
• Development
• Road improvements
• Property access
• Local regulations

Conditions can change, and future development should never be assumed or guaranteed. Verify information through appropriate local sources.

Consider the Property's Overall Fit

A commercial property doesn't have to check every possible box. The goal is to determine whether its location and physical characteristics fit the needs of your particular business.

Create a list of your most important requirements before touring properties. This can make comparisons easier.

Commercial Real Estate in Northeast Arkansas

Northeast Arkansas offers commercial properties in communities including Jonesboro, Paragould, Craighead County, Greene County, and surrounding areas.

Each property and location presents different considerations. Taking time to evaluate access, zoning, parking, infrastructure, surrounding properties, and future needs can help you better understand whether a commercial property fits your plans.

Image Realty serves commercial clients throughout Northeast Arkansas and can assist with the real estate side of the property search and transaction process.