I am a personal friend of Jorge Morales and had the opportunity to read an early release of his book “Don’t Sign the Lease”. My wife and I are also an out of state landlords for a commercial property and always looking for ways to improve our leasing experience with our tenants. And even though this book is written from a lessee’s perspective versus a lessor’s perspective I still found this book incredibly insightful into the daunting process of signing a lease while keeping the subject matter entertaining and easy to read.

“Don’t Sign the Lease” is a great resource for those looking to avoid the many “traps” and “pitfalls” in signing a lease; as well as an informative read for a lessor to discover many of the reasons why a lessee may be apprehensive about signing your lease.

This volume taught me many things I didn't know; in fact, I didn't even know that I didn't know them! It's an entertaining, informative, and intriguing story about a subject not many think about until it's too late - how to handle the intimidating and confusing process of signing a lease. Using a charming, lighthearted fable, Mr Morales explains many things that can go wrong in the leasing process, how to avoid them, and most importantly, where to get assistance to avoid serious mistakes. Using a lease to help your business isn't something many people often consider, but this book explains the details of the procedure and how to leverage them to help you prosper: Very powerful stuff! After reading this I won't approach the process of signing a contract in the same way again: Now I know what to look for, how to avoid the traps out there, and where to go for help!

Although the book is targeted at business people who need to acquire commercial space, it clearly shows many ways any of us can apply this information in other areas of our lives such as apartment rental, car leasing, home equity loans; pretty much any time we sign a binding contract. A fun, easy read through a complex subject, this is a rare insight into a subject we all need to understand more clearly: How to protect yourself!

The upshot: 5 Stars, more if I could!

As a licensed Florida Real Estate agent dealing primarily with the residential market, I thought I had a pretty good grasp of the "other" side of the business. While I did know most of the terms and concepts, I had no idea of how everything worked together (so strongly in favor of the landlord). This book is not some "secret formula" that will help you get every commercial land owner to strike out all of the protective clauses within their leases, but it will allow the layperson to become fluent in the terminology and the key items that help them and penalize or handcuff you. It will help you (or you working along side your broker) to be on a more level playing field. Don't be so sure that your broker is ONLY looking out for your best interest. Who do think he or she will have more interactions with over the next 5-10 years, you or that commercial property owner? And remember who it is that pays the broker's commission (not you!). Find out the details of what you are getting into, and get educated before you make a painful decision. Make sure that you are familiar with all the implications of the many clauses and provisions in your next "marriage". Hire a broker, but USE him or her to BROKER a good deal for you.

The format of the book is easy to read and understand. I would recommend this to even the smallest mom and pop small business looking to rent some space. The author has done a great job of taking complicated subjects and explaining them in clear, precise terms. Now I think I am ready to Sign the Lease.