(Updated June 2012)

Successful site selection begins with the basics - traffic flow, market analysis, property size, and zoning restrictions, among other factors. But site selection considerations for a restaurant differ widely from those for warehouse properties. Learn the basics, and then venture into site selection for office, retail, restaurant, hotel, and warehouse properties, in this Updated Field Guide. (S. Hogan, Information and Web Content Specialist)

Site Selection Basics

Tips for Choosing a Business Location, (SBA.gov, 2011).

Choosing a Location for Your Business: There's more to consider than just cost, (About.com, 2011).

Location Decision Making: The Case of Retail Service Development in a Closed Population, (Academy of Marketing Studies Journal, 2011). Q

How to pick a site for your business, (Inc., Oct. 2009). Q

A step-by-step guide to choosing the right site, (Area Development Online, Nov. 2007).

Site Selection for Office & Retail Properties

Selecting an Office Location: A Guide to Help You Decide, (About.com, 2011).

Retail Site Selection Factors in a Post Recession Economy, (Trade & Industry Development, July 21, 2011).

What Retailers Seek in Site Selection, (National Association for Retail Marketing Services, May 26, 2011).

Demystifying the Corporate Real Estate Process: The Retailer's Perspective, (Real Estate Issues, Spring 2010). Q

Buy or Build?, (Credit Union Management, June 2010). Q

Forced to count every dollar, retailers re-evaluate site selection practices, (Retail Traffic, Sept. 15, 2009).

Site Selection for Restaurants & Hospitality Properties

10 Things to Know About Choosing a Restaurant Location, (About.com, 2011).

Choosing a Location for Your New Restaurant, (Food Service Warehouse, 2011).

Operators step up hunt for unconventional sites, (Nation’s Restaurant News, Nov. 24, 2008). Q

Location, location, location, (Nation’s Restaurant News, July 14, 2008). Q

Get the site right, (Restaurant Hospitality, Nov. 2007). Q

Site selection: The secret sauce, (National Real Estate Investor, May 1, 2007).

Site Selection for Warehouse Facilities

Investor Appetite For Warehouse Property Continues to Grow, (CoStar Group, Oct. 26, 2011). 

Stocking up on warehouse properties, (New York Times, Sept. 13, 2011).

Find your perfect chemical partner, (ICIS Chemical Business, Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2011). Q

Bio-diesel plant location decision, (Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 2008). Q

Warehouse shopping, (Industrial Engineer, Apr. 2008). Q

eBooks & Other Resources

eBooks.realtor.org

The following ebooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:

The dynamics of property location (Adobe eReader)

Books, Videos, Research Reports & More

The resources below are available for loan through Information Central.  Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10.  Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.

Resort development, (Washington, D.C.: Urban Land Institute, 2008). NAC 1800 Ur1rd1

Developing active adult retirement communities, (Washington, D.C.: Urban Land Institute, 2001). NAC 1800 Ur1sd

Developing retail entertainment destinations, (Washington, D.C.: Urban Land Institute, 2001). NAC 1800 Ur1dr

Developing sports, convention, and performing arts centers, (Washington, D.C.: Urban Land Institute, 2001). NAC 6880 Ur1d

Multifamily housing development handbook, (Washington, D.C.: Urban Land Institute, 2000). HD 1377 Ur1mh

Field Guides & More

These field guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:

Field Guide to Investing in Real Estate

Field Guide to Retail Property: Development, Leasing, Management

InfoCentral Blog

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The inclusion of links on this field guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this field guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.