Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Plants, the Ultimate Building Amenity in Commercial Real Estate


ORLANDO, FL--David Liu, (top right photo) corporate president, Foliage Design Systems, Orlando, FL, says,  "We live in a time of a challenged real estate market, to say the least.

"While tightened budgets are the norm, don't lose sight of your main objective, which for the commercial building manager or the home seller, is to find a willing customer.

"Potential home buyers and tenants are influenced by the same value as they always have been. It is a known fact that an attractive, well-maintained landscape helps sell homes, so much in fact that some agents will not list a home with a weed infested, broken down landscape.

"The same is true of the office building or shopping center. A high level developer seeking acquisition of a mall once told me that poor housekeeping and dying, badly cared for plants are the death knoll of a shopping center.

"He went on to say that these things are glaring to the shopper who might think twice about a return visit.

"In contrast, savvy building owners understand that well-managed plants are one of the least expensive costs for the greatest impact. All property managers live by the rule of the square foot. The cost of management is broken down per square foot as is the cost to sell or lease space.

"Consider this: Two strategically placed planters, perhaps flanking the doors of the exterior entry, may take up about 18 square feet total. Plant these two planters with a color combination of tropical and blooming plants. Depending upon how many times your contractor replants with a fresh new seasonal look, those two planters, if part of the interior plant service program, may cost you an additional $50.00 per month.

Hibiscus Entryway

"In the case of 100,000 square foot building, the distributed cost of the planting is about half a penny. Look at the impact!

"The exterior planters, flanking the entry, greet every tenant and visitor like high-end doormen, well-known to the hotel industry as an important part of the guest experience. For passers-by, a blaze of blooming color, shimmering in the sun light, will surely draw their attention for a future visit.

"In today's real estate market, flourishing plants may just be the most economical thing you can do to enhance the perceived property value. Your local Foliage Design Systems office can provide you with a cost free consultation that will allow you maximize your indoor and containerized planting potential."

Contact: David Liu,  info@foliagedesign.comhttp://www.foliagedesign.com/

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