By Mel Schultz Commercial Properties, Budget Analysis budget, forecasting

Mastering Budget Projections for Commercial Properties

Mastering budget projections for your commercial portfolio helps you manage your properties more smoothly and enjoy long-term profitability. Savvy commercial property owners and their managers leverage technology, stay on top of market trends, and proactively manage expenses by reviewing data and sticking to a strategic plan. Here are eight ways you can improve your budget projection skills and improve profitability this year.

1. Understand Budget Basics

Mastering Budget Projections: Key Strategies for Success

A commercial property budget contains several important components. Tracking these components will help you understand where your money comes from and where you are spending it. A commercial property budget should include the following items:

Operating expenses, such as maintenance, utilities, landscaping, security, and insurance.
Capital expenditures, including large-scale improvements such as roof replacements, structural repairs, and HVAC upgrades.
Revenue streams, such as rent, parking fees, advertising, and other services you offer.
Reserves for contingencies, including funds for emergency repairs and legal fees.

2. Leverage Historical Data

If you have data from prior years, leverage it to find trends and patterns in your revenue and spending. This can help you establish more realistic baselines for future budget projections. Consider reviewing seasonal variations in utility costs or maintenance, historical occupancy rates for your buildings and how they impact revenue, and trends in vendor pricing.

3. Monitor Market Trends

Local real estate and economic data can give you a picture of where your market is headed. When Clarity Commercial works with clients on budget projections, we take a close look at market trends. We consider economic factors such as interest rates, inflation, and property tax changes as well as the local competition’s rental rates and amenities. Last, we take a look at what tenants are demanding from their spaces. All of these factors contribute to local market trends and should be considered when making budget projections.

4. Implement Financial Technology

Property management software and other financial tools can automate calculations, generate reports, and offer you real-time insights into your portfolio. We use technology that empowers us to automate expense tracking, forecast different models, and integrate our accounting software so our financial records are accurate.

5. Anticipate Occupancy Fluctuations

Any good budget projection anticipates fluctuation in occupancy rates, as occupancy rates directly affect your revenue. We recommend most budget projections include a healthy vacancy buffer to cover potential downtime. Your list of expenses should also include marketing and tenant retention efforts.

6. Include Maintenance Expenses

Sometimes, we see property owners plan for major capital improvements in their budgets, but neglect to include costs for regular maintenance. However, including regular maintenance costs in your budget projections can save you money in the long run, as maintenance can avoid costly big repairs down the road. Be sure routine inspections for your buildings’ systems are included in your budget, as well as snow removal and landscaping.

7. Adjust Your Budget Dynamically

Budget projections are predictions, not actual reality. That’s why it pays to review your projections regularly and make adjustments. We conduct quarterly budget reviews to stay on top of changing market conditions, react to a changing economy, and to uncover opportunities to renegotiate vendor contracts.

8. Communicate Your Budget Goals

Whether they are your property manager, your spouse, your business partner, or investors, you need to communicate your budget goals and budget projection with the key stakeholders in your portfolio. This will ensure that everyone is working together toward your goal for your properties. Budget projections take time and experience to master. The Clarity Commercial team has expertise and years of experience helping our clients make plans for their properties and increase their profitability. Contact our team today to learn how we can help you master budget projections

Real Estate Portfolio - mastering budget projections

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations, and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

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Sustainability Practices in Commercial Property Management

April 24, 2024

By Mel Schultz Commercial Properties, Commercial Property Management energy efficiency, sustainability, tenant retention

10 Sustainability Practices in Commercial Property Management

When you can save money managing your property, it’s a win. When you can save money and keep your tenants happy, it’s a win-win. And when you can also help the environment, it’s a no-brainer.

If you implement one or more of these sustainability practices for your commercial property portfolio, you can save money and the planet while improving tenant satisfaction. When tenants are satisfied, they are more likely to renew their leases. Plus, sustainability practices can be a big draw for environmentally minded new tenants.

1. Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Many commercial property owners start with energy efficiency upgrades when they implement sustainability practices. An energy-efficient upgrade can be as simple as gradually replacing your lighting with LED bulbs or installing programmable thermostats in your tenant suites. Or, you might choose to upgrade to a high-efficiency HVAC system or install Energy Star appliances.

Investments in more energy efficient fixtures can dramatically reduce your energy use and save you money on your utility bills. Depending on the credits and rebates available, you may be able to save on your tax bill, too. Plus, your community or state and federal government may have money available to offset the cost of installation. Clarity Commercial can help you decide which energy efficiency upgrades are the best choice for your property.

2. Water Conservation Fixtures

Your property’s water bill can be a major expense every month, especially if you have water-hungry tenants. Water-saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets, faucets, and irrigation systems can help you conserve water wherever possible. If water conservation is something you’re particularly passionate about, consider investing in a water recycling system that reuses water from your faucets and other fixtures to irrigate your landscaping.

3. Waste Reduction and Recycling

One easy way to improve sustainability at your properties to enroll in and encourage your tenants to participate in your community’s recycling and composting programs. Install recycling and composting bins in your facility to make it easy for tenants to recycle and compost whenever possible.

4. Sustainable Landscaping

Looking to save money on your landscaping bill? Swap that water-thirsty, high-maintenance lawn for native, drought-tolerant plants. Not only is a more natural landscape more attractive than a lawn (or worse yet, concrete), it can pull double duty capturing stormwater runoff. You can also incorporate outdoor common areas into your landscape design so your tenants can enjoy the garden.

5. Indoor Air Quality Improvements

Indoor air quality is vitally important to the health and productivity of your tenants and their employees. Improve the air quality at your property by choosing low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and other finishes when updating common areas or helping with tenant buildouts. Inspect and maintain your ventilation systems to ensure adequate fresh air and comfortable humidity levels.

6. Green Cleaning Practices

Green cleaning products can also improve your building’s indoor air quality. Ask your Commercial Property Management team to swap to green products or hire a vendor who embraces green cleaning practices.

7. Smart Building Technology

Smart building technology can help you save on electrical and HVAC costs. Occupancy sensors can automatically turn off the lights and turn down the heating and cooling when rooms are vacant. Automated HVAC systems can be programed to optimize energy use based on occupancy and patterns in usage, too.

8. Bike Racks, EV Charging & Transportation Incentives

Installing bike racks and EV charging stations at your property and offering transportation incentives are easy additions to your Sustainability Practices in Commercial Property Management. Bike commuting is on the rise, and people need secure places to park their bikes once they arrive at your building. EV charging stations could help your tenants make the switch to electric vehicles and possibly electric fleets. Transportation incentives can encourage tenants to carpool and use public transportation.

9. Renewable Energy

It is easier than ever to switch your buildings to renewable energy. It may be as simple as asking your utility company to put you on their renewable energy or solar energy plan. Or, you may want to invest in your own renewable energy systems. Solar energy systems, geothermal, and other renewable energy solutions can reduce your reliance on the grid and possibly make you money sending energy back to the grid. They can also lower your building’s carbon emissions.

10. Tenant Education & Engagement

Optimize the sustainability practices you implement with a tenant education and engagement program. Explain to your tenants why you’re making sustainable upgrades. Host a walkthrough your building to show off the new HVAC system or rooftop solar project. Run a contest to see which tenant can recycle or compost most of their waste. Provide feedback on the success of water and energy conservation efforts. The more you can engage your tenants with your sustainability practices, the more successful they will become.

Improving the sustainability at your buildings can save you money while attracting and retaining tenants and protecting the environment. Clarity Commercial is your partner for sustainability improvements. For Get in touch Contact Us today to learn how we can help you choose and implement the right improvements for your portfolio.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

March 26, 2024

By Mel Schultz Commercial Properties, Commercial Property Management budget, leasing, maintenance, Property Management, tenants

Attract New Tenants with These 5 Alternative Uses for Vacant Commercial Space

If you’re struggling to fill vacant commercial building alternative uses this year, you’re not alone. Many commercial property owners are finding it challenging to attract traditional tenants for their offices, retail, industry, and other space.

To survive in a hard market, it is important to think outside the box. Here are a few alternative uses for vacant commercial space that could help you land your next loyal tenant.

Commercial Building Alternative Uses

1. Life Science Labs

Life science companies require a mix of office and laboratory space. If you’re willing to work with the tenant on the build-out, your vacant office space may be the perfect future home a biotechnology, food processing, or medical device firm. Your existing building may be a more attractive option to the right company than ground-up new construction.

2. Medtail

In a similar vein, your retail space may be the ideal home for a new medical office. The medtail model puts outpatient services in a retail setting. Not only is this convenient for consumers, it can open up an entire new tenant market for you. Medtail build-outs are relatively straightforward, and the new tenant may attract other medical businesses to your property.

3. Eatertainment

It’s eating. It’s entertainment. It’s eatertainment. The Twin Cities is home to several eatertainment venues (think CanCan Wonderland in St. Paul or Punch Bowl Social in the West End). If you have a big space to fill, a tenant that plans to combine a restaurant or bar with sports, music, or other social activities might be the perfect fit.

4. Glamping

If you have vacant land in a rural area that is awaiting development, consider marketing your property to potential glamping tenants. Glamping, or glamorous camping, is an increasingly popular way for non-outdoorsy people to enjoy the outdoors. Your acreage may be the ideal spot to attract vacationers.

5. Pickleball

Pickleball was 2023’s fastest-growing sport in the United States, so why not capitalize on the trend? Pickleball courts are popping up in empty big-box stores and other properties with tens of thousands of square feet. This is a great opportunity for commercial real estate owners looking to repurpose their vacant spaces.

For those who are unfamiliar, pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It can be played both indoors and outdoors on a smaller court than traditional tennis, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels. The game’s popularity has exploded in recent years due to its ease of play and social nature.

With the rise in demand for pickleball courts, Commercial Building Alternative Uses owners are taking advantage of this trend by converting unused spaces into dedicated pickleball facilities. These spaces can range from empty storefronts to large warehouse buildings – as long as there is enough space to fit the necessary dimensions of a pickleball court.

For businesses looking to attract more customers or provide additional amenities for their tenants, adding a pickleball court can be a smart investment. Not only does it offer a unique and fun activity for patrons and residents, but it also presents opportunities for hosting events and tournaments that can bring in revenue.

Pickleball courts can also be a valuable addition to hotels and resorts, providing guests with another form of entertainment during their stay. They can even be used as an attraction for corporate team-building activities or family gatherings.

If you’re struggling to attract tenants, Clarity Commercial is here to help. Our property managers can help you market your portfolio and find the ideal tenant, even if they are outside the box. Contact Us Clarity Commercial today for expert property management advice.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

December 18, 2019

By Mel Schultz Commercial Properties

Commercial Property Snow and Ice Care

The holiday season is here, and Mother Nature has already provided the perfect snowy backdrop for our holiday gatherings. And while we may appreciate the lovely look of fresh snow, its arrival can cause headaches at our commercial properties. Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing your commercial property for winter weather.

Commercial Property: Contract with a Dependable Snow Removal Company

If you are a customer of Clarity Commercial, then your snow removal is already covered. We partner with the best snow removal companies in the area to keep our customers’ parking lots and walkways clear and safe.

Whoever you decide to work with for your snow removal needs, here’s what to expect. Your snow removal crew may stop by before a storm hits to pretreat your driveway, parking lot, and walkways. Then, they will clear your parking lots and walkways as soon as the snow stops falling. A follow-up crew will stop by to treat your surfaces with deicer to prevent your employees and visitors from slipping and sliding as they come and go from your building.

Keep Icy Surfaces Clear and Safe

Winter storms can leave icy messes behind. So can fluctuating temperatures that cause snow to melt and then refreeze. Staying on top of ice ensures that you keep your parking lots and walkways safe throughout the winter.

Clarity Commercial’s trusted partners have the equipment and trained staff to pretreat and remove ice buildup from your parking lot and walkways all season long. You may see your crew out before a forecasted storm to pretreat your outdoor surfaces. They will likely stop by afterwards to treat any lingering icy areas, too. Expect to see them back after a January thaw to make sure melting snow hasn’t created unsafe conditions at your property.

At Clarity Commercial, we understand the importance of safety for your employees and customers during the winter season. That’s why we have partnered with trusted companies that have the necessary equipment and trained staff to pretreat and remove ice buildup from your parking lot and walkways all season long.

Our team takes a proactive approach to prevent any potential hazards caused by icy conditions. Before a forecasted storm, our crew will be out on your property to pretreat all outdoor surfaces, ensuring that your sidewalks and parking areas are safe for use. And even after the storm has passed, you can expect our team to return and treat any lingering icy spots.

But our service doesn’t stop there. We also make sure to come back after a January thaw to check for any areas that may have refrozen and provide additional treatment as needed. This ensures that your property remains safe and accessible throughout the entire winter season, without any interruptions or delays.

In addition to ice removal services, we also offer snow plowing and shoveling services to keep your property clear and functional. Our team is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including plows, blowers, and shovels to efficiently remove snow from your parking lot, sidewalks, and other outdoor spaces.

We understand the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment for both employees and customers during the winter months. That’s why our team is available 24/7 to handle any unexpected snowfall or icy conditions. You can rely on us to be there when you need us and ensure that your property is well-maintained at all times.

Our snow removal services are not just limited to commercial properties. We also offer residential snow and ice management, so you can trust us to take care of your home during the winter season as well. Our team is trained and experienced in safely removing snow from roofs, driveways, and walkways without causing any damage.

We know that every property is different, which is why we offer customizable plans to fit your specific needs. Whether you require daily, weekly, or on-call snow removal services, we will work with you to create a plan that fits your budget and keeps your property safe and accessible.

Snow and ice are part of a Minnesota winter, but they don’t have to put your visitors and employees at risk of slipping and falling. Clarity Commercial can help you keep your property safe this winter. Contact us today to get started on your snow removal and maintenance plan.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

Snow Removal Service - For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699. Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

Commercial properties

August 2, 2019

By Mel Schultz Commercial Properties

3 Ways to Keep Your Commercial Tenants Happy (and Paying Their Rent On-Time)

Property owners, commercial tenets especially those who manage their properties themselves, often struggle with tenant turnover. Managing and maintaining one or more commercial properties is a full-time job that leaves little time for doing the things that keep current tenants happy and attract new ones. Here are three ways you can keep your current tenants happy so they’re more likely to renew their lease with you.

Build a Professional Relationship with Your commercial tenants

If your tenants only see you when their rent is due, it’s difficult to build a positive relationship with them. Take the time to learn about their business and their needs for their space within your building. Take their calls and give them a heads-up when you need to access their location for maintenance and repairs.

Simply listening to what they love about your property and what could work better for them goes a long way toward building a good relationship with your tenants. Better yet, make some of the improvements they suggest. Investing a little in them makes it more likely that they’ll be loyal tenants for years to come.

Maintain and Improve Your Property

Maintenance and improvements should be part of your annual budget for every one of your properties. All buildings require ongoing care to operate efficiently and reliably. Show tenants that you’re dedicated to keeping your property safe, functional, and attractive for them and their visitors.

If it’s been a few years since you’ve updated the common spaces in your office building or if the landscaping around your property is looking a little rundown or overgrown, invest in some upgrades. Not only will this help your tenants attract new business, but you’ll likely attract a few new tenants yourself.

Hire a Professional Property Management Company

If you’re a busy property owner managing multiple locations and dozens of tenants, partnering with a professional property management company is a necessity. A property management company such as Clarity Commercial can help you build and manage your tenant relationships, from finding new tenants and responding to their maintenance requests to lease renewals.

When it comes down to it, a happy tenant is a lease-paying tenant. Clarity Commercial can help you find great tenants, build professional relationships, and maintain your property to keep your tenants happy for years to come. Contact us today to discover if partnering with us would be a good fit for your property.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

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March 20, 2019

By Mel Schultz Commercial Properties Property Management

5 Tips for Spring Cleanup and Maintenance for Commercial Properties

The snow is melting rapidly and potholes are cropping up across the metro area—it’s early spring in Minneapolis, Minnesota and its time for Maintenance for Commercial Properties. It may not quite be time to put up the ice melt and gas up the lawn mower, but it is time to put together your spring cleaning checklist. Commercial properties require seasonal maintenance just like homes do. Here are five of the items Clarity Commercial will be taking care of for our clients in the next 60 days.

Here are the 5 Maintenance for Commercial Properties

Patching Up Parking Lot Potholes

The snow is on the way out and leaving massive potholes in its wake. It seems like new craters appear every hour. For commercial property managers, March is the season of cold-patch asphalt and power sweepers. While your parking lot snow mountain may persist through May, March is when you need to fill potholes and sweep your parking lot to remove salt and sand. We partner with reputable asphalt and paving companies to keep our clients’ parking lots clear and safe.

Inspecting Roofs for Damage

Several roof collapses made the news this February after nearly 40 inches fell across the state. All that snow strains the integrity of commercial roofs. If you were lucky enough to avoid a cave-in, it still pays to have your roof inspected now that the snow’s melted. Clarity Commercial hires professional commercial roofing companies to perform roof inspections at the properties we manage. If we uncover damage, we work with our clients to have it repaired to keep tenants safe.

Cleaning Out the Gutters

Gutters on commercial buildings can become blocked with leaves and other debris over the winter. A commercial roofer can inspect your gutters while they’re looking at your roof. Or, you can hire a gutter specialist to give your gutters a thorough cleanout. We have resources for both.

Scheduling Window Cleaning for March

The busy season for window cleaners runs from April through September. We like to stay ahead of the curve and have the windows of our properties cleaned in March, after most of the snow has melted. That way, our buildings look their best while their neighbors are waiting for their spring refresh. Clean windows also let the warm spring sunlight brighten offices and atriums.

Maintaining HVAC Systems

While the heat will be on in most commercial buildings for another month or so, it’s a good time to schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment to clean your ducts and get your air conditioning ready for the warmer months.

Patio weather is right around the corner. Get your commercial property ready for sunny days with a little spring cleaning. Clarity Commercial is here to help. Contact us today for help with regular commercial property maintenance.

What is the maintenance of a commercial building?

The maintenance of a commercial building involves regular upkeep and repairs to ensure its optimal functioning and safety. This includes tasks such as cleaning, HVAC system maintenance, pest control, plumbing and electrical repairs, painting, landscaping, and overall building inspections. Regular maintenance helps to prevent problems, extend the building’s lifespan, and create a pleasant and secure environment for occupants.

What are the duties of building maintenance?

Building maintenance duties include:u003cbru003eu003cbru003eRegular inspection and maintenance of building systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection.u003cbru003ePerforming repairs and troubleshooting issues with building equipment and infrastructure.u003cbru003eEnsuring the cleanliness and proper functioning of common areas, including hallways, stairwells, and restrooms.u003cbru003eConducting routine maintenance tasks, such as painting, cleaning, and maintaining the exterior of the building.u003cbru003eMonitoring and maintaining safety standards, including ensuring proper lighting, signage, and emergency response systems.u003cbru003eManaging and overseeing contractors and service providers for specialized maintenance tasks.u003cbru003eResponding to tenant requests or concerns related to building maintenance.u003cbru003eKeeping accurate records of maintenance activities, including maintenance schedules, repairs, and expenses.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eNote: These duties may vary depending on the type of building and specific maintenance requirements.

What is building preventive maintenance?

Building preventive maintenance refers to the scheduled inspection, cleaning, repair, and servicing of various components and systems within a building to prevent potential failures, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of the building. It involves regular maintenance tasks such as HVAC system checks, electrical inspections, plumbing repairs, structural assessments, and other preventive measures to ensure the building’s smooth operation and to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

February 22, 2019

By Mel Schultz Commercial Properties, Vendors

Should You Upgrade to a Cloud-Based Security System?

Upgrade to Cloud-Based Access Control - For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Affiliations & Credentials: We are proud members of IREM, CCIM and MNCAR along with various professional organizations and hold relevant certifications in the real estate management field. Our affiliations and credentials demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ongoing efforts to stay up-to-date with industry best practices.

Everyone on the Clarity Commercial team hopes to become a trusted partner and resource for our clients. We’ve helped property owners with all sorts of questions, from how to grow a profitable commercial real estate portfolio to how to supervise on-site workers. One question we’re often asked is how to best secure commercial property with a Cloud-Based Security System.

There are as many ways to secure a property as there are properties themselves. A warehouse in Burnsville, Minnesota, has very different security and safety needs from an apartment building in downtown Minneapolis. This month, we wanted to focus on one of the newer technologies in commercial security: cloud-based security systems.

Cloud-Based Security System are a Hot Trend

Cloud-based security systems have become very popular options for commercial properties. Cloud-based systems can integrate several different layers of security, from alarm and access control systems to security cameras and CCTV. It’s easy and affordable to add sensors and other security equipment to a cloud-based system, which makes them a great option for a growing business or for landlords with average to high tenant turnover.

In a cloud-based system, property managers and owners manage who has access to their buildings through an online dashboard. They can assign and revoke access to all or parts of their property and review who’s entered and exited the building. Cloud-based storage of video makes it easy and affordable to keep and review footage from security cameras anytime, anywhere.

Cloud-Based Access Control for Tenants

For a property with multiple tenants, a cloud-based security system is a great option. Many newer systems are operated via a smartphone app, which means owners do not have to invest in hundreds of key cards that can get lost or stolen. Instead, tenants download the app, the property owner or manager authorizes them as users, and the app automatically unlocks doors for them via the phone’s Bluetooth capability. Since it’s cloud-based, access can be assigned or revoked instantly, and records of who is entering and leaving the building are immediately available.

If you’re considering adding or upgrading a security system on your commercial property, Clarity Commercial is here to help. Our property managers have years of experience advising property owners on how to find the security system that keeps their property secure without breaking the bank. Contact us today for help.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

Building Tenants and Guests Safe during Winter

October 18, 2018

By Mel Schultz Commercial Properties, Vendors

3 Ways to Keep Building Tenants and Guests Safe during Winter

Property owners in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, face a unique challenge for up to six months of the year: winter. Whether you own a strip mall in the suburbs or office space downtown, winter cold, ice, and snow make it difficult to keep your building safe and comfortable. Here are three challenges property owners face in winter and how to solve them.

Commercial Property Maintenance: Snowy and Icy Walkways, Driveways, and Parking Lots

Challenge

Snow can make it difficult or impossible for tenants and guests to reach your building. In late winter, mountains of plowed snow can shrink your parking lot and make it difficult to see pedestrians. Ice makes walkways and driveways treacherous, too. Some cities require you to clear and de-ice public walkways around your building within 12 to 24 hours, which is difficult if you own more than one property.

Solution

If you own just one building, you may feel comfortable clearing your walkways, driveway, and parking lot yourself. Maybe you own a plow or don’t mind getting to your building early so walkways are clear once your tenants and their guests arrive or staying through the day to ensure walkways remain clear.

If this sounds like a lot of work, or if you have more profitable things to do with your time than clear snow, consider hiring a snow removal company. A snow removal company will plow snow, shovel walkways, and de-ice all paved surfaces to ensure they’re safe and easy to navigate. If you already work with a property management company, such as Clarity Commercial, ask if you can add snow removal to your list of services.

Broken Boiler or Offline HVAC System

Challenge

It gets brutally cold in Minnesota. No one wants to work in or visit a building where the heat is broken. But if you own an older building, discovering a broken boiler or furnace is a real possibility. Without proper maintenance and regular repairs, you may have to shut down your building for a day or more due to frigid indoor temperatures.

Solution

Head any boiler or HVAC issues off at the pass with regular maintenance and repairs. Routine boiler and furnace checks can uncover issues before they occur. Not an HVAC professional? Then it’s time to call your property management company. Clarity Commercial can take the headache out of boiler and HVAC maintenance so you keep your tenants warm all winter long.

Power Outages

Challenge

Minnesota is home to some epic blizzards (remember when the Metrodome roof collapsed?). High winds and accumulating snow can bring down power lines. This means all your tenants’ electronic equipment—including office computers or a restaurant’s freezers—will be down until the power comes back on. Power outages are a headache at best and a disaster at worst, especially when refrigeration is involved.

Solution

A generator is one of the best investments you can make. The generator kicks in to support your building until the power comes back on. It’s not a long-term fix, but it is a lifesaver for you and your tenants. Clarity Commercial can recommend generators that are good solutions for your building.

Don’t let winter make property ownership a headache this year. Partner with a commercial property management company that can take the challenges of winter property management off your plate. Contact us today to get started.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

October 3, 2018

By Mel Schultz Commercial Properties

3 Maintenance Tasks a Commercial Property Manager Can Take Off Your To-Do List

It’s the fourth quarter of 2018—are your commercial properties hitting their revenue targets this year? If not, it’s time to make a change so you can meet your goals in next few months. Partnering with Clarity Commercial can free up your time so you can be out finding tenants and filling space rather than repairing leaky toilets or winterizing your lawn irrigation.

Here are three maintenance tasks a commercial property management company can take off your to-do list so you can finish 2018 strong.

Property Manager will handle Emergency or Scheduled Repairs

Emergency maintenance calls can completely derail your day. Don’t cancel your appointment with a potential tenant to fix a broken office cabinet or replace the busted fridge in the common-area kitchen. Call on your commercial property management company to help.

A property manager can handle all scheduled and emergency repairs for you, often without even involving you in process. Your property manager can keep a scheduled maintenance calendar to stay ahead of wear-and-tear repairs and notify you when repairs are completed. For emergencies, your tenants can call your property manager, who resolves the issue and lets you know when the repair’s been made.

Fall Clean-Up and Winter Maintenance

Many commercial properties have outdoor space that requires clean-up in the fall before winter arrives. Raking leaves, winterizing sprinklers, and putting out salt for sidewalks can take a day or two out of your busy schedule.

Instead, let a property management company take care of your fall clean-up and other winter outdoor maintenance tasks. Your property manager can tackle any outdoor project, from switching out summer garden beds with fall mums to snow removal for your parking lot. Use the time you save from outsourcing these tasks to meet with potential tenants or building your relationship with current ones.

Mechanicals Maintenance

Commercial properties have complex HVAC and plumbing systems. Maintaining these systems properly yourself is time-consuming and even dangerous if you do not have the appropriate expertise. Fortunately, your property management company has the experience and resources to keep your building warm and safe throughout the winter.

Are you thinking about hiring a commercial property management company to take some of your maintenance tasks off your plate? You’ll be surprised at the time you’ll save by outsourcing repairs and other to-dos. To learn more, contact Clarity Commercial today.

For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at https://myclaritycommercial.com/ or give us a call at (952) 370-224-2699.

By Mel Schultz Commercial Properties, Vendors

Vendor Testimonial

This is why we love what we do – when out of the blue a vendor of ours sends an email to tell me how well my employees are doing and that we are building our business the right way!! Thank you Mark!!

Mel,

While I have a moment and it’s fresh on my mind, I want to congratulate you and your team on the launching of Clarity Commercial. These are exciting times and I know you will continue to grow and succeed for many years to come.

I also want you to know when members of your team go above and beyond expectations when dealing with contractors, such as myself. I speak of Jenny Ramola. She is extremely professional and pleasant to deal with. Any and every time I’ve dealt with Jenny, she gets to the heart of the matter, communicates well and follows through.

She realizes that contractors and Property Managers for that matter, don’t often get emails or phone calls singing the praises of how well your company manages a property or how efficient/effective a contractor is while on a property site. Jenny, on many occasions, has passed on a kind word or compliment coming from a tenant and is one of only a handful of people (that I’ve ever dealt with) to ever bother doing this. She seems to genuinely appreciate the work we furnish and always thanks me/us for the various services you folks have asked us to provide to your clients.

So congratulations on the great team you have surrounded yourself with and thank you for giving Lakeville Building Services the many past, current and future opportunities!

Respectfully,

Mark Rundquist
President
Lakeville Building Services, LLC

Category: Commercial Properties

1. Understand Budget Basics

Mastering Budget Projections: Key Strategies for Success

2. Leverage Historical Data

3. Monitor Market Trends

4. Implement Financial Technology

5. Anticipate Occupancy Fluctuations

6. Include Maintenance Expenses

7. Adjust Your Budget Dynamically

8. Communicate Your Budget Goals

1. Energy Efficiency Upgrades

2. Water Conservation Fixtures

3. Waste Reduction and Recycling

4. Sustainable Landscaping

5. Indoor Air Quality Improvements

6. Green Cleaning Practices

7. Smart Building Technology

8. Bike Racks, EV Charging & Transportation Incentives

9. Renewable Energy

10. Tenant Education & Engagement

Commercial Building Alternative Uses

1. Life Science Labs

2. Medtail

3. Eatertainment

4. Glamping

5. Pickleball

Commercial Property: Contract with a Dependable Snow Removal Company

Keep Icy Surfaces Clear and Safe

Build a Professional Relationship with Your commercial tenants

Maintain and Improve Your Property

Hire a Professional Property Management Company

Here are the 5 Maintenance for Commercial Properties

Inspecting Roofs for Damage

Cleaning Out the Gutters

Scheduling Window Cleaning for March

Maintaining HVAC Systems

What is the maintenance of a commercial building?

What are the duties of building maintenance?

What is building preventive maintenance?

Cloud-Based Security System are a Hot Trend

Cloud-Based Access Control for Tenants

Commercial Property Maintenance: Snowy and Icy Walkways, Driveways, and Parking Lots

Broken Boiler or Offline HVAC System

Power Outages

Property Manager will handle Emergency or Scheduled Repairs

Fall Clean-Up and Winter Maintenance

Mechanicals Maintenance

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