Clearly Better Commercial
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

Snow Removal Service: What to Look for in a Minnesota Commercial Properties

While it may not feel like it at the moment, winter is coming to Minnesota, bringing with it snow, ice, and wind. Commercial snow removal service companies are ready to help keep your parking lot and walkways clear and safe.

If you are searching for a commercial snow removal service, Clarity Commercial has a few tips on how to choose the right contractor for your property. Here are a few things we consider when selecting a commercial snow removal service for the properties we manage:.

Find a Snow Removal Service That Fits Your Exact Needs

Not all snow removal services are alike. Some companies operate a fleet of trucks and employ dozens of workers who can make quick work of a large parking lot or extensive walkways. Other snow removal service providers are owner-operators with a truck with a plow, a snowblower, and a shovel.

Both can be good options, depending on your property’s needs. In your discussions with potential service providers, confirm they can perform every service your property requires. They should be equipped to plow your parking lot, driveway, and sidewalks as needed. Double-check that the company will promptly and repeatedly come out to salt your sidewalks and walkways, as you could be held liable for a visitor or employee’s slip and fall accident if you leave these areas untreated.

Common Snow Removal Service Contract Stipulations

Your snow removal service contract should stipulate all of your required services as well as the timeline for when you can expect your snow removal team to show up after a storm. It should also include any preventative measures the service provider will take to prevent icy surfaces before a storm hits. Your contract should also include what happens to the removed snow. For example, will the company push it to a certain area of your property or haul it away? Remember to confirm how you will get in touch with the company if an issue arises or you have an acute need for snow and ice removal.

Look for an Insured Service Provider

Many property owners assume the contractors they work with are insured, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. Since failing to remove snow and ice can leave you open to risk, you need to confirm that the commercial snow removal company you are considering is properly insured for a snow removal service contract. Any reputable company will be happy to share this information with you.

Winter is here, and snow and ice are on the way. For help finding commercial snow removal services for your property, contact the professionals at Clarity Commercial today.

snow removal service


Inbound Link:

invest wisely

5 Financial Reports You Need to Monitor for Your Commercial Real Estate Portfolio

Your portfolio of commercial properties requires hands-on management. This includes not only your physical buildings but also your portfolio’s finances. Here’s a look at five financial reports that you need to monitor to ensure your portfolio stays healthy and profitable.

Financial Reports to Review:

1. Income Statement, aka Profit & Loss Statement

Your portfolio’s income statement is a summary of each property’s cash flow. It lists all of your income and all of your expenses across your portfolio for a 10,000-foot view of the health of your portfolio. We recommend reviewing your income statement monthly or quarterly to ensure you are making the most of your properties.

2. Rent Roll

Your rent roll report provides a prediction of the amount of revenue you can expect from any given property. It includes an estimated rental value for the property, lease dates, and recurring costs as well as gross scheduled rents, renewal rates, and other rent-related figures.

3. Tenant Receivables

The tenant receivables report includes all revenue from each tenant, from rent and maintenance to utility payments and security deposits.

4. Accounts Payable

Your accounts payable report gives you a look at your obligations to vendors, lenders, and other suppliers. Your accounts payable report may include details about your loans, insurance, utilities, and maintenance costs.

5. Service Charge Budget Report

If you are planning property improvements this year, the service charge budget report will be a valuable tool for understanding how much capital you have to work with. The report includes any shared costs between tenants that will fund the refurbishment of communal areas at your property.

Clarity Commercial monitors these and other important financial reports for our clients so they can focus on growing their portfolios. For our expert property management advice and services, contact Clarity Commercial today.

CCIM

financial reports

Commercial Property Fall Cleanup Tips

5 Commercial Property Fall Cleanup Tips

Breathe in, breathe out . . . that’s the smell of fall! Autumn has arrived in the Twin Cities, and it’s time to schedule your fall cleanup. Here are five commercial property fall cleanup tips from the professionals at Clarity Commercial. Our crews will be taking care of these tasks for our clients over the next 60 to 90 days.

Tune Up the Furnace – Commercial Property Fall Cleanup

While your A/C worked overtime in the summer heat, your furnace will be clocking in for its shift soon. It’s best to schedule your HVAC maintenance appointment now before your HVAC vendor’s schedule books up. Early fall is an ideal time to inspect your furnace or boiler, clean your ducts, and prepare your system for the colder months.

Confirm Snow Removal Services

For commercial property managers like Clarity Commercial, September is the month when we confirm that our properties have their snow removal services in place. While they hopefully won’t need to visit our properties for at least another month or two, it is good to have them lined up early. We partner with reputable snow removal companies to keep our clients’ parking lots clear and safe all winter.

Make Summer Storm Damage Repairs

Did summer storms cause damage to your property’s roofing or exterior? Be sure to make repairs before the cold and snow arrive. Clarity Commercial hires professional commercial roofing and exterior contractors to inspect and repair the properties we manage. If we uncover damage, we work with our clients to have it repaired to ensure your property is protected from the elements.

Clean Out the Gutters

Gutters on commercial buildings can become blocked with leaves and other debris over the summer and into the fall. Before the snow and ice arrive, get your gutters cleaned out. 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. Work with Clarity Commercial for vetted recommendations for both.

Schedule the Year’s Final Window Cleaning

The busy season for window cleaners runs through September. It’s your last chance to get your property’s windows cleaned before it is too cold to do so safely and effectively. Clean windows let warm sunlight brighten offices and atriums all winter long, a welcome reprieve from the cold outside.

Old Man Winter is coming. Get your commercial property ready for snow and cold with a little fall cleaning. Clarity Commercial is here to help. Contact us today for help with regular commercial property maintenance.

Commercial Property Fall Cleanup Tips

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.

Upgrade to Cloud-Based Access Control

Securing your commercial property is an ongoing concern, especially if you have tenants and their customers and other visitors coming and going from your property. Whether you own a warehouse in the north metro or an apartment building downtown, a cloud-based access control system can help you stay on top of your visitors and keep your property secure.

Cloud-Based Security Has Gone Mainstream

Cloud-based security systems are popular access control solutions for commercial properties. Cloud-based systems can integrate several different layers of security, from alarm and access control systems to security cameras and CCTV. What’s more, you can add sensors and other security equipment to a cloud-based system. If you are growing your business or are a landlord with average to high tenant turnover, cloud-based access control may be the solution you’re looking for.

In a cloud-based system, you manage who has access to your property through an online dashboard. You can assign and revoke access to all or parts of your property and review who’s coming and going. Cloud-based video storage makes it easy and affordable to keep and review footage from security cameras anytime, anywhere.

Cloud-Based Access Control for Tenant Management

If you own a property with multiple tenants, a cloud-based security system is a great option for you. Many systems operate via a smartphone app, which means you do not have to invest in hundreds of key cards that can get lost or stolen. Instead, tenants download the app, and you simply authorize your tenants as users. The app automatically unlocks doors for them via Bluetooth. Since it’s cloud-based, you can assign or revoke access instantly and monitor who enters and leaves your building in real time.

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.

Inbound Link:

Commercial Real Estate - Property Maintenance - Property Maintenance

Plan Now for 2023 Property Maintenance

Planning for your portfolio’s routine property  maintenance and scheduled updates can help you manage your cash flow and keep your tenants happy. Now is a great time to plan for your 2023 property maintenance.

Schedule Your Walkthroughs Now for Property Maintenance Scheduling

Walkthroughs help you keep a pulse on each of your properties. You can perform your walkthroughs yourself or outsource them to your property management team. We suggest walking through each of your properties at least once a quarter. Now is a good time to get all of your 2023 walkthroughs on your calendar.

During a walkthrough, look for obvious signs of damage as well as routing maintenance tasks that need to be completed, such as replacing light bulbs, checking smoke detectors, and replacing HVAC filters. Be ready to interact with your tenants and respond to their urgent requests.

Arrange Regular Cleaning Services

Every portfolio benefits from regular reviews of maintenance vendors. Whether you already have a cleaning service you trust or you’re on the hunt for a new relationship, reviewing your current cleaning needs and adjusting your contract can help you manage expenses while continuing to keep your tenants happy.

If you have a commercial cleaning service, be sure to confirm that your properties are on their schedule for 2023. Be sure to ask them if their services or rates have changed since last year. Then, confirm when you can expect them to visit your properties, whether it’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance Visits

While you’re arranging your cleaning services, be sure to reach out to your HVAC vendor and schedule your 2023 maintenance visits. When it is -20 degrees outside, no one wants to get a surprise HVAC issue.

When you’re scheduling your routine HVAC maintenance, confirm that your service provider is available for emergency repairs and maintenance. Don’t forget to ask about any rate increases so you’re not surprised if and when an HVAC emergency occurs.

Confirm Snow Removal and Landscaping Services

As you’re making your calls to your cleaning and HVAC providers, add your landscaping and snow removal company to the list. Exterior maintenance is as important as interior maintenance. Your properties’ curb appeal helps you attract and retain tenants. Regular exterior maintenance helps you avoid more costly repairs down the road, too.

On your call, confirm your properties are on the vendor’s list for snow removal. Then, ask them when you can expect spring cleanup and regular warm-weather maintenance to start.

Plan for Investments in Updates and Upgrades

When you’re budgeting, it’s important to not only plan for routine maintenance costs but also for anticipated updates and upgrades to your properties’ mechanical systems, exterior features, and interior finishes. They may include a new HVAC system, updated windows, a new roof, or replacing the flooring throughout a building. All of these costs are normal and should be expected, which is why they should be a part of your budgeting and forecasting planning.

Commercial property maintenance can be a full-time job, especially if you own more than one property. That’s why many property owners outsource maintenance to a professional commercial property management company like Clarity Commercial. To work with one of our professional property managers, contact Clarity Commercial today.

Inbound Link:

Commercial Real Estate - Property Maintenance

Commercial Building’s Analysis

Your Commercial Building’s Sustainability Analysis

A sustainability analysis for your commercial building or property portfolio can help you identify areas of improvement in energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and energy costs. Clarity Commercial can perform this analysis for you and create a plan for making any recommended improvements. Here’s a look at what a sustainability analysis assesses and how you can use one to improve your properties.

Benefits of a Sustainability Analysis in Your Commercial Building

Nearly 40 percent of global carbon emissions are attributed to commercial buildings, and nearly half of all energy use in the United States is associated with buildings and construction. These figures include the energy and materials used to construct commercial buildings as well as their ongoing energy needs to maintain a comfortable and safe environment.

According to Deloitte, green buildings use up to 50 percent less energy than non-green buildings. They also use 40 percent less water and produce approximately 70 percent less solid waste. What’s more, green buildings dominate the market in some areas, making it more difficult for non-green buildings to compete, resulting in lower-than-average rent rates.

A sustainability analysis of your commercial building identifies your buildings’ environmental footprint and identifies areas where you can improve efficiency and performance to cut back on energy use and costs. These improvements not only help you save money and energy over time, they can help you attract and retain tenants who are environmentally conscious or require spaces with cleaner indoor air.

What We Look at in Our Sustainability Analysis

If you’re not building a new property from the ground up, it is possible to make sustainable improvements to your existing non-green building. A sustainability analysis from Clarity Commercial will review your property’s energy usage and sources, heating and cooling system, ventilation system, windows, landscaping, and other factors that contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of your property.

From there, we will make recommendations for improvements that you can incorporate into your budget projections for future projects. For example, you may know that your building is due for an HVAC update in the next five years. Our sustainability analysis may recommend that you consider energy-efficient upgrades for this project that will lower your energy costs over the next fifteen years. Or, we may recommend upgrading your building’s air ventilation system to improve indoor air quality and create a safer, more comfortable property.

Sustainability analysis is just one of the services we offer at Clarity Commercial. To learn more about our other property management services, contact the Clarity team 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.


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.


Expense Reconciliation - operating expense reconciliation

Understanding Tenant Operating Expense Reconciliation

Expense Reconciliation - operating expense reconciliation

Operating expense reconciliation is a common practice between tenants and landlords. Performing this type of reconciliation can help property owners better understand their tenant income and expenses so they can create more accurate annual budgets and better anticipate future costs.

Here’s a look at how Clarity Commercial helps our property owners with operating expense reconciliation.

Explaining Operating Expense Reconciliation

The first step in helping property owners with operating expense reconciliation is to explain just what it is and how it helps them. Operating expenses include utilities, property insurance, real estate taxes, maintenance, repairs, cleaning services, and other expenses. These expenses are passed on to tenants every year. The amount tenants pay is based on an estimate of what the property owner anticipates these expenses will be based on past data.

Sometimes, the property owner’s estimate is spot-on. Other times, expenses exceed the estimate. And happily, there are times when expenses come in lower than anticipated. Once the final numbers are in, property owners have the responsibility to share the results with tenants. Generally, if tenants are underpaid, the property owner bills tenants for their share of the overage. If tenants overpay, the landlord cuts them a check for the difference or issues a rent credit. How reconciliation is performed should be stipulated in the tenants’ lease agreements.

Why Reconciling Operating Expenses Is Important

Without going through the process of reconciliation, property owners would not have an accurate picture of their expenses or whether their current rent rates or lease agreements adequately cover expenses. Over time, the reconciliation process should provide an increasingly accurate picture of expenses (other than large, unforeseen costs). This can help a property owner better manage their income and cash flow. If property owners habitually undercharge tenants for expenses, they may not have enough cash to cover expenses throughout the year. If they overcharge tenants, they may face cash flow issues in the next year after rent credits or checks have gone out.

Operating expense reconciliation is an important step in the property management process. The Clarity Commercial team performs reconciliations for our clients. For help with your own operating expenses or other tenant management challenges, get in touch with our team 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.

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.

]

Manage Expenses

The Economic Value of Regular Site Inspections in Property Maintenance

We’ve all heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true for commercial property management and property maintenance. Not only do regular site inspections help property owners avoid expensive emergency repairs, they can also help property owners plan for capital improvements and other big-ticket investments. At Clarity Commercial, we perform regular site inspections of all of our clients’ properties to help them plan expenses and save money.

Regular site inspections are a vital aspect of property maintenance, playing a significant role in preserving the value of your investment. By conducting frequent assessments, property owners and managers can promptly identify and address maintenance issues, preventing minor problems from escalating into more costly repairs12.

Regular Exterior Site Inspections for Property Maintenance

Exterior site inspections help property owners quickly address any emergent issues with the exteriors of their buildings, their parking lots, and their grounds. Clarity Commercial performs regular exterior site inspections. We understand that drive-by inspections are rarely effective, so our managers always get out of the car and walk around the building and parking lots to look for potential repairs or maintenance issues.
An exterior site inspection should include a close look at the building’s windows and siding to look for damaged or weathered trim, missing bricks, clogged gutters, and other issues. Managers should check the building’s doors and locks to ensure they are working properly. They should also pay attention to the condition of the walkways and driveways to make sure there are no trip-and-fall hazards. Lighting should be on and in good working order, too.

A quick look at the landscaping will identify whether the grass and flower beds are being maintained on an appropriate schedule. Long grass, weeds, or dead plants may prompt a call to the landscape company.

Regular Interior Site Inspections for Property Maintenance

Regular and frequent interior site inspections can keep surprises at bay. On our regular interior site inspections, the Clarity Commercial team will check the interior lighting to ensure hallways and tenant spaces are adequately lit. We will check doors to make sure they are working properly and inspect walls for dents, scrapes, and other damage.

An interior site inspection should also check the building’s heating, cooling, and air ventilation systems to ensure they are working properly. In many cases, we ask our HVAC partners to perform this specialized inspection. During our interior site inspection, we may also meet with tenants to ensure any maintenance and repair requests get handled promptly.

Regular site inspections are an integral part of the commercial property management process. The Clarity Commercial team learns a lot from the site inspections we perform. Sometimes, there are maintenance and repair tasks we can perform immediately, while other inspections uncover future maintenance and upgrade costs. Anticipating these costs helps property owners plan for future investments and avoid paying for emergency repairs.

An Essential Tool for Expense Management

By identifying maintenance issues early, regular site inspections help prevent small problems from becoming larger, more expensive ones2. For example, a minor leak can turn into a significant water damage issue if left unattended. Regular inspections allow for the prompt discovery and repair of such problems, thus managing expenses effectively.

If you haven’t had your commercial property inspected in a while, get in touch with the Clarity Commercial team. We can work with you to ensure your buildings are in good working order and help you manage your maintenance and repair expenses.

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 and 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 Real Estate - Property Maintenance - Property Maintenance

Cloud-Based Access Control -

All About Cloud-Based Access Control

Commercial properties have experienced a lot of change these last few years. Tenants have moved out and new ones have moved in. Other tenants have dramatically changed how, when, and where their employees work. Visitors to retail shops, medical clinics, and other businesses have ebbed and flowed.

All of these changes have challenged landlords and tenants alike to find new access control solutions. It may seem like a minor concern, but having the right access control system can make your life as a landlord or tenant much easier. Conversely, using a system that no longer serves you and how you work can interrupt productivity and create frustration. Clarity Commercial is here to help you find the cloud-based access control system that fits your current needs.

What is cloud-based access control?

Access control is the term for the systems, processes, and policies that physically secure your commercial space. Access control systems can be as simple as a lock and key. But increasingly, access control systems include much, much more.

In the wake of remote work and high tenant turnover, many companies are choosing to upgrade their access control from master key systems or electronic fobs to systems that can be monitored and managed remotely. These systems offer landlords flexibility in authorizing and revoking access as tenants come and go, and offer tenants the same flexibility when deciding whom to allow to access their space.

What is cloud-based access control?

Cloud-based access control systems allow landlords and tenants to monitor and manage access to their spaces remotely from an online dashboard. Many cloud based access control systems have swapped physical keycards for Bluetooth-powered access provided by a cellphone app. For landlords, this is a huge timesaver, as they no longer have to spend hours coordinating keycards with tenants or tracking down lost or stolen fobs. For tenants, these systems make access to their spaces a breeze.

Cloud-based access control systems also make it easy to manage authorized visitors. Access can be given or revoked instantly through the online dashboard. Many systems offer temporary passes for visitors, too, which makes it easy to grant access to maintenance and repair crews and other contractors.

How can Clarity Commercial help?

Clarity Commercial can help landlords and tenants choose the cloud-based access control system that fits their needs. Our expert property management team can even take access control management off your plate as needed.

For professional property management help from Minnesota’s best commercial property management team, get in touch with 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.

Affiliations and 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.

Upgrade to Cloud-Based Access Control


Retail

Asset Management: Selecting a Minnesota Commercial Snow Removal Company

selecting a minnesota commercial snow removal company

Selecting a Minnesota Commercial Snow Removal Company: Winter weather has arrived in Minnesota, and with it the guarantee of snow and ice for the next few months. Commercial snow removal companies are ready to kick into gear. If you haven’t contracted with a snow removal company yet, Clarity Commercial has a few tips on how to choose the right contractor for you. These are the things we consider when we select a commercial snow removal company for our property management clients.

Understand the Services the Commercial Snow Removal Company Offers

When selecting a Minnesota commercial snow removal company, the first thing you need to gain clarity on are the types of services a commercial snow removal company offers. Not all snow removal services are the same. Some are large operations with a fleet of trucks and dozens of employees. Others are owner-operator endeavors with a truck with a plow, a snowblower, and a shovel. Both are good options, depending on your needs.

As you interview different snow removal professionals, ask if they are able to perform every service your property requires. Confirm that they are equipped to plow your parking lot, driveway, and sidewalks, as needed. Inquire about their deicing services for your surfaces, too. Double-check that the company will promptly and repeatedly come out to salt your sidewalks and walkways, as you could be held liable for a visitor or employee’s slip and fall accident if you leave these areas untreated.

Negotiate a Snow Removal Contract and Set Expectations in Selecting a Minnesota Commercial Snow Removal Company

Negotiate your snow removal contract to set expectations for services, timing, and communication with the company. Specify required services, expected arrival time, post-storm snow removal, and pre-storm prevention. Determine the snow disposal method and establish contact procedures for issues or urgent requests.

Confirm the Snow Removal Company Is Insured

This last point is often overlooked. Many property owners assume the contractors they work with are insured. Since failing to remove snow and ice can leave you open to risk, you need to confirm that the commercial snow removal company you are considering is properly insured for snow removal services. Any reputable company will be happy to share this information with you.

Old Man Winter is already knocking on Minnesota’s door. For help finding commercial snow removal services for your property, contact the professionals at 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.

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.

selecting a minnesota commercial snow removal company