A presentation centre for a residential presale development can sometimes feel like an entire project in its own right. There are permits to obtain. Carefully laid out floor plans to map out. Ambient lighting to install. But when done well, a thoughtfully built and designed presentation centre might just be your best real estate sales tool – no matter what the market conditions are at the time.
In addition to his role as Founder and CEO, our very own Randy Cheng is also a Managing Partner at Lightwell Homes, one of the leading multiplex real estate developers in Metro Vancouver. Having recently completed work on their stunning presentation centre, The Atelier by Lightwell Homes, the team at Collab Management Group knows a thing or two (or three, or four) the construction management needed to create beautiful AND effective presentation centres for real estate developers across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
It should feel like a sneak peak of their future home
As with any sale, first impressions matter. What is sometimes referred to as the “halo effect”, an initial positive impression of any given environment, product, or space can impact a person’s overall perception of it. A survey done by the National Association of Realtors indicated that 83% of buyers found it easier to visualize a staged property as their future home.
If you’re selling a specific project, it is best to use the same high-quality materials that are actually being used in the development project. Being able to feel the quartz countertops or touch the cabinetry hardware can go a long way in helping buyers with their purchasing decision. This can also help convey a sense of reliability and trust in the developer’s quality of work.
It’s all in the details
Small touches, intentionally implemented, can make a big impact in any presentation centre. Something as simple as a branded water bottle can evoke the feelings of a bespoke sales experience for a potential buyer.
Lighting design matters just as much as interior design. A well thought out lighting plan can create a mood and perception, inviting visitors to feel at ease and invited in. For the Lightwell Presentation Centre, using statement lighting in the form of an eye-catching piece in the office space can show that the developer is fresh and modern in their approach.
Including unique touches such as a bottle of gourmet olive in an unusual flavour (such as this basil infused one used in the kitchen space) can help make the experience a more memorable one for potential buyers.
Leverage Technology
Technology is no longer considered a luxury in presale project marketing – it’s an absolute necessity.
For The Atelier, Lightwell Homes partnered with Proxima HQ, a turnkey real estate marketing platform. By building three connected experiences – the centralized project hub, the online agent portal, and the touchscreen experience.
The placement of your touchscreen should be carefully considered as there needs to be ample room for small groups to gather while still being able to optimize the technology used. By combining aesthetics with functionality, potential buyers can tap directly on the building to obtain floor plan information, pricing, and other valuable information that would help them make an informed decision.
Create opportunities for quiet conversations
While creating a space that incites excitement in potential buyers, it’s important to design an environment that makes them feel safe to have more discreet spaces to have focused, personal conversations. A blend of semi-private (such as the Living Room set up) or private (such as the enclosed glass office) provides opportunities for this kind of dialogue to happen naturally during their visit to the Presentation Centre.
By reducing the perception of any sales pressure, providing these quiet spaces can help potential buyers process the provided information at their own pace. This can help create a much better head space for them to be in when deciding whether or not to buy a property, even if that decision is eventually made outside of the Presentation Centre.
Interested in seeing for yourself first-hand how a Presentation Centre can make all the difference in your sales and marketing approach? Book an appointment to check out The Atelier by Lightwell Homes at info@lightwellhomes.ca (location: 1666 W 8th Ave. Vancouver, BC V6J 1V4).