One of the most effective tools in marketing real estate development is the construction of a model unit. By presenting a well designed, fully appointed model unit, the prospective buyer is given a feel of what his house or condominium can become. It dramatically shows the potential of the property he is considering. He can envision where his personal effects would go and show him the possibilities of even the smallest spaces.
Successful developers have applied this formula as a standard and do not mind investing in the talents of interior designers. Some have even considered hiring foreign interior design consultants, although later discovered that, quite naturally, the local counterparts have a better grasp of the Filipino taste.
Ironically, an empty or bare unit may look smaller than when it is furnished. This is part of the magic of interior design. It is difficult for an untrained eye to visualize how to fit furniture and accessories in limited spaces. But a good interior designer can make an area look bigger than it actually is. Not only can he make a room pleasing to the eye, but comfortable and practical for the user, as well. The designer uses his training in color, texture, and form to bring out the best in an area. In addition, he calls on his knowledge of available finishes and fixtures to fit the needs of the space. It is not surprising, then, that the model units, though much more expensive because of the add-ons, are the first ones to be sold.
Realizing the value of interior design in property development, the Philippine Contractors Association (PCA), in cooperation with the Philippine Institute of Interior Design (PIID), organized a competition entitled, “(estilo…?)”. This was chaired by (PCA officer), Mr. John Bautista of Fil-American Hardware. In this event, the interior design students from 11 schools in Metro-Manila were tasked to apply their skills on a 36 square meter residential space. Actual models of the top three designs shall be built by the PCA and displayed at the coming Phil.Construct Building Exposition this November.
The competition aimed to recognize the best of the young designers and to give them incentives to hone their talent. In an interview with the Director of the PCA, Mr. Lito, he enumerated other advantages of selling semi-furnished to furnished units. Contrary to the belief that a semi-furnished unit is more expensive, he claims it would be beneficial to most buyers since the furnishings and appliances in the packaged unit are acquired by the developer at a lower wholesale price and without the addition of delivery fees. They can also pay for the said items as part of the long term loan applied to the housing unit itself.
When shopping for your dream house, a little assistance in concretizing the dream goes a long way. The house is sold only after the buyer can see how easy it is to make into a home!
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