. S5 Advisory
 

DRE Lic: 01917419 
 
NEWS / BLOG
         
November 4, 2024
 
The Simple Reason 75% of Companies Lose Money on Lease Renewals
 
There are five questions that help outline the minimum requirements that a company owner/decision maker should consider before embarking on your next leasing adventure:

1. How much space is needed and what are the general location parameters?
2. What is your budget for the new space?
3. When do you intend to move?
4. Who is going to oversee finding space options, touring, lease proposal review, space planning, construction plans and pricing, lease negotiations, & lease documentation?
5. Should you just renew the lease because it's less work and the space seems to work OK?

Many business owners can answer questions 1, 2, and 3 without much of a problem. However, question 4 is where things get messy and overwhelming. Leasing space is a process that is quite long, tedious, and challenging. Most companies do not have the time or expertise to handle this themselves, so 75% of them choose to renew their lease instead of looking for alternate space that may serve their needs better. It is much easier to renew a lease, but at what risk?

Of course, landlords are also aware of this percentage, and this is why lease renewals tend to be overpriced versus other spaces in the market. Most landlords don't offer as many concessions on a lease renewal as compared to what a tenant would get on a new lease. Despite these factors, many tenants renew their leases out of convenience because they don't know what kind of deal they are missing in the market.

What if there was a way for a business owner to outsource the items in question 4? Good news - there is a way! A dedicated corporate real estate advisor works with businesses to find and evaluate space options, and then negotiates lease terms on their behalf. Did you know they can also negotiate a potential lease renewal while other spaces are being considered? This is the best way for the business owner to compare moving versus staying.

When a business retains a corporate real estate advisor and provides them with the information noted in questions 1 through 3, the advisor is able to move the leasing process along with minimal time being spent by the business owner or decisionmaker on questions 4 and 5. More importantly, an experienced corporate real estate advisor knows the market, the available space options, and the lease concessions available to ensure the company is getting the best lease terms on that next new lease or lease renewal.

S5 Advisory exclusively represent tenants and provide principal-level expertise based on transparency, integrity, and trust. With ITRA Global members worldwide, S5 Advisory is uniquely positioned to meet all your real estate advisory needs. So, before you talk to your landlord about a lease renewal, consult with one of S5 Advisory's commercial real estate experts.
 
November 4, 2024
 
Lease Renewals: A Cautionary Tale
 
I recently received a call from an accountant who sounded concerned. "I think my client is about to make a big mistake with his commercial lease renewal," he said. "I'm glad you called," I replied. "But what makes you say that?" He explained, "The landlord told my client that if he didn't involve his real estate broker in the renewal that he could give him a better deal. I just don't trust this landlord. It feels like he is saying that because he knows he'll get better terms on the lease renewal than if a broker was involved. What do you think?"

This is what I told him: Savvy landlords often try to weaken a tenant's position during lease renewal negotiations by undermining their first line of defense - the right to have a specialized tenant representative negotiate on their behalf. In a strategic move the landlord may offer undefined incentives like "I'll give you a better deal," but those often come with hidden costs. Unsuspecting tenants will be tempted to move forward without a tenant representative before fully considering the pros and cons of having representation.

Pros and Cons of Accepting the Landlord's Offer

Pros:
1. Potential Financial Benefit: The tenant thinks they will receive better lease terms without a tenant representative involved. Unfortunately, the tenant doesn't know the market conditions and has no way of knowing if they are getting a better deal or not. If the landlord offers a few months of free rent it might sound like a pretty good deal to the tenant, but it might be a lot less than what is available in the market.

2. Simplified Process: By negotiating directly with the landlord, the tenant might experience a faster and seemingly more straightforward negotiation process without the intermediary of a tenant representative.

3. No Brokerage Fee: The landlord will reinforce that the tenant is getting a better lease because there won't be a brokerage fee paid to the tenant representative. The tenant doesn't know that a brokerage fee is typically the least expensive item that a landlord pays on a lease renewal, as compared to the costs of tenant improvements, free rent, or other lease concessions received by the tenant.

Cons:
1. Loss of Professional Representation: The most significant drawback is the loss of specialized representation. A tenant representative understands market conditions, lease terms, and negotiation tactics that the tenant may not. Without this expertise, the tenant is overmatched when playing against an experienced landlord that negotiates leases every day.

2. Potential for Unfavorable Terms: Without a tenant representative advocating on their behalf, the tenant may unknowingly agree to terms that are more favorable to the landlord. This could include higher rent, less favorable renewal options, or clauses that could be detrimental in the long term.

3. Short-Term Gain, Long-Term Loss: While some upfront savings like a little free rent might seem attractive, the tenant could end up paying more over time due to a higher rental rate or higher annual rate increases, or both. In the end the initial financial benefit probably won't outweigh the long-term costs.

4. Reduced Leverage: A tenant representative's involvement can provide leverage in negotiations, as they can bring multiple market opportunities to the table. Without this leverage, the tenant will have less negotiating power.

While the offer from the landlord might appear attractive, tenants should carefully weigh the seemingly immediate financial benefit against the potential risks of entering lease negotiations without professional representation. It's often wise to consult with a qualified tenant representative to fully understand the implications before making a decision.
 
 
April 25, 2024
 
The Open Office Rethink: Designing Workspaces for a Hybrid World
 
The right office environment plays a crucial role in maximizing productivity, minimizing employee turnover, and fostering a positive work culture. But with the rise of remote work and hybrid models, the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to office design for commercial real estate is becoming a relic of the past.

Open office plans, once touted as the pinnacle of collaboration, are now under scrutiny. While the initial concept was to break down physical barriers and spark communication, research paints a different picture. Constant noise and a lack of privacy can actually hinder in-person interaction. Employees might hesitate to have casual chats or brainstorm openly due to distractions and the feeling of being constantly on display.

So, it's time to revisit the open office concept in commercial real estate. Here's what we caution when we're engaged in tenant representation for a client:

Myth Busted: Open Offices Don't Automatically Equal Collaboration

The open office philosophy assumed removing physical barriers would lead to effortless information exchange. However, studies suggest the opposite can occur. The constant buzz of conversation, ringing phones, and keyboard clicks can be overwhelming for those seeking focus. Additionally, the lack of privacy can make employees hesitant to discuss confidential information or engage in spontaneous brainstorming sessions where wild ideas might be thrown around.

Accommodating Diverse Work Styles: A Spectrum of Needs

Your team is a collection of unique individuals, each with their own preferences when it comes to their work environment. Some thrive in the energy of a bustling open area, using background noise to fuel their focus. On the other hand, others require quiet solitude to concentrate on deep work tasks.

The ideal workspace caters to this spectrum of needs. This means offering a variety of zones within the office. Quiet zones with soundproofing materials and designated "no phone" policies can provide a haven for focused work. Collaboration areas equipped with whiteboards, comfortable seating, and movable furniture can spark creative brainstorming sessions. Phone booths or small meeting rooms offer essential privacy for confidential calls or video conferences.

Beyond Openness: Balancing Collaboration with Privacy

While open offices can encourage interaction between departments, they might unintentionally highlight hierarchies. Imagine an open workspace where everyone can see each other - a scenario where Mark Zuckerberg's rumored private conference room at Facebook might send a subconscious message about true accessibility.

The solution lies in striking a balance between openness and privacy. Providing individual workstations or private offices alongside collaboration areas empowers employees to choose the environment that best suits their task. This could be a designated desk for focused work, a reservable quiet room for confidential calls, or an open collaboration zone for brainstorming sessions.

The Bottom Line: Invest in Flexibility for a Thriving Workforce

Open office plans might save on square footage (and the cost of your commercial real estate lease) in the short term, but at what cost to employee well-being and productivity? As a tenant advisor, we tell clients that the future of office design is all about flexibility. By offering a variety of spaces with different noise levels and privacy settings, you empower employees to take control of their work environment. This fosters a sense of ownership and can lead to increased focus, better collaboration, and ultimately, a more productive and satisfied workforce.

In today's hybrid work environment, where remote work and office time are likely to coexist, creating a space that caters to diverse needs is no longer a suggestion, it's a necessity.
________________________________________
Are you searching for your next perfect office space? As a tenant advisor, S5 Advisory negotiates leases to get you the right price and amenities, and save you from surprise fees or laws that aren't commonly known by the public. The landlord is fully informed about the terms of the market place, are you?
 
April 25, 2024
 
Is Your Landlord Facing Foreclosure?
 
Over the last few years corporate space downsizing and hybrid working trends have created a precarious ownership environment for some office building landlords worldwide. When office buildings don't have enough tenants paying rent, there is a real possibility that a foreclosure could occur.

Most landlords don't own their buildings outright. Instead, they have a loan from a bank or some other type of financial institution, and if the landlord is unable to pay the monthly mortgage the lender could foreclosure on the property.

Lenders have the choice of whether to foreclose on the building or not when the loan is in default. While some lenders do foreclose, many decide to modify the loan terms with the existing ownership to avoid a foreclosure situation. So even if your building is 50% vacant, a foreclosure isn't necessarily going to happen as the lender might work out new loan terms with the current landlord.

If your company is leasing space in a building that is (or might be) facing foreclosure, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Know Your Options
Review your lease to make sure there is a non-disturbance clause. This clause protects the tenant from being evicted from the property, provided that the rent is paid up to date and no other lease defaults exist. This is a fairly standard clause in most leases.

In most cases, the foreclosing entity wants to keep the tenants in the building as long as they are paying the rent each month. The lender uses this money to pay the building expenses. However, there could be instances in buildings with very low occupancy where the lender might consider closing the property down or try to sell it to a single user or developer, in which case they might want to try to cancel the existing leases to complete their objectives. In this instance you are not protected if you do not have a non-disturbance clause in your lease.

Changes in Ownership
In many cases, the foreclosure process does not immediately disrupt the day-to-day operations of businesses within the office building. However, changes in ownership or management could occur, and tenants may need to communicate with the new owner or property manager regarding lease agreements, rent payments, maintenance issues, and other matters. If the lender forecloses, a notice with new payment instructions for the rent will be delivered to your notice address. At this point, the new payee entity should be contacted for verification and no additional funds should be sent to your prior landlord, including any amounts that were past due when your company received the notice.

Should You Renew?
Many tenants have renewed leases in buildings that have been foreclosed on so your company shouldn't necessarily rule out that option. While lenders aren't necessarily the best landlords, they almost always use a third-party management and leasing firm to handle the day-to-day operations, so it's possible that your company might not notice much of a difference in the ownership change. Given the softness of the office leasing market, it might be worth shopping around for a building with a more stable ownership situation.

What About Your Security Deposit?
If your lease is expiring and your company intends to move out, check your lease to see if a security deposit was paid to the landlord. If a deposit was paid and your leased space is in good condition, the landlord is responsible for refunding your security deposit. If a foreclosure situation is pending, you should consider shorting your last monthly rent payment by the amount of the security deposit. You should consult an attorney before deciding so they can outline the legal risks of this strategy. Otherwise, you will be relying on either a financially distressed landlord or an irritated lender to refund your security deposit after you move out, which isn't a great option in either case. Keep in mind that the landlord doesn't have your original deposit sitting in a bank account until your lease expires. On the contrary, security deposits paid to the landlord at the beginning of your lease are immediately spent to pay for building expenses, tenant improvements, taxes, etc.

If you find yourself in a foreclosure situation, contact one of our commercial real estate experts for guidance. S5 Advisory exclusively represents tenants and provides principal-level expertise based on transparency, integrity, and trust. With members worldwide, S5 Advisory is uniquely positioned to meet all your real estate advisory needs.

 
April 25, 2024
 
2024 Office Market Trends
 
Overall office market vacancy levels will remain elevated in 2024 in most markets as corporate space occupiers continue to downsize their footprints as lease terms expire. Large cities such as New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and London experienced increased office vacancy rates in early 2024.

The hybrid work environment remains a strong trend as occupiers allow employees flexibility to work from home on certain days each week. Many occupiers are increasing their collaborative workspace areas within their space and decreasing the amount of private office space as a component to their hybrid working plans.

Look for increased data tracking pertaining to occupancy levels within each office space. This data will be critical for larger corporate users as it can provide valuable insights to support office sharing and the hybrid work initiatives and improve upon them.

We expect to see office landlords tempt occupiers with strong lease concession packages, including tenant improvement allowances and free rent. The best opportunities for tenants to capitalize on the market conditions will be in downtown office buildings due to their high levels of vacant space. Suburban office buildings have less vacant space than their downtown counterparts, but overall it remains a tenant's market with good leasing conditions available for tenants.

In some markets, large corporate suburban campuses are available for purchase. These are being considered by office occupier companies but are also being pursued by residential and industrial developers.

As some office landlords are in financial distress, it is very important for office occupiers to protect their lease interests to ensure they receive all the concessions promised in a new lease or lease renewal, such as a tenant improvement allowance or free rent.

If you are a tenant leasing office space this is your opportunity to take advantage of the market conditions. Your real estate partner, S5 Advisory, will work with you to get you the best deal possible. With members worldwide, S5 Advisory is uniquely positioned to meet all your real estate advisory needs.
 
June 9, 2023
 
Should you Update Your Office to Reduce Employee Poaching?
 
We all know staff turnover is part of running a company or a large department - it comes with the territory. But we also know employees stay at a company for reasons other than money. Continued training, advancement opportunities, the mission of the firm, coworker relationships, and the vibe/culture of your company are all part of their decision matrix. So, what are the magic ingredients that help retain your employees?

Even if your staff is only coming to the office a few times a week or once a month, they will notice how it makes them feel. Does it feel worth it to come to the office, or do they see it as a hassle? Despite the large number of people working from home, the office environment is still an important ingredient of your brand and company culture. This is something you can control so don't let it become the negative element that drives employees away.

The good news? Right now is a fantastic time to update your office and reinforce your brand. Let your employees know they picked the right firm to work for and stay with by investing in the amenities they desire.! Plus, the space redesign may not cost your company a penny!

We have seen a division in quality when it comes to office space leasing in the last year. Commercial offices are rated roughly by Class A, B, and C, plus the creme de la creme of office space-the Trophy Office Tower (the newest and best buildings.) While rental rates are down across the board for office space in most major cities, the percentage that rental rates are down in Trophy and Class A is minimal compared to Class B office space, which has dropped dramatically. Class C office space is also down a fair amount. While these classes differ in occupancy, office landlords are generally being aggressive on leases.

We are seeing landlords offer some enticing concessions that include space redesign and improvements in order to keep space occupied in their buildings. This means there has never been a better time to upgrade your office space than now. If your lease is expiring in 2023 that's opportunity knocking at your door! Even if your lease doesn't expire for a couple of years, there is still the potential to renegotiate that lease right now in a weaker market.

The battle for top talent is going to continue for many years, so don't let your dated office space keep you out of the running for quality employees. You want an office space that gives you an edge in the competitive job market. Your employees will appreciate it and just might slow down some of that staff turnover that keeps you up at night.

If your company is interested in exploring the options you have in your current space, contact an S5 Advisory tenant advisor, they would love to have a discussion with you. Email us at info@s5cre.com.
 
 
June 9, 2023
 
Commercial Real Estate Market Trends for 2023
 
The year 2023 has seen an interesting shift in commercial real estate, from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank to rapidly rising interest rates and hyperinflation. As a result, venture capital funding has tightened up and it has become increasingly difficult for startup companies to obtain debt financing and secure funding in 2023. The office sector still has not fully recovered since the COVID-19 Pandemic and is experiencing a shift driven by evolving work patterns and changing preferences. Key trends include:

1. Office Sector: The office sector in 2023 is experiencing a shift driven by evolving work patterns and changing preferences. Key trends include:

a. Hybrid Work Model: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and flexible office arrangements. In 2023, the hybrid work model continues to gain traction, with companies adopting a mix of remote and in-person work. This trend is reshaping office space requirements, with a growing emphasis on collaboration areas and flexible workspaces.

b. Coworking Spaces: The demand for coworking spaces remains strong as freelancers, startups, and small businesses seek flexible and cost-effective office solutions. However, the industry has become more competitive, leading to increased consolidation and diversification of offerings among coworking providers.

c. Wellness and Sustainability: Tenants are increasingly prioritizing wellness and sustainability features in office buildings. Developers are incorporating elements such as green spaces, natural lighting, and air filtration systems to enhance employee well-being and attract tenants.

d. Suburban Office Demand: Suburban office markets are witnessing increased demand as companies seek to establish satellite offices closer to where employees reside. This trend is driven by the desire for shorter commutes and a better work-life balance.

2. Industrial Sector: The industrial sector continues to be robust in 2023, driven by the growth of e-commerce and logistics. Key trends include:

a. E-commerce Expansion: The rapid growth of e-commerce continues to fuel demand for warehouse and distribution space. Retailers are investing heavily in logistics infrastructure to meet consumer expectations for faster delivery times.

b. Last-Mile Delivery: The rise of last-mile delivery services has led to increased demand for smaller, strategically located distribution centers near urban areas. These facilities enable faster delivery and reduce transportation costs.

c. Technology Integration: Industrial properties are becoming more technologically advanced, with automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role in enhancing operational efficiency. Developers are incorporating smart technologies to optimize warehouse layouts and streamline logistics processes.

d. Adaptive Reuse: With the growth of e-commerce, some retail properties are being repurposed for industrial use. These adaptive reuse projects provide an opportunity to convert underutilized retail spaces into warehouses or fulfillment centers.

3. Retail Sector: The retail sector is undergoing a transformation in 2023, as retailers adapt to changing consumer preferences and the continued growth of e-commerce. Key trends include:

a. Omnichannel Strategies: Retailers are increasingly adopting omnichannel strategies to provide a seamless shopping experience across online and physical channels. They are leveraging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enhance customer engagement and bridge the gap between online and offline shopping.

b. Experiential Retail: To attract customers and drive foot traffic, retailers are focusing on creating immersive and experiential in-store environments. This includes incorporating interactive displays, pop-up shops, and entertainment elements to provide unique shopping experiences.

c. Repurposing of Mall Spaces: Traditional shopping malls are being repurposed to adapt to changing consumer demands. Developers are transforming vacant retail spaces into mixed-use developments that combine retail, entertainment, residential, and office components.

d. Local and Community-focused Retail: The shift towards supporting local businesses and community-centric retail experiences has gained momentum.

If your company is interested in exploring the options you have in your current space or exploring other options, contact an S5 Advisory tenant advisor, they would love to have a discussion with you. Email us at info@s5cre.com.

 
November 15, 2022
 
Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Dedicated Corporate Real Estate Advisor
 
All businesses hire vendors to complete projects, tasks, and objectives. In some cases, the business needs outsourced expertise. In other cases, the business might not have the necessary people needed to accomplish their objectives in a timely manner by using inhouse personnel. Regardless of the reasons, hiring vendors is a natural course to leverage resources outside of the company in order to complete certain tasks and objectives.

When it comes to commercial real estate leases, purchases and sales, businesses should retain a dedicated corporate real estate advisor to ensure their interests are protected and their objectives are achieved. Why? We have five good reasons:

1. Subject matter expertise of commercial real estate, trends, construction, documentation, and negotiation tactics

2. Market expertise across product types, often in multiple markets on leases and sales

3. Financial benefits obtained in the form of lower rent, lower purchase price, higher concessions, or avoidance of potential costs

4. Resources and networks providing your company with current availabilities in the market, including pocket and other unpublished listings, along with actual rental rates and concessions available

5. Risk mitigation

Some businesses are finding out the hard way that searching for available properties and negotiating leases or purchases on their own takes a very long time. The internet is full of outdated listings with old rental rates and spaces listed for lease that are no longer available. Lots of time is wasted pursuing dead ends, so outsourcing to a real estate expert makes the best financial sense. Working with a dedicated corporate real estate advisor streamlines the space finding process so businesses don't waste time on phantom spaces.

A good real estate transaction is the gift that keeps on giving while a poor real estate transaction can bring about years of ongoing costs and headaches. If your company has one or more leases expiring soon and you would like to explore adding flexible clauses into your lease negotiation, please contact us via email at info@s5cre.com.
 
April 29, 2022
 
Four Leasing Tips for Office Space Leases Expiring in 2022 and 2023
 
If your company has a lease in an office building that expires this year or in 2023, here are four insider tips you need to consider for your new lease or lease renewal:

1. Start the process early: Don't be the tenant that has to double move because the space isn't finished. Shortages in construction labor and materials are increasing the length of time to obtain construction pricing and complete construction projects. Higher costs are also making lease negotiations more difficult with landlords. It's going to take longer to finish the lease process, so start sooner!

2. Lease Expires in 2023: Most office tenants wait to start negotiating with their landlord until there are only 3-4 months of term left on the lease. Why not negotiate the lease renewal early while the office market is soft? If you aren't sure what your space needs are, then it makes sense to wait. But if you know what your space needs are for the foreseeable future, take advantage of the uncertainty in the office market.

3. Sublease & Assignment Rights: Landlords like to maintain control of their property, which is fair. But sometimes they go too far and retain the right to arbitrarily reject a sublease or assignment. This can adversely impact a tenant's plans when it has new space needs. Adding some flexibility in subleasing the space is worth the effort in a new lease or lease renewal negotiation when adding staff, downsizing, or buying/selling another business.

4. Renewal Options. In soft markets, tenants tend to overlook renewal options because they assume they will be able to continue to lease their current space as long as they are willing to do so. Unfortunately, this is flawed thinking. Space markets can, and do, recover quickly and change the demand for space―and that includes your space. Even if overall space demand doesn't increase, that doesn't mean there isn't another tenant in need of your space for some reason. Don't be the tenant that loses their space to their neighbor or to that really big tenant that moves into your mostly empty building. Renewal options are customarily only provided upon request and are often not granted to smaller tenants, but it's worth asking for.

S5 team members will review the above items with tenants when consulting them on new leases and renewals ― but the above items just scratch the surface. There are 30+ important lease terms to review in order to improve negotiation outcomes. If your company has a lease expiring in the next few years and wants to achieve the best possible outcomes, please contact us to discuss in further detail.
 
April 29, 2022
 
Supply Chain Issues Impacting Space Leases
 
We hear about it on the news and see it at the stores―empty shelves. Why? Supply chain issues. Most consumers simply buy something else instead and look forward to better days ahead. Unfortunately, supply chain issues are not nearly as simple when you are relocating or renovating office or industrial space in 2022.

What are the most challenging issues for tenants today concerning the supply chain and impacts to leases?

- Material and Equipment Availability: What you need might not be available, so tenants need to be prepared to consider alternatives. Even when alternatives are available, they will likely take longer to get as compared to two years ago.
- Rising Costs: From drywall to paint to electrical outlets, the cost of materials has been going up―along with labor costs. These rising costs create problems for tenants that require work in the space being leased before it can be occupied. It's also a problem for tenants that simply want to upgrade or reconfigure their current space.
- Lead Times: If your company is planning to move, the timeline to complete construction is longer than it was last year. Many tenants are missing their move-in dates because the spaces aren't complete, primarily due to materials not being available. For example, if door frames and steel studs take three months to arrive on the job site, your construction project timeline just got three months longer.

When will these supply chain issues just go away? Unfortunately, we are hearing from industry experts that supply chain issues will continue to worsen in 2022. That will push prices higher and make lead times for materials and equipment even longer than they are today. Some supply chain recovery is anticipated sometime in 2023, but most industry experts are cautious with their predictions at this stage.

So, what can a tenant do to mitigate supply chain issues and lessen the negative impacts?

- First, retain an exclusive tenant advisor to help you. We have seen firsthand how supply chain factors are negatively impacting tenants and already have solutions to recommend that will help you overcome them.
- Start your leasing or construction processes very early. We suggest you add a minimum of three months of time for smaller projects and six months up to a year for larger projects.
- If your company has specialized equipment needs, it would be wise to pre-order those items, so they don't negatively impact your overall relocation timeframes.
- Your real estate advisor will help you consider space alternatives, lease structuring options, and will use proven negotiation tactics to lessen the supply chain impacts to your company.

If you have a 5,000 square foot office space to relocate, start the process 10-12 months before the lease expires instead of just 6-9 months. The main reason is that construction is going to take longer, so you need to sign a lease three months earlier than you would have normally done in the past. If you have a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility to relocate, start that process 6 to 9 months earlier than you would have in the past. If you are considering new construction alternatives, start even earlier as there are very long lead times on steel.

In the end, real estate transactions have many sequential steps to complete before a tenant can occupy a space. Delays in materials and labor will likely cause a day for day delay in the project's completion, so it is critical to start early and retain an exclusive tenant advisor to guide you through the process to mitigate supply chain challenges. If your company is considering relocation, please contact us to discuss your particular needs.
 
April 29, 2022
 
Don't Forget to Review Your Annual Expense and Tax Reconciliation
 
For tenants with net leases, the annual expense reconciliation bill from your landlord will arrive soon. While sometimes tenants receive a credit, often they receive an invoice to pay. In either case, you should carefully review the expenses passed through to your company by your landlord for the prior year. This is especially important given the impacts of Covid-19, which caused much lower actual occupancy for office buildings.

For office building tenants, here are the top five things to look for in your expense reconciliation this spring:

1. Utility Costs: The expenses for electricity should be lower because of the lower number of hours that office spaces were occupied. When computers and lights aren't on, the amount of electricity used is less.

2. Trash Removal: If there isn't as much trash, the cost should be lower as compared to previous years, provided that the property manager modified the service accordingly.

3. Janitorial Services: When the spaces aren't occupied, the amount of cleaning should logically be less. However, some building owners and managers added cleaning services to combat Covid-19. Each building will be different.

4. Gross Up Clause: This is a lease clause and not an official expense. However, the landlord's use of a gross up clause does increase a tenant's expenses. The gross up clause allows the landlord to artificially increase occupancy sensitive expenses like utility costs, trash removal, and janitorial services, when the total building occupancy is less than a certain percentage occupancy. The percentage noted in your lease might say 100%, 95%, 90%, 85% so you will need to check your lease to find out this number. Landlords use the word "occupancy" or "occupied" interchangeably with "leased." So, if your building is 100% leased, then there should not be any gross up of expenses, even if very few people were actually using the building during the pandemic.

It is important to compare your 2021 actual expenses versus 2019 total actual expenses since 2019 was the last year not impacted by the pandemic. That will provide a basis of comparison for your building when it was actively being used versus any drop in usage due to pandemic concerns.

It makes sense to review your annual expense and tax reconciliation even if you are receiving a credit. Just because the total amount of building expenses was less than what you were charged does not mean that everything you were charged followed the terms in your lease. Operating expenses and tax costs can be a significant part of your total occupancy cost, so it is worth reviewing your reconciliation each year. If you contact your property manager each year to check on expenses, they will be less likely to charge expenses that are not allowed in your lease. If your company needs any assistance with reconciling operating expenses, please contact us to discuss your particular needs.
 
May 2, 2020
 
COVID-19- Preparing for Office Re-Entry
 
What are some practices that can be implemented for keeping employees safe as we return to the office?

As Shelter in Place mandates are lifted across the country, a number of steps should be considered before employees return to the office. While longer term plans are being explored for office design in a post COVID-19 work environment, there are some short-term solutions for improving safety for workers that can be implemented now.

Stagger Work Shifts
Phase in Employees' Return to the Workplace
Implement Personal Space Partitions or Screens for Desks
Spread out Desks, Convert Underutilized Spaces or Conference Rooms into Dedicated Desk Space. Plan to Increase the
Square Footage Allotted per person from ~150 - ~180 sf to ~320 - ~350 sf per person
Eliminate Shared Desks
Encourage Employees to Bring Their Own Food or Have Lunch Delivered in Individually Packaged Meals
Install Touchless hand Sanitizer and Soap Dispensers
Remove Non-essential Doors, or Leave Doors in the Open Position
Implement Daily Cleaning and Sanitation Procedures
Plan for Managing Crowding in Common Areas by Limiting Seating and Using Visual Cues

Check out our Q1 Newsletter below for more details on planning your re-entry strategy, creating healthier offices, and adapting existing office layouts to allow for social distancing.


DOWNLOADABLE PDF FILE
 
August 27, 2019
 
Big Mixed-use Development Coming to Santa Clara
 
The Related Co. is set to begin construction on its 9.2 million square foot mixed-use project located on 240 acres of land in the heart of Santa Clara near Levi's Stadium and the Santa Clara Convention Center. The development is expected to open in 2023 with 5.7 million square feet of office, 700 hotel rooms, 1,680 residential units, over 1 million square feet of retail and entertainment space, and public parks. The developers are allocating one portion of the office space to serve as multi tenant office buildings, while another portion will be dedicated to "loft style" spaces. While the project is expected to bring a drastic social and physical change, the project is also anticipated to be a noteworthy source of income for the city.
 
May 4, 2019
 
Reevaluating the Open Office Floor Plan
 
Over the past decade or so, many companies have followed the workplace trends set by Google and Facebook by implementing open office floor plans. More and more companies have done away with the traditional office build-out and cubicle culture and transitioned towards an open floor plan with open bench seating. The initial goal behind this shift was to increase communication amongst employees. The thought was that space plans with cubicles and private offices hindered collaboration. In addition to fostering idea-sharing amongst employees, companies also implemented this open layout as a cost savings strategy, as desk seating allows groups to maximize their square footage.

However, recent research has found that this open office layout has actually led to a decrease in team collaboration. This biggest issue that has been found with an all open layout is that it does not take into consideration that individual employees thrive in very different types of environments. While some may enjoy presenting their ideas to a big group and maximize productivity in a noisier environment, others may prefer a more private or quiet setting.

To address these concerns, companies are implementing some important changes to the open office floor plan. One shift we have seen is the creation of designated zones or spaces within the office. For example, you may create a collaborative break-out area where employees can meet with one another to talk and go over ideas, while also implementing a designated quiet zone elsewhere in the office. In addition to these zones, it's important to have private space available to employees such as conference rooms, huddle spaces or phone booths.
We are seeing more and more clients explore modular meeting space options or building out additional meeting rooms within their existing space. With high construction costs, it is best to negotiate these expenses associated with build-out upfront when signing a lease.

Overall, the most important thing to do when deciding on your office floor plan is to recognize the different needs amongst your employees. Creating a space that caters to everyone will help maximize productivity and boost employee satisfaction.

If you are looking for advice about your office layout, or have any questions, please reach out to our S5 Advisory Team. Besides helping you find your next office space; we are always happy to assist with any of your existing space needs
 
April 6, 2013
 
Yogi Chugh Has Filed a Patent: 8,407,084
 
Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for interacting with a virtual world being displayed on a video display are described. The virtual world includes user selectable tagged images. The tagged images are related to an asset and can include a redemption feature that can be used when acquiring the asset. A user interacting with a game console can select the tagged images. Upon selection of the tagged image the game console can communicate information related to the tagged image, the related asset and/or the redemption feature to a mobile device. The tagged images can also be associated with distribution rules that can be evaluated to determine when and to whom to distribute digital coupons associated with the tagged images.

Patent Number: 8,407,084


DOWNLOADABLE PDF FILE
 
February 25, 2013
 
Desi voices strengthen in South Bay - San Francisco Chronicle
 
Embracing their role

Indian Americans are expanding their resumes beyond business - to being political and civic leaders - because they understand "that becoming a U.S. citizen is a huge responsibility - and they embrace it," he added.

Indian Americans have founded 13 percent of startups in Silicon Valley and nearly 7 percent of them nationwide, according to research by Stanford and UC Berkeley, Forbes reported.

"We can be tough entrepreneurs," Chugh said, "maybe because we know what it's like to come from a place where so many live on the edge." He emigrated from New Delhi to the valley as a teenager in 1981 and now is managing director of S5 Advisory, a corporate real estate firm.


DOWNLOADABLE PDF FILE
         
     
      LIKE US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
 
© 2024 S5INC