ARTICLES AND INSIGHTS

[Hatano] Last year construction was finished on a large-scale compound produced by KEN Corporation in Minami Azabu. The owner consulted with use about how to utilize their land, and we were involved from the planning stages to propose floorplans, fixtures and specifications based on area and market analysis. Detached rental homes with monthly rents of over one million yen were constructed, and we achieved full occupancy within a month of completion. We participated from the planning stages, sought out tenants, and also provided management services, turning it into a project that allowed KEN Corporation to leverage its collective strength as a comprehensive service provider.

[Hoshino] A while ago I was giving advice on property renovations to an owner who has multiple pieces of real estate. I determined that they could make one of their properties a lot more profitable if they renovated it, but they couldn’t afford the initial outlay. I suggested selling another of their properties that was unprofitable and using the proceeds to fund the construction work. As a result, they were able to sell the property for more than expected, boost the total profit of the real estate they owned. I’m glad I was able to meet their expectations.

[Hatano] In addition to boosting the value of a renovated property, you resolved the owner’s cost issues by selling off other property.

[Hoshino] KEN Corporation is more than a leasing brokerage operation. We pursue a wide range of operations from real estate sales, management and product planning, and our strengths is that each division coordinates closely so that we can leverage our abilities as a collective force.

[Hatano] Honestly, the criteria demanded of a property vary depending on the area, the customer’s budget and their family structure. That’s why it is important to gain a grasp of these factors and develop properties consistent with the needs of the market. At KEN Corporation, we are intimately familiar with these market needs and excel at providing owners with sound advice.
For the properties that owners entrust us to manage, we determine the owner’s wishes, conduct an accurate rent appraisal, deploy effective measures to get the property noticed and conclude a rental agreement with a tenant at an early date. In some cases we suggest renovations or other changes to increase the product value of a property with the aim of boosting rental revenue. The selling of property might also be considered in conjunction with this.

[Hoshino] You could have two properties offered for the same 300,000 yen rent, say a newly built 50㎡ 1LDK, and a detached home with garden that is more than 100㎡ in size. But if the rent is not right for the area and the property, you won’t be able to close a deal with a tenant early on. The same goes for renovations - if all you do is use high-grade items the costs increase and the owner assumes a greater burden. Various factors determine the value of a property, including area, how spacious it is, the fittings, specifications and so on. By looking closely at the market needs, we are able to make proposals that offer good cost effectiveness. This approach creates properties that satisfy what tenants are looking for and translate into profitability and improved asset value for the owner.

[Hatano] With an area strategy limited to the city center and a marketing strategy that focuses on high-end rental properties, KEN Corporation positioned to develop unique proposals, and this is backed up by our extensive track record of settling 5,500 rental agreements per year.

[Hoshino] Day after day, we look at which properties are finding tenants at what rent levels and conditions, and we accumulate and update that information as part of our expertise. This is what leads to answers on the criteria a property needs to meet.

[Hatano] Since KEN Corporation was first established, we have placed an emphasis on cultivating “hospitality.” As a result, we enjoy a lot of repeat business and referrals from customers who have signed rental agreements, to the point that these customers account for roughly 50% of our clientele. We also offer comprehensive support to foreign customers in Japan beyond the confines of residential advice, such as researching hospitals that can deal with patients in English, with the aim of providing greater satisfaction.
KEN Corporation has ongoing connections with more than 150 superior foreign companies and has dealings with a total of more than 1,600 such companies. That ability to attract tenants lets owners fill their properties expediently.

[Hoshino] We tell our sales staff to be professional to both owners and tenants. Many of our customers are busy people, so we place an emphasis on refining the basics of stress-free and pleasant customer service such as quick response times and to-the-point answers to queries. At the same time, we put a lot of effort into organizational training to cultivate sales staff equipped with the knowledge of real estate professionals.

[Hatano] Not only do we have many years of experience and know-how in the business, but we also facilitate encounters with good clients and services that cater to our customers. Whatever the subject, we are more than pleased to consult with owners.