Design
IMG works with the owner and architect to ensure all aspects of design are practical, have operational flexibility, are sustainable and can be operated within budget. Further, all aspects of the design: units; apartments; site and community facilities must be appealing to the target market so IMG can use its Retirement Community experience to gauge and ensure market acceptance.
Operational Management
Without doubt this is the most specialised area of the Retirement Industry. IMG sees operational management as a business in itself, and a very complex one at that. From establishing service fee budgets, accounting, asset management, resident welfare, food and beverage services, hospitality services, property management and right through to RVA Accreditation, IMG manages all these and more. This area is often the biggest headache for the owner/developer/investor.
Having an experienced operational management company in place is also becoming key criteria required by financiers before funding is approved for development.
Communications and Systems
Delivery of services and communication needs careful planning and design. When it comes to things such as telephones, data, utilities, television, CCTV and security systems IMG will assist in the selection of the right products to not only ensure economical and functional outcomes but to maximise possible revenue streams which can be created from these services.
Community Development
The provision of physical attributes is only the start of the development of a Community. Understanding why and how a group of residents develops into a community of engaged, affable and satisfied friends is fundamental to the creation of a harmonious Community. This is what will sell and resell the homes as years go by and it doesn't happen by chance.
General Consulting
Like all growing industries there are diverse opportunities and plenty of room to prosper for those who get it right. But the Retirement Industry is far more than a property play: it is a complex business that crosses the boundaries of property development, facility management, hospitality, leisure and lifestyle and the management of personal well being. It is a socially responsible service business. IMG helps its clients to find the right solution for them. We understand the big puzzle, the different puzzles. We focus on solutions and we deliver. IMG has encapsulated a most valuable business asset at its core... intellectual property!
Feasibility
One of the most critical aspects that can make or break your business is the level of work undertaken in the feasibility stage.
Not only does IMG's financial model allow our clients to properly assess the physical development but we ensure that the analysis covers the operational sustainability of the community: an aspect which is often overlooked to the long term detriment of the owner, operator and residents. It is not just a property play it is a long term service business and hence IMG believes that the long term operational feasibility is as important as the development feasibility.
In addition to the development and operational feasibility comes the market feasibility. It is about understanding: the competitors; the socio demographics; the supply demand equation; the cultural uniqueness of the area and the many other idiosyncrasies that will determine the level of success for a new development. IMG does much more than crunch the numbers!
Financial modeling
Choosing an appropriate Deferred Management Fee model for our clients is simplified through comparison of various alternatives and the relative financial outcomes for both the owner and resident given certain assumptions about capital gain and occupancy period.
Operational shortfalls during the construction phase of a retirement development can have significant financial implications for an operator - IMG is able to forecast expected cash flow requirements until the operational costs are fully funded by resident service fees.
Legal & Compliance
IMG works with clients to ensure compliance with Retirement Villages Legislation which differs in every state in Australia. A thorough understanding of applicable legislation is required in relation to resident documentation and contracts, sales process, village rules, recurrent charges, capital maintenance, annual accounts, dispute resolution, resident involvement and more. IMG can assist clients to optimize compliant policies and procedures which support ongoing operational management systems.
Marketing
What's the best marketing approach? Do you market the product or market the services or target the emotions? What is the most cost effective channel? Who really are the clients?
IMG works with their clients to analyze, plan and execute key strategies that bring about results.
It's far more than just advertising: it is point of sale material, displays, events, sponsorships, web pages, community programs, direct marketing and permission marketing.
IMG ensures every fine detail reflects exactly what you are offering and delivers results.
Sales
The initial success of the business is so often measured via sales: sales prices and sales rates. Too often the targets are unrealistic because they are based on the wrong assumption that you are selling property.
We are not selling property! We are dealing with a very unique customer and one who is more than likely to be making their last major independent decision. It requires a very unique and passionate sales style and process and a clear understanding of the client psychology.
IMG can become your entire sales arm. Aligning ourselves to the marketing program we use our people and implement sales programs that are results oriented and rewarded.
Alternatively we can train and manage your people so they fully understand the customer, the psychology of their decision making and the process they need to work through before they get results.
This only comes with experience.
Training
IMG is able to provide your Sales and Village Management teams with specialized training options. IMG has developed a number of training courses to meet the demands of the retirement village with each course targeted towards a specific audience. Training can be delivered either through scheduled IMG courses or can be client specific and targeted to your own requirements. These include:
- Communication - Conflict Management - Risk Management - Continuous Improvement - RV Legal Issues - How do your Clients think? - Permission Marketing - Questioning Techniques - Accreditation made Easy! - Accreditation Surveyors 3 Day Course - And many, many more
Contact us to discuss how we can provide training to suit the particular needs for you and your staff.
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