Building Owners and Managers International (BOMA) is pleased to introduce the new Certified Manager of Commercial Properties (CMCP), a certification designed for early-career property professionals who are looking to validate their industry knowledge and take their careers in commercial real estate to the next level.  

As the only certification of its kind in the industry, the CMCP instantly communicates your ability to be an effective commercial property manager and your strong understanding of the responsibilities of the role. Earning the CMCP certification is the first step in building a successful career in commercial real estate. 

CMCP Advantages 

• Offers recognition in one’s career (typically 1-5 years of experience)
• Validates foundational knowledge in key areas of property management
• Evaluates readiness for additional training, responsibilities, and career advancement 
• Quickly assists employers with on-boarding new property managers and assessing industry knowledge and career potential 
• Backed by BOMA and BOMI Ceritification, Inc., the leaders in commercial real estate education training

Eligibility Requirements 

• Four-year degree and 1 year of property management experience, or
• Two-year degree and 2 years of property management experience, or
• No degree and 4 years of property management experience, and
• 30 hours of verifiable education in commercial property management 

CMCP Exam 

• Exams offered at multiple testing centers throughout the U.S. and internationally 
• Exam questions reflect body of knowledge for property management developed through market research and a Job Task Analysis conducted by BOMA and BOMI
• Membership in BOMA is not required
• Registration is $675, which includes application and exam fees and a candidate handbook.

Learn more about the CMCP certification and get on the early access list for more information at www.CRECI.org. 

The value landscaping has for commercial properties can often be underestimated by management. First impressions are the most lasting, and landscaping is often the first interaction a client or customer has with your business. So how do you provide extraordinary curb appeal that leaves a lasting impression without breaking the budget? If you are a property manager trying to convince upper management of the value of investing more in landscaping, here are some tips to help plead your case…

Commercial Real Estate and Retail Spaces Needs Landscaping That Will Set Them Apart

Turn your ordinary commercial landscape into a beautiful outdoor paradise. If you have high-end commercial real estate, it needs to look that way. Your landscaping needs more than just shrubs and mulch. You need a sophisticated, layered, and textured look that screams, “we are different and better!” You want to do more than get by in business; you want to thrive. Being more attractive than the competition will attract the clients that you need to succeed. 

Attractive Landscape Shouts that Your Company is Detail Oriented 

Everyone appreciates an attractive space. Implementing a commercial landscape design into your existing space is more likely to attract new clients and keep existing ones. Companies that take time to enhance their outdoor appearances are seen as detail-oriented and proactive. Potential clients will see that you care enough to maintain your own space and automatically assume that the same level of care and attention will be given to them. Every good property manager knows the markets are fickle and have their ups and downs. To smooth out the peaks and valleys of property availability, it is important to have potential tenants or buyers in a pipeline, ready to take advantage of any opening that comes along. Having an attractive landscape that maintains its beauty year-round keeps your commercial property looking fresh and current. When a property feels active, people are more willing to wait for something- they want to be ready to take advantage of any opening.

Attractive Commercial Landscaping Shows That You Value and Respect The Community You Work Within

 Having a beautiful property that stands out not only affects your business but the community as a whole. Taking the time to craft a verdant commercial landscape carefully shows that you care about and are proud of being a part of your community. Installing benches for customers to sit or fountains for children to throw pennies in is a meaningful way for a company to contribute to the community members who fuel it. Making your community a better place through professional landscaping can increase your company’s goodwill and interest. At the end of the day, a good company that invests in its community also invests in its bottom line. Whether you are trying to attract tenants, buyers, or customers getting people to notice your property is the first step in getting them to become consumers of what you have to sell.

When deciding who to choose as your commercial landscaping company, you should have a lot of questions. Do not be afraid to be thorough. Hiring a company to keep your property looking its best is important, and so is being satisfied with all of the answers you are looking for before signing a contract. 

Not sure what to ask?

Here are some questions that every property manager should ask their potential commercial landscape contractor:

How Long Have you Been in Business?

Experience matters. You want a company whose portfolio includes accounts of your size and scope and has handled all the issues that come with maintaining a commercial property of your standing.

What Kind of Insurance Do You Have?

If a company doesn’t have the proper coverage and one of its employees is injured on the property, you will be held liable. The company you are researching should have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. You should also request a certificate of insurance (COI) from the company, as that will clearly stipulate the amounts of coverage it has. 

How-And How Often-Do you Communicate?

Communication is key. You already have a full plate, and the last thing you need is anything else added to it. You need to know if the landscaping company you are considering working with will keep you up to speed on what services will be performed

and when. Will they notify you when repairs and/or enhancements were completed and/or needed? Will they send you visuals (i.e., pictures, videos, etc.) before and after? You want to know that you’ll get a prompt, reliable response if you have a question or concern. 

When you call a company’s office, you don’t want to get an answering machine and wonder when somebody will return your call. You want to speak with a real person right away.

Choose a company that has a dedicated customer service team ready to help you with any questions or concerns. 

Can You Provide References?

A reputable, well-established company that does quality work should be eager for you to talk to their clients. This is an opportunity for you to talk to the company’s current clients and find out what they really think of your potential commercial landscaper. 

Once you have a list of references to contact, ask plenty of questions: 

• Is their commercial landscaping company reliable?
• Do they do what they say they will when they say they will?
• Are they available to talk when you need them?

Are You Full Service or Maintenance Only?

Your commercial property has a host of needs, including lawn care and lawn maintenance. But other needs arise, too. You may want property enhancements, like freshly planted annuals, irrigation systems or entrance beds to be renovated. You may also need pesticide assistance. 

When one full-service company takes care of your property, they get to know your property inside and out. They’ll know exactly what it needs at what time, and they’ll notice potential problems before they get out of control. 

What Sets Your Company Apart From Others?

A commercial landscaping company should have a whole list of reasons why they’re the best. If they can’t tell you what sets them apart, who can?

The answer you want to hear is lots of things. 

Frequent communication. Friendly, efficient service. Their list should go on and on. 

Compare, Then Choose The Growing Company, Inc.

We’re confident that once we answer all your questions, The Growing Company, Inc. will be your first choice for all your commercial landscape design and maintenance needs. 

We’d love to talk with you about your landscape ideas, needs, and goals. We serve commercial properties in Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, Stockton, Woodland, Vacaville, and Fairfield.

Call us at (916) 379-9088 or fill out this short form to request a proposal and hear back from us right away! 

We’d love to hear from you.

Using water outdoors is always challenging. Ensuring that your landscape is healthy and vibrant can seem difficult while trying to water as efficiently as possible. But it does not have to be. Below are a couple of simple tips or habits that will make an enormous impact when it comes to conserving water: 

1. Use Water-wise Plants

Check-in with your local landscaping company on the best plants for your area. It is best to use water-wise, California-native plants when possible. 

2. Install Drip Irrigation & Add a Smart Controller 

Installing a drip irrigation system and a smart controller can save 15 gallons each time you water! 

3. Use Drought-resistant Trees and Plants 

Using drought-resistant plants and trees can save 30-60 gallons per 1000 sq. ft. each time you water. The California Sycamore is a perfect example of a drought-resistant tree!

4. Adjust Sprinkler Heads & Fix Leaks 

Properly-adjusted sprinkler heads can save you 12-15 gallons of water. Leaks as small as the tip of a ballpoint pen can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month!

5. Set Mower Blades to 3″

Setting mower blades to three inches encourages deeper roots and saves 16-50 gallons per day. 

6. Use Mulch

Using mulch can save 20-30 gallons of water per 1000 sq. ft. each time you water.