Suit Published by the Northeast Ohio Apartment Association

March - 20L4

Well- Maintained, On-Site Fitness AddsPriceless Value to Your CommunityLocation is still king, but today'smultifamily market is also about amenities,amenities, amenities. "Wellness" and"community" are more than bluzz wordsof the moment - they're important sellingpoints.

On-site fitness facilities satisfy both resident needs, andare a means of attracting the highly-sought market ofmillennials and baby boomers.

How does a proper[y benefit from a well-managed fitnessamenity?

Clubhouses, fitness rooms and commons spaces, so-called"second spaces," also promote social interaction that helpstip the scale when leasing decisions are made.

According to Multi-Housing News, 8t percent of rentersseeks a property with on-site fitness space. Convenientworkout options attract residents who want to save timeand money by not running across the city to a local gymwith expensive monthly fees. A fitness amenity on siterepresents a perk that makes life easier for those whochoose apartment living for exactly that reason - an

easier, maintenance-free lifestyle. More than ever, ourculture seeks a work-life balance.

How a management team treats common areas reflectshow tenants are treated. Is the room clean, organized and

N*r'the::st *hio Apartn':ent Acsociati*n

CHUCK HERMAN ISPECTALTY FITNESS EQUIPMENT

maintained? If so, potential residents will assume thatattention to detail and care extends to all aspects of theproperty. If not, they might wonder what other customerservice issues are handled poorly or being ignoredaltogether. A fitness area with machines that are brokenor dirty is unacceptable.

A decade ago, two treadmills and a television wereconsidered standard for an apartment fitness area. Now,tenants expect a variety of current circuit and cardioequipment options, along with entertainment systems,in a clean, bright and inviting room. It doesn't need tobe complicated, but people want to feel like they are in a"health club," even if they live down the hall.

When planning a new fitness center, renovating anexisting one or adding a piece of equipment, focus on whatwill make your property stand out from the competition.A well-equipped fitness center is a significant investment,but also a selling point - one that a skilled leasingprofessional can use to his or her advantage when showingthe property. @!

For more information on fitness amenities contactChuck Sherman with Specialty Fitness Equipment,chuckher man@ sp ecialtyfitne s s equipment. com orzt6-zBz-SBBo.

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