Magnolia Place News in Manila Bulletin 01-25-2011

MANILA, Philippines – The mark of success for developers is seeing a project as a thriving community with residents who consider the confines of their home as a safe, nurturing environment.

DMCI Homes, the a triple-A builder/developer backed by a construction heritage of more than 55 years, continues its objective to provide a wide variety of residential projects designed for young professionals and start-up families with modest income and discerning tastes.

These residents now have more options to choose from, with the certified ready-for-occupancy status declared for at least eight DMCI Homes communities: Illumina Residences Manila in Sta. Mesa, Ohana Place in Las Pinas, Tivoli Garden Residences and Dansalan Gardens Condominium in Mandaluyong; Cypress Towers, Royal Palm Residences, and Magnolia Place in Taguig; and Willow Park Homes in Cabuyao, Laguna.

These projects represent the rise in status of DMCI Homes from a fledgling company to a recognized leader in the medium-rise segment. With the company’s portfolio of projects, there is no mistaking their place in the property industry today. Competitors have even adopted the company’s pioneering designs, pricing scheme, even marketing strategies.

“We believe that after 10 years, we are now enjoying a reputation in the market,” said Elmer G. Civil, DMCI Homes Director for Design & Construction. “We started in 1999 during an economic crisis. As a new player, we could not rely on pre-selling, which is why we focused on a strategy of building first and then selling. After we build, we studied what adjustments were required in each project, such as which amenities were frequently used or not, and came up with a way to balance these factors.”

Eventually, the company came up with an ideal formula for its product of medium-rise condominiums, characterized by such advantages as a contemporary architectural theme, resort-style amenities, medium-density living, generously-spaced units, property management services, plus an affordable pricing scheme.

By 2004, Civil said they were selling more than building because of the growing demand for projects, a reflection of the rise in confidence for DMCI Homes brand.

He also emphasized that the company’s philosophy of focusing on the needs of their end users paid off well, since on-time delivery is critical for this segment.

“We don’t over-promise. We just over-deliver. In fact, most if not all of our projects are turned over ahead of schedule for at least six months for the mid-rise and one year for the high-rise. We know that for our end users, they need to move-in to their home as soon as possible, and we encourage this so that the community can be more livable,” Civil noted.

Another practice started by DMCI Homes that is radically changing the real estate business is the priority completion of common amenities, like the clubhouse area, to coincide with the turnover of the first building.

The focus on customer satisfaction is extended even after turn-over, since DMCI Homes also runs the Property Management Office in each development. As builder, developer, and property manager, there is a hands-on system that is put into place by the company to ensure the satisfaction of residents by giving not only their needs, but also “some of their wants.”

Aside from the eight ready-for-occupancy projects, the company is focused on 12 projects with four launched in the last three months.