At FREA, not only are we a fully bilingual real estate agency, we also provide a range of supplementary services to ensure your transition to Japan is smooth and pleasant.\u00a0 For example, did you know that FREA also offers furniture leasing?\u00a0 Read on for an recap of the complete relocation process with one of our recent clients this month.<\/p>\n
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First, we work with each client on a personalized level to help them find quality properties in their desired areas before their planned arrival in Japan. Or, in cases where someone is entirely new to Japan and overwhelmed with where to begin, our experienced staff will suggest areas that both fit their desired neighborhood style and complement traveling to their intended workplace. Upon arrival in Japan, we guide them on in-person viewings while providing an overview of the neighborhoods they are considering.\u00a0 We also supply custom area maps detailing nearby train stations as well as supermarkets, drugstores, and other stores providing daily necessities<\/p>\n
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Our client this time was a transferee of a global corporation, replacing another international staff member from the previous year.\u00a0 She had briefly visited Japan in the past and was fond of Shibuya, a bustling, fashion-oriented hub district in Tokyo.\u00a0 The presence of multiple train lines and a straightforward commute to her workplace also made the location more attractive.\u00a0 Our staff assembled a selection of properties meeting her desired space and condition requirements, and confirmed the availability of each before meeting in person to tour her top choices.\u00a0 As our client spoke only some basic Japanese, she decided on a tower complex that included English-speaking concierge amenities.<\/p>\n
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We were successful in applying for and securing our client\u2019s selected apartment, and so we moved on to the next step: a hearing session regarding her furnishing leasing needs. Since she would be replacing a previous transferee, some of the leased furniture would be carried over from the current company apartment, such as the flat screen TV and dining table set.\u00a0 The sofa and mattresses would be supplied new (according to her firmness preferences), along with a small vanity table for the bedroom. \u00a0She was even able to choose the color and texture of curtains to be installed in her new apartment.\u00a0 Throughout this dialogue we maintained a steady correspondence with her company\u2019s HR liaison to ensure that all the furnishing decisions being made were within the approved budget.\u00a0 From a company perspective, the ability to transfer furnishings between apartments neatly eliminates the need to repeatedly lease new furnishings from scratch each time.\u00a0 In addition, companies choosing to utilize FREA\u2019s rental services enjoy discounted prices on replacement furniture, making it a cost-effective option for multiple leasing periods.<\/p>\n
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We coordinated with the furniture suppliers to have the new furniture pieces delivered and assembled shortly before our client\u2019s scheduled arrival in Japan.\u00a0 Living room and bedroom furniture fully assembled, appliances moved in and set up, curtains installed, even a full cutlery set in the kitchen\u2026all the essential comforts and functionalities of a home prepared neatly in advance so that our clients can start life in their new apartment smoothly right from day one in Japan.<\/p>\n
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In this case however, because the move-in date overlapped slightly with the other staffer\u2019s move-out, the process was not a single-day endeavor. (The company\u2019s existing furnishings would arrive at a later day.)<\/p>\n
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During the initial move-in day, we also conducted a thorough walkthrough of the entire apartment and noted any pre-existing minor blemishes\u2014this important step can be a tedious, time-consuming process, but by having it completed beforehand clients are able to simply arrive on move-in day worry free.<\/p>\n
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Our client arrived directly from the airport in the mid-afternoon, and we accompanied her as she looked over her new apartment, explained the various sets of keys and went over operating instructions for the air conditioners and laundry machine. \u00a0Utilities (electricity\/gas\/water) had been registered and were already active, and preparations for Internet installation had been made.\u00a0 Afterwards we headed downstairs to the lobby, where we had scheduled an orientation meeting with the overseeing apartment manager.\u00a0 FREA staff remained on hand to provide interpreting for manager explanations and any potential questions.<\/p>\n
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On a following date, FREA staff went to the previous company apartment (which just so happened to also be in Shibuya) to coordinate the relocation of furnishings and removal of old furniture.\u00a0 We are also able to handle disposing oversized garbage, which the company staff had requested we arrange for.\u00a0 With the conclusion of furniture transfer and curtain installation, the initial move-in process was complete.<\/p>\n
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We are warmly wishing our client the best and hope that her yearlong stay in Tokyo, Japan will be an exciting and fulfilling one!\u00a0 FREA is always honored to entrusted with the daunting task of relocation, and we hope to continue to be able to support the start of many more bright living experiences in Japan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"