Since starting her career as a receptionist in the family business, Anna Molinaro has risen to become OBrien Real Estate Blackburn‘s rental department manager.
Here, she explains the mindset that’s helped her succeed in property management and the one rental property that’s forever stuck in her memory.
How many years have you been in the industry?
I have been in the industry for 19 years.
What’s a special place in your local area and what do you love about it?
A special place is Blackburn Lake Sanctuary.
With its peaceful settings and tranquil surroundings, it’s the perfect haven in the City of Whitehorse.
I love that it is walking distance from our office.
Did you choose property management or did property management choose you?
Being part of a family-run business, you could say property management is in my DNA.
From a young age, I had a passion for property and real estate.
I guess I fell into property management. I love the challenge that property management brings and the fact that no two days are ever the same. Expect the unexpected.
What’s your most memorable rental property?
I will always remember the day I received a phone call from the police that one of our properties had been raided and that it was set up as a marijuana growth house.
It was a great shock to receive the call as the tenant I signed up was a young, single lady and the initial three-month inspection showed an immaculate and well-maintained property, just as I had expected.
We were preparing for the second inspection at the six-month mark when I received the call the month prior.
It was an eye-opener and an experience I’m pleased to say I have only encountered once in my career.
What key goals are you focusing on this year?
In a business sense, I am focusing on growth, staff retention and transitioning to accounts, office and operational management.
Personally I’m focusing on self-care, my mindset and overall wellness.
Where would you like to be this time next year?
Cruising around the French and Mediterranean Riviera or driving along the Italian coastline would be nice!
However, on a serious note, by this time next year I would like to be running the entire accounts department and operations of our business.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be?
I’d like to change a few things, starting with more recognition for property management.
I’d like to see the qualification process to enter the industry become more stringent and I’d love to see real estate introduced at secondary schools.
Overall, I’d like to change the public perception that real estate agents are disingenuous.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given and how has it helped you?
I was once told you can’t control the uncontrollable.
A few memorable quotes from incredible speakers and high-performing coaches that I strive to live by include:
- “Calm is contagious.”
- “Let go to grow.”
- “Roll with the punches.”
- “Your reaction creates your reality.”
- “If you want something you’ve never had, then you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.”
- “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
- “Self-awareness lays the very foundation that is your life.”
It is easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed, and this has helped me to stay grounded, positive and focused throughout my career.
