FEATURE INTERVIEWS
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EBM RentCover stresses importance of following rent freeze process
EBM RentCover is stressing the importance of following the government’s rent freeze process after receiving an influx of inquiries from landlords relating to COVID-19. EBM RentCover Managing Director Sharon Fox-Slater explained while there hadn’t been a notable rise in insurance claims during the past couple months, there had been a significant uptick in inquiries from landlords seeking clarity on what…
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30 minutes with Daniel Lee – Plum Property Brisbane
Only 10 seconds into a video depicting an Indooroopilly home, it’s hard not to break into outright laughter. On screen is Plum Property principal Daniel Lee looking for all intents and purposes like a dodgy used-car salesman espousing the virtues of a true ‘renovator’s delight’. It’s irreverent, it’s downright amusing, and it’s nothing like a standard real estate video. It…
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How to show true value as a property manager
Property managers need to do more than just return phone calls on time to show true value and secure more managements, a leading industry expert says. Speaking as part of a Transform 2020 lesson, Coronis Now Director Jodie Stainton says property managers must actively think about ways to offer more than their rivals and stand out in the crowd. “I…
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Real estate industry invited to contribute to PropTech future
The real estate industry is being invited to have its say on the future of PropTech after REACH Australia unveiled a group of Australasian PropTech providers who could revolutionise the sector both locally and overseas. Known collectively as the REACH Australia Class of 2020, the companies included in the cohort range from property management platforms to integrated smart lock providers,…
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Laura Shooter of SJ Shooter Real Estate named Transform 2020 winner
SJ Real Estate Managing Director Laura Shooter has been named the winner of Elite Agent’s Transform challenge for 2020. Receiving the welcome news on Friday, Ms Shooter said was “very excited,” and “quite surprised” to take out the title over a field of 306 participants who completed this year’s 30-day virtual course. “I didn’t go…
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Donna Gordin: Following my instincts
Years in the industry? Seems like forever, but in 1993 I started in a family business working for a very successful office in Scarborough. That make’s it just over 27 years. What's a special place in your local area?Our north facing bay in Rockingham, you’ll discover crystal blue waters and crisp white sand in Cockburn Sound.…
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Kristine Krienke: Going above and beyond to get the job done
Years in the industry?I have been in the industry for four years and I’m a Sales Associate at Place Estate Agents. What’s a special place in your local area?My local area is full of green spaces and parks that families are drawn to. With so many great outdoor areas to enjoy, it’s easy to forget you’re just 10kms from the…
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How to stop fearing and start having powerful direct conversations
Agents should stop “telling and selling” and start asking deep-diving questions to meet clients’ values, list more properties and make more sales. Speaking during one of this year’s Transform lessons, expert coach Caroline Bolderston says the key to doing this is to learn the art of having powerful direct conversations (PDCs). The trouble is, there are three main elements that…
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Creativity and innovation: Suzannah Toop
A few years ago, second-generation real estate professional Suzannah Toop was lucky enough to enjoy a coffee with Google Australia Head of Engineering, Alan Noble. When she asked him about the role of real estate in the future, his response struck a chord. “He just looked at me, and I’ll never forget it,” Suzannah says. “He simply said: ‘Well you…
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Bigger, better and bolder
It’s no secret that property managers are often used as a battering ram, caught in the middle of the landlord’s wants and the tenant’s needs. It’s no simple task managing the competing interests of varying parties, and the complex nature of the job often sees property managers leave the profession soon after entering it. MEN…
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Diane Witney: Matching a buyer to a perfect home
What was your first job? I am a forward-thinker, so my first job was the result of a work experience opportunity through a program run at my local high school. I had no real intention of becoming a pharmacist but wanted a permanent part-time job working Thursday nights and Saturday mornings at Miranda Fair. So I did the work experience…
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The loyalty effect
Ben Collier is different to many other agents I’ve interviewed. He’s quiet, considered, and doesn’t need to be the centre of attention. While other agents might prefer to take on the high-profile speaking gigs and seek recognition for their achievements, Ben is just not that kind of guy. He doesn’t give too many interviews and…
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Hungry, humble and smart: how Upstate gives customers a five-star experience
When experienced agents Pete Mosedale and Lachlan Yeates decided to start their own real estate brand, it wasn’t a move they took lightly. For 15 years they had enjoyed the comforts of a franchise system, appreciated the support provided, and valued the strength of a network. “It was the right time in the market,” Pete…
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Home is where the heart is
Holly Komorowski wouldn’t be where she is today without a couple of chooks, a lot of heart and a Nike “Just Do It” attitude. Synonymous with innovation in Canberra’s competitive real estate market, Holly has won the 2019 Gold Area as Agent of the Year at the Annual REA Excellence Awards. Taking out the top gong at the industry’s night…
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Staying in one lane and making it count
What a difference 23 months makes. In January 2018, Jye Read was down on his luck. Stuck in a hospital bed after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, the O’Brien Real Estate agent knew something had to give. Call it a cliche, but the then 22-year-old knew this was a make or break moment. What…
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Designing for delight
Chuck McDowell won’t be taking a long holiday this Christmas. Yes, the MRI Software Senior Vice President, will make a quick trip across the Pacific Ocean to see family in Atlanta, Georgia, but then he’ll be straight back to work. MRI Software acquired homegrown property management software solutions company Rockend in July, which means Chuck (officially named Charles) is more…
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Property Management is where the heart is
A real estate professional of over 20 years, Lia Jagielka says her heart has always been in property management. “I don’t know anyone who aspires to be a property manager when they grow up – no-one says when I’m an adult I want to collect rent and conduct inspections,” she reflects. But when she landed a job in the industry…
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Bread and Butter
Bread and Butter LJ Hooker Narrabeen’s Grant Matterson started out as a baker, but when the time came to change roles, fate ensured he got his start in real estate.
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2020 vision: Dean Mackie
This year at Christmas, the property management team at DiJONES Neutral Bay will be taking a decent break. Incredibly, for almost 3000 properties under management, they will only need one property manager to log in for one hour per day over the holiday period. For Dean Mackie, CEO of DiJONES Lower North Shore, this type…
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You ain’t seen nothing yet: Ray White Norwood
In Adelaide’s affluent east, Ray White Norwood has quickly established a reputation as a growing agency that people want to sell with and agents want to work for. Talk to owners Sam Brincat and Jason Spagnuolo, and it soon becomes apparent this renown is no accident. It’s equally likely they’ve only just begun to make their mark. Early next year business partners Sam…
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Steve Carroll: Reinventing and reimagining your capabilities
Originally from England, it was Steve Carroll’s lifetime ambition to move with his family to Australia and work in the media industry. At the time, Steve held a position in Europe’s largest media company, EMAP, based in London. Eventually, an opportunity came up in their Sydney office – and when opportunity knocks, Steve answers. He was confident that if he…
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Holly Komorowski – growth and gratitude
What’s your most memorable moment/career highlight for 2019?It is difficult to identify just one moment or highlight. The year has been full of affirmations and amazing experiences. I am most proud of the culture that is home.byholly. I believe culture stems from the top and I foster culture leading by example. I embrace my team members as my equals and…
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Cathy Baker – Building relationships over counting transactions
What’s your most memorable moment/career highlight for 2019?My most memorable highlight from 2019 was being offered the Belle Property Franchise and Belle Property Escapes Franchise for the entire Central Coast Region. This, coupled with getting to spend a week on Necker Island with Richard Branson at a leadership conference, changed my life. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt this year?The…
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Sally Cameron- Changing with the market conditions
What’s your most memorable moment/highlight for 2019?I have had some very memorable sales this year, but the most noteable is when I was showing a Singapore-based family through a beautiful home in College Park at 7.30 am on a Sunday. The family left, and as they drove off the next-door neighbours backed out of their drive to go to their…
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Jeremy Wilkinson- More than successful sales
What's your most memorable moment/highlight for 2019?I know it’s not about the dollars, but for 10 years my BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) was to crack $1 million GCI. I went over this by $250. What's the biggest thing you've learnt this year?On the back it not all being about the money, it’s really important…
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Betty Ockerlander – systems and sales
What’s your most memorable moment/highlight for 2019? I think my career highlight for this year was winning the REINSW Sales Agent of The Year. I was humbled to receive it, especially as I was up against such tough competition. I was lucky to have my team with me too, which felt amazing. They play a big part in what I do.…
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Business without borders: Inside eXp Realty
Since its inception in 2009, eXp Realty has broken new ground with its cloud-based real estate brokerage. Now that the USborn realtor has expanded to Australia, Kylie Dulhunty takes a look at what the virtual agency has to offer on our shores. The rapidly burgeoning cloud brokerage, eXp Realty, has hit Australian shores with its…
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Empathy and Understanding the key to service
In an increasingly technological world, David Holman knows people are more important than ever. The Direct Connect Chief Executive Officer says the moving services company’s employees and the vibrant culture within the organisation are what makes things tick. Of course, technology aids their workflow and makes things easier for customers, primarily renters who are moving house, to connect services such…
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Don’t stop me now – real estate’s elder statesmen
Ken McCarthy doesn’t know the meaning of the words ‘slow down’. At the spritely age of 89, the Ray White Helensburgh Director is one of Australia’s oldest real estate agents. There must be something about the name Ken as down south, in Geelong, Elders Rural Real Estate Sales Manager Ken Drysdale, 69, is also one of the profession’s elder statesmen.…
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No matter what business you’re in, you’re always in the business of people
What was your first job and what did it teach you?My first job (part-time) was at Coles as a checkout chick. It taught me the importance of money as we had to balance the till after every shift. How long have you been in real estate?I’ve been selling real estate for seven years. This time for about five years and…
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Tony Heath: Your name is your reputation
It might be unlucky for most, but for Tony Heath the number 13 has proved nothing but fortuitous. His wife, Julie was born on the 13th, as was one of his sons. On July 13th he celebrated 28 years in the real estate industry and 28 years with McLachlan Partners on the Central Coast of NSW. “I’ve only ever worked…
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Zig while others zag – Manos Findikakis
For years the industry has been hearing the agent is now more important than the brand. In 2015, Eview founder Manos Findikakis took that philosophy to a whole new level. Now he will share his recipe for success at the Business of Real Estate 2019. Eview Group founder and CEO Manos Findikakis readily admits when…
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Martin Millard: From humble beginnings
Martin Millard has been through the wringer and come out the other side. He’s still a little crinkled, definitely more enlightened, and has a dry, but earnest, sense of humour. Unorthodox is the only way to describe the Harcourts Solutions Managing Director’s journey in real estate. It’s a career that started 19 years ago with Martin wearing a borrowed suit…
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The domino effect
Ask Maria Carlino about her goals for the years ahead and she’s crystal clear in her response. “Ten thousand-plus property managements is my goal for The Agency in the next three years, with a presence in every state,” she declares. That’s no small target for a brand that was founded less than two-and-a-half years ago. But chances are Maria will…
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A whole lotta love: Scott Harman on leadership in a challenging market
Scott Harman isn’t afraid to knock on doors. His path to real estate began as a door-to-door encyclopedia salesman. He’s not fazed by picking up the phone either. Most of his 31-year career has been spent dealing with high-rise owners in the tough market that is the Gold Coast where many of his sales were…
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