Today we speak to the finalists in the Property Manager of the Year category about what is the key to their success, and what being a finalist in the REIV's Awards for Excellence means to them.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria will host its Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner this Thursday, 27 October, at Crown Towers. Three finalists have been nominated in each division, with the winners being announced on the night.
Today we speak to the finalists in the Residential Property Manager of the Year category, about their achievements to date, and what the awards mean to them.
The finalists in the Residential Property Manager of the Year category are:
Megan Wilson, of Metro Property Management
Heidi Sparks, of Nicholas Lynch Rentals
Natisha McLean, of Woodards Camberwell
Q: Why do you believe you were nominated for the property manager of the year award?
MW: The awards criteria this year were more detailed and required us to provide several examples of different aspects of our roles as residential property managers. In each category, I started my preparation early and compiled a list of relevant examples for each. I believe my nomination was successful based on the content and examples provided which highlighted my experience and my valued insight into the industry.
HS: I believe I was nominated due to the focus I have on customer service. At Nicholas Lynch Real Estate we pride ourselves on awesome service and have implemented many new ideas that are based around this for not just landlords but tenants as well. I have a high level of communication with my clients and we try to make them feel important because they are.
NM: I was surprised and delighted to be nominated. I absolutely love what I do and it’s rewarding to know that other people seem to love what I do too! I get a lot of great feedback from clients and this has obviously been noticed by management who nominated me. Property Management can be stressful so I always try to maintain a positive attitude, particularly with younger team members who can sometimes feel overwhelmed. I think it’s a combination of these factors which led to my nomination but just being nominated makes all the hard work and long hours worthwhile.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
MW: Working as a residential property manager provides versatility, making every day different. Dealing with different personalities and understanding individual clients requirements when managing their investments is sometimes challenging, however I always strive to provide the highest level of service at all times.
HS: I have been in real estate since I was 20 years old, so 18 years now, and have pretty much been in Property Management the entire time. I get a lot of enjoyment from helping people, whether it be helping them to find the property they are looking for to live in and helping them secure it or helping to find the best tenants for landlords and their investment properties. There is never a dull moment and there is always a new situation so it is very interesting and there is always something new to learn.
NM: The people; that’s my clients, staff and tradesman. I guess I would also say I enjoy problem solving; it’s our primary role in most scenarios and it’s sometimes hard to wipe the smile off my face when it all comes together and both sides are satisfied with the outcome.
Q: What does being nominated mean to you?
MW: Having been nominated in 2014 and again this year is something I am incredibly proud of. I have worked in residential property management for over 15 years now, and the industry recognition means a great deal to me with my career progression, and as a personal achievement.
HS: It is actually a real honour to be nominated for Property Manager of the Year. It is nice to get some recognition for all the years and hard work that I have put into the role. It can be such a stressful job but so rewarding as well. Nicholas Lynch is an amazing company to work for and it is wonderful to be nominated for this whilst working for them as they are so supportive and are such a great team and group of people.
NM: Recognition; when I started in property management, I was constantly asked when I would be moving into sales as at that time, property management was seen as just a stepping stone. I always saw it as a career path of its own and was lucky enough to be mentored by some strong senior property managers who set me on my path. As the mother of a teenage daughter, seeing how proud she is of my nomination is also very special to me.
We wish all finalists the very best on the night!
See also:
Meet the finalists in this week's REIV Awards
REIT celebrates best and brightest at awards night
Commercial agents recognised at REINSW Awards for Excellence