We spoke to some of the nominees in the Residential Property Manager of the Year category about what they love about their job, and what it means to be nominated.
A good residential property manager can make all the difference to property investment, making the process both efficient and successful.
At this year's Real Estate Institute of Australia National Awards for Excellence, the following property managers have been nominated in the Residential Property Managers category. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony - billed as 'property's night of nights' - being held at Melbourne's Crown Casino on 10 March.
Danielle Gavin – Peter Blackshaw Real Estate Manuka, ACT
Danielle joined the real estate industry in 2002. She has a strong desire to provide the most professional property management service possible. Danielle is Senior Property Manager with Peter Blackshaw, and has a strong focus on presentation and customer service. She prides herself on direct, honest advice, and thorough knowledge of the relevant legislation.
Kirsty Martin – Elders Real Estate, NT
"I do my job well by sticking to processes and procedures and most importantly I keep my Landlords and Tenants updated. Communication is the key," said Kirsty. "It means the world to me to be nominated. I love my job and its just an honour to be a part of these awards and meet other people that are passionate about the industry."
Peter Treacy – Harris Real Estate, SA
Peter brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Property Manager. His mission statement is: innovate, motivate, and communicate... change your beliefs and get results. Peter's organisational skills, attention to detail, and passion have contributed to his team winning the 2009, 2010 and 2011 REISA Property Management Agency of the Year awards. In 2015, Peter was awarded REISA Award for Excellence in the Property Manager of the Year category.
Natalie Gray – PRD Nationwide Hobart, TAS
Natalie works with the team at PRD Nationwide Hobart, to ensure efficient and hassle-free property management. She was awarded REIT Residential Property Manger of the Year 2015.
Zac Karvoun – Alex Kar Bon Real Estate, VIC
“In brief I believe what sets me apart from other property managers is my caring personable approach and support to my clients and team, approachability, commitment and my extraordinary dedication to my clients and believing in my team,” said Zac.
“To be nominated for this award means that I have been recognised, not only for what I do for my clients, but also my ongoing efforts I give back through training to the industry that made me the person I am today. After being in the industry for 22 years I can stand proud for what I have achieved by looking at the great leaders I have developed over the years and that is very satisfying."
Zac is a well-known, highly respected identity in the industry and North Melbourne community. A natural people-person with a hands-on ethic, Zac has expanded his business through organic growth to 750 properties under management in under three years.
Laura Levisohn – M Residential, WA
"Being a very focused person, I delve into my work being totally committed to success. I have been a tenant, and I am a property owner and investor, so I have seen all sides of the property management fence which has made me siphon the processes down to ensure I am providing the services that are important to both landlord and tenant," said Laura.
"It is not only important to keep communication lines open and to show empathy but to also build trust with both the landlord and tenant and gain their confidence. An important part of property management is people management, something I have spent a lot of time learning about and am now very good at. Over the past 12 months, with the implementation of new processes, I was able to increase the income generated on my portfolio of properties by 28%.
"It is such an amazing feeling to be so highly recognised in the industry and inspires me and hopefully inspires my team to recognise the career opportunities in property management. My first job from leaving school was as a receptionist in a real estate agency. Within a year I was promoted to property manager and fast forward to today, I am still working in the same office with many of the same landlords and properties and have progressed to a 50% ownership of the business. I am highly focused and won’t accept anything but success."
Stacey Hugler – First National Eldridge, NSW
Stacey was born and raised in Wagga Wagga, and has an excellent knowledge of the area. After doing work experience in a real estate firm when she was at school, Stacey developed a passion for real estate. She managed a store in Wagga for seven years, before leaving to start a family. Stacey gained her qualifications and began working part time, and is now with the team at Eldridge First National Real Estate.