With experience across all areas of property, from administration to sales, Hayley has developed a strong reputation in the industry and found her niche in property management.
Hayley Shumack has over a decade of experience in real estate in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and has built her career from the ground up. Now a Senior Portfolio Partner with The Agency, Hayley has found her niche in property management.
Hayley oversees the entire leasing lifecycle, from onboarding a new tenant until the property is vacated. She enjoys the diverse challenges, problem solving and relationship building within her role, and the ability to make a difference by helping tenants and landlords.
Outside of real estate Hayley says she is “very much a morning person” and has usually done a whole day’s work before people rise, training at the beach, or going on a sunrise swim.
WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to Hayley about her real estate career.
Why did you choose a career in real estate?
A few of my friends left school in year 10 to work in the real estate industry, which is what led me to want to give it a go. I started as a receptionist and worked my way up from there.
Image: Annual Christmas lunch with friends (from left): Vanessa Bishop, Hayley Shumack, Emma James, Nadia Fairfax, Laura Raisbeck, Ashleigh Ennis, Rachel Fletcher, Sofie Kelly & Bianca Loftus. Source: Hayley ShumackWhat do you enjoy most about your career?
I love seeing all the beautiful properties around the east and meeting new people.
How do you maintain a great relationship with your clients?
A good Property Manager understands the market and has that care factor, is able to develop good communication and trust with their clients.
When you combine communication and knowledge, that’s when you earn trust.
Image: Exploring the waterfalls in the Currumbin Valley in QLD. Source: Hayley ShumackHave COVID 19 and lockdowns changed the rental market or your role?
Covid has certainly changed the market and pricing.
It tends to be more of a tenant’s market now as property prices are not as high as they were pre Covid, so tenants may be able to afford something slightly bigger than before. People are viewing properties and applying at lower prices, although if properties are put on at the right price, we are finding great, suitable tenants.
Since everyone has been in lockdown, it has been important to ensure you have the space to work from home and be comfortable in your own place. As a result, I have found that studio / 1 bedrooms are less appealing.
What is the best advice you have given a landlord?
It’s really important to find a ‘good’ tenant, rather than just any tenant. I would highly recommend leaving the property vacant over putting just anyone in your property. You want someone who is going to treat the property like their own. The right person will always come along.
What are your predictions about the market over the next 12 months?
I think the market will stay as it is for the next 12 months, as it will take some time for the economy to bounce back.
For most of the types of properties on my books, demand is from locals moving into slightly bigger properties to get more for their money.
How do you see the future of the Property manager role?
I think owners will always want a relationship with whoever looks after their investments and will want to be able to call and speak to them when they need to. Though as more and more platforms are released, the property management workload may be slightly easier in the future.
Image: Elephant freedom project in Sri Lanka. Source: Hayley ShumackHow is Property Management helping you achieve your life goals?
It has helped me understand how to deal with different types of personalities. Meeting people from different walks of life teaches me how to be a better person, how to look at things from different angles and to learn to be kind to people in whatever situation they may face.
What personal hobbies/interests do you enjoy in your down time?
I am very much an early riser. I live for getting up early to train and have a sunrise swim. This very much sets the endorphins running and always sets me up with the energy and positivity I need to get through my day and tackle anything which comes my way.
In my downtime I enjoy running, going to the beach, and spending time with friends & family enjoying nice food and wines.
Image: With partner Tom White enjoying the finer things in life, Mimi’s Restaurant Coogee. Source: Hayley ShumackWhat is one thing you have learned over your years as an agent?
A few little things come to mind: don’t take things too personally; your reputation is your priority, so always keep that in the front of your mind especially when in tricky situations or dealing with frustrated or angry clients. You are managing someone’s biggest asset, so manage it as though it was your own.
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