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Kylie Maxwell was “beyond happy” seeing a room full of property managers’ taking copious notes at the Zango Property Management Conference last week.Kylie, the operations manager of Blackshaw Queanbeyan &amp; Jerrabomberra, was the MC of the sold out conference, which saw 150 property managers from more than 20 real estate agencies converge at Canberra Southern Cross Club.<img alt="DSC_2952 copy" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/DSC_2952_copy.width-800.jpg" width="800">“I loved seeing those a-ha moment expressions on attendees’ faces,” Kylie says.“When one of the speakers says something and you see people shake their heads and write something down.“If you can attend a conference and take away one or two gold nuggets to enhance your career and customer experience, then as conference organisers we’ve done our job.”<img alt="DSC_2932 copy" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/DSC_2932_copy.width-800.jpg" width="800">Zango’s first ever property management conference was designed to unite industry leaders, experts and professionals to explore the latest trends and best practices shaping the field. Guest speakers on the day included Chris Miller from Vantage Strata, Scott Cameron and Kristie Waite from Nectar Mortgages and Kate Freeman from The Healthy Eating Clinic.<img alt="DSC_2960 copy" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/DSC_2960_copy.width-800.jpg" width="800">“It was an absolute success,” home.by holly property management specialist Tamara Davis said.“The vibrant energy in the room, coupled with the engaging story sharing, created an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie for everyone involved.&quot;For Tamara, the “nourishment on the go” advice of nutritionist Katie Freeman was a highlight.“Our team now comes to work with amazing lunches prepared and an apple a day,” Tamara says.“The group sessions as well were not only a highlight for me but for everyone in the room. Sharing stories and knowledge was fantastic.”<img alt="DSC_2969 copy" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/DSC_2969_copy.width-800.jpg" width="800">For Zango general manager Karen Ligdopoulos, the insight into what it’s like to be a strata manager – provided by Chris Miller of Vantage Strata – was priceless.“The relationship between property managers and strata managers can sometimes be strained,” Karen said.“So to have Chris explaining the immense challenges faced by strata management was just amazing. Strata management is basically property management on steroids.”<img alt="DSC_2936 copy" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/DSC_2936_copy.width-800.jpg" width="800">Karen described the conference as “a phenomenal effort by so many property management leaders”, bringing the industry together to design a day just for the “hardest workers in real estate”.“I would love to personally thank Alex Ah Key, Tamara Davis, Jasmine Henjak, Kylie Maxwell, Lisa Hyland, Stacie Baker, Brendan Halls, Amanda Gordon, Lyn Fairweather and Amy Gannon.“We’re thrilled with our first event and can’t wait to see what our PMs would like next.”<img alt="DSC_2946 copy" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/DSC_2946_copy.width-800.jpg" width="800">Kylie Maxwell would love to see a series of events rolled out for property managers.“A lot of conferences are held interstate for property management and as much as we love to travel and connect with industry professionals, it can be costly and time consuming, not to mention a juggle with families,” she says.“Having something local allows our local property management industry the chance to attend within business hours and have all the benefits of learning and networking.”<img alt="DSC_2954 copy" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/DSC_2954_copy.width-800.jpg" width="800">Tamara Davis agrees.“Future conferences could have other industry representatives from the Bonds Office present to us all, and even a Register or two from ACAT could be fun.“I think lots of PMs would have endless questions for these people.”

‘An absolute success’: Rave reviews for Zango’s first property management conference

They’re hands down the unsung heroes of the industry, so Zango is putting property managers front and centre at a brand new event designed exclusively for PMs.The first Zango Property Management Conference takes place at the Canberra Southern Cross Club on Thursday 9 May 2024, with a morning agenda packed with topics like finance, wellbeing and relationships.The conference will be facilitated by Zango board member and property management powerhouse Kylie Maxwell, uniting industry leaders, experts and professionals to explore the latest trends and best practices shaping the field today.<img alt="240305_NaomiEvent_LoRes_13 (1)" class="richtext-image full-width" height="529" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/240305_NaomiEvent_LoRes_13_1.width-800.jpg" width="800">It’s the first in a series of events Zango will host for property managers, with the business hoping to become “a resource hub” for the property management side of the industry.“Sales is the short-term game of the industry, while property management is the long-term game,” says Zango General Manager Karen Ligdopoulos.“We’re privileged to work alongside the property managers of Canberra, and hear the challenges they face in real-time.“This event is a way to go deep on those challenges, and bring education, collaboration and inspiration to a side of the industry that’s often overlooked. A safe space where property managers can get accurate information and feel included.“We’ve shown with our free ‘Zango presents’ series that we’re serious about nurturing a real community around property in Canberra. Our Property Management Conference builds on and reinforces that.”<h3 data-block-key="4ugrq">The guest lineup</h3><h4 data-block-key="4278v">Kate Freeman, The Healthy Eating Clinic</h4><img alt="Kate Freeman" class="richtext-image full-width" height="800" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Kate_Freeman.width-800.jpg" width="800">Kate Freeman is a Canberra-based nutritionist who’s passionate about providing honest, simple nutrition advice — and doing it in such a way that inspires and motivates people to make positive lifestyle changes.Property managers are among the most time poor in the industry: ducking between appointments, meeting landlords and tenants, always on the phone. Add to that a family to manage before and after work, and decisions around what you’ll eat become more and more pressured. Kate will show you how two or three ingredients from the supermarket can be all you need to keep your body fueled in a busy day,<h3 data-block-key="88b5">Chris Miller, Vantage Strata</h3><img alt="Vantage-Strata-Chris-Miller" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1036" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Vantage-Strata-Chris-Miller.width-800.jpg" width="800">Chris has over a decade’s experience in the property sector, predominantly in strata management and commercial property consulting.He’s always had an “on the tools” involvement in all areas of strata management, from day to day administration of Units Plans, to providing advice in relation to new developments and precincts. He’ll join us at the conference to go deep on the role a strata manager plays for strata communities, including the immense pressure they face on a daily basis. He’ll also explore what an optimal relationship between property management and strata management looks like.<h3 data-block-key="a53v7">Scott Cameron, Nectar Mortgages</h3><img alt="Scott Cameron" class="richtext-image full-width" height="360" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Scott_Cameron.width-800.jpg" width="360">In their day-to-day communication with landlords (investors) and tenants (future buyers), property managers have an opportunity to not only upsell their own agency if it offers sales, but to plug their clients into a mortgage broker should they need one.Scott Cameron has 39 years experience in finance and over 20 years as a mortgage broker, and will discuss the right moment – and the process for – recommending a broker. As a Nectar broker, Scott has access to more than 30 lenders across Australia and can assist with pre-approvals, First Home Owner Grant applications and other documentation.The first Zango Property Management Conference will be held on Thursday 9 May 2024 at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden, and is free for property managers right across Canberra.To register <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/zango-property-management-conference-tickets-877028213997?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;_hsmi=301311397" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">head to Eventbrite</a>.

Attention Canberra property managers: We’ve designed an event just for you

<h2 data-block-key="d78po">New agency: <a href="https://zango.com.au/agencies/mick-barlow-property/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mick Barlow Property</a></h2><img alt="mick barlow" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/mick_barlow.width-800.jpg" width="800">Mick Barlow’s been a name synonymous with property in Canberra’s north for more than 30 years.Mick and dad Bob, along with Marge Hall, owned Elders Real Estate in Jamison in the early 1990s. Young Mick, who’d grown up on the north side, started out as a sales consultant and then made the move into property management. He loved every aspect of real estate; and still does.After selling the Jamison office to Ray White in 2016, Mick joined the team at McGrath Estate Agents before trying his hand at something new. But real estate was in his blood and now he’s back — and it’s his own name on the door.Mick bought the Wright Dunn Ainslie office late last year (he loves Ainslie, describing it as “a town within a town”) and is hoping the new Mick Barlow team will have a solid impact in north Canberra.“I think having my name on the door gives it a family feel and that&#x27;s what we are really, a family business,” Mick says.“My brother John’s working with me, we’ve kept the team on board in Ainslie and we’re pretty excited.”Mick’s original client list from the 1990s hasn’t changed much and he’s now selling third and fourth homes for many of them. Having grown up in Lyneham, then Spence, and then Hall, Mick understands the benefits and the differences of the inner north, the suburbs and rural northern Canberra.“It’s a people business we’re in and the way you communicate is everything,” Mick says.“I remember when I first started in real estate, they tried to say that the internet would eliminate the need for agents.“But here we are in 2024 and in more demand than ever before; it’s about relationship building and trust and at the end of the day it&#x27;s very personal.”Mick Barlow Property offers sales and property management services.<h2 data-block-key="9801f">New team: Ray White Canberra Projects</h2><img alt="Projects - press release photo (1) (1)" class="richtext-image full-width" height="545" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Projects_-_press_release_photo_1_1.width-800.png" width="800">There’s an air of excitement in the Ray White Canberra office as the agency’s project marketing team expands from one to five.The new team has a combined 40 years experience in project marketing and Ray White Canberra Chairman Ben Faulks believes the fusion of “local knowledge, national reach” will give it an edge in the capital.“With the support of the broader Ray White Canberra network, including residential sales, property management, commercial and mortgage brokering – plus an extensive national Ray White Projects network – we offer a holistic approach that’s unmatched in the region,” Ben says.“This transition marks a significant evolution in our approach to project marketing, allowing us to redefine industry standards and deliver exceptional results for our clients.”EKKO in Whitlam, Hakea in Denman Prospect and G+ Residences in Giralang are just some of the stunning new developments being marketed by the new team.“These projects highlight our ability to handle a diverse range of developments,” Ben says.“With each project, we strive to set new standards for quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.”He describes the vision for Ray White Projects Canberra as “becoming the premier destination for project marketing in the region”.“We’ll leverage the extensive network and resources of Ray White to set new benchmarks for excellence in the industry, forge strong partnerships with developers and deliver outstanding outcomes,” he says.“Over the next 12-24 months, we want to expand our portfolio and solidify our reputation as a trusted and innovative leader in project marketing.”Pulling together a new team offers new opportunities for growth, innovation and collaboration, Ben says.“With diverse roles and backgrounds, each team member brings a fresh perspective and expertise to the table,” he says.“That’s an environment ripe for creativity and success.“The excitement for us lies in the potential to redefine project marketing in Canberra.”<h2 data-block-key="duaqc">New structure: Vantage Strata</h2><img alt="Rupert and Chris Image" class="richtext-image full-width" height="800" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Rupert_and_Chris_Image.width-800.png" width="800">With the Albanese Government committing to building 800,000 new strata-titled dwellings across the nation over the next five years, strata managers are becoming more and more critical to the property market.But they’re “rare as hen’s teeth” says Vantage Strata CEO Rupert Cullen, with many burning out and leaving the industry.So Vantage Strata has taken action.The entire business is now designed around strata managers, providing them with increased support with people in highly specialised roles including trust accountants, accounts payable and receivable clerks, maintenance officers, facilities managers and building managers.“The growth of new strata properties is accelerating and won&#x27;t slow down,” Rupert says.“Chris [Miller, Vantage Strata Business Development Manager] and I had been debating and the system&#x27;s broken. The traditional structure isn&#x27;t working. It&#x27;s not getting the right outcomes for the building owners, the occupants or the tenants.“It’s a really tough job being a strata manager; they&#x27;ve got to be an accountant and a procurement officer and pay invoices. It&#x27;s morphed from where it was 15 years ago when you&#x27;re doing three story walk-ups in Gungahlin to now massive complexes that have community titles, five buildings and 850 lots.“One person cannot be the master of all. So it was born out of necessity.”The new structure takes Vantage Strata from one very large business of 15,000 lots down to three small businesses or “pods” of 5,000 lots within the one business.“Each pod has a pod leader and then a team of people in and around, supporting the strata managers.“We’ve moved away from this reliance of the strata manager being Grand Central Station to making sure that when a task or an issue arises, it goes to the person that is best capable of dealing with that issue. Rather than the strata manager trying to be the jack of all trades, master of none.”Vantage Strata launched in 2016 with “zero lots under management”. Today, the business manages just under 15,000 lots with Geocon’s Republic Precinct and Morris Property group’s Sentinel in Belconnen among the biggest clients on the books. Vantage has 83 staff, including an office in Kuala Lumpur.“While we’ve got an excellent reputation and do manage a lot of very, very large developments, the philosophy that Chris and I have is that we need to lift the bar across the industry,” Rupert says.“And that doesn&#x27;t just mean the big end of town in terms of big developments.“The five-packs, ten-packs, townhouses, and small complexes out in Googong for example are just as important. They need just as much good advice and demand just as much professionalism.”

A new agency, a new team and a restructure: our wrap of the latest industry news

When Heather Badenoch hired a small office at Hawker shops in the 1990s and hung her name on the front door, it was “do or die” for the long-time real estate professional.Heather had been in property management for more than a decade when she decided to go out on her own in 1997. The thought of it terrified her; the vacancy rate in Canberra at the time was 10 per cent and opening a property management office “was a huge risk”.<img alt="IMG_4357.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="613" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_4357.width-800.jpg" width="800">But she focused on one very specific goal: “As long as I could make my previous annual salary in the first year, we’d be fine.”Heather placed a single column ad in The Canberra Times (“We were too poor to afford double column ads in the beginning!”), filled her 36sqm office with ex-government furniture and waited for the phone to ring.It did.Within months, Heather had more than 100 properties on her books.“Symon had his own business and he used to come and help me,” Heather recalls.“I&#x27;d go out and do inspections and he&#x27;d come in and answer the phone.“That&#x27;s how we evolved. We were a team right from the word go, really.”<img alt="IMG_4353.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1590" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_4353.width-800.jpg" width="800">It was a busy 12 months but it set an incredible foundation for what would be a hugely successful property business for the Badenochs. This year marks 25 years in the industry for Heather, Symon and the team.From the second they opened the office at Hawker, Badenoch was committed to what Heather and Symon call “a personal touch”: being accessible to clients, and caring deeply about both landlords and tenants.By 1999, landlords were increasingly asking for help to identify investment properties in Canberra, so Symon launched the sales arm of the business. At the time, the average time on market sat between three and six months, and the interest rate was around nine per cent.“I had no idea what I was getting into,” Symon laughs.“I was in horticulture before real estate - so I just had to learn as I went.“What I grew to love about sales - and still do - is meeting different people every day. It’s the combination of helping our landlords buy investment properties, and helping them create wealth, but also selling to the general public and helping people find home.”<img alt="IMG_4360.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="722" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_4360_EtObWFw.width-800.jpg" width="800">By 2003, the Badenoch office had grown to seven staff and was forced to move to bigger premises in the Belconnen Town Centre. The office is still there today, and, happily, the staff “tend to stay for years”, while a number of clients have been Badenoch clients for the full 25 years.Through the introduction of the GST in 2000, the GFC of 2008, and the unbelievable challenges of COVID across 2020 and 2021, Badenoch has stayed a loved and trusted household property name in the ACT.“I think the most challenging part of our journey has been the increase in competition - there&#x27;s more real estate agents out there than ever before,” Symon says.“The second thing is that people&#x27;s expectations have changed dramatically.“Everyone expects responses quickly, faster and more efficiently than ever before. Response times are down to hours.”<img alt="63_BN.JPG" class="richtext-image full-width" height="764" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/63_BN_lW7xLgE.width-800.jpg" width="800">Says Heather: “Servicing levels have to be high now, otherwise you fall over.”So are they proud of the business they’ve built?“It&#x27;s been a hell of a ride,” Symon says,“I think the core doesn&#x27;t change. I think we opened with the philosophy of ‘client first’, and I know that&#x27;s a cliche but that’s how we&#x27;ve evolved our business.“I’m especially proud of mum.“After all, that’s her name on the door.”<a href="https://zango.com.au/search-property/real-estate-agencies/badenoch-real-estate/?listing_type=sale&amp;status=current" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View Badenoch&#x27;s current sales listings here.</a><a href="https://zango.com.au/search-property/real-estate-agencies/badenoch-real-estate/?listing_type=lease&amp;status=current" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View Badenoch&#x27;s current rental listings here.</a>

4 news articles with tag property-management

‘An absolute success’: Rave reviews for Zango’s first property management conference

Attention Canberra property managers: We’ve designed an event just for you

A new agency, a new team and a restructure: our wrap of the latest industry news

‘A huge risk’: Heather Badenoch on launching a property management business in 1997