Brunswick Blog

Interview with Head of our Rental Department, Manager Kasey Lawrence

Tell us a little bit about your journey before Real Estate...

A former Bachelor of Arts Student at Latrobe University I soon came to realize my passion lay elsewhere. Having a keen eye on real estate I decided to step into property management as an assistant property manager for a leading Bendigo Agency in 2005.

 

And how did you come to move to Melbourne & pursue Real Estate here...

Recognising my talent, commitment to excellence, passion, and drive I was quickly promoted to Senior Property Manager. I love the fast-paced industry that real estate offers and after 4 years I felt the desire to take it to the next level and move to Melbourne to work amongst elite agents. 

 

 

 

What advice do you have for people who are searching for a Property Manager to manage their rental property? What questions should they ask? Qualities to look for…

When choosing a suitable property manager, I believe landlords are looking for a person who will be an open and honest communicator, someone who is proactive and follows through on their word and has their investments best interest at heart.

For the first time landlords it’s a property manager who will treat their home as if it was their own and guide them through the leasing & management process, A manager who will be there to not only reassure them that their property is in good hands, but to show them how they can maximise their rental return and maintain a quality property.

I pride myself on my knowledge & comprehension of the Residential Tenancies Act, and my ability to understand the needs and desires of both landlord and tenants alike. 

 

As a Senior Property Manager & Head of our Rental Department, what things do you actively do to ensure your team is always ahead of the rest? 

I ensure my team remains at the forefront of the industry. We participle in weekly webinar training sessions with the country’s leading pm trainer- Darren Hunter, as well as attending fortnightly private training sessions with a quality consultant employed by CAV.

The systems and procedures that are in place are to ensure the property manager’s day can be as manageable as possible, and their focus can be on exceptional customer service. 

I want to ensure the experience every client or potential client has when they come to Raine and Horne, is a positive one. I want the level of service to be exceptional across the board.

 

What is it about your job that is most satisfying, what keeps you inspired & motivated?

I see the vision that Mario & Robert have for Raine & Horne Brunswick -and I share that passion and drive with them. The support I receive from the Directors keeps me motivated and pushing forward to help make Raine & Horne Brunswick the best it can be. My goal is to continue building a strong and united property management team, who are focused on delivering top level customer service and are also passionate about what they do and I believe that stems from working in a positive, supportive environment.

 

Real Estate is such a fulfilling and satisfying career, and after 12 years in the industry, my passion for real estate and property management continues to grow. 

For me personally, I hope to continue to grow and oversee the Rental Department and ensure we are delivering the highest quality of service. 

 

What do you love the most about working Northside?

Northside is an area you warm to very quickly. It has a real vibe about it, there are always friendly faces & the mix of cultures living in harmony makes it a mecca for foodies. I love popping into the café Green Refectory, sitting in their courtyard on a sunny afternoon is so enjoyable. Northside has seen a seismic shift over the past couple years, with lots of big apartment developments attracting young professionals, consequently, small businesses have been booming & so many new cafes & nightlife spots have popped up. The other huge plus side to the Northern suburbs is while you get to enjoy the relaxed suburban lifestyle, the city is only a stone’s throw away. You really get the best of both worlds and real value for your money.

 

 

 

                   

 

What advice do you have to those who want to greatly heighten their chances of getting the rental they love...

MAKE A STRIKING FIRST IMPRESSION

When attending an open for inspection or handing in your application, make a good impression on the agent. Take pride in how you present yourself and the way you dress, make small talk & begin to build repour with the agent. This will help you stand out.  

STAND OUT WITH A COVER LETTER

It’s best practice to always include a cover letter with your application. Think of it from an owners perspective, wouldn’t you want to know who will be potentially living in your house? Your cover letter is your opportunity to stand out amoungst other applicants. Use it to detail more about your background, what you do for work and how you like to spend your free time & lastly why you want to live in the particular property/area.

TO ENSURE YOUR APPLICATION IS LOOKED AT FIRST…

You must be quick & organised. If you love a rental then don’t waste any time thinking about it, get your application fully completed with all supporting documents attached & ready to go. Letters of commendation from previous rentals or a letter from your employer stating your income can be the thing that gets you over the line. It’s always good to include a copy of a bank statement with a healthy bank balance too, especially if you’re new to the country or between work. You wouldn’t believe how many applications we receive that aren’t filled out properly, these ones go straight to the bottom. Another thing to consider is a fully completed application with an early move-in date has a higher chance of winning the property too.

FURRY FRIEND? HERE’S HOW TO HEIGHTEN YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING YOUR PET APPROVED

If you’re applying with a pet, there are 3 things you can do to heighten your chances of approval.

  1. Provide a letter that details information about your pet & includes a photo.
  2. Get a pet reference from your current agent.
  3. Be willing to offer a pet bond.

IF YOU’RE DESPERATE FOR THAT PROPERTY, HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO…

If you’re truly in love with a property & desperate to live there at all costs then consider asking for a longer lease…again put yourself in the owners' shoes. No landlord wants to go through the tenant-recruitment process every 6-12 months, if you can show that you love a property & you have every intention of staying there for the next year, then be sure to say that. Anything that removes the landlords' burden of having to find a replacement is a good thing.

 

 

 

For all your Property Management enquries Kasey looks forward to hearing from you. Her email address is, [email protected] & her mobile number, 0402 500 999. 

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