Property Management Blog

Self-management of investment properties is all fun and games…until it goes wrong. Before you decide if self-managing your investment property is the right decision consider the following 6 reasons why having a real estate agent manage your valued asset can save you heartache and money. With today’s fast paced lifestyle it feels like we are expected to do more with less, so the idea of self-managing your property can seem attractive; but have you considered what managing your own property will require of you? And the issues that you may face by not hiring an agent? Consider these 6 reasons why managing…

It’s that time of year here in Darwin, the buildup is here which means that humidity and heat are cranked through the roof leaving us all dreading the inevitable electricity bill. We understand everyone is feeling the pinch and the need to stretch every dollar that bit further. So we have put together 10 simple energy saving tips to help you get more control through your electricity and power habits. Fridge Seals – your fridge runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, make sure that that the seals are in good working order to prevent cold air escaping.…

I love a good horror story, there is nothing like feeling the rush of adrenaline pumping through your veins and the cold sensation of pure fear creeping up your spine – but this is where I like the excitement to end – in fiction, not real life. Whilst I am not talking about killer Tenants coming back from the grave zombie style, I do want to share a real life investment horror story that ended in success for our Landlord all thanks to the hard work of our dedicated property managers. As a landlord there is no feeling worse than…

I am lucky enough to be able to honestly say that I love what I do and enjoy the challenges that being a property manager and investor bring, but not everyone feels the same way. I know that a lot of people feel that either managing their rental property or owning real estate is nothing but a huge headache, but it doesn’t have to be this way and with the right agency it can actually be a simple and enjoyable experience. Take a look at our top 6 tips that will help you to reduce your stress levels and improve…

It is that time of the year again, the wet kicks in, mango madness is in full force and wait for it….Cyclone Season arrives. The Northern Territory is naturally prone to experience between 2-3 cyclones tropical cyclone events affecting the area between 1 November and 30 April each year. Using the following make sure your rental property is well prepared for the Cyclone Season to ensure you get through it safe & sound! Preparing for the Cyclone Season Clear all loose material that could blow about and possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds from the property. In the…

Do you really know what your real estate agent is charging you? We are all guilty of it, seeing the monthly statement come in and either skimming over it (or in my case) not even opening it? The old adage of ‘no news is good news’ really hits home for a lot of us investors who are let’s face it – as long the rent is being paid we have got bigger things to be worrying, then meticulously screening our monthly statements. But STOP! Take five minutes to look at your management agreement or your monthly statement and ask the…

Pets! They make a house a home and a family complete. But more and more Landlords are declining to accept pets in their investment properties which is shame as with the decline of available rental homes allowing pets, tenants must give up their pets leading to overcrowding in our shelters. I don’t know about most of you but the thought of not having my two ‘fur babies’ allowed to live in my home with me brings me to tears – because without them my house would not be a home and I’ll bet I’m not the only one who feels…

It is important to know exactly what services your property manager is responsible for providing you and what services are considered “extras”. Each agency may have a slightly different definition of what standard services and extra services are so it is really important that you educate yourself before committing to having the agency manage your property. By knowing what services your property manager will provide you, you can be guaranteed that your expectations will be matched to the services offered by the agency and that you understand what you are being charged for. Common “standard” services your property manager may…

It is important to know and have planned in advance where you are going to be sheltering in the event that a tropical cyclone arrives and to ensure that you heed public warnings. A good survival plan for a tropical cyclone includes have a plan on where you and your family – inducing your pets – are going to shelter. Following the devastating Cyclone Tracey in 1974, building codes have required all buildings in the Northern Territory to incorporate cyclone resistant construction. This means that your home can be used as a shelter. It is recommended to use the most…