First National Real Estate

Under many of the Acts governing residential tenancy throughout Australia, tribunals are established to oversee disputes and the administration of rental bonds. The outcomes of many hearings relating to residential tenancy disputes are dependant upon the accuracy of records and systems used by the person managing the property. Selecting an appropriate real estate agent to manage your property Making sure you have the best real estate agency managing your investment is vitally important. A good real estate agency saves time and takes the hard work out of owning an investment property. Here is a checklist of some areas you should consider when selecting a real estate agency to manage your property: • Does the company have property managers solely designated to that task? • How will they communicate with you and how often? • Do they have a good knowledge of the local rental market? • How many properties do they manage? • Do they have property management systems in place? • Is their property manager well experienced with state legislation? • Do the property management staff attend regular training? • Do they have the support of a larger network? • What is their approach to selecting tenants? • Do they have systems for regularly following up arrears? • What systems do they have for collecting rent and reporting to the landlord? • Can they arrange insurance and payments of all outgoings? • Organisation of and representation at tribunal hearings • Bond collection and the first month’s rent in advance prior to tenant moving into the property • Lodgement of Bond with the appropriate body • Personal service from property management team PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GUIDE 27