When describing modern businesses, the word ‘boutique’ often pops up. Formerly an adjective for as a small shop which sells fashion and accessories, the word ‘boutique’ has now become synonymous with a particularly customer-focused specialist service. And, when it comes to Coral Tree Property, ‘boutique’ suits us perfectly. Here’s how we carry-out a boutique-level of service with our property management clients:
That Human Touch
Many agencies are all about policies and procedures and offering a one-size-fits-all approach. We believe that this method of practice leaves landlords and tenants feeling like a number. Yes, there are REIQ policies and procedures which need to be followed, but that just covers the paperwork-side of the transaction, and it should not impact the human elements.
At Coral Tree Property, we understand the emotional attachment many landlords and tenants have to their homes. We know that finding an ideal home can be stressful for tenants, especially when the extended family (i.e. kids and pets) need consideration. And, we understand that landlords often feel angst when handing over the keys and management obligations of their homes. We try to ease these emotions by treating our clients with dignity and kindness.
The Extras We Offer
We take our ‘boutique property management service’ tag seriously. So, if you are a Coral Tree Property tenant, and your landlord chooses to sell their home, we will help you find a new, suitable tenancy – even if it isn’t within our agency.
If you are a landlord with us, you can take comfort knowing that you won’t just have one person who is familiar with your property. We have a dedicated property management team who are all familiar with our landlords and tenants. This means that when one goes on leave or is out of the office, another can take enquiries without delay.
Boutique agencies are often communication experts. When you send through an enquiry, application, or repair request, one of our friendly team will get back to you within a reasonable amount of time. We can make decisions efficiently and without the red tape. We are proud of our high level of individualised care and transparency.
Our landlords will also benefit from the extra steps we offer in finding a tenant. Our Principal, Pam, will personally screen each rental application to ensure the right tenant is matched to your property. This also strengthens her relationship with both tenant and landlord.
Higher Calibre of Property Managers
Each of our property managers is degree qualified. This means they change this career and are in it for the long haul. This also means our property managers are of a higher calibre than most, so our tenants and landlords can be assured that if an issue arises our property managers will have the focus to find a quick resolution.
Quality over Quantity
Boutique real estate agencies can provide more personalised service because they have the freedom of being a small, close-knit group. We don’t have the ‘numbers’ stress like larger agencies. As a boutique real estate firm, your opinion matters to us, and we will strive to make your dreams come true because your result is of the utmost importance to us.
And, due to our smaller size, you will be able to get to know us, just like we will you. So, when you call our office, there won’t be a different person each time.
We Aim to Empower and Educate
You need to be able to trust your property managers implicitly. One way we build this trust is by sharing our knowledge. The first step in building this knowledge is by knowing all of your rights, and obligations, as a landlord or tenant. So, with that in mind, we provide any new client of ours with tangible checklists.
These checklists provide convenience and empowerment as our tenants and landlords can refer back to them at any stage of the tenancy and know what their next step might be. These checklists cover everything from what to look for on an entry report, to what happens when repairs are needed to the property and more.
Your Key Takeaways
A boutique property management agency, like Coral Tree Property, is small and customer-focused. We offer exemplary customer service.
For landlords, this means:
Understanding of the anxiety you may be feeling in handing-over management of your rental property;
Personal screening to find the right tenant for your property;
A dedicated, qualified team of agents who know your current rights and obligations and who can handle any enquiry;
Up-to-date communications after every inspection;
Convenient checklists to make each process a breeze.
For tenants, this means:
Compassion for your rental requirements;
Assistance in finding a new, suitable rental if your landlord is selling their property;
Your rights protected by a qualified, caring team of dedicated property managers;
Transparent and regular communication throughout tenancy; and
Convenient checklists to make any enquiry or application a breeze.
Avoid Frustration
If your current property manager isn’t delivering on any of the services above, you need to ask yourself, why?
Avoid the frustration of being just another number, and contact Coral Tree Property today for the quality of service you deserve.
The holiday season is chaotic! When combining the end of school, travelling, holiday parties and family visits, it’s easy to forget things which you’d typically be on top of. But as a landlord, there are definite safety requirements which you want to ensure are ticked off your list. And, as a tenant, there are also steps which you can do for your own peace-of-mind, as well as that of your landlord and agent. For your convenience, we have compiled this list of ways to keep your investment property safe these holidays.
Electrical Safety
Under the Electrical Safety Act 2002, landlords are liable to ensure the safety of all electrical equipment located on their rented premises. This means smoke alarms must be compliant, and at least one safety switch is installed in the switchboard. Your property manager should, as standard protocol, remind you when these are due. If a safety check has not been completed in the last 6-12 months, we recommend you contact your agent to arrange one.
For tenants who are heading away for the holidays, we recommend you switch off and unplug all unnecessary appliances. This means only the essential items like fridges and freezers will remain plugged in while you are away. Unplugging will not only help protect against potential fire dangers in your absence but also save you money. To help protect those from electrical surges while you are away, we recommend you purchase a surge protector.
For more electrical safety tips, see this handy guide by Work Safe Queensland.
Malicious Intentions
An unfortunate side-effect of the holiday season is the rise in break-ins due to the number of unoccupied homes. For tenants, there are a few ways to deter potential home invaders, including:
Make friends with the neighbours and ask them to keep an eye on your home while you are away. Be sure to leave them your best contact number in case of an emergency;
Don’t tempt thieves by leaving valuable items visible in the front yard or through the windows.
Play pretend by leaving a light on or boots by the front door.
Ask that friend or neighbour to collect your mail so that it isn’t overflowing in the mailbox.
Check the perimeter of the property and windows to ensure there are no potential weak spots. This includes locking gates with a padlock if necessary and removing items from the front yard which could be used for climbing over fences.
If you are going away, it might pay to let your agent know so they can do a drive-by or two to check on the property. Also remember to take the agent’s phone number with you, in case you are notified of anything concerning.
If possible, landlords may also wish to drive-by their rental properties during the holiday season. However, please remember to respect your tenant’s privacy; if you are concerned, notify your agent rather than entering the property yourself.
Insurance
Insurance won’t protect you from bad things happening, but it will make life a little easier if disaster strikes.
Because the holiday season signals the start of storm season in Queensland, we recommend all of our landlords and tenants have adequate insurance coverage. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a slightly-above-average number of cyclones during the 2020-2021 storm season (November – April). So, now is the time to check your policies have adequate storm damage cover.
For landlords, we recommend they get comprehensive building insurance which includes cover for cyclones, hail damage, potential flood damage, broken windows, roof repair etc. When checking policies, remember to insure any extras which you may have added to your home this year. Such things could include solar panels, water tanks, sheds etc. It is important to note, landlord insurance may cover you for ‘accidental’ damage but does not include natural flood damage. This is why we recommend our landlords take out building insurance as well as landlord insurance.
The intent of landlord insurance is to protect both the property and the rental income. Unlike building insurance, this policy covers tenant-specific risks which would not be covered by building insurance. For example, this policy would cover you, the landlord, for damage caused to the property by faulty appliances.
For tenants, we recommend you have comprehensive contents insurance. Contents insurance covers you for the cost of replacing any of your possessions which may be stolen, lost or damaged.
The Take-Aways
There are several useful tips here for landlords and tenants. To make it easier for you, here are our takeaways before you get into holiday-mode:
For Tenants:
Switch off and unplug all unnecessary electrical items before heading away for holidays;
Install surge protectors on the items which will stay plugged-in.
Secure the property as much as possible to deter break-ins while you are away;
Check your insurance policies are up-to-date, and your coverage is adequate.
For Landlords:
Do a couple of drive-bys of your investment properties and raise any security concerns with your agent;
Ensure electrical safety checks have recently been done on the property;
Check your building and landlord insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage.
If you are ever in doubt about your holiday property safety or would like to learn more information, please contact Coral Tree Property.
For our tenants and landlords, we are proud to be available quite frequently throughout the holiday period. If you have any concerns outside of our holiday operating hours, please contact our after-hours operator Pam on 0423 709 882.
