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The industry’s best new PM has learned valuable lessons about juggling responsibilities after nearly three years in real estate.
Abel McGrath asset manager Kirsty Ashcroft, who was named Rising Star at this year’s Real Estate Business Awards, said she has learned how complicated and varied property management can be.
“It’s a job where we’re always juggling issues and it’s really busy,” Ms Ashcroft told RPM. “No day is really the same.
“Even if you’ve got 10 years' experience, one day will come along that you’ve never experienced before so you’re learning constantly in this role.”
Ms Ashcroft, who manages about 85 properties, said a key thing she has learnt is the value of communication both within the business and with clients.
“Quite often people just want to be heard and responded to in a timely manner, so I make sure that I respond to people as early as possible so they’re kept in the loop.”
In being proactive with communication, Ms Ashcroft has learnt people management skills that she believes are vital to property management.
“You’re peopl- managing, so you’re always learning different ways to speak with people in different scenarios to manage or control the situation for the best outcome possible for everyone,” she said.
Ms Ashcroft said she had also learned the importance of working closely with sales, particularly since Ms Ashcroft’s organisation manages properties from end-to-end.
“It’s something that is promoted throughout the business; we try to have close relationships between sales and the property managers,” she said.
“We’re responsible for everything, which means we do the lot, so you have to manage your time well.”
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