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Sandy Wheaton was drawn to property management the minute she entered the real estate industry 18 years ago. Today she enjoys the family environment of her office and the endless variety of the role.
When did you first join the PM industry?
It was last late 1998 in Buderim, Queensland. I was searching for a job, I walked into an employment agency and they offered me an admin traineeship. After I answered my first phone call on reception, I was offered the position to assist in property management – 18 years later, I am still hooked.
Why did you join the PM industry?
Once I got the taste of it as an assistant, I knew I wanted more. I loved the diversity and quickly saw that every day would be a new adventure.
What were you doing before PM?
Office administration in Airlie Beach.
What piece of technology do you find the most useful for your business and why?
My Outlook calendar, which is my ‘ideal week’. This helps to keep me sane, accountable and also on time!
What area of PM needs more training focused on it and why?
Effective communication and time management go hand in hand. When these two elements become the focus of a property manager, then the wheels become less clogged.
What skills does a PM/BDM need to be successful?
Listening skills.
Where do you believe a PM’s responsibilities should start and end?
It really does depend on the landlord and tenant. I take each client and property on an individual basis. It is very hard to do this job and not get involved. I have had some tenants with me since I started here 10 years ago.
How do you deal with disgruntled and aggressive tenants?
Do you really want to know what I would love to say?... However, to remain professional, I give them a warning, I try to diffuse the situation and, if it’s not successful, it’s a no-brainer: I remove myself from the situation.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people/my ‘work family’ and the diversity of the role! ‘Property management is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.’
What are the most stressful aspects of your job?
Finding my off switch after 5.30 each day and on weekends. As a property manager, the blood is still pumping through my veins.
How do you relax after a stressful day at work?
I walk my dog Crownie and turn the tunes up! My mate Johnnie Walker doesn’t go astray every now and then.
How would you describe a perfect property management day?
No such thing! However if there were ‘perfect’ tenants and landlords , then I wouldn’t have a career that I love.
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