Landlord Information
When Choosing Walkers Real Estate To Manage Your Property We Offer You
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to present the service we can offer in managing your valuable investment, you can rest assured that we’ll treat your asset with the utmost professionalism and the respect that you deserve.
Expertise
Achieving a top return on your property depends on good management, which in turn calls for specialized skills, training and of course, experience! Our team has a wealth of experience gained from years working in the local market and through our association with the Walkers Real Estate Group, which is recognized as established market leaders in property.
People
Property Management is more than just collecting rent.
We care for your property as if it was ours. In fact the business owners are avid property investors themselves and understand the importance of placing the right tenants in your valuable rental property.
Resources
Walkers Real Estate employ the latest technology, business systems and procedures to ensure consistent delivery of service. Coupled witht her personal and professional attention paid by our highly qualified team, you can be assured that your valuable rental property is in good hands.
Exposure
Our offices are located in prime locations, Junction Road, Karalee and College Road, Karana Downs in the shopping centres. Our customized website, signage and extended business hours ensure your property is promoted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Commitment
We understand property management and know our obligation is to make owning the investment property as stress free as possible for you. Such is our commitment to superior property management service.
Answers To Commonly Asked Questions
How we promote your property
We recognize advertising takes thought to target the most qualified tenant for your property. In fact we believe tenant selection starts with how we promote your property and handle the enquiry. We will utilize a variety of techniques to attract the most suitable tenant to your property including:
1. Rent List in both offices Karalee and Karana Downs
2. Internet Advertising with quality photos
- Our customized website www.walkerskaralee.com.au
- And realestate.com.au, Australias No. 1 Real Estate website
3. For Rent Sign (optional)
4. Internal Database searches
5. Personal handling and qualifications of all enquiry
6. Personal meet and greet inspection with prospective tenants
(under no circumstances will keys be handed out)
7. 6 day per week inspections with viewing arrangements
Included in your kit is our Fact Sheet “Top 10 Items tenants look for in Rental Properties”
How We Screen And Select Tenants
“We feel it is better to leave a property vacant than to take on a tenant who does not meet our stringent criteria”
Tenant selection starts at the point of promoting the property. Personal inspections allow the property manager to ask questions and assess responses. This process is then followed up by the formal application process, which includes:
Walkers Guide to completing the Application
Privacy Disclosure Notice
· Customised comprehensive Application for Tenancy completed by all tenants residing at the property and contributing to the rent. For tenants convenience this form can be downloaded from our website.
· Photo Identification and income details must be supplied prior to the application being processed.
· Verification checklist ensuring all details are supported with written documentation and confirmation emails or phone calls to confirm authenticity of information supplied.
· Tenants are checked via Tenant Referencing Databases – TICA
· Assessment of application.
· Client liaison before any application is approved.
The process is conducted in compliance with Privacy and Discrimination Legislation.
When The Application Has Been Approved
Once the application has been finalized a formal sign up appointment is arranged where all tenants are required to sign the tenancy agreement and pay a holding deposit of one weeks rent. On pick up of the keys and lease agreement commencement an additional payment of one weeks rent and the bond of 4 weeks rent is paid. This appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and we request all payments are made as “clear funds” for obvious reasons. Our office does not accept bond transfers from other agents as that effectively means you only have one bond on two properties. We believe it is safer to have the full bond payment prior to the tenant moving into the property. Once the payment is made this secures the property for the tenant and ensures their commitment is genuine. We then lodge the bond to the Residential Tenancies Authority.
Before the tenant moves into the property a detailed condition report is completed with accompanying digital photos, which are printed and kept on file. All tenants are given the opportunity to go through the report with one of our team. Many tenants appreciate this opportunity. Our motto is “prevention is better than cure”. It is imperative we are in agreement as to the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy otherwise disputes are inevitable. Whilst this can be time consuming we see this as time well spent to protect your investment to the best of our ability.
A copy of the Tenancy Agreement and Entry Condition Report will be sent to you for your records.
We recognize the importance of cultivating a balanced fair relationship with tenants, as happy tenants generally mean a well cared for property.
How Maintenance Is Handled On The Property
Considerable research occurs before any Contactors work on the properties we manage. Proof of qualification and insurance must be provided together with verifiable references. We own property so we know cheapest is not necessarily the best, the quality of the workmanship is most important. We look for a balance of good reliable Contractors who are competitively priced and pride themselves on being professionals in their field.
How Often We Inspect The Property
The Residential Tenancies Act restricts general inspection to 3 monthly intervals. We conduct routine inspection at three to four monthly intervals. You will be notified well in advance of the scheduled inspection to allow you the opportunity to accompany us on the inspection. A fully detailed report will be forwarded to you providing feedback and recommendations, if any.
How We Handle Tenants Who Don't Pay Their Rent
Once again our motto “Prevention is better than cure” is appropriate for arrears management. Tenants are offered three ways of paying their rent to save them time and give them the opportunity to pay their rent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The methods are:
In our opinion these methods help eliminate rental arrears for our owners.
We have two offices for convenience - Karana Downs and Karalee.
1. Cash, Bank Cheque or Money Order (either in person at the office or by post)
2. Direct Deposit in our Suncorp Bank A/C (bank details can be provided)
3. Internet Transfer (again bank details can be provided)
In the event a tenant does not meet their rental obligations our processes are swift and you will be kept informed at all stages throughout the process. We strictly follow the Residential Tenancies Act and act as quickly as the legislation permits. At four days in arrears a reminder letter is forwarded to tenants. We then follow up by phone calls. The legal process commences once the rent is unpaid for 7 clear days. We ensure you are kept informed throughout when legal process starts. We attempt to use a consultative yet legislative complaint approach and if the need arises we will prepare and present a case to the Small Claims Tribunal to have the tenancy terminated.
We suggest owners consider insurance coverage for loss sustained due to tenant negligence for additional peace of mind. Unfortunately despite our absolute best efforts we cannot control tenants 24 hours a day, 7 days a week nor can we control circumstances in their lives. A brochure and fact sheet supplied by AON Insurance and Terri Sheer are included for your perusal. Please note if you arrange coverage through AON a referral fee will be paid to our firm.
Our Commitment To Keeping You Informed Of Rental Income
A fully itemized statement will be sent to you at the end of each month. An email statement may also be sent through if requested. Essentially you can receive two payments from us each month. We deposit rent money collected mid month and end of month electronically into your bank account. Your statements will show a Credit which is all the rent money we have collected and as a Debit which will be any payments we have made on your behalf. All amounts direct deposited into your account will be displayed and you will be able to match them against your bank statement.
Schedule Of Charges
Our Fees are dedicative of the sustainability of our service and key to providing exceptional tremendous service.
- Letting the Property - For every new tenancy, one week's rent plus GST
- If tenants terminate the Lease Agreement early they are required to pay the letting fee and to service the smoke alarms
Our job is to keep quality tenants living in and looking after your property and paying you rent rather than tenants moving in and out all the time.
RENT COLLECTION
- Rent Collection
- 5% plus GST of weekly rent collected TOTAL - 5.5%
GENERAL MANAGEMENT FEES
- 3.5% plus GST of weekly rent collected TOTAL - 3.85%
Your property will be promoted to its best using all techniques provided. An overall charge of $4.50 plus GST being $4.95 per disbursement will be charged to all owners to cover bank charges for processing rent and payments and costs associated with legislative compliance on your behalf.
Reimbursement of Court Lodgement Costs in the event you require us to represent you in the Smalls Claims Tribunal is required. These vary in cost of between approx $13.50 to $74.00 depending on the claim. Preparation of the case and representation in Small Claims is complimentary and part of the overall management fee.
For more information or if there are any questions you may have in relation to your property please feel free to contact one of our highly qualified Property Managers.
If you would like to download a copy of the Walkers Real Estate Management Booklet Click Here