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Kristy Clymo has worked across numerous roles in the real estate sector, so she know just how important communication is, both internally and externally.
When did you first join the PM industry?
I first started in real estate in 1999 when I was 17.
Why did you join the PM industry?
I didn’t choose real estate; it chose me. It was my first job out of school. I applied for an admin/reception role, but then quickly moved on to working as an assistant property manager.
What would you like your next career step to be?
I have recently received a promotion that I am very proud of. I am now as associate director at LJ Hooker Willetton-Shelley-South Lake after 13 years with the company. My next career step is to be eventually in sales or a BDM, and branch away from day-to-day department management.
What piece of technology do you find the most useful for your business and why?
Inspection Manager and realestatebookings.com are by far the most helpful forms of technology we have implemented into the business, especially for our property managers and leasing agents. The system’s a great time saver and easy to use. Since realestatebookings.com released their new app, we are all finding their program much more time-efficient to use.
What area of PM needs more training focused on it and why?
From my perspective, being a department manager, I would definitely say conflict resolution – especially when conflict between owner/tenant and property manager cannot be resolved. A lot of property managers tend to become emotionally involved, and it becomes very challenging to then mediate the conflict. Sales training is another area, especially in this market when conversing with owners about price reductions and fee discounting. In Perth, the last 6-12 months has seen a significant decrease in rental prices and increase in queries for fee reductions – we could all definitely improve our abilities to stand firm and explain what fees we are entitled to and why.
What skills does a PM/BDM need to be successful?
An obvious skill, but most important, is time management. A day in the life of a property manager can be like four seasons in one day. You need to be able to prioritise your work while keeping calm and remaining focused. The second is communication, since a lack of communication can easily cause conflict – it is our job as property managers to frequently and effectively connect with each other.
Where do you believe a PM’s responsibilities should start and end?
I believe your responsibilities begin when you receive your signed appointment to act and only end when the agreement is finalised. It is crucial to remember your responsibilities lie within the details of your appointment to act and within the RTA, and not in providing advice or services outside your area of expertise.
How do you deal with disgruntled and aggressive tenants?
We find that most conflict is resolved once the tenant comes into the office and converses face to face, sometimes with a manager or licensee. This is something we practise frequently, and we believe it is the most professional and efficient way to resolve conflict with aggressive tenants.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in the PM industry?
I have my off days, like people most do, but I really do love real estate. However, if I had to choose another career, it would definitely be something with animals. I always wanted to be a vet or a vet nurse while studying at school.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like the flexibility and the diverse path real estate provides. Personally, I have worked through reception, property management, sales admin, sales PA, trust accounting and office management, and am now a licensed agent and associate director. It really does open up a lot of doors, and the choice of where you end up is ultimately yours.
What are the most stressful aspects of your job?
Staff – finding the right staff is always difficult. You never know how someone will perform or mould into your team until they start, and the wrong selection of a property manager can be damaging to the business
How do you relax after a stressful day at work?
I have just started boot camp training, which I do twice a week with a group of ladies at work. It’s a great way to release stress and we all have a lot of fun too.
How would you describe a perfect property management day?
A perfect day for me is coming into work with a plan or an action list of what tasks I need to get done for that day, and leaving with a clear in-tray, with all of my boxes ticked, ready to start fresh the next day. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does, it’s a great feeling.
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