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The latest writings from our team

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
10 min read

Bricks + Agent’s Guide to Interior House Painting

One of the most popular and common DIY jobs, painting the interior of your home can be an easy and pleasant activity. If you are looking for a cheap and effective way to increase the value of your house, then sprucing it up with a brand new coat of paint is a great idea. However, this task can be time-consuming, so unless you are willing to put in some time and effort, you should consider hiring a professional painter.
September 10, 2024
5 minutes

What Is The Cost Of Replacing Tile Or A Roof?

Is your roof too shabby, damaged beyond repair or outdated? If it is affected by any of the above cases, the only choice you might have is to replace it with roof tiling. But how much can it cost you to repair it? Would you like to renovate, clean or substitute it?
September 11, 2024
8 min read

Bricks + Agent’s Guide to Growing Winter Vegetables

Growing vegetables doesn't have to be a seasonal job and planting can be done outside of Spring. In many parts of Australia, you can grow vegetables and have a beautiful cottage garden in Winter as well. The only factor you need to address is which types of vegetables are going to thrive in your local climate.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

8 Tips For Finding A Great Property Manager For Your Airbnb

So you own one or several Airbnb rental properties and maybe time isn’t on your side to manage them by yourself. What's the best solution? Lucky for you, hiring a person who provides professional Airbnb property management services has become quite popular. Your properties will get all the attention they need, and you get to worry less and invest your time in something else.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

Find Your Target Market For Rental Properties With These 5 Tips

When listing your property for rent, think of the type of audience you want living in it first! While you will feel like considering a lot of people before choosing a selected audience and demographic, it will help to keep the types of people who are not suited to your property at arms length. Once you have your target audience, its time to consider what types of things they need and want from a rental property, and how you can provide it to them. But who are your ideal renters? The experts at Bricks+Agent have put together some steps to help you target your audience.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

What Are the Costs of a Building Clean-up?

After construction workers are done with the last touch-ups and before the owners arrive, every construction or renovation site requires a building clean-up, or builders’ clean. During a builders’ clean, a professional cleaner or cleaning crew ensure that the building is in top shape and that all the debris has been removed. Clean-up workers that are specialised in construction sites can offer work in commercial, industrial, and residential settings. Some cleaners will also provide clean-up services during the renovation or construction process. In Australia, a building clean-up specialist has an average hourly rate of $35.50. The construction clean-up rates may go up to as much as $41 per hour depending on different aspects like the size of the building, the surface that needs to be cleaned, the complexity of the cleaning job, and the additional tasks that need to be handled.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

The Costs of Hiring an Arborist

An arborist is a contractor that is specialised in the care, maintenance, and removal of trees and shrubs. An aborist knows what trees require and has the necessary equipment to provide proper care. Hiring someone to take care of trees is not a very popular thing, as people can be somewhat reluctant to paying someone for this service. However, taking proper care of trees is highly recommended, as trees that are well-cared for can boost the curb appeal of your property. Diseased trees, on the other hand, can be a liability to property owners as they invite pests and can damage your property during extreme weather. Most people tend to prune or remove trees on their own, without hiring a professional arborist. Removing trees, especially large ones, can be dangerous and you run the risk of injury. Without proper safety equipment, you put your life and home at risk.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

Top 9 Most Common Australian House Pests

Australia is famous for its wide variety and large number of dangerous and troublesome pests. However, this is more often than not just a rumour, as the majority of house pests such as small animals, insects, or reptiles, are harmless. While it’s true that in Australia you can find some of the world’s most venomous and deadly critters, it is also true that they only account for a tiny percentage of calls that pest control specialists get. Most of the time, Australians will call pest control for common pests like rats, mice, ants, cockroaches, or possums. Pest control is a service that is popular in both commercial and residential settings and regardless of whether the property is a suburban home, a commercial warehouse, an office block, or a restaurant. In general, it is the property owner or the property manager's duty to hire a pest control specialist as soon as they suspect that they might be dealing with a pest. Make sure that you get a full pest inspection before renting or selling a property because having pests is extremely off-putting for potential buyers or tenants. If you are not sure whether you are dealing with a common Australian pest or not you can check this list that was put together by our team.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

How To Choose The Perfect Roofing For Your House

Your roof protects you from weather. While it is safe to say that most types of materials that are used for roofing can enhance the overall aesthetic of your home, some of these materials might be more appropriate for your climate or for your budget than others. If you are considering selling or leasing your house, repairing any damage to the roof or guttering is something to consider. Repairing your roof or replacing the damaged tiles you will add value and boost the curb appeal of your house. The roof is often a neglected part of a house. It's not until you notice leaks that you realise just how important the exterior of their house can be. If, on the other hand, you are building a new house, or simply renovating and you think re-roofing is necessary, then you need to know all the available options. With so many options available on the market such as clay tiles, asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or steel panels, choosing roofing material might be a challenging process. There are a wide range of materials available to homeowners so choosing the right ones might depend on your budget, needs, climate, and personal preferences. Here are some of the most popular materials and the advantages and disadvantages associated with them.
September 10, 2024
2 minutes

Updates to Inspection Manager – July Release

September 12, 2024
2 minutes

Updates to Inspection Manager – August Release

Introducing Our New App Features!
September 12, 2024
2 minutes

Check Out Our Latest Updates For January

This release sees new updates that will help you with even Faster Report Editing via the CMS, with the new Area Level Thumbs Up for marking conditions and an improved reporting functionality to Load Reports Faster. Let us know what you think of these new features!
September 12, 2024
2 minutes

Check Out Our Latest Updates For March

September 12, 2024
3 minutes

Edit Layout via Report Editing

September 12, 2024
2 minutes

Follow-ups for Tenant Assisted Inspections

September 16, 2024
3 minutes

How To Edit Inspection Report in CMS

September 16, 2024
3 minutes

How To Bulk Close & Send Routine Inspections

September 16, 2024
3 minutes

Bulk Send Tenant Assisted Inspection Requests

September 16, 2024
3 minutes

Tips To Improve Communication With Your Tenants

Ready to improve communication with your tenants? Inspection Manager’s online tenant options are here to help you power-up your day and enhance communication with ease. Our Branded Tenant Assisted Inspections, Branded Paperless Ingoing Reports, and Branded Digital Leases are not just tools to streamline your rental process, they’re also the key to stronger relationships and better communication with your tenants.
September 11, 2024
7 minutes

Revolutionising Property Management: Inspection Manager Joins Proptech Labs

In an exciting development for property management professionals, Inspection Manager has become a part of Proptech Labs. Proptech Labs was launched in conjunction with the recent Bricks + Agent acquisition of Inspection Manager. Proptech Lab’s aim is to be the leading software development group dedicated to innovation and customer satisfaction. This integration brings together three powerful products, including Bricks + Agent Inspection Manager and Invoice Automate to create a comprehensive all-in-one solution that revolutionises property management processes. With increased resources and expertise, Proptech Labs promises enhanced efficiencies and streamlined operations for businesses.
September 11, 2024
5 minutes

Top Property Management Blogs You Need To Be Reading

You know one of the most exciting things about the real estate industry? It keeps on changing all the time. With the ever-changing trends, it also becomes imperative that as a property manager, you educate yourselves, and stay updated with the latest practices, but how? Well, reading the top property management blogs makes you innovative and also keeps you on the top of industry trends. They also offer you a wealth of knowledge and seamlessly provides you with the outstanding resources. But in case, if you are not sure which blogs to browse through, here are the top 5 property management blogs that you can look up to.
September 16, 2024
5 minutes

The Shark and the startup: A deal that was worth taking a bit out of

Way back in 2018, shark Andrew Banks did an on screen deal for a stake in start up Bricks and Agent – but off screen the deal did not progress The team at Bricks and Agent kept in touch with Andrew and when it was time to complete their recent capital raise, Andrew took a bite of the start up. Andrew is now an investor in Bricks and Agent which recently raised more than $9m including a strategic investment from publicly listed Hipages Group (ASX:HPG)
September 16, 2024
4 minutes

Little Real Estate: sharing information, knowledge and keeping customers satisfied

Little Real Estate is Australia's largest independently owned real estate agencies and aim to offer their clients real service that provides real outcomes. Before Bricks + Agent, Little Real Estate agency was managing maintenance tasks on three different systems in order to get the request to a property manager, Since partnering with Bricks + Agent they now have reduced the amount of time it takes teams to initiate and complete the maintenance workflow.
September 16, 2024
4 minutes

How To Get Past The First 100 Days in Real Estate

The first 100 days is a wake up call for new real estate agents. This is the make it or break it period, when many decide that they’re better off switching to another kind of job. Unfortunately there’s no instruction manual on how to be a successful real estate agent but if you have a bit of know-how it can make the first 100 days easier to get through.
September 12, 2024
8 min read

The Ever Changing Industry Of Property Management

Technology continues to change our way of doing business. This is as true for managing properties as it is for all the other areas in today's real estate industry.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

Bricks + Agent selected in Austrade's Singapore Landing Pad Program

Bricks + Agent has been selected in Austrade's Singapore Landing Pad Program.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

Bricks + Agent Partners with Little Real Estate

Bricks + Agent is a platform built to simplify and enhance the property maintenance and inspection process for property managers, tradespeople, tenants and property owners.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

4 Characteristics Of A Great Property Manager

A property manager must be a skilled juggler of numerous tasks, keeping both landlords and tenants happy. In addition to keeping properties maintained and in good shape, they are responsible for preserving a rental property's value. Although this job only requires a high school diploma, many customers will opt to work with a specialist who has a degree in real estate, finance, or business. We've put together a list of professional qualities a property manager needs hold to make the most out of a successful career.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

Bricks + Agent Partners with Little Real Estate

Bricks + Agent is a platform built to simplify and enhance the property maintenance and inspection process for property managers, tradespeople, tenants and property owners.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

Best Renovations for Rental Properties that Attract Tenants

Tenants search for the most desirable properties they can afford that won't break the bank. With this in mind, it might be time to consider renovating your outdated property to attract new tenants. Moreover, it is vital to keep the needs of the tenants in mind and stick to your renovation budget. Making some simple and budget-friendly renovations can help you attract more tenants than ever. Here are some of the best renovations to consider for your rental property.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

Who Is The Average Australian Property Investor - Do You Fit The Bill?

Do you know who the average Australian property investor really is? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the super wealthy property speculator buying up rentals left right and centre. In fact it could be your next door neighbour, the one who’s drinking XXXX and firing up the barbie. Don’t believe us? Let’s take a look at some stats to see if we can put together a clearer profile of this person….
September 10, 2024
8 min read

How Allowing Pets Can Help Property Managers Find Great Tenants

Property owners and managers shouldn't turn away good tenants just because they have one or two pets. According to a recent article by Chad Gardland, about 70 percent of tenants who live in rental apartments own pets, with majority of those owning a cat or dog. Unfortunately, many pet owners admitted that it can be quite difficult to find apartments that are pet friendly. About two-thirds of urban pet owners had difficulties finding a rental property where pets are allowed. By excluding pets from their rental properties, landlords and managers also exclude an important percentage of compatible tenants. This is a limiting approach because if done right, making rental properties pet friendly can attract great tenants. In fact, according to Psychology Today’s report, people who own pets are happier, have more stability, and are more likely to rent a property long-term. So, this could be beneficial for property managers, as this may attract high quality applicants. However, be prepared to deal with the risks that are associated with pets such as property damage, complaints, and maintenance.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

What happens when two great entrepreneurs think alike...

As we step forward in our journey to transform the property maintenance industry, we’re excited to announce that we have hit a significant investment milestone today, accelerating our growth plans and helping us capture the huge opportunity we have ahead of us.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

8 Ways To Grow Your Rent Roll That REALLY Work

Whether you’re a seasoned property manager with an impressive portfolio or a beginner, you want to grow your rent roll and increase your monthly rental income. Right? The good news! Fortunately, there are countless rent roll growth strategies scattered over the web. But the question is what actually works? Which strategies help deliver real results effectively in a hassle-free manner? This article shares several time-tested rent roll growth strategies that really work.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

7 Tips For Spring Property Maintenance

When Spring is approaching, property managers focus on seasonal property maintenance inspections. Inspections consist of monitoring and tracking assets that don’t usually require much attention in Winter like gutters, pools, gardens, and lawns. Managers will check assets that function all year round like filters, HVAC units, and generators, in order to avoid failures. To property owners and landlords, functionality is essential for preserving their home's integrity and keeping tenants happy. To track maintenance related tasks and costs, property owners and managers can implement a maintenance management system. Having a running log on all adjustments and issues handled is important, so many property managers will use a property maintenance software. To help you prepare for Summer, make sure you take these 7 tips into account during the next Spring maintenance check:
September 10, 2024
8 min read

6 Reasons Property Managers Should Use Bricks+Agent?

Technological advancements in property management software offer solutions to many problems most property management professionals struggle with every day. Performing tasks like tracking payments, seeking approvals and managing maintenance costs and trades manually takes up a lot of time. However, there’s a solution - having property maintenance software!
September 10, 2024
8 min read

What Is The Cost Of Garden Clean Up Services?

A tidy garden improves the beauty of your home and keeps you safe. As much as you can keep it clean using the DIY method, it might not be possible if you are busy. You might need to hire a garden cleaner. Garden cleanup cost can be around $45/hr. It depends with the requirements of the job. Sometimes cleaning a garden can be as low as $40/hr or as high as $50/hr. If you need services of a professional garden cleaner, it can cost you on average in Australia $164.84 to complete the whole project. However, this being an average estimation, rates can vary depending on the number of tasks involved.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

4 Characteristics Of A Great Property Manager

A property manager must be a skilled juggler of numerous tasks, keeping both landlords and tenants happy. In addition to keeping properties maintained and in good shape, they are responsible for preserving a rental property's value. Although this job only requires a high school diploma, many customers will opt to work with a specialist who has a degree in real estate, finance, or business. We've put together a list of professional qualities a property manager needs hold to make the most out of a successful career.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

Who Is The Average Australian Property Investor - Do You Fit The Bill?

Do you know who the average Australian property investor really is? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the super wealthy property speculator buying up rentals left right and centre. In fact it could be your next door neighbour, the one who’s drinking XXXX and firing up the barbie. Don’t believe us? Let’s take a look at some stats to see if we can put together a clearer profile of this person….
September 10, 2024
8 min read

8 Ways To Grow Your Rent Roll That REALLY Work

Whether you’re a seasoned property manager with an impressive portfolio or a beginner, you want to grow your rent roll and increase your monthly rental income. Right? The good news! Fortunately, there are countless rent roll growth strategies scattered over the web. But the question is what actually works? Which strategies help deliver real results effectively in a hassle-free manner? This article shares several time-tested rent roll growth strategies that really work.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

4 Ways To Turn Your House Into A Smart Home

How do you feel about interacting with your home the way you would with a website? In the future your home will know who’s in what room, make your coffee and turn on your lights. It might even choose your clothes for you based on the temperature outside.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

What Are The Costs of Wallpapering?

Are you planning on remodelling or renovating your house? If you are, you might be considering wallpaper, which has re-entered the style space this year. Available in a wide range of colors, textures, and prints, replacing old wallpaper or installing it in order to improve the property’s overall appearance could add value, attract more buyers and boost your home’s appeal.
September 10, 2024
5 min read

The Art of Making Customer Connections

Does your job revolve around customer satisfaction? Working in customer-centric industries like real estate, you will come across a lot of people and making a connection with the customer is vital to the longevity of your business. Establishing healthy customer connections is a fool proof formula for generating repeat business. Customers will come to you not just because they love your products and services, but because you offered them a smooth and convenient experience. The experts at Bricks + Agent have compiled a list of tips and tricks for improving customer connections.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

Starting A Career In Property Management

If you're on the lookout for a new career path, becoming a property manager might just be the perfect job for you. Now more than ever, people of all ages are renting instead of buying, so the need for good and professional property managers is out there. A career in property management can bring a decent salary, job security, and steady employment, and if you like to work with people, then your success is almost guaranteed.
September 10, 2024
5 min read

Misconceptions about Cloud-based Property Management Software

Cloud-based property management software is considered one of the most popular and powerful tools for many real estate agencies. But while it is quite popular among many businesses, the software can still be quite overwhelming and mysterious to many, which fuels many myths about it.
September 10, 2024

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