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The latest writings from our team

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
10 minutes

How Much Do Painters Cost?

If you want to revamp your home and change its aesthetic appearance, you might consider painting it. However, the question of “how much do painters charge" and how they come up with their rates might be something you might want to know. We are going to look at how painters arrive at their prices by understanding the whole process and review the quote thoroughly. From this article, you are going to figure out the following: jobs that a painter does, factors to consider when hiring a painter, what painters might charge.
September 11, 2024
6 minutes

How Much Do Painters Charge?

Hourly rates can be deceiving. When you ask different painters what they charge per hour, you will be shocked because you will get different hourly rates. But how much do painters charge? Here is what you should know about the actual prices of painters.
September 11, 2024
8 minutes

How Much Does An Electrician Charge?

Whenever you have an emergency related to electricity, you might want to know where to get an electrician prices guide. Electricity is a sensitive issue that needs to be handled by only a licenced electrician. You need to budget for the labour and materials required to finish any electricity project whether it is a renovation or routine maintenance, you need to plan. The law makes it clear that if you want to be safe, you should hire a licenced electrician to handle any electrical work. From this article, you will find out what electricians do and how much it might cost to hire one.
September 11, 2024
10 minutes

How Much Does Hiring an Electrician Cost?

Electricians are professional tradesmen whose main responsibilities revolve around installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and appliances. Nowadays, electrical systems can be found in almost all types of buildings be it residential, commercial, or industrial. Depending on their specialisation, electricians will work either indoors or outdoors. If you find yourself in need of a qualified electrician, the first question you should ask is ‘How much does an electrician cost?’. For an average job, an electrician will charge around $75 per hour. For simple jobs, you might be able to find a sparkie who will charge less. However, for more complicated and complex jobs, you might pay up to $80 per hour.
September 11, 2024
5 Minutes

IM Plus for iPad version 4.2 is now available

September 11, 2024
10 Miinutes

Setting yourself up for your best year ever. Tips for 2021 from pmXcite

2020 had it’s challenges, but it also came with a lot of lessons! Have you set yourself up to move forward into 2021 for your best year ever? This month we had a chat to our friends at pmXcite about how they think Property Managers can set themselves up for their best year ever!
September 11, 2024
7 Minutes

Victorian Legislation Updates

From March 29th 2021, new legislation around minimum health standards and safety conditions for Victorian rental properties will take effect. These new fields will appear entirely in the utilities section of the app and report and are only relevant to the Ingoing Condition Report. The changes will be made on the evening of the 28th to take effect on the 29th, all inspections that are not closed off prior to the evening of the 28th will take the new format when the update is made.
September 11, 2024
5 Minutes

Integrations With Inspection Manager

Have you integrated your Trust Accounting System with Inspection Manager Yet? By turning on integration* with your Trust Accounting System and Inspection Manager today, you can create greater efficiency and time savings within your business. Inspection Manager integrates with many trust accounting systems, including Console Cloud, Property Tree, Re-Leased, PropertyMe, Palace, File Smart and Rest Professional. *Integration available on all paid Inspection Manager Plans
September 11, 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
8 min read

5 Landscaping Upgrades That Also Boost Rental Security

Too often, potential home buyers make the decision of choosing a rental property from it's curb appeal. Yet, outdoor areas and landscaping is always underdone or overlooked. Impressive and attractive landscapes can add more value to your home. The best time to start cleaning your outdoor areas is a month before you plan to list your home for rent. Doing this will give you enough time to get everything looking perfect and will also remove the impression that you have made last minute changes.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

4 reasons why our onboarding experience for service providers is the best

While you're busy working on your craft, you still need to have consistent work and the ability to run your business successfully. Sure, you might have your own systems in place, but there's an easier and more effective solution to help you manage your teams, customers and jobs so you can start seeing results and growth in your business. Here's 4 reasons why the Bricks + Agent onboarding experience for service providers is the best in driving success.
September 10, 2024
5 min read

Why Property Management Agencies Are Adopting Software Systems For Maintenance Tracking

Mandatory maintenance is something that defines the property management industry today. However, things like whether the property’s portfolio is well-maintained or not is something that is questionable. The reason why most real estate agencies are planning to, or already have streamlined their maintenance processes, is ultimately to imrprove their clients' overall satisfaction with their business. Although maintenance is quite beneficial and important for rental properties, it can keep your staff bogged down and start to affect your business, if managed ineffectively. How will you deal with property maintenance tasks? Thanks to the simplified property maintenance system developed by our team at Bricks+Agent, maintenance and repairs at rental properties are a breeze to complete. Here’s how it will help:
September 10, 2024
8 min read

Ultimate Guide To Managing Your Rental Property

Being a self-managed property manager is more often than not a very profitable and rewarding experience. However, for someone who is new to the rental industry, managing a rental property can be quite difficult. If you find yourself in this situation, take the time to learn the ropes.
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
10 min read

March Product Update: Improved Insights, Business Rules and the Smart Dashboard

A fresh start to 2020 means new goals and enhancements at Bricks + Agent. This month we are excited to announce improved insights for property managers, the introduction of ‘business rules’ to automate actions or filter jobs and a Smart Dashboard that let’s you control the information that actually requires your attention to proceed with jobs.
September 10, 2024
7 min read

How to Make a Balinese Garden

Australians love everything Balinese, and you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that this beautiful island is a very popular travel destination. Aussies go to Bali for many different reasons and when they come back they wish to bring it home with them. In Bali, all the resorts and guesthouses, even the cheaper ones, have verdant and luxurious tropical gardens where you can enjoy moments of peace and tranquillity.
September 10, 2024
10 minutes

What You Should Know Before Hiring an Electrician

Are you a property owner or manager always on the lookout for good contractors? There are certain jobs around a house that will require the assistance of a professional, and electrical work is one of them. If the electrical work is part of a more complex renovation plan, make sure you do not forget to formulate a budget before making any big decisions. Working with electricity can be extremely dangerous, and in no way should you take the DIY approach to repairs.In Australia, calling an electrician for repairs or renovations is a legal requirement. Installing new wiring, connecting a new heating system, installing a powerpoint, are only some of the things that you might need an electrician for, so here are some the most important things that you need to know before hiring an electrical expert.
September 11, 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
8 min read

12 Property Management Tips For Real Estate Investors Seeking Passive Income

Are you a property owner or interested in investing in real estate? Then it's important to understand the complexities that come with any market. Making a profit from property investment is more complicated than just fixing things when they break. When you are managing a property, especially as a first-time landlord, you might find yourself taking on a lot of different roles. The way in which you do your job can make or break your chances of being successful. A lot of entrepreneurs prefer to invest in rental properties, both long-term and short-term rentals. With companies like Airbnb becoming more popular, everyone is eager to transform homes and apartments into accommodation that can be rented short-term and for maximum profit.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

6 Reasons To Use Property Maintenance Software In A Hotel

Whether it’s a business trip or vacation, hotel guests expect everything to go as planned, and for hotel staff, the main objective is to ensure guests are comfortable. You might have the best facilities, location, great staff and exceptional service but in order to be successful in the hospitality industry, focus must be on one thing - customer satisfaction. When it comes to hotel guests, one wrong step from the service end can easily have hotel guests looking for alternative accomodation.
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
5 min read

Choosing Between A Metal Or Tile Roof

It can be very challenging when it comes to choosing between a colorbond versus a tile roof. With the many varieties of cement tile roofs and metal roofs available, many residential builders and homeowners wonder which could be the best option? Both metal and tiled roofs have benefits, and it is up to you to compare the benefits and make a decision.
September 10, 2024
10 minutes

6 Garden Screening Ideas For Your Home

While we may enjoy our beautiful gardens, making a beautiful garden can be a cumbersome task. Garden screening might make a garden feel smaller as much as it offers us some privacy. Below are six excellent garden screening ideas provided by professional landscapers to give you the privacy that you need.
September 11, 2024
8 minutes

Streamlining Maintenance Requests: A Guide for Property Managers

As a property manager, one of your most important responsibilities is to keep your properties well-maintained. Whether it’s fixing a leaky tap, replacing a broken appliance, or addressing a more significant issue, maintenance requests are an integral part of your job. However, with everything else going on in your day, managing these requests can quickly become overwhelming, leading to delays, miscommunications, and dissatisfied tenants. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can streamline your maintenance requests and issues to make your job easier and keep your tenants happy.
September 11, 2024
3 minutes

7 Tricks For Streak-Free Window Cleaning

Most people have no idea on how to clean windows streak free. This is a daunting task because getting rid of those random lines is difficult. However, it is still possible to achieve clear windows with a perfect outside view if you master a few tricks. Below are the items you need and how you should clean them.
September 11, 2024
3 minutes

How Much Does Steam Cleaning Carpet Cost?

The steam cleaning carpet cost is determined by the size of the carpet. However, the average price is approximately $35/hr. If your carpet has stains that are hard to remove, you might be charged as high as $40/hr by your carpet cleaner. Some experts charge $85 for a regular carpet cleaning job which involves sterilisation and deodorisation to get rid of all stains and spots. A carpet cleaners cost per job is approximately $126 for their services. However, prices may vary. Below are a few reasons why carpet steam cleaning rates may vary.
September 11, 2024
5 minutes

How Much Does Roof Tiling Cost?

The appearance of your roof speaks much about your home. An attractive roof gives an impression of beautiful rooms inside that house. Roofs tiles can make a house look elegant and decent. However, most people believe that roof tile prices are not pocket-friendly. That is not true. Get more information below about this.
September 11, 2024
4 minutes

How Much Does A Roof Restoration Cost?

A worn out roof destroys the aesthetic appearance of your home, making it look old and boring. Algae and mold may also build up on the roof. In such cases, you may feel that you have no option but to replace it. However, you could replace it and get back the attractive look of your house. But what could be the roof restoration cost? Find out below how you can compare the quotes. Roof installation involves every activity that restores the attractive appearance of your roof and makes it water-proof.
September 11, 2024
5 minutes

How Much Does A Roof Replacement Cost?

A leaking roof exposes your home to various health risks other than tarnishing the attractive appearance of your house,and undergoing future replacement and repairs might be a bit costly. Renovating your roof is something that you might consider doing if it is damaged. It is also crucial to know the roof replacement costs and preparing in advance. From this article, you will be able to find out the available roofing materials on the market, who can install them and how much it would cost you.
September 11, 2024
6 minutes

Roof Painting Costs in Australia

In Australia, the average costs of a qualified roof painter’s services are around $40/hr. The costs of materials and paint are not included in this sum. Depending on different aspects of the project, a roof painting professional can charge anywhere between $30/hr and $55/hr. While any roof painter will be able to offer you an estimate quote, the actual costs of your project will be determined after the specialist makes a thorough inspection. After the inspection, the painter will take different aspects into account in order to offer you an accurate price.
September 11, 2024
5 minutes

How To Make Your Pool Safe With Proper Fencing

Do you have safe swimming pool fencing? With summer on the way it’s every pool owner’s responsibility to make sure your pool is safe for children, whether your own, a visitors or a neighbours. Young children like to go exploring and you never know when one will end up in your backyard, and in the worst case scenario, your pool. If you’re unclear about the rules around pool fencing and think you need to get yours checked, keep reading for more information.
September 11, 2024
5 minutes

How Much Does Installing a Ceiling Fan Cost?

There are many advantages to adding a ceiling fan into the interior design of your home besides their main function of cooling off a room. Having this type of fans in your home can reduce your energy costs, can provide comfort, and can be a stylish lighting source. Standard ceiling fans are usually quite cheap but must be installed by a licenced electrician who will respect the Australian standards and procedures. For a standard fan installation, professional electricians will charge on average about $77 per hour. If the job is straightforward and simple, they might charge less. On the other hand, if the installation is complicated, the electrician’s rate can be as high as $80 per hour. Overall, for a complete fan installation, a homeowner should expect to pay between $200 and $400. If the homeowner installs several fans, the cost per fan installation might be reduced. Although installing a ceiling fan is usually a straightforward job, there can be certain tasks and aspects that can influence the costs and the rates of the electricians. These are some of the most common things that can influence the ceiling fan costs:
September 11, 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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