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The latest writings from our team

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

How Much Does Hiring a Gardener Cost in Australia

In Australia, a gardener will generally have a similar hourly rate to any other type of tradesman. However, you might need a gardener’s services more often than a plumber’s or an electrician’s simply because a well-maintained garden requires a lot of hard work. Additionally, a gardener can have a lot of work-related expenses and work outdoors can be quite labour intensive. The average gardener hourly rates in Australia are around $45 per hour. You can also find premium services for as much as $50 per hour. For complex and extensive jobs, gardeners might charge more than their regular fees. However, for simple tasks, you should expect to pay around $40 per hour. Hiring a gardener is a very good idea, especially if you want to your garden to look year round.
September 11, 2024
5 min read

Mark Haigh: improving team efficiency and adopting the tech

Mark Haigh is a Property Manager at Little Real Estate. We recently sat down with him to discuss improving team efficiencies, adopting new technology and finding your grove using the new Bricks + Agent property maintenance solution.
September 10, 2024
10 minutes

Top 10 Office Hacks That Will Improve Team Efficiency

Improving efficiency in the workplace is about teams working smarter, not harder. It's important to take a well-rounded view on all areas that may be affecting employee productivity such as the physical work environment, effective leadership and overall job satisfaction. Our 10 hacks below will help you find the right tools and strategies to boost employee morale and engagement and improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
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
10 min read

10 Tips For Tackling Rental Property Maintenance

Whether you hire professional contractors, do it yourself, or combine the two, managing the regular maintenance of a rental property is an important part of being a landlord. Additionally, if you are a property owner you must also make sure that the rental property is up to code and in great shape for tenants.
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
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
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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