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The latest writings from our team

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

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

How To Grow A Cactus And Succulent Garden

If you need a cute and easy to maintain garden, you should try using cacti and succulents. As much as establishing them may be a bit hard, maintaining them is quite easy. Choosing a variety of plants and succulents can give you a stunning cactus garden design. Below is everything you should know about catus and succulent gardens.
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

6 Steps To Bring Your Cottage Garden Back To Life

Australia is well known for its colourful species, plenty sunlight and small suburban yards. The thought of having an Australian cottage garden is, therefore, an achievable goal as it is not expensive. Below are the six vital steps to help you have a no-work cottage garden.
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

Bricks + Agent Product Release Notes: Simplified Dashboards

Bricks + Agent This week’s Bricks + Agent product release notes includes a simplified service provider Dashboard to show the most important details which are the "To do" and the "Scheduler".
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

Bathroom Ideas To Make A Small Space Look Bigger

Despairing over your tiny bathroom? While generous bathrooms are sought after by potential buyers, there are lots of tricks to make your bathroom appear bigger than it really is. But don’t just take our word for it - here are some useful small bathroom ideas from tradies and interior design experts to help you maximise the space you’ve got.
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
10 min read

Top 7 Latest Australian Pests

As fellow Australians, we can say we are not particularly fond of common pests like cockroaches, termites, spiders, and wasps, but when it comes to new Australian pests we are terrified.
September 10, 2024
8 min read

What Does a Property Manager Do?

You probably know that property managers and property management companies exist, but do you know exactly what they do? The property managers are third parties who are hired to handle a wide range of daily operations related to real estate investments.
September 10, 2024
10 min read

You Need to Hire a Plumber if You Have these 7 Problems

When you are faced with a serious issue, you will know immediately that you need to hire a plumber, but what happens if you are not sure? There are less obvious problems that might require a professional’s attention and it is important to know how to spot them. If you avoid fixing an underlying plumbing issue, over time, the costs of the repairs could increase. Additionally, a leaky pipe that is not fixed on time can severely affect the structure of your house.
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

4 Areas Where You Can Minimise Risk In Rental Property Management

Risk management is one of the primary concerns that often overwhelm property managers. With legal and administration risks being the most common ones, there are many other risks that almost every organization has to encounter. In the most common risk scenarios, there are three possible strategies that you can follow: Risk Avoidance—You cannot choose risk avoidance if your actions seem too risky. For instance, in situations where a property manager is not purchasing property just to avoid the risks that come with them. Risk Control—Risk control is all about controlling or minimizing the risk by conducting regular inspections just to prevent the development of physical damages. Risk Transfers—It's all about shifting a person's responsibility to another, like your responsibility to the tenant or insurance company. In addition, paper lease, missed calls, property maintenance issues, and other screening issues are all responsible for creating risk. Here are a few risks that are associated with property management:
September 10, 2024
10 minutes

Using Social Media To Boost Your Airbnb Bookings

According to a study conducted by Hubspot, more than 90% of businesses confirmed that using real estate technology and social media marketing was essential for their business. Around 80% of them claimed that their efforts considerably increased traffic to their websites.
September 5, 2024
5 min

How Much Is My House Worth? Understanding Property Appraisals

Do you know what your home is really worth? If you’re thinking of selling then it’s a good idea to book a property appraisal with a local real estate agent
September 3, 2024
5 min

Understanding The Real Estate Market And When To Sell

Deciding when is the best time to sell your house requires not only research of market conditions but also,other factors such as lifestyle implications and more
September 3, 2024
5 min

Top Property Management Trends in 2018

Understanding these property management trends will help you stay competitive and protect your revenue stream. As a property manager you should always be willing to look at the possible changes and new technologies available.
September 3, 2024
4 minutes

How To Clean Glass Shower Screens

You need to know how to clean the glass shower screen to achieve a sparkling clean bathroom glass. However, it’s quite hard to clean a glass screen when soap and dirt builds up on it. The tips below shows the best way to clean glass shower screens in a few minutes.
September 11, 2024
5 minutes

How To Clean Fly Screens?

Dirty fly screens prevent fresh air from passing through the mesh. They are unappealing, and the whole process of cleaning them can be a messy chore. But you shouldn’t be worried because if you know how to clean security doors, this won’t be a problem anymore.
September 11, 2024
5 minutes

How To Become A Carpenter

Are you in need of a business opportunity that will allow you to use your hands to create furniture, buildings and other wood related items? Currently, carpentry has a significant market. It is the ideal trade but how to become a carpenter is something that most people don't know. The tips below will help you to be a carpenter.
September 11, 2024
5 minutes

Why You Need Pest Control and How Much It Costs

The most common household pests are some of the hardest to get rid of once they gain a foothold in your home. Many pests, such as cockroaches, mice and birds, are also well-known carriers of germs and diseases that are harmful to humans and need to be eradicated immediately. For many homeowners the DIY method of pest control is often preferable, as baits and traps can be obtained cheaply from their local hardware store, but in truth they’re not always that effective. You can end up spending much more on DIY products in the long run than it would cost for a single visit by an experienced pest technician.
September 11, 2024
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 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
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
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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