Your Strata Property With Amanda Farmer

I’m continuing an important conversation commenced last week about how we communicate: as owners, committee members and strata managers. I share three ways we can improve communication to save time, money and sanity, plus give you access to a proven resource you can use to start implementing these strategies in your building and those you’re…

  This week I’m chatting with PR guru Elizabeth Heusler. Elizabeth shares: how our strata managers can “kill it or win it” in their very first communication with us why saying sorry is a learned skill, not a natural ability how our strata buildings can improve their reputations and increase their attractiveness in the market,…

This week, I’m bringing you an edited version of my live chat with Joseph Arena of Arena Energy Consultants. Over on the Facebook page a couple of weeks ago, Joseph demystified embedded networks for us: what are they, do they mean the price you’re paying for energy is not competitive, how might you avoid or…

 This week, Reena and I cover: how to ensure 40+ staff working from a commercial lot do not overrun resident facilities such as the swimming poolthe owner who found historical OC approval for their balcony enclosure in 40-year-old local council recordsNSW’s new pet laws, and how to have your saythe building that made an exception…

      My guest this week is the current president of Strata Community Association (Western Australia): Catherine Lezer. Catherine shares the SCA (WA) wishlist for the upcoming state election and describes how she believes the WA strata sector will “mature” over the coming years. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here!  Strata Community Association WA…

  Committee member Gordon Streight and strata manager Reena Van Aalst share: the importance of establishing “systems” to best manage owner renovation worksthe no. 1 reason to improve your strata buildingthe joy of “data” and why it’s key to making a project of any size happenhow to ensure that only the best strata managers want…

  Reena and I call out a downside of the electronic age: are committees ‘silencing’ owners by insisting on pre-meeting electronic voting for every meeting? We also discuss: the building that turned a blind eye to illegal alterations, now having to unravel the results when a strata loan can save the dayThursday’s by-law webinar: secure your spot here Links…

  Hedley Swann of Strata Next joins me this week, sharing: the big mistakes strata managers are making with their marketingthe real problem owners want a strata manager to solvehow the decision to serve a smaller market will guarantee you greater success Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Facebook Friday Live with Amanda Farmer and Hedley SwannStrata Next…

      Despite the NSW Court of Appeal invalidating a by-law banning pets months ago, strata committees are continuing to enforce these by-laws. What are their chances of success and what can would-be pet owners do in the face of a ban? Plus, Reena and I discuss: the owner who won’t take responsibility for the…

This being episode 250, we’re celebrating our 5th birthday!  We’ve covered a lot of ground since those first few wobbly episodes, but there’s always more to learn and share.  This week, I’m highlighting some of the comments I received after last week’s discussion about asbestos in fire doors. I also share insights from the conference…

In this packed episode, Reena and I cover: what can be done when an owner won’t agree to their front fire door being tested for asbestos why anti-discrimination legislation is increasingly relevant to stratathe owners who successfully proved the unreasonable refusal of their renovation applicationwhy we need more access to unreported cases from our Tribunalswhy I’m…

Last week, one of my clients successfully obtained NCAT orders for the appointment of a compulsory strata manager. In this episode, I’m sharing my 4 key takeaways from this hard fought case, including a wake up call for committee secretaries who may be under the misapprehension they can rule the roost. Links mentioned: Get the…

At a time when our world remains a little more topsy turvy than we’d like, I’m bringing you the audio from my Shared Space Summit chat with Charles Vogl: world leading expert on community building. During times of crisis, it is our strong, connected communities that thrive. Charles explains how. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Your Strata…

No strangers to difficult times, Reena and I hit the ground running with this episode. We’re covering: the rights of a tenant when tree roots damage a sewer and cause flooding from that most undesirable of sources: the toiletthe building with a diminishing valuation and a novel offer from a valuerwhy compulsory appointments won’t give…

In this short, final episode for 2020, I’m pointing you in the direction of our Top 5 Podcast Episodes for the year. There may be some surprises here!  I’ll be leaving you to your holiday festivities and new year’s eve preparations next week, back with the first episode for 2021 in the first week of January. Bringing the…

Reena and I discuss: what happens when a committee is deadlocked on the election of its office bearerswhy strata managers should not blindly accept their client’s instructionsthe strata loan that came to the rescue the Court of Appeal case confirming the power of the NSW Tribunal to award damages to lot owners. Links mentioned: Get…

In this live chat with Dr Nicole Johnston, we cover: your last chance to join the Strata Concepts online education forum (registrations close today!)pandemic silver linings for our property sectorNicole’s newest research project, giving you a chance to have your say on strata insurance  Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Strata Concepts Education Series registration pageFriday&#8...

I’m joined by Tom Welsby of ResVu. Tom and his team have created a powerful software that helps strata managers connect with their customers. Tom shares with us how the clever collection and analysis of data can result in better decision-making and more vibrant communities.  Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Do less, then obsess ResVu WebsiteResVu…

With the kind permission of Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates of The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast, this week I’m bringing you part of an interview we recently recorded together for their podcast. We discuss the common misunderstandings of new strata owners, how to avoid a renovation headache by making a smarter purchasing decision and my latest experience…

This week, Reena and I discuss: How do we safely hold in-person strata meetings? The handy hack Reena is using to improve her online meetingsDoes the Return & Earn scheme have a place in our strata communities? I’m also reminding you to register for By-Law Boot Camp. Last session this Sunday, 8pm AEDT. Links mentioned: Secure your…

Brain training. Abstract symbol of education. 3d illustration I’m putting your by-laws to the test: would they crack under pressure? I also have your special invitation to Strata Boot Camp: time to get those by-laws in shape for 2021. Links mentioned: Take the test FOR FREE over at www.yourstrataproperty.com.au/testSecure your Boot Camp spot NOW: stratabootcamp.comGet…

In this episode, Reena and I answer these questions: Are all by-laws banning pets now invalid? Why can’t I mail in my general meeting vote? When will an insurer pay temporary accommodation expenses? What does the new Code of Conduct mean for our short term letting by-laws? Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Watch Amanda’s Facebook Live with Jo…

Adam Hirst of Mirvac joins me to explain “Build to Rent” – in particular, Australia’s first renter-only apartment community, LIV Indigo at Sydney Olympic Park. Adam explains the attraction of this unique model. Could it possibly be the complete absence of strata governance structures and strata title legislation? Surely not… Links mentioned: Get the transcript…

Last Friday I interviewed Jo Cooper and her lawyer, Sharon Levy, over on our Facebook page. Jo is the lot owner who recently convinced the NSW Court of Appeal that the by-law banning pets at her building is invalid. This episode is an edited version of that chat, taking your behind the scenes of this…

Reena and I work through the following challenges: are investor owners still entitled to use common property facilities like the pool, gym and concierge even though they don’t live in the property?what is best practice for managing major works projects from start to finish?  and a couple of wins: how Reena took on NBN and wonthe…