Your Strata Property With Amanda Farmer
481 episodes — Page 9 of 10
081. Demystifying EBix Trades Monitor for strata buildings – with Russell Kelleher
This week, I chat to Russell Kelleher of EbixTrades Monitor, a subsidiary of Ebix – a NASDAQ listed company which recently announced its ranking in Fortune magazine’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies. We cover how you can protect your strata building from rogue contractors using EbixTrades Monitor. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.tradesmonitor.com.au Books Mentioned: Fatal Storm: The 54th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, by Rob Mundle
080. Do we need more diverse strata committees?
This week, I’ve invited both Natalie Fitzgerald and Reena Van Aalst on the show to talk about diversity when it comes to strata committees. What is it? Do we need it? How do we get it? Also, a reminder to secure your spot at the Women in Strata breakfast next Thursday 5 October 2017, at Macquarie Bank in Sydney. Register here. Links Mentioned: Get…
079. In Conversation: resolving a retaining wall dispute and dealing with asbestos confusion
This week, Reena shares her latest challenge: a retaining wall in need of repair and the building expected to meet 50% of the cost. We also discuss the problems inherent in cheap, “template” workplace health and safety reports. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW) Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 (NSW) Short Term…
078. How to Manage Complex Schemes – With Chris Duggan (replay)
Having taken a week off to speak at the Griffith University Strata Title Conference, this week I’m taking you back to one of our most popular episodes: my interview with SCA (NSW) President Chris Duggan, on how to manage complex schemes. I’ll be bringing you an all new episode next week. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! http://bright-duggan.com.au/ Books…
077. In Conversation: a strata manager acting on the instruction of a single committee member
This week, Reena and I discuss the dangers inherent in strata managers acting on the instructions of a single member of the strata committee. At Reena’s request, I also recap the 6 tips in episode 003 – How to Deal with Criminals in Your Strata Scheme. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Podcast Episode 003: 6 Tips…
076. Consent is Needed to Change Common Property Rights By Laws
In this short [10 min] solo episode, I share my answer to a listener question about amending common property rights by-laws under the new NSW law (formerly exclusive use or special privilege by-laws). Does the new law require the consent of the owner to amend such by-laws? Fair Trading seems to be a little confused on the subject. Here’s my…
075. The Rise of the Urbanise Platform – with James Mahony
This week, I chat with James Mahony about the Urbanise platform – what it is, who it’s for, and why it’s set to revolutionise your experience of strata living. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.urbanise.com Book Mentioned: Michael J. Losier: Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don’t
074. In Conversation: why managers must keep emails and Fair Trading on AirBnB by-laws
This week, Reena and I discuss the reasons why email correspondence must form part of the books and records of the Owners Corporation and the potential risks to strata managers if it is left out of a strata search or handover of files. I explain why I disagree with NSW Fair Trading on by-laws controlling short term lets, and an insurer comes to the…
073. The 3 Ways to Fund Your Strata Building – with Paul Morton
This week, I’m joined by Paul Morton of Lannock: a name that will be well known to many of you. Paul explains the three ways strata buildings can fund both short and long term projects. We also discuss the value of focusing on investment return, rather than expenditure. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.lannock.com.au Books Mentioned: Nicholas Whitlam: Four Weeks One Summer
072. In Conversation: what strata managers should be doing about insurance commissions
This week, Reena and I discuss ‘best practice’ for strata managers dealing with insurance commissions, particularly in light of the new disclosure requirements in the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. Reena shares her Tribunal win, and I provide an update on the perplexing question of penalty orders under the new legislation. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section…
071. More tough questions: Strata in Conversation Sydney Lunch Part 2
As promised, this week I bring you Part 2 of the audio from the Kelly Partners Strata in Conversation lunch (click here for Part 1 if you missed it). As panel guests, Chris Duggan, Reena Van Aalst and myself answer Brett Kelly’s remaining questions, covering the new building defects regime, collective sales and renewals, capital works fund planning and short term letting. (Please bear with the…
070. An exclusive peek inside the sold out Strata in Conversation Sydney Lunch – Part 1
This week, I bring you part 1 of the audio from the sold-out Kelly Partners Strata in Conversation lunch held at Sydney’s Aria restaurant earlier this year. Chris Duggan, Reena Van Aalst and myself answer the curly questions put by Brett Kelly about the practical impacts of the new NSW strata law. Part 2 to follow next week. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here!
069. Why the wifi keeps dropping out in your strata lot and how to solve it: with Daniel Borin from StrataMax
This week, I cover all things tech in strata with the ever-knowledgeable Daniel Borin of StrataMax. Listen out for Daniel’s priceless recommendation on how to solve the wifi reliability issues in your strata lot. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.stratamax.com/stratavoting www.stratamax.com/For-Owners Books Mentioned: Crucial Conversations
068. In Conversation With Reena Van Aalst – The Building That Cannot Be Insured
This week, Reena introduces us to the building that cannot be insured. We celebrate the launch of Reena’s website, and a win for a member of the YSP online community, who was able to resolve their strata plan confusion by referring to the original surveyor. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! stratacentral.com.au lpi.nsw.gov.au
067. The legal liability of strata committee members – with Anne-Maree Paull of CHU
This week, I chat with Anne-Maree Paull, State Manager CHU in NSW and ACT, about the exposure of strata committee members to liability and why it’s important to have appropriate insurances in place. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.chu.com.au CHU Fact Sheet Books Mentioned: George Orwell, 1984
066. In Conversation With Reena Van Aalst – Beware Unconscious Bias, Plus Challenging Proxy Appointments
This week, Reena and I revisit the discussion of proxy forms, answering some listener questions about whether or not forms completed under the old NSW law remain valid under the new law. We also warn of the danger of managers exercising ‘unconscious bias’ when it comes to their buildings. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Austlii
065. An insight in to community management in Dubai – with Neville Mawerera
This week, I’m joined by Neville Mawerera, an assistant community manager working in Dubai. We discuss the exciting direction Dubai’s community management sector is taking and learn that ‘pets, parties and parking’ seem to share the same global status. Books Mentioned: Get the transcript here! The UnStoppables: Tapping Your Entrepreneurial Power
064. In Conversation – the battle to evict a terror tenant and the importance of getting Tribunal applications right
This week, Reena celebrates a win as one of her buildings finally says goodbye to a long term terror tenant. I explore the concepts of ‘standing’ and ‘jurisdiction’ when appearing before the Tribunal. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 122 Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 Section 233 Strata Schemes Management Act 2015
063. Solar panel innovation for strata schemes – with Cameron Knox
This week I’m joined by Cameron Knox, the CEO of Allume Energy, a company implementing an innovative solar panel technology in strata schemes Australia-wide. Allume’s technology is able to extend solar power to lots, not just the common property. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.allumeenergy.com.au [email protected] Books Mentioned: The hard thing about hard things Lean start up
062. In Conversation With Reena Van Aalst – Proxy Forms Under New Law And Who Can View Strata Records?
This week, Reena and I debate whether or not proxy forms completed under the old NSW law are still valid under the new law. Reena also celebrates a win as one of her buildings finally says goodbye to a long term terror tenant. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Strata Community Environmental & Engagement Award…
061. A summary of the changes to meeting procedure under the new NSW strata law
In this week’s short [10 min] episode, I’m sharing with you part of my presentation delivered to owners in Sydney’s Walsh Bay, where I covered off they key changes to the law when it comes to strata meetings, including electronic voting, timing of the AGM, quorum rule, proxies, explanatory notes for agendas. Listen out for…
060. In Conversation – New Rules for Engaging Lawyers and Banning Smoking Building-Wide
This week, Reena and I cover off the new requirements when it comes to strata buildings engaging lawyers, including whether or not cost agreements need to be circulated. Also, can a building ban smoking both on the common areas AND within lots? Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au [email protected] Books Mentioned: Gary Bugden: Strata…
059. The Good, Bad And Ugly Financial Reforms For NSW Strata Buildings – With Joel Russell Of Kelly + Partners
This week, I chat in depth with Joel Russell of Kelly & Partners about the key legislative reforms impacting strata buildings and managers when it comes to financial reporting. There are some great tips here for buildings and managers looking to get on top of these important changes. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au…
058. In Conversation With Reena Van Aalst – Agents Throwing Out Records and Creative First Home Buyers
This week, I am ‘in conversation’ with Reena Van Aalst, as we deal with managing agents who throw out their client’s records without first seeking consent, and share ideas from a very creative young couple looking to get into the Sydney property market. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au [email protected]
057. Crime In Surfers Paradise Communities – With Dr Sacha Reid
This week, I am privileged to speak with Dr Sacha Reid of Griffith University, about the results of her research into criminal activity in Surfers Paradise’s many vertical communities. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Crime in High-Rise Buildings: Planning for Vertical Community Safety Griffith University Strata Title Conference Books Mentioned: The Subtle Art of…
056. In Conversation With Reena Van Aalst – The Role of The Chairperson and a Successful Council Parking Agreement
This week, I am ‘in conversation’ with Reena Van Aalst, as we celebrate a community working successfully with the local council to solve parking problems and refresh our knowledge on the limited role of a chairperson. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au [email protected] 041. What Makes A Great Strata Committee
055. Veronica Morgan On Why Strata Purchasers Should Work With A Buyer’s Agent
You probably know her from Foxtel’s Location Location Location series: this week, I am privileged to be in the company of Veronica Morgan, who explains to us the important role of buyers agents, especially when it comes to buying into strata. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.gooddeeds.com.au Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA)…
054. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – Is An Unsigned Agency Agreement Valid?
This week, I am ‘in conversation’ with Reena Van Aalst, solving the problem of an unsigned agency agreement and querying whether a lot owner or the owners corporation should pay for a by-law consolidation [references to NSW law].
053. How To Deal With An Owner Making Private Use of Common Property Without Approval (NSW law)
In this week’s short [14 min] solo episode, I cover off the steps involved in rectifying the increasingly common situation of a lot owner exclusively using an area of the common property without the necessary approval of the owners corporation. This is the advice I give to buildings who find themselves in such a situation.…
052. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – Why Are Strata Managers Charging ‘Compliance’ Fees?
This week, I am “in conversation” with Reena Van Aalst. Among other things, we discuss the ‘compliance fee’ that many strata buildings have been charged by their strata managers over the past two weeks, apparently representing the cost of their strata manager coming to terms with the new legislation in NSW. Is this charge legal?…
051. How To Prepare Your Strata Property For Sale – With Paton Jamieson
This week, I chat to one of Sydney’s most charming real estate agents: Paton Jamieson, who offers his top tips when it comes to preparing your strata unit for sale. Links Mentioned: http://www.patonjamieson.com.au Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Eden – Bondi Junction Spruce – Camperdown Paton Jamieson’s Contact Information: Mobile Number: 0416 246 969
050. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – BMC Personality Clashes And Embarking On Collective Sale
This week, I am “in conversation” with Reena Van Aalst. How does a BMC get rid of a bully? I help an owners corporation navigate a lot owner’s claim for damage allegedly caused by the owners corporation’s contractor, and Reena shares a surprising NCAT win. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au/podcasts [email protected] 002. Reena…
049. Collective Sale and Renewal with Leisha de Aboitiz (references to NSW law)
This week, I am joined by lawyer Leisha de Aboitiz of Massons Lawyers, as we discuss the collective sale and renewal process under the new NSW law, whereby 75% of lot owners may vote to sell or redevelop the entire strata scheme. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.massons.com www.massons.com/team/leisha-de-aboitiz/ Part 10 Strata Schemes Development…
048. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – Overly Eager Agents and Extended By-law Registration Periods
This week, I am “in conversation” with Reena Van Aalst once again. Reena gives us the inside scoop on what some managers are going to get their buildings signed up to new agency agreements before 30 May 2017. I share a win for a long-suffering building, whose committee was able to stay strong in the…
047. What You Must Know Before Buying In To Strata
This week, I speak to Nicole Johnston of Deakin University about a frightening truth uncovered by her research: the LACK of information strata owners are receiving at the point of purchase. This is a valuable summary of what you should be investigating before buying into strata. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.deakin.edu.au Nicole Johnston…
046. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – signing DAs and problems with NCAT penalties
This week I’m trying something different: I am “in conversation” with Reena Van Aalst – one of this country’s top strata managers. We cover off the week’s frustrations and wins in the world of strata. Let me know what you think of the format and we’ll keep it up! Links Mentioned Get the transcript here!…
045. Know Thy Neighbours
In this week’s short episode [## mins], I share with you a blog post about community living that I stumbled across recently – a post which reminds of the impact we can have when we’re truly present in our communities. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! www.optimallivingdaily.com www.minimalists.com/neighbors
044. How To Deal With Boundary Fences In Strata (references to NSW law)
This week, lawyer Savina Yang and I discuss how strata buildings might go about solving a boundary fence dispute with their adjoining neighbour Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! Episode 008. The Truth About By-Laws In Your Strata Property (And How To Ensure You’re Not In Breach) Episode 016. How To Increase Your Lot’s Value…
043. Strata Managers vs Real Estate Agents – with Tim McKibbin of REI (NSW)
This week I interview Tim McKibbin, the CEO of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, on the difference between strata managers and real estate agents and how they each might learn to work together effectively. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales Books Mentioned Stephen R. Covey’s The 7…
042. Highlights from 2016 — A Year In Review
Happy New Year! In this first episode for 2017, I give you the highlights and key takeaways from past podcast episodes – a great way to hit the ground running in the strata-sphere this year. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! 002. Reena Van Aalst on Working With Your Strata Manager and Getting the Most…
041. What Makes A Great Strata Committee – with committee member Steven King (all jurisdictions)
This week, long-standing strata committee member and member of the YSP online membership community, Steven King, chats with me about what makes a great strata committee. Link Mentioned Get the transcript here! Books Mentioned Thinking Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman The Power of Mindful Learning – Ellen Langer Mindset : The New Psychology of…
040. Explaining the Tribunal process, including penalties under the new NSW law (references to NSW legislation)
In this week’s short episode, I explain the new Tribunal procedure for resolving disputes under the NSW law, including a discussion of penalties: are they really payable to the owners corporation? Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! NCAT web page for strata matters Section 72(3) Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act Section 147 Strata Schemes Management…
039. Why All Strata Buildings Should be Smoke-Free (references to NSW legislation, general discussion relevant to all jurisdictions)
This week I am joined by Scott Walsberger of the Cancer Council NSW, who explains why everyone – even smokers – should want their strata building to be completely free of cigarette smoke. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! www.cancercouncil.com.au/smokefree Smoke Free Apartments: Cancer Council Toolkit Schedule 3, Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 Section 153,…
038. Why it is Vital for Strata Owners to Add Value to their Building – with Gordon Streight (relevant to all jurisdictions)
One of NSW’s most experienced strata committee members, Gordon Streight, shares his secrets for “adding value” to your strata building. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! http://strata-worx.com.au/ http://greenstrata.com.au/ http://www.wattblock.com.au/ Books Mentioned Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar–Your Brain’s Silent Killers by David Perlmutter The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal…
037. BONUS – New Strata Laws: Preparing For The Future – Part 3 (Q&A) What strata owners need to know about the new NSW strata law
This week, I share with you my live answers to the many questions I was asked by attendees after my 17 October presentation on the new NSW strata law. This is a valuable insight into the kinds of things at the forefront of strata owners’ minds when it comes to this new law. Links Mentioned…
036. New Strata Laws: Preparing For The Future – Part 2 What strata owners need to know about the new NSW strata law
Following on from last week’s episode, here is part 2 of my presentation delivered to a sold-out audience of 160+ strata owners on 17 October 2016: covering the need-to-know essentials of the new NSW strata law. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/membership/ https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/newlaw/ http://lawyerschambers.com.au/
035. New Strata Laws: Preparing For The Future – Part 1 What strata owners need to know about the new NSW strata law
By popular demand, here is part 1 of my presentation, delivered to a sold-out audience of 160+ strata owners on 17 October 2016: covering the need-to-know essentials of the new NSW strata law. Listen out instructions on how to download a copy of my detailed written paper and the slides from the night. Links Mentioned…
034. Tips on How To Run A Good Strata Meeting – with Karina Heinz (references to NSW law)
Karina Heinz of Progressive Strata Management explains how properly conducted meetings are essential to building great strata communities. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/membership/ http://www.prostrata.com.au/ http://cew.org.au/members/imelda-roche/
033. Things That Can Go Horribly Wrong When Buying Into A New Strata Plan And How To Avoid Them – with Sean McNamara
A member of the YSP online community, Sean McNamara shares his tips on how buildings can proactively deal with dodgy developers, quickly and cost-effectively. Look out for the bonus download. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/membership https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/newbuilding Books Mentioned The Selfish Gene (Popular Science) by Richard Dawkins NSW Strata & Community Schemes Management &…
032. Introducing The Your Strata Property Online Membership Community
This week, I am very excited to announce the launch of the Your Strata Property online membership community. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/membership https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/by-law-templates/ https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/ebooks/