In Episode 45, Peter Fletcher sits down with industry veterans Nikki D’Agostino and Davide Palermo to take the pulse of WA’s real estate industry—and it’s clear that fatigue is setting in across all fronts.

Whether it’s burnout from relentless compliance reform, buyer exhaustion, or mental health strain among agents, this episode explores the human cost of a market under pressure. From the effects of COVID-era disruption to the reality of 200-page contracts, the team discusses what’s broken—and what we can do to fix it.

In this powerful solo episode, Peter Fletcher takes the mic to sound the alarm on a growing crisis in the Australian property sector: the rise of unlicensed buyer’s agents operating in the shadows of the industry. With the proliferation of social media-driven services and vague “investment advisor” labels, too many consumers are unknowingly placing their trust—and money—in the hands of unqualified operators.

Peter outlines a seven-point reform proposal aimed at closing regulatory loopholes, empowering consumers, and supporting licensed professionals. If you’re in real estate sales, buyer advocacy, conveyancing, or regulatory enforcement, this episode is a must-listen.



In this episode of WA Property Q&A, we welcome back Nikki D’Agostino, co-owner of Rezzi Strata. With decades of experience in the industry, Nikki shares insights into the complexities of strata management, from handling large-scale developments to guiding residential property owners. She also discussed the importance of proper governance, industry regulations, and the evolving role of strata managers in Western Australia.

Key Topics in this episode:

• The complexities of managing mixed-use strata developments
• The importance of education and certification in strata management
• Differences between residential and commercial strata schemes
• Common issues residential strata owners face, including property modifications
• How Rezzi Strata is adapting to rapid growth and industry challenges

She discussed the importance of proper legislation, licensing, and industry advocacy, emphasizing structured budgets and bylaws in strata management. Nikki highlights how strata setups impact financial responsibilities, with grouped budgets differentiating costs for hotel operators, residential owners, and commercial tenants.

She also notes the challenges property owners face, particularly in smaller residential developments, where many are unfamiliar with strata rules, such as requiring approval for modifications like patio installations. The conversation underscores the importance of clear regulations, well-implemented software systems, and professional expertise in managing strata properties efficiently.

00:00 Introduction to WA Property Q&A

00:48 Meet Nikki: Strata Management Expert

01:23 Complexities of Strata Management

04:46 Navigating Strata Approvals

14:00 Understanding Strata Levies and Costs

19:27 Reserve Funds and Long-term Planning

24:26 Strata Loan and Levies Explained

25:41 Unexpected Maintenance Costs

26:39 Importance of Proactive Maintenance

30:19 Strata Living: Pros and Cons

32:52 Common Questions and Issues in Strata

34:54 Parking Problems in Strata Complexes

41:09 Final Thoughts and Advice

#StrataManagementWA, #NikkiDAgostino, #RealEstateWA

Visit our website: https://rezzi.com.au/

Subscribe on these channels:

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wa-property-q-a/id1698464149

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/31Nnigbr2rHmUffkEUxRWY

Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-wa-property-qa-5401298

In this episode of WA Property Q&A, I sat down with Michelle Rigg, General Manager of Rentwest Property Solutions, to discuss the complexities of property management software. We covered Rentwest's journey from using VaultRE, Colmeo, to PropertyMe, and the challenges faced along the way. Michelle shares valuable insights into the decision-making process, implementation hurdles, and the importance of automation in property management systems. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of property management in Western Australia and the future of property management software.

00:00 Introduction to WA Property Q&A

00:47 Meet Michelle Rigg from Rentwest Solutions

02:37 Discussing Software Choices for Property Management

03:58 Experience with Volt RE

09:31 Transition to Colmeo

11:57 Challenges with Colmeo

19:54 Future of Property Management Software

22:58 The Decision to Change Programs

23:26 Team Involvement and Considerations

24:25 Choosing Property Me Over Property Tree

27:50 Transition Challenges and Manual Processes

34:14 Reflections and Future Goals

42:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

Visit our website: https://rezzi.com.au/

Subscribe on these channels:

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wa-property-q-a/id1698464149

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/31Nnigbr2rHmUffkEUxRWY

Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-wa-property-qa-5401298

In this episode of WA Property Q&A Podcast, Nikki D’Agostino joins us once again, this time, not only as a guest, but also business partner and discuss the intricacies of strata management in Western Australia.

Key points:

• Learn about the current lack of regulations for strata managers,
• the importance of transparency in commissions,
• the potential for reform within the industry.
• Discover how developers can better manage initial levies,
• the role of 10-year maintenance plans, and i
• innovative ways to redevelop older properties.

Be sure to watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe on your favorite podcast platforms. We hope you enjoy this conversation.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to WA Property Q&A

00:47 Meet Nikki D'Agostino: New Business Partner

01:21 Motivation behind starting a strata management business

01:59 Industry changes and media focus

02:59 Lack of regulation in WA strata management

04:00 Upcoming educational requirements

05:29 Proposals for licensing and regulation

17:43 Challenges in strata management communication

21:07 Technological solutions and relationship building

22:08 Optimal council size for effective management

22:32 Communication strategies for strata management

24:06 Role of real estate agents in strata management

25:47 Controversy over strata manager commissions

31:05 Developers' influence in strata management

33:21 Importance of 10-Year maintenance plans

35:16 Revitalizing Older Buildings

40:09 Funding and grants for strata improvements

42:28 Conclusion and Future Prospects

Links and Resources:

• Rezzi
• Peter Fletcher on LinkedIn

Subscribe on these channels:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Podchaser

In this episode of the WA Property Q&A, join host Peter Fletcher as he delves into the innovative world of PropTech with guest Peter Schravemade. Explore the REACH program's pivotal role in advancing new property technologies and learn about significant players like DocuSign, Box Brownie, and Tappi.

Discover how groundbreaking fashion and smartphone technologies are transforming traditional processes and home renovations through precision tools like LiDAR. Follow a personal journey from property development to tech innovation, touching on smart home advancements and customized CRM systems.

Gain invaluable insights into the challenges and breakthroughs in tech adoption, from AI chatbots to anti-money laundering technologies, and the significance of maintaining the human touch in real estate transactions. Enjoy real-world feedback and industry trends captured from REBar Camp events, fostering genuine conversations and grassroots solutions in a relaxed setting.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to WA Property Q&A

00:48 Meet Peter Schravemade: Managing Partner of REACH

01:54 Understanding the REACH Program

04:31 Investing in property technology

08:45 Innovative tech in real estate

15:01 From property to tech: Peter's journey

18:46 SensorGlobal: Revolutionizing property management

20:26 The rise of smart homes in real estate

24:40 Cold approaches and investment filters

27:18 Trends shaping tech and innovation

34:10 The future of AI chatbots

39:54 The value of REbar camps

43:55 Conclusion and final thoughts

Links and Resources:

· Rezzi

· Peter Fletcher on LinkedIn

· Peter Schravemade on LinkedIn

Subscribe on these channels:

· Apple Podcasts

· Spotify

· Podchaser

In this episode of the WA Property Q&A podcast, host Peter Fletcher interviews Michelle Rigg, the General Manager of RentWest, a property management company in Western Australia. They discuss various aspects of

· property management, including the history and growth of RentWest,

· the unique company culture that prioritizes customer experience over traditional KPIs,

· and how they use technology like Airtable and Kolmeo to streamline their workflows.

Michelle elaborates on their innovative approaches, such as the trial of a four-day workweek, and the significant role of trust and open communication within the team. They also touch on challenges, the benefits of AI in property management, and the future of the industry.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to WA Property Q&A

00:48 Meet Michelle Rigg: General Manager of RentWest

01:40 Michelle's journey in real estate

03:39 The Philosophy of RentWest

06:23 Challenges and innovations in property management

16:21 The four-day work week experiment

21:03 Career flexibility and individual conversations

22:13 Measuring productivity and customer experience

23:42 Financial performance and software challenges

25:51 The four-day work week and team dynamics

27:41 Trust and team efficiency

32:17 Kolmeo software and client experience

40:14 Future of property management and AI integration

42:29 Conclusion and contact information

Links and Resources:

· Rezzi

· Peter Fletcher on LinkedIn

· RentWest website

Subscribe on these channels:

· Apple Podcasts

· Spotify

· Podchaser