MRE UNCUT

In lead up to Mother’s Day we’re joined by our Brand & Marketing Lead, Sinead Petropoulos and Residential Sales Executive, Talisa Paris who share their experiences with juggling working and parenthood, and how this plays out in their roles at MRE.

Our hosts Steve Fitzsimon and Peter Hooymans, discuss what prompted the introduction of paid paternity leave at MRE and why this is not the industry standard.

We cover why it was important for MRE to celebrate and retain top talent like Talisa and Sinead by offering flexible working arrangements for parents when they return to work.

Sinead and Talisa talk us through what a typical day looks like from heading out the door to spending the day in a high performing business.

Wishing a happy mother’s day to all the mothers of MRE and to our listeners.

Did you know that rental enquiry increases 250% between January 1st and Easter each year? That's why we call it the peak season.

This week, we dive into the highs and lows of the season that’s been. From market trends to success stories, we're unpacking it all.

We discuss the changing demographics and preferences of renters that are reshaping the rental landscape as we know it.

And we look at how the major trends stack up against previous years. Hint: It's not just about location anymore!

What are the key takeaways from this season that we're bookmarking for future peak periods? Because we know, every challenge is an opportunity in disguise.

You’ll come away with the tools to best navigate the year ahead.

MRE has always taken a tenant-first approach to real estate. The tenant experience is something we focus on.

It’s a no-brainer really, happy tenants make happy landlords. And we can’t forget, today’s tenants become tomorrow’s landlords.

Renters are facing pressure right now. Rising rents, long lines at inspections and a battle to get their application accepted. The way we see it, it’s not hard to be kind amongst all of that.

We’re on time, we keep communications high and we provide a service with a smile.

Today we speak to two of MRE’s star Liveability (or as we like to call them Loveability) Agents, Flynn Grace and Bronte Carfino who talk us through what a day in their life looks like and how they always apply a tenant-first lens to their customer service.

The average age of the MRE employee is young. And this is by design.

Some call it the fountain of youth, we say opportunity beckons.

While our long-termers are our lifeblood with an average tenure of 12 years, they are supported by energy and innovation our younger team provides.

Our training and processes are world-class so we can deliver a growth experience to our team and WOW service to our clients.

We have a deep willingness to give everyone a go at showing us their desire to make a difference and become the best version of themselves.

Today’s episode explores MRE’s youth policy or the New guard of the Vanguard as it’s affectionately named internally.

(Credit where credit's due, we owe this one to Clarko.)

In 2021 Consumer Affairs Victoria introduced a set of minimum standards which rental providers (landlords) must ensure their property meets on or before the day a renter moves in.

They cover 14 different aspects of the property, from kitchens and bathrooms through to windows and bins.

Our hosts Steve Fitzsimon and Peter Hooymans are joined by two of MRE’s Business Development Managers, Kelly Levin and Annie Gillan, who see first-hand just how many properties managed outside of MRE don’t meet these standards.

And they're not always quick fixes. For example, 'Windows in rooms likely to be used as bedrooms or living areas must be fitted with curtains or blinds that can be closed, block light and provide privacy.'

Simple right? Not when even a 15cm skylight requires a blind! Where do you find the trades to complete that job?

Kelly and Annie talk us through how they educate landlords on their obligations when bringing new rental properties into the fold, and how they meticulously move through the list before putting these properties on the rental market.

So, what are the minimum standards and does your property pass the test?

We’ve covered the challenges presented by Melbourne’s rental crisis but where do the opportunities lie?

In today’s episode, our hosts Peter Hooymans and Stephen Fitzsimon are joined by one of MRE’s talented Business Development Managers, Memphis Middleton to explore where and how the best rental yields are achieved.

Plus, we discuss how to uncover the unicorn opportunities where rental yield is high, coupled with ever-illusive capital growth.

Some of our answers may surprise you.

If you search 'renting in Melbourne' on TikTok today you'll pull up footage of open for inspections overrun with renters, all vying for the same properties. There's a well-documented rental crisis in Melbourne. In this episode of MRE Uncut, we’ll arm you, the renter, with tips and tricks to put you ahead of the pack.

Our hosts Peter Hooymans and Steve Fitzsimon are joined by MRE’s Team Leader, Liveability, Jarrod O’Donnell who tells us what’s happening at the coalface of Saturday inspections and what the most savvy renters can do to set themselves apart.

It’s no surprise that long term property investors continue leaving the Melbourne market in droves.

They’re fed up with regulations and restrictions imposed by an out of touch government, and getting hit with hefty land tax bills is proving to be the final nail in the coffin. A litany of regulations and extra costs imposed on rental providers in the last few years is going to send our rental market to boil over.

It’s scary, because anyone who reads the paper knows that we’re in the midst of a major rental crisis in Victoria. And in our opinion the price of renting in Victoria will continue to grow at a cracking pace as stock continues to dry up and costs get passed on.

However, despite those challenges, we believe in property investment more than ever. We know there’s still money to be made and returns to be had. Capital growth for apartment owners has started and will continue.

In this episode of MRE Uncut, our hosts Peter Hooymans and Steve Fitzsimon are joined by MRE’s Team Leader, Liveability, Jarrod O’Donnell for a deep dive on Melbourne’s worsening rental crisis.

We’ll explore how we got into this mess and discuss how we might get out of it. In short, there’s more pain for renters ahead.

Our hosts Peter Hooymans and Steve Fitzsimon will look at everything relating to real estate, renting and living in Melbourne.

Our mission is to equip property owners, renters and buyers with the tips and tricks we’ve gathered over 30 years in the industry. Plus, we’ll impart our wisdom on real estate professionals along the way.

Each episode, we bring together leading figures from our team and collaborators to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the market.

So, whether you're a seasoned investor, a first-time homebuyer, or a professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, join us as we explore the ins and outs of real estate in Melbourne.