Property Management
When it comes to property investment, there’s one thing more important than selecting the right tenant… selecting the right agent. Let us show you why Jas Stephens is the best choice. Jas Stephens is the number one, multi-award winning real estate agent in Melbourne’s inner west. Our story has been built over 90 years and four generations. It’s this mix of maturity and experience, together with a contemporary outlook, that is reflected in our success to date and will continue to shape our future. Today, we have two prominent office locations – Yarraville and Williamstown. The history and expansion of Jas Stephens is a tribute to hard work, community focus and real estate excellence. With two offices now offering a full suite of residential property management services, the exciting Jas Stephens story continues, along with our commitment to professionalism, integrity and customer service.
The trusted Brand since 1923
When it comes to listing a rental property, we apply the same innovative marketing tools and techniques that we use in our award-winning sales approach to ensure your property stands out from the crowd and attract the highest calibre applicants. We have a dedicated and experienced team of professional staff, specialising in the varied areas of Property Management. The allocation of specialised, focused roles within our Property Management team ensures detailed attention to every aspect of the management of your investment, providing efficiency, clarity and transparency for all our clients. The combination of our outstanding marketing skills, a specialised team approach to Property Management, and our strong market presence, results in the unequalled and integrated service you will receive when trusting your investment property to Jas Stephens.
The highest levels of professional service by a team that is made up of specialist roles in business development and leasing; property managers; trust account and administrative staff to maintain your investment property’s management needs
Choosing the right agent
Business Development Our Business Development team focus solely on helping you market and lease your investment property for the first time. They are the experts on preparing, presenting, pricing and tenanting your home.
Management
Business Development
Accounts
Property Management
Leasing Team
Leasing Team Our dedicated Leasing Team concentrate on co-ordinating all aspects of the leasing process for new and existing investment properties. This includes answering rental enquiries, conducting Private Inspections and Open for Inspections, reference checking tenancy applications and preparing lease paperwork. Property Management At Jas Stephens, each Property Manager has a permanent portfolio of investment properties, so they can provide the highest levels of service and communication to you and your tenants. Your individual Property Manager will oversee the day to day management of your property once the
tenancy commences, including condition reports, routine inspections, maintenance co-ordination, rent and finalisation of tenancies. They are your experts for advice relating to all general tenancy issues. Accounts Our Trust Accounting department professionally manages all rental payments and income, disbursing monies to property owners on a twice-weekly basis. All financial aspects of your investment property are co-ordinated by our experienced staff. Management The Management team works closely with all members of the Property Management and Administrative teams, and has an extensive Property Management grounding. We provide regular and relevant staff training to enhance our high standard of customer service and real estate knowledge.
Getting It right from the start
Our service begins long before anyone moves in. Getting the fundamentals right from the start is of the utmost importance. Getting the rent right Our experience and expertise in the local property market means we are best placed to provide you with an accurate valuation on the rental return of your investment property. A valuation by our Business Development Manager will take approximately 45 minutes to thoroughly inspect your property, and will take into consideration features of the property, location, proximity to amenities and other important characteristics. A considered valuation allows us to set an appropriate and reasonable rental amount, evaluate and formulate appropriate marketing and therefore maximise exposure to suitable prospective tenants. By accurately pricing your investment property, we also increase the likelihood of a continuing, long-term tenancy rather than a series of shorter tenancies with intermittent breaks.
Timing The optimum and usual lead-in period for advertising your investment property is 4-6 weeks prior to availability. However, we can accommodate even the shortest of notice. We offer prospective tenants both private appointments and group Open for Inspections, which are carried out mid-week and on Saturdays. We will always contact you to report after each inspection. When the property is ready to lease, and the availability date confirmed, simply hand us the keys, sign the Management Authority and leave the rest up to us! Preparing your property Taking care in preparing your property for the rental market can make an impact in not only the rent you receive, but in a smooth tenancy. Our team can suggest ways of getting the most from your investment. We can also organise, or provide contact information for reliable tradespeople to carry out any outstanding maintenance, gardening or professional vacate cleaning to ensure your property stands out from the rest.
We ensure your investment property is exposed to as many prospective tenants as possible with our clear, professional and innovative marketing. Our marketing is vibrant and eye catching. The marketing of your property is the first opportunity tenants have to gain an impression of your investment property. We use professional in-house photography to ensure your property is looking its absolute best, presenting marketing that will capture their attention and create a desire to view your home. We utilise various marketing mediums, including digital media, print and traditional signage, impacting a wider pool of prospective tenants, enabling us to maximise both tenancy applications and potential rental income for your property. Our aim is always to select the very best applicants for each and every investment property we manage. Our Business Development team will discuss the most effective marketing plan for your property.
Jas Stephens website www.jasstephens.com.au Our appealing and easy to use website attracts hundreds of potential tenants weekly, with our rental listings updated several times each day. All enquiry through our office is directed to this site. It is the most informative, accurate and up-to-date place to view our rental listings. Other websites www.domain.com.au www.realestate.com.au www.realestateview.com.au Signage Our rental boards capture the attention of passing traffic and local neighbourhood residents alike. The value of this medium should not be underestimated. Rental list Our office Rental List with photographs and full descriptions is printed several times per week, and are available from both our offices, and at all Open for Inspections or private appointments conducted by our staff. Video Suburb or property videos available.
Superior Property Management you can rely on is what we strive to achieve. Our friendly team is always here to help. Exclusive Leasing Department Our Leasing Department will ensure your property receives maximum exposure in order to be leased quickly. Our Leasing Consultants are not involved in the day to day management of investment properties, and focus solely on leasing our new and existing properties. This means greater availability and easier viewing access for prospective tenants and therefore a better selection of tenants, along with quicker processing of applications. Our Leasing Consultants dedicated focus means we get the best tenants first. Tenant Database Our experience and strong market share have allowed us to develop an extensive database of potential tenants. We actively maintain this database, meaning we are often able to quickly ‘match’ a current prospective tenant to a newly listed property. Tenant Selection Finding the right tenant is extremely important. Prospective tenants are asked to complete a detailed
application which is thoroughly reference checked. We also have access to the National Tenancy Database (NTD) allowing us to conduct thorough credit checks and rental history. Our policy is not to accept a tenant for any property until the owner gives an application their final approval. Great Relationships = Low Vacancy Rates We understand that minimising vacancy maximises the return on your investment. In comparison to REIV figures our internal results show that Jas Stephens’ vacancy rates are considerably and consistently lower than market levels. Our many policies to achieve this excellent result include re-signing tenants to fixed term leases, marketing properties prior to tenants departure and establishing good relationships with tenants to ensure co-operation with access for Open for Inspections. We aim to provide a high level of service to both property owners and tenants, and maintain strategic alliances with relocation agents. Close links with our Sales department provides access to another source of potential tenants.
We offer a full range of services
Keeping you informed
Ongoing management isn’t just about collecting rent. We make sure we constantly monitor your investment property during the entire tenancy and keep you informed every step of the way. Detailed condition report Prior to commencement of each tenancy, a detailed and descriptive condition report is recorded as a safeguard against any damage that may be caused. Photographs are integrated into this report, providing an extra level of information and description should any disputes or queries arise during or at completion of tenancy. Routine inspections Initial routine inspections are conducted after 3 months of the initial lease commencement, then regularly thereafter. We use proven, reliable technology to report our findings however, we do encourage owners to be present at any routine inspection. Please advise your Property Manager if you would like to regularly attend inspections at your investment property.
Effective communication We believe clear and regular communication with both property owners and tenants is extremely important right throughout the tenancy. Effective communication commences immediately following the signing of the lease agreement. Your allocated Property Manager will be in contact to confirm the execution of the lease. Co-ordination of all members of our friendly Property Management team make this a smooth transition by conveying any maintenance or other issues from the initial stages, right throughout the tenancy. We are always happy to answer all questions and queries that may arise from different scenarios.
We take a proactive approach, which helps deliver positive investment outcomes for our valued clients.
Maintenance and repairs No repairs are carried out without your approval. It is our policy that owners authorise work before it is carried out. We have a network of trusted tradespeople who look after all properties managed by us. Any requests for maintenance are documented and progress of repairs is closely monitored. Experience tells us that well maintained properties ensure that vacancies are kept to a minimum and income to its maximum. We are also happy to engage tradespeople of your choice. Please ensure you advise us of any preferences you may have. Please note: The Residential Tenancies Act stipulates and allows for certain urgent repairs to be completed without authorisation. We will always endeavour to contact you in the first instance.
Rent reviews and lease renewals Rents are reviewed annually, based on current market trends. We are proactive in managing and advising on the advantages of increasing the rent and/or renewing an existing lease. Wherever relevant, your Property Manager will discuss the benefits of all options: continuing a good tenancy, signing a lease renewal, increasing rent to market levels and/or reverting to a periodic lease. Rental arrears Any rental arrears are monitored on a daily basis. At Jas Stephens we pride ourselves on consistently achieving a low arrears rate. We have a zero tolerance rent arrears policy and immediate action plan in line with legislative requirements on rental arrears to minimise potential loss of rent.
We Wefocus offeron a full training range& of experience services
Our property management team enjoys what they do and take pride in their job. Their work is recognised and rewarded which means a happier, stable team dedicated to support you.
Bpay & DEFT Tenants are required to pay rent by Bpay or DEFT facilities via their savings or credit card. This creates easy payment options for tenants, a record of their payment, and most importantly rent is paid on time. Rental payments Following collection of your rent, monies will be paid into your nominated bank account with a detailed financial statement forwarded to you. Rental statements are prepared on a regular basis, specifying income and expenditure.
Looking after your INVESTMENT
Financial Statements Annual Financial Statements are provided, detailing annual income and expenditure summarised for your tax return. Payment of Outgoings Any outgoings that may be associated with your property can be paid by Jas Stephens on your behalf, being deducted from your regular rental payment. This includes Water & Council rate instalments, Body Corporate contributions, Landlords Insurance payments, maintenance invoices etc.
Our office network At Jas Stephens we focus on providing personalised service, attention to detail and pro-active management. Our dedicated team of Property Management specialists are committed to delivering a superior level of customer service to all our valued clients.
104 Somerville Road Yarraville
1/66 Douglas Parade Williamstown
The extra wide shopfront at 104 Somerville Road has been our Yarraville home for decades. Our Williamstown office at 1/66 Douglas Parade is located on this prominent corner under the heritage listed ‘Burkes’ sign.
104 Somerville Road Yarraville 9316 9000 1/66 Douglas Parade Williamstown 9393 1600 enquiries@jasstephens.com.au jasstephens.com.au
Pr o f e ss i o n a l i s m . I n t eg r i t y. E xc e p t i o n a l Cu s to m e r S e r v i c e .