REIWA
From an 18-year-old starting in short-term leasing to REIWA President, Suzanne Brown has carved an impressive path to become one of the leading voices in property management. Initially aspiring to become an accountant, she quickly pivoted when she discovered her passion for real estate. By 22, she had already made waves by co-founding her own agency, Brown Murray, and earning the title of the youngest female to obtain a real estate triennial licence.
A true advocate for elevating the perception of property management as more than just a stepping stone to sales, Suzanne firmly believes in the power of long-term client relationships and the valuable life skills gained through managing properties and people. In her own words, "It's not property management; it's relationship management".
Now, as the first Property Manager to become REIWA President, she shares insights into her career, the real estate industry's evolving landscape, and why she believes property management is an exceptional career choice.
Q: How did you first get started in property management?
Suzanne: I left school wanting to be an accountant and took a year off to earn some money. I worked at an accounting firm and quickly realised it wasn't for me. By chance, I met some real estate agents at a local café, found the industry intriguing, and soon started working at a local real estate agency specialising in short-term leasing and then becoming a property manager.
Q: What motivated you to pursue your training certificate so young?
Suzanne: Somewhere around 18 years old, I decided I wanted to keep learning, so I enrolled in my Diploma, which took three years at TAFE, two nights a week, while working full-time. I'm still surprised at my dedication back then!
Q: What was it like starting your own agency at 22?
Suzanne: At 22, I opened Brown Murray in Thornlie, managing both sales and property management. I remember how nerve-wracking it was when REIWA came out to inspect our office before granting us membership – it was such an elite club to be part of, and I was so proud to have that sticker on the door. REIWA has continued this influence in the industry and I am so proud to continue to help drive this into the future.
Q: Why do you think property management is sometimes seen as a 'poor cousin' to sales?
Suzanne: Property management is often a salaried position, while salespeople typically work on commission and are seen as revenue drivers. However, I realised early on that property managers were an integral part of the relationships within the community, their agency and the industry. Property management is highly specialised and independent from sales and has a true focus on long-term client relationships.
There's continued growing recognition of the value that a strong rent roll brings to an agency.
Q: What have been the major challenges and opportunities impacting PMs over the past three years?
Suzanne: Obviously COVID and the resulting rental crisis has hugely impacted property managers. There were so many people turning up to home opens and so many desperate people needing shelter, but I told my team that you really need to focus on that one applicant that you can help and feel good about making a difference in their life and make their experience better.
The RTA reforms have also had a big impact on property managers but as usual they are excellent at navigating change and adapting to these challenges.
Q: Can you tell me about the growth of your current business, Rentwest Solutions?
Suzanne: I started Rentwest in 2006, in Applecross, building it up predominantly organically. Now, we manage around 2,200 properties, have 42 staff and 91% of our business comes from referrals – from owners, tenants and other agents. That's something we're very proud of.
Q: What's the most rewarding part of property management for you?
Suzanne: I love the long-term relationships you build with clients. Unlike sales, where interactions are quick, property management allows you to be part of people's lives, both Owners and tenants for a longer period.
Q: What do you like doing outside work?
Suzanne: I do yoga. I like going to the beach and walking the dog, and then spending time with my family.
Q: Would you recommend a career in property management to newcomers?
Suzanne: Absolutely. It's more than just managing properties; it's relationship management. You develop valuable skills in accountability, client experience, problem solving and property knowledge that stay with you for life.
The industry offers variety and flexible roles, which is perfect for different stages of life. It's an amazing reward-for-effort industry where your earning potential is determined by your drive and passion, and at the same time being able to play an important role in the community.
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