Tim has an accounting and finance background, starting his career with ASX listed Financial Services company, Perpetual.
Tim then co-founded the business development arm of Cape York Partnership, one of Australia’s leading Indigenous organisations based in Far North Queensland. Over this time, Tim oversaw the development of three businesses operating in Construction & Facilities Maintenance, Hardwood Sawmilling and Employment Services – which now have combined annual turnover of $15m and in excess of 100 employees. Tim also lead philanthropic fundraising for the group in Melbourne over the last 12 months and remains a non-executive director and advisor to the group.
How long have you been in Real Estate?
Eight months.
What aspect of Real Estate are you an expert in, or what aspect are you most proud of that you do?
I come from outside the Real Estate Sector, with a background in finance (CA) and early stage businesses. Coming from out of the sector has given me the advantage of ‘fresh eyes’ into the way we as a company, can offer solutions that most Real Estate Agencies have never even considered let alone attempted to offer.
The Real Estate Sector does not have a great reputation. All aspects of our business are aimed at delivering different and better solutions to the industry norms; a different name (not Jones & Smith), a different client experience (an Agency focused on delivering the best service to Property Investors), and a great place to work (arguably the greatest blight on the Industry). I’m proud to be a member of a team that is here to shake things up.
What is the strangest/nicest/most interesting thing you have had to deal with, in your Real Estate career?
Obtaining my Agents Representative qualification – change is required within this Industry.
What is the most interesting non-Real Estate job you have ever had, and what about that job has helped you most in your current Real Estate role?
I co-founded the venture arm of one of Australia’s leading indigenous organisations in Far North Queensland. My four years in the role gave me invaluable life and career lessons – from starting businesses in difficult circumstances to learning and appreciating our Indigenous culture and heritage.
That role taught me a lot, including that starting and running businesses is hard. Really hard, when you are swimming against the tide.
What is the one piece of advice you would give a new Landlord/Vendor/Tenant/Client?
Separate the important and non-important numbers. What are the key decisions/risks about investing in property? The biggest is the timing and location of purchase and sale. Timing the market in the right location is extremely difficult and the high transaction costs in property, makes switching assets highly prohibitive. There is no more important decision in property than where and when you should buy/sell. Despite this, the vast majority of Property Investors do not seek professional advice in their decision-making process.
Once an asset has been purchased the key ‘management’ considerations are a) how to actively increase its capital value (i.e. subdivision, renovation, etc) b) maximising rental yields c) minimising risk (Guaranteed Rent). Property Management has historically been perceived as an ‘administrative’ job (source Tenant, collect rent, pay bills). Whilst this will always be an important part of the job, LongView offers a much more holistic professional service – helping you maximise your returns and manage your risk.
