It’s another day. It is really that simple. In these extraordinary times we just must get up and get on with it, and I’m proud to say that’s exactly what our team is doing. The world around us is turning upside down but in the week just gone we’ve successfully negotiated good property sales and matched great tenants with their perfect rental property. That’s how we’re rolling. Onwards, although don’t get me wrong, it certainly isn’t easy…
The reality is stark. Restrictions around movement and enforced business shutdowns have obviously had an immediate financial impact. Our sales team, and perhaps most especially our property management team, are working every day with anxious renters and nervous landlords. But in these extraordinary times they are doing what they always do, offering support, looking for solutions and getting things done.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully!) event but our Property Management team are always on the frontline, called on in times of crisis. Their role involves so much more than just finding a suitable tenant for a property and collecting the money each month. A property manager will manage the practicalities of a burst pipe and a broken shower screen, but they are equally there to provide advice and practical support in times of death, divorce and depression. A successful property manager combines empathy and organisation to support their clients often what is a most desperate time of need. That vital role of the property manager often goes unrecognised.
Right now, that crisis is widespread as both tenants and landlords worry about meeting their financial obligations. The Jobkeeper package is a very welcome initiative with the potential to alleviate some of the financial pressure but continued uncertainty around eligibility makes it tough for everyone to know exactly where they stand. At the same time speculation of rent relief support and/or property taxation holidays have so far come to nothing.
This isn’t meant to be a criticism of government. They deserve immense credit for moving as fast as possible and trying to identify fair and sustainable ways to support vast numbers of communities, businesses and individuals.
But in the absence of definitive initiatives and detail on the programs for our landlords and tenants the Morton Property management team is navigating difficult and uncharted waters. We are all in this together, but our PM team recognise that every property, every landlord and every tenant face individual, unique challenges. They are on the frontline. I’m incredibly proud of the work they are doing, and I encourage you to call if you have any concerns at all. We are here for you.