The manager behind your investment property: Alvin Chen – Ironfish Real Estate, Property Management Melbourne, Team Leader
Today, we had the pleasure to interview Ironfish Real Estate, Property Management Melbourne’s Team Leader, Alvin Chen.
As we were about to begin the interview, Alvin started the ball rolling instead and asked us a multiple-choice question that got us thinking.
Alvin asked: “When both the Residential Rental Provider (RRP) and Renters are facing financial difficulties at the same time, what will your decision as a property manager be?”
Option 1: Seek for rental reduction on behalf of the renter. However, RRP could be facing financial difficulties in paying mortgage finances.
Option 2: Renters are required to pay full rent amount. However, this might aggravate and worse the financial difficulties of the renter, which may result in them having to move out or live without a roof. This may even cause problems such us loss of rental income due to vacancy period.
We tried to put ourselves in both RRP and Renters’ perspectives, indeed, this is a tough choice. Alvin smiled after we struggled for a while. It turned out that there was a third option, which is also the solution that Alvin chose when he faced the above-mentioned issues.
Option 3: To apply for rent relief grant established by the Victorian Government, providing rental assistance to Victorians who are experiencing rental hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Alvin mentioned that this might add on to the property managers’ workload, however, ultimately, it will be beneficial for both RRP and renters. RRP and renters should not pay the price for the impacts and changes of the environment. This has also made him believe in the power of professionalism, making him confident and full in his work. Alvin’s question gave us a deeper understanding of the role of a property manager and added on to our curiosity.
As the interview continues, Alvin generously shared with us many insights and inspirations in his life and work.
Jim Carrey, a world-renowned Canadian actor, comedian, writer and producer, has a deep influence on Alvin. Jim Carrey used the law of attraction to influence positive thinking in facing various problems in life. Alvin believes that this is the attitude that we should have in life!
Ironfish Real Estate is thankful for every single team member, who never stops learning, have an aspiration to grow and desire to adapt to new challenges. For us to live life to the fullest, we must continually look for ways to improve!
The COVID-19 pandemic came upon us in the most unexpected way, the unpredictable environment has indeed brought frustration into our lives. It brought about challenges which forced all of us to rethink, relook and adjust the way we live. Reflecting on the past months, we are encouraged to see how we have demonstrated self-affirmation, resilience, and adaptability in overcoming the challenges brought by the environment.
During this period, Alvin not only succeeded in helping many RRPs minimize the possibility of vacant homes, he was also able to maximise the return income even at a very difficult time. This is especially important for property managers as client is at the heart of work. After encountering and overcoming various situations, Alvin believe that anything is possible when you have the right people to support and right attitude.
Of course, uncertainties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic resulted anxiety and fear in RRP, and at times, it is also in relation with the past experiences they have encountered. Alvin shared with us how he resolves situations where RRP has turned emotional due to the above reasons. He approached situations like these by staying one step ahead, shortening the transition period for questions, and fostering a trusting relationship.
Alvin mentioned, “Don’t wait till the RRP calls you. Proactively contacting the RRP is what a professional property manager should do, especially during times like these.”
After reading Alvin’s interview, did your level of respect for Property Managers increased just like we do?!
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Believe that anything is possible with the right people and right attitude!
