078. How to Manage Complex Schemes – With Chris Duggan (replay)
Having taken a week off to speak at the Griffith University Strata Title Conference, this week I’m taking you back to one of our most popular episodes: my interview with SCA (NSW) President Chris Duggan, on how to manage complex schemes. I’ll be bringing you an all new episode next week. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! http://bright-duggan.com.au/ Books…
060. In Conversation – New Rules for Engaging Lawyers and Banning Smoking Building-Wide
This week, Reena and I cover off the new requirements when it comes to strata buildings engaging lawyers, including whether or not cost agreements need to be circulated. Also, can a building ban smoking both on the common areas AND within lots? Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au amanda@yourstrataproperty.com.au Books Mentioned: Gary Bugden: Strata…
059. The Good, Bad And Ugly Financial Reforms For NSW Strata Buildings – With Joel Russell Of Kelly + Partners
This week, I chat in depth with Joel Russell of Kelly & Partners about the key legislative reforms impacting strata buildings and managers when it comes to financial reporting. There are some great tips here for buildings and managers looking to get on top of these important changes. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au…
058. In Conversation With Reena Van Aalst – Agents Throwing Out Records and Creative First Home Buyers
This week, I am ‘in conversation’ with Reena Van Aalst, as we deal with managing agents who throw out their client’s records without first seeking consent, and share ideas from a very creative young couple looking to get into the Sydney property market. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.yourstrataproperty.com.au amanda@yourstrataproperty.com.au
057. Crime In Surfers Paradise Communities – With Dr Sacha Reid
This week, I am privileged to speak with Dr Sacha Reid of Griffith University, about the results of her research into criminal activity in Surfers Paradise’s many vertical communities. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Crime in High-Rise Buildings: Planning for Vertical Community Safety Griffith University Strata Title Conference Books Mentioned: The Subtle Art of…
055. Veronica Morgan On Why Strata Purchasers Should Work With A Buyer’s Agent
You probably know her from Foxtel’s Location Location Location series: this week, I am privileged to be in the company of Veronica Morgan, who explains to us the important role of buyers agents, especially when it comes to buying into strata. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.gooddeeds.com.au Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA)…
054. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – Is An Unsigned Agency Agreement Valid?
This week, I am ‘in conversation’ with Reena Van Aalst, solving the problem of an unsigned agency agreement and querying whether a lot owner or the owners corporation should pay for a by-law consolidation [references to NSW law].
053. How To Deal With An Owner Making Private Use of Common Property Without Approval (NSW law)
In this week’s short [14 min] solo episode, I cover off the steps involved in rectifying the increasingly common situation of a lot owner exclusively using an area of the common property without the necessary approval of the owners corporation. This is the advice I give to buildings who find themselves in such a situation.…
052. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – Why Are Strata Managers Charging ‘Compliance’ Fees?
This week, I am “in conversation” with Reena Van Aalst. Among other things, we discuss the ‘compliance fee’ that many strata buildings have been charged by their strata managers over the past two weeks, apparently representing the cost of their strata manager coming to terms with the new legislation in NSW. Is this charge legal?…
046. In Conversation with Reena Van Aalst – signing DAs and problems with NCAT penalties
This week I’m trying something different: I am “in conversation” with Reena Van Aalst – one of this country’s top strata managers. We cover off the week’s frustrations and wins in the world of strata. Let me know what you think of the format and we’ll keep it up! Links Mentioned Get the transcript here!…
044. How To Deal With Boundary Fences In Strata (references to NSW law)
This week, lawyer Savina Yang and I discuss how strata buildings might go about solving a boundary fence dispute with their adjoining neighbour Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! Episode 008. The Truth About By-Laws In Your Strata Property (And How To Ensure You’re Not In Breach) Episode 016. How To Increase Your Lot’s Value…
043. Strata Managers vs Real Estate Agents – with Tim McKibbin of REI (NSW)
This week I interview Tim McKibbin, the CEO of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, on the difference between strata managers and real estate agents and how they each might learn to work together effectively. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales Books Mentioned Stephen R. Covey’s The 7…
042. Highlights from 2016 — A Year In Review
Happy New Year! In this first episode for 2017, I give you the highlights and key takeaways from past podcast episodes – a great way to hit the ground running in the strata-sphere this year. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! 002. Reena Van Aalst on Working With Your Strata Manager and Getting the Most…
Lot owner successfully avoids bankruptcy notice by alleging OC negligence
A lot owner has convinced the Federal Court of Australia to ignore a bankruptcy notice – issued by an owners corporation in an attempt to recover unpaid strata levies and associated costs – by establishing her own counter claim against the owners corporation. In this case, the owners corporation served the lot owner – Ms Blair -…
041. What Makes A Great Strata Committee – with committee member Steven King (all jurisdictions)
This week, long-standing strata committee member and member of the YSP online membership community, Steven King, chats with me about what makes a great strata committee. Link Mentioned Get the transcript here! Books Mentioned Thinking Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman The Power of Mindful Learning – Ellen Langer Mindset : The New Psychology of…
Owners corporations engaging lawyers under the new NSW law
Until 30 November 2016, owners corporations in NSW could not engage a lawyer or commence any legal action unless the engagement and the legal action was approved at a general meeting of the owners. There was an exception to that requirement if the lawyer’s costs were quoted at less than $12,500 or $1,000 per lot…
040. Explaining the Tribunal process, including penalties under the new NSW law (references to NSW legislation)
In this week’s short episode, I explain the new Tribunal procedure for resolving disputes under the NSW law, including a discussion of penalties: are they really payable to the owners corporation? Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! NCAT web page for strata matters Section 72(3) Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act Section 147 Strata Schemes Management…
039. Why All Strata Buildings Should be Smoke-Free (references to NSW legislation, general discussion relevant to all jurisdictions)
This week I am joined by Scott Walsberger of the Cancer Council NSW, who explains why everyone – even smokers – should want their strata building to be completely free of cigarette smoke. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! www.cancercouncil.com.au/smokefree Smoke Free Apartments: Cancer Council Toolkit Schedule 3, Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 Section 153,…
038. Why it is Vital for Strata Owners to Add Value to their Building – with Gordon Streight (relevant to all jurisdictions)
One of NSW’s most experienced strata committee members, Gordon Streight, shares his secrets for “adding value” to your strata building. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! http://strata-worx.com.au/ http://greenstrata.com.au/ http://www.wattblock.com.au/ Books Mentioned Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar–Your Brain’s Silent Killers by David Perlmutter The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal…
037. BONUS – New Strata Laws: Preparing For The Future – Part 3 (Q&A) What strata owners need to know about the new NSW strata law
This week, I share with you my live answers to the many questions I was asked by attendees after my 17 October presentation on the new NSW strata law. This is a valuable insight into the kinds of things at the forefront of strata owners’ minds when it comes to this new law. Links Mentioned…
New Strata Laws: Preparing For The Future – with Amanda Farmer
Amanda Farmer’s sold out presentation, delivered to over 160 strata owners on 17 October 2016: what owners need to know about the new NSW strata law.
036. New Strata Laws: Preparing For The Future – Part 2 What strata owners need to know about the new NSW strata law
Following on from last week’s episode, here is part 2 of my presentation delivered to a sold-out audience of 160+ strata owners on 17 October 2016: covering the need-to-know essentials of the new NSW strata law. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/membership/ https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/newlaw/ http://lawyerschambers.com.au/
035. New Strata Laws: Preparing For The Future – Part 1 What strata owners need to know about the new NSW strata law
By popular demand, here is part 1 of my presentation, delivered to a sold-out audience of 160+ strata owners on 17 October 2016: covering the need-to-know essentials of the new NSW strata law. Listen out instructions on how to download a copy of my detailed written paper and the slides from the night. Links Mentioned…
033. Things That Can Go Horribly Wrong When Buying Into A New Strata Plan And How To Avoid Them – with Sean McNamara
A member of the YSP online community, Sean McNamara shares his tips on how buildings can proactively deal with dodgy developers, quickly and cost-effectively. Look out for the bonus download. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/membership https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/newbuilding Books Mentioned The Selfish Gene (Popular Science) by Richard Dawkins NSW Strata & Community Schemes Management &…
032. Introducing The Your Strata Property Online Membership Community
This week, I am very excited to announce the launch of the Your Strata Property online membership community. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/membership https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/by-law-templates/ https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/ebooks/
031. Renovating Your Strata Home – with Interior Design Expert Jen Bishop
This week I am joined by interior design expert, Jen Bishop, who shares her expert tips on designing your dream strata apartment. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! http://theinteriorsaddict.com/ http://renoaddict.com/ Books Mentioned Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home That Makes You Happy The Tailored Interior
030. How Private Are Owners’ Personal Details When it Comes to Strata Books and Records?
This week, I bust 3 myths surrounding the use of lot owners’ personal information contained within an owners corporation’s books and records. Just how private are your personal details? [reference to NSW law]. Links mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 108 – Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) Section 182 – Requests for inspection…
029. The immense power held by strata owners – with Cathy Sherry
I am privileged to be joined by Cathy Sherry of the University of New South Wales, as she explains how strata owners have been given almost unlimited power to legislate for their neighbours through by-laws. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! Register for the OCN event with Amanda Owners Corporation SP 501391P v Balcombe [2016]…
028. How Electronic Voting Will Drive Strata Owner Engagement – with Dee Pannell (references to NSW and QLD legislation)
This week Dee Pannell of Strata Vote explains how electronic voting has the potential to dramatically change the way we attend and vote at strata meetings – with reference to NSW and QLD legislation. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! http://www.stratavote.com.au/ 1300 938 683 Books Mentioned Purple Cow, New Edition: Transform Your Business by Being…
027. Why the ABMA Building Management Code is the Key to Maintaining Your Strata Property – with Lynda Kypriadakis
I speak with Lynda Kypriadakis about the ABMA Building Management Code: why it will revolutionise the sector and why you should get a copy now. Links Mentioned Get the transcript here! https://www.abma.com.au/ https://www.abma.com.au/BMCA01-form.php https://au.linkedin.com/in/lyndakypriadakis Books Mentioned Gertrude Bell: Queen of the Desert, Shaper of Nations Paperback by Georgina Howell