Team Talk with Evie Milides
Having lived in Melbourne’s North all of her life, Evie has loved watching Preston grow from strength to strength – from the property market to the thriving shops, bars and restaurants that are constantly popping up.
Approaching 8 years in Property Management, the satisfaction she gets when a prospective tenant/applicant signs a new lease for a property and their excitement in making the property their new home still gives her a buzz. While customer service is key, she loves that her role involves building relationships and trust, and her particular focus has always been looking after her client’s investments as if they were her own, right down to the smallest detail – including catching furry escapees!
“Picture me, running down a busy Preston street in heels with the Owner chasing the escape artist. We were successful, but the anxiety of a lost beloved pet still scares me. The escapee seemed to love the experience and the Owner still laughs about it having forgotten the gate open.”
Some may find it weird, but her guilty Property Manager pleasure involves reading through the PM forums learning about other agent’s experiences and how they dealt with them, as well as looking at lease listings online and thinking about how she would improve the ad. This lady simply lives and breathes Property Management!
We chat with Evie for her take on the role of a Property Manager, the impacts of the past 12 months, and what she thinks makes Preston so desirable.
What do you love about living/working in the North?
Preston has such a great sense of community and multiculturalism. I love the relationships we build with all the local small businesses, particularly hospitality!
What has been your most memorable listing?
They’re all memorable. I think all agents will agree it’s a great feeling securing a new property to add to our portfolio. Really whoever the client is or whatever their reason is for leasing out a property, you always feel that sense of helping the client achieve their goal and in turn helping the Renter secure a new home.
What is your stance on the current market?
It’s still quite challenging but it has presented an opportunity for a lot of renters to become first home buyers which is great for them!
What positives do you think have come from the events of 2020 for the real estate industry?
I actually struggle to think of the positives having lived through the reality of how hard people were hit financially – it really put so much pressure on tenants, landlords and us as agents to mediate a fair agreement for each and every party.
The huge loss of jobs brought on by the health crisis impacted peoples’ ability to pay rent and make mortgage repayments. We became counsellors as well as Property Managers – I empathised with so many people that were in really dire financial situations. Debt loomed over both of our tenants and landlords, and it left us Property Managers in a sticky spot. While our aim was to keep a tenant in a home, we also wanted our landlords to remain financially stable.
(I feel as though I am still suffering from PTSD sorry haha!)
What do you like most about working at Love & Co?
Working with Niki Castro and Noel Crouch – a great office to work at, led by great Superiors.
What are the most important skills and qualities that you feel make your team successful?
Positive attitude, experience and our cohesiveness as a team.
What is your favourite local business and why?
Pausa Pranzo – a must to visit in Preston! They’re our go-to for fresh Italian food from lunch through to dinner at the Preston office.
Feel free to get in touch with Evie to chat about all things Preston and the rental market here.