Your Strata Property With Amanda Farmer

This week, I chat with Stacy Barter, who facilitates the “Building Resilient Neighbourhoods Project” in British Columbia, Canada. Stacy shares the research around why it is that some strata buildings are able to build strong, connected communities, and how you can achieve the same in your community. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! https://resilientneighbourhoods.ca/ Links Mentioned: Community: The Structure of […]

This week, Reena and I remind you of the approaching deadline for the installation of window safety devices. We also answer the question: how much information should strata managers be giving to potential purchasers asking for information about the building? Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here!

This week, I’m joined by Carlos Flores, who leads the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (aka NABERS), one of Australia’s most successful sustainability initiatives. As well as explaining how NABERShelps owners and investors achieve measurable returns on their efforts to reduce energy and water usage, Carlos shares with us the current plan to expand NABERS into the […]

This week, Reena shares her recent surprise when she found a contract for annual fire safety services had automatically rolled over for a further year, without notice to the building. I remind listeners that vendor ‘how to vote’ directions in sale contracts are not valid, and share the details of a recent Tribunal win. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript […]

This week, I interview David Hampton, the CEO of Smarter Communities(formerly Vesture Limited), one of the largest community management companies in Australia, with local brands across NSW, QLD, SA and VIC. In this wide-ranging discussion, David shares his thoughts on what the future of strata management might look like, including why he thinks the “self-serve” model promoted by the banking […]

This week, Reena shares her recent experience with a Fair Trading investigation of books and records, including some important words of warning. I share my win for a developer client, which has helped clarify an often misunderstood section of the NSW Community titles legislation. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here!

This week on the podcast, I’m sharing with you my handpicked highlights from 5episodes over the past year. A great place to join in if you’re new to the podcast, or a nice 2018 stage-setter for longtime listeners. Plus: listen out for your chance to pre-register for a very special event happening in the first part of this […]

In our last episode of the year, Reena and I clarify the rules around co–owners as strata committee members. We also assist two owners who are concerned that the collective sale of their building is proceeding without any notice to them, in breach of the Strata Schemes Development Act. We wish all of our listeners a happy and restful festive season. I’ll be […]

This week, I have the privilege of interviewing Mark Atkinson of Atkinson Legal. This year, Mark’s client successfully convinced the Western Australian Court of Appeal to uphold a by–law which effectively prohibited holiday lets. Mark summarises the facts and findings of the case and shares his guidance for buildings trying to regulate short stays. This is an important […]

This week, Reena and I discuss the little known way for judgment creditors to efficiently recover debts from owners corporations. I explain the difference between a “by-law review” and a “by-law consolidation” and also share SCA’s helpful feedback on best practice for their standard form agency agreements. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 237 Strata […]

In this special solo episode, I share with you some actionable tips for how to chair a strata meeting effectively, drawn from my experience attending difficult meetings. How to start the meeting, how to put motions, declare results and deal with would-be trouble makers. Listen out for my exciting news at the end of the episode! Links Mentioned: […]

This week, Reena successfully convinces a building to increase levies by 85% to pay for essential maintenance works: her tips are immensely valuable for any committee member or strata manager who may find themselves in the same position of having to ‘sell’ an unpopular motion. I cover off the recent Rosenthal and McElwaine court cases, confirming lot owners can claim […]

This week, I’m joined by the very experienced Aylie Brutman of Economos, who gives us the inside scoop on what actually happens when strata books and records are audited, and what strata managers can be doing to smooth the process for both auditors and lot owners. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Section 95, Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) Economos.com.au Books Mentioned: The […]

This week, Reena and I provide our tip if you’ve left your by-law review to the last minute. Reena reveals what happens when buildings forget to strike levies, and I provide some guidance about dealing with unfair terms in a standard-form strata management contract. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! A guide to unfair contract law LPI dealing […]

This week, I chat to Cathy Morrissey of The Renovation College about her proven system for adding significant value to your home or investment, in a way that won’t break the bank or stress out your strata committee. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! The Renovation College Website The Renovation College Mastermind The Renovation College 5 Day Challenge Renovation […]

This week, Reena and I consider why some buildings seem worse off after the Tribunal’s appointment of a compulsory managing agent. Reena shares her recent success with a fire engineer who went above and beyond, and I give you an insight into the hot topics being discussed inside the Members-only Forum. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript […]

This week, I’m joined by Brent Clark, the founder of Wattblock. Wattblockhelps strata buildings reduce their energy consumption and, by extension, their expenses, even in the face of rising electricity prices. Brent explains how.  ​ Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.wattblock.com.au http://www.wattblock.com/publications.html City of Sydney Council’s Green Villages Renew Economy Brent Clark’s email address: brent.clark@wattblock.com.au Books Mentioned: The Innovator’s […]

This week, Reena and I discuss the little known clause in the strata legislation which allows lot owners to oppose an upcoming strata committee decision. We also alert you to the change in legislation which places the onus on buildings to ensure they have engaged a ‘competent’ fire safety practitioner. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! Schedule 2, Clause 9(3) Strata […]

This week, I chat to Russell Kelleher of EbixTrades Monitor, a subsidiary of Ebix – a NASDAQ listed company which recently announced its ranking in Fortune magazine’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies. We cover how you can protect your strata building from rogue contractors using EbixTrades Monitor. Links Mentioned: Get the transcript here! www.tradesmonitor.com.au Books Mentioned: Fatal Storm: The 54th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, by Rob Mundle

This week, I’ve invited both Natalie Fitzgerald and Reena Van Aalst on the show to talk about diversity when it comes to strata committees. What is it? Do we need it? How do we get it? Also, a reminder to secure your spot at the Women in Strata breakfast next Thursday 5 October 2017, at Macquarie Bank in Sydney. Register here. Links Mentioned: Get […]