Get to know Anthony Jamous
Anthony Jamous is a Senior Portfolio Partner for The Agency. We sat down with him for a chat.
So, Anthony, how did you end up working in Property Management?
When I was wanting to start out in real estate I got a foot in the door working on a front desk answering phone calls and completing administration work. I completed my Real Estate Certificate while I worked there, and then I was able to jump across to start working in the leasing department. I have now been working in property management for over 17 years and I’ve looked after my current portfolio for 11 years. I really enjoy it.
What attracted you to The Agency?
I decided to join The Agency when they acquired the portfolio of rental properties I managed. Since working here I’ve been able to further develop my skills and knowledge and strengthen my existing relationships with clients. I have also enjoyed working alongside and learning from other real estate professionals who have been in the industry for a long time. It’s great being surrounded by a big team. We work collaboratively to support each other and we can bounce ideas around and help solve issues for our clients.
What do you enjoy most about working in property management?
Every day is different in property management, which keeps it interesting. This job isn’t a job where you sit behind a desk all day, you are also on the road meeting people and seeing properties. I also enjoy giving good news to my clients when tough problems are resolved.
How do you maintain a great relationship with your clients?
Every landlord is going to have different requirements and personality traits, so you need to adapt to their way of thinking while also focusing on the job at hand. The advice or news that you provide to a client may not always be what they would like to hear, but I do generally find that people respect honesty. Being a straight shooter is always the best approach. And I try to guide them to the best outcome for their particular situation.
What is the best advice you have given a landlord?
It’s important to trust your agent or property manager, because their job is to maximise your investment’s return. Our knowledge and experience means we will usually have dealt with a similar scenario in the past and can guide clients to the best resolution. We have our client’s best interests at heart and relationship building and problem solving are the key elements of our role.
What is the best advice you have given a tenant?
It’s important that tenants are well prepared when they are applying for a rental property. There are many circumstances when people believe ‘less is more’, but this is simply not the case when applying for a rental property. More information in your application is generally going to provide you with a better outcome. The other thing I always say to tenants is that they should treat the landlord’s investment as if it were their own. This will usually give the landlord confidence in the tenant, and they’ll want a longer tenancy, which is good for everyone.
What's your real estate philosophy?
Making a decision is always better than making no decision at all. Procrastinating wastes time and doesn’t achieve anything for your client. I would rather make the wrong decision than make no decision, because in life - and in real estate - you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
How has COVID-19 changed the leasing market in your opinion?
The pandemic has made the residential leasing market more difficult to pick than ever before. We’ve seen the market can change within a matter of weeks, in terms of price and also stock levels. This means that as property managers we need to be more informed than ever and keep a close eye on the market, and relevant rental data, so we can keep our clients up-to-date and informed.
What gets you out of bed each morning?
Not many people can say they work in a great location like Bondi Beach, where The Agency office is. Arriving in Bondi every morning there is a great atmosphere with people in local coffee shops and a general buzz, which is great to be around after lockdown ended.
What do you do in your spare time?
Family is everything. I spend any free time that I do have with family and friends and I enjoy taking my family to the park on the weekends.
What advice do you give someone considering Property Management as a career?
Time management is the key to Property Management. You have to work smarter.
Any top tips for a smooth end to the new year for landlords and tenants?
I will be working hard towards having minimal to no vacancies over the Christmas/New Year period for my clients. Both tenants and landlords have had an unusually challenging time over the last 18 months with the pandemic and lockdowns, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. So if I can help them make it to the end of the year with a smile on their face it’s the sign of a good job.