Tameka Smith's real estate career is embedded in her strong ties to the local community.

Smith works with a close team, and a cause close to her heart is the Migrant Resource Centre in Launceston. Smith told WILLIAMS MEDIA she has volunteered as a tutor at the centre, and has developed a deep understanding of the different cultures now in Launceston. This newfound appreciation has allowed her to offer tailored services to the migrant community, and Smith says that's how she has found some of her best tenants.

"I am really passionate about helping people in our local community," she said.

Having worked in real estate for more than a decade, Smith now jointly owns Key2 Property.

Smith is a finalist in the residential property manager category at the REIA 2018 National Awards for Excellence.

How did you start out in real estate? Have you always worked in the industry, or did you do something else previously?

I was given the opportunity to join a small family owned real estate company over 10 years ago. I had no experience at such a young age, but was so eager to learn and become a great agent. I started at the bottom, learning from a very experienced property manager and gradually worked my way up to now being one of three owners of our business Key2 Property.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love that reward of making people happy! I love that I have clients that I look after that I have worked for, for over 10 years and I now have old tenants who are now landlords with me, this is such a rewarding part of my career.

Another big love of mine is training other agents that are joining the industry, I want all agents to be as passionate about real estate as I am and have all of the tools to succeed.

You’re a finalist in the REIA’s upcoming National Awards for Excellence in the property manager of the year category. What do you attribute your success to?

I owe my success to many people that have influenced, coached and supported me over the past 10+ years. I would not be here without the loyalty of my clients, being supported by what I think is the best team in real estate, by my mentors Bev Sinesi, John Abel and John Soundy for all of the coaching and support that they have given me over the past 12-24 months in completing my diploma and setting up the property management side of our business, the support of the REIT, the support and guidance from my wonderful business partners Kate and Ananda, and of course the unquestionable support of my family and amazing husband Ron.

Can you tell us about an interesting property you’ve managed or transaction you’ve taken part in recently?

In Launceston we are extremely blessed to work in such a diverse environment where we manage properties that are heritage listed to amazing brand new spec homes. This makes for such an exciting and challenging market to work in.

A fantastic cause close to my heart is tutoring with the Migrant Resource Centre in Launceston. Launceston has been blessed to home many migrants over the past 10 years and as part of my job we house many families. The language and cultural boundaries are often very difficult for a property manager to deal with and ends with some agents not wanting to rent to migrants at all.

I have found that spending time volunteering with this wonderful organisation has given me a very different understanding of the different cultures and has allowed me to offer a tailored service to the migrant community and in turn we have some of the best tenants living in and looking after our investors' properties.

What’s your advice to a young person starting out as a property manager?

Pick the right agency! Find an agency that offers great support, ongoing training and a career progression plan. The key to becoming a successful property manager is learning the job correctly, knowing the legislation and how to competently apply it,  having the right attitude, and being adaptable to change.

If you could change one thing about the real estate industry, what would it be?

The burn out of property managers. So often I hear that wonderful ladies and gents are out of the industry within the first 6 months. I would like to see much more support offered to new agents coming into the industry to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed.   

The Tasmanian property market is booming. How is that affecting your role?

This is the busiest market that I have seen in my property management career and some of the lowest vacancy rates that I have ever experienced. This is driving the rents higher which is excellent for investors returns, however on the flip side it is putting financial pressure on some tenants trying to get into the rental market.

I believe that this is only going to increase with the up coming university development that is happening in Launceston, providing exciting times for investors.

We have also found in the last quarter a huge influx of investors gearing up ready to meet the demands and it has been our best listing quarters to date and my best listing quarter personally.

Where do you live now, and what would be your dream home if you could live anywhere in the world?

I live in a small town just out of the CBD that runs along the South Esk River. I have lived here for the past seven years with my husband, two small children, and our two dogs. This is my dream place to live. I love the community and values that it offers my children to live in and grow up in such a wonderful place in Tasmania. 

The REIA 2018 National Awards for Excellence are being held at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney, on Thursday 22 March 2018.

Read more about the REI's National Awards for Excellence:

REIA reveals finalists for the 2018 National Awards for Excellence

REIT 2017 Awards for Excellence celebrate a top year for Tasmanian real estate

Best in the industry recognised at REIA's 2017 National Awards for Excellence