"I’ve always loved helping people, which has shaped much of what I do. I came to Australia in 2009 at the age of 18, eager to build a new life and embrace every opportunity.

At Ray White Albury Central, we work closely with the Australian Red Cross, an organisation dedicated to supporting refugees and immigrants as they navigate the challenges of building a new life in Australia.

The Red Cross provides vital services such as emergency relief, housing assistance, and employment support as well as helping individuals and families access essential resources and integrate into the community.

Being involved with the Red Cross has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to see the positive difference we can make in people’s lives. I also work for local SES as a volunteer and it's just something in me that I connect with people and love helping them all the time. My passion for real estate grew naturally from this desire to help others. For me, real estate is not just a job, it's a lifestyle. It’s about connecting with people, helping them achieve their goals, and being part of their journey toward finding a place to call home."

Immigrant success story

"A group of Filipino workers attended the office and asked to speak to Rahul as their friend recommended they approach him for help, as they had not had any success in securing a rental property all around Albury and Wodonga.

The group were recent arrivals in Australia from the Philippines and all were working at the same engineering company.

Rahul was quickly across their situation and invited them to view a property that same day. With his assistance, they applied for the rental and Rahul spoke to the landlord who willingly accepted their application.

These tenants are one of our success stories. They have been in the property for over two  years, pay their rent in advance and look after the property very well and the landlord is extremely happy with them as tenants.

Rahul is to be congratulated as he is always available to help people who have no voice, due to either language barriers or lack of knowledge with the local rental market."

What advice would you give for new immigrants to Australia looking for a home?

For new immigrants to Australia, it’s important to learn about the local culture to help you adjust and feel more at home. Being patient and open-minded when searching for your new career is essential, you may need to start in a different role to gain valuable local experience. 

Establishing a strong support network is also essential, connecting with community groups or social organisations that can offer support, guidance and many friendships. Finally, take the time to experience and explore the local environment and lifestyle, as this will help you feel more connected to your new surroundings and enrich your journey in Australia.

What advice would you have for landlords?

For landlords, it’s crucial to stay up to date with tenancy laws and regulations to avoid complications and protect your investment. Responding promptly and fairly to tenant concerns helps build trust and ensures your property is well-maintained.

Developing a strong working relationship with your property manager is equally important, as they play a key role in managing your property smoothly. Having the right landlord insurance is essential for safeguarding against unexpected situations. Above all, be willing to give a chance to people from different backgrounds; sometimes a bit of understanding and flexibility can lead to reliable, long-term tenants and a rewarding rental experience.

What advice would you have for other PMs to do similar?

For other property managers looking to achieve success, it’s essential to first understand your market; know the trends, rental demand, and what tenants and landlords are seeking.

Building strong relationships with both landlords and tenants is key to fostering trust and long-term success. Don’t be afraid to learn from mistakes; each experience is an opportunity to improve.

Leverage technology to streamline processes and enhance communication, making your work more efficient and effective. Stay compliant by keeping up to date with relevant laws, regulations, and policies to avoid issues and maintain professionalism. Finally, invest in your own growth by pursuing ongoing education and industry training to stay ahead in a constantly evolving market.

More Ray White PM Gems:

Housing four-legged friends - Ray White | The Real Estate Conversation

Handling the death of a tenant - Ray White

Helping a renter flee domestic violence - Ray White Property Management