Frequently Asked Questions

At RealHelp Real Estate, we take a modern and efficient approach by not relying on expensive luxury shopfronts. Instead, we utilize Regus office spaces across Sydney, which offers both convenience and accessibility for our clients and staff. This smart decision allows us to cut unnecessary costs associated with traditional offices, and the savings we generate are passed directly to our clients.

We’ve conducted a thorough analysis of our operational expenses, and wherever possible, we’ve reduced overheads to offer more competitive pricing. For instance, our transition to an entirely paperless system has been both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. It allows us to work faster and more efficiently while eliminating the excessive expenses associated with paperwork.

In addition to reducing overheads, we’ve streamlined our operations in many other areas, ensuring that the cumulative savings are reflected in the lower rates we offer. This approach enables us to provide high-quality service at significantly lower costs, without compromising on the quality and professionalism our clients expect.

By optimizing our processes and cutting unnecessary expenses, RealHelp is proud to deliver exceptional value and superior service at a fraction of the cost of traditional real estate agencies.

Routine inspections are held twice a year

At RealHelp Real Estate, we conduct routine property inspections twice a year to ensure that both the property is well-maintained and the tenant is complying with the terms of the lease agreement. Below is a detailed procedure for our residential property routine inspections:

1. Notification to Tenant

• Prior Notification: Tenants are given a minimum of 7-14 days’ notice before the scheduled inspection. We communicate this via email, phone, or tenant portal, allowing the tenant enough time to prepare.
• Flexible Scheduling: We aim to accommodate the tenant’s schedule, providing flexibility to minimize any inconvenience.

2. Pre-Inspection Preparation

• Review Property History: Our property managers review the tenant’s rental history, including any past maintenance requests, complaints, or previous inspection reports to identify specific areas to focus on.
• Inspection Checklist: We prepare a comprehensive checklist that covers all aspects of the property, including internal and external areas.

3. Inspection Day

• Thorough Internal Inspection:
  • Living Areas: Check for cleanliness, any visible damage, condition of walls, flooring, and furniture (if applicable).
  • Kitchen: Inspect the condition of appliances, cabinets, countertops, and plumbing. We also look for any signs of leaks or water damage.
  • Bathrooms: Check the functionality of toilets, sinks, and showers. Inspect for mold, mildew, or water damage.
  • Bedrooms: Assess overall cleanliness and the condition of fixtures, flooring, and windows.
  • Electrical & Safety: Ensure all electrical outlets and switches are functioning and check smoke alarms for compliance.
• External Inspection:
  • Yard/Outdoor Areas: Inspect the condition of lawns, gardens, and any outdoor fixtures. Verify if the tenant is maintaining the outdoor areas as per the lease.
  • Roof & Gutters: Check for any visible roof damage or clogged gutters that may lead to water damage.
  • Garages and Driveways: Ensure these areas are clean and free from clutter or damage.

4. Reporting

• Photo Documentation: Our property managers take photographs of the property during the inspection, especially if any damage or maintenance issues are observed.
• Inspection Report: A detailed inspection report is generated and shared with the property owner via the landlord portal. The report includes comments on the condition of the property and any recommendations for repairs or improvements.

5. Maintenance Follow-Up

• Immediate Action: If any urgent repairs or maintenance are required, we coordinate with our trusted tradespeople and contractors to resolve the issue promptly.
• Routine Repairs: For non-urgent issues, we seek the landlord’s approval before proceeding with repairs.

6. Tenant Feedback

• Open Communication: After the inspection, we communicate with the tenant, providing feedback and any suggestions for improvements. If any issues were identified, the tenant is given a reasonable timeframe to address them.

7. Review & Update Records

• Updating Property Records: We update our internal systems and the landlord’s portal with the latest inspection report, maintenance actions, and any follow-up details.

By conducting these bi-annual routine inspections, RealHelp Real Estate ensures that properties remain well-maintained and that tenants are adhering to the lease agreement. This approach protects the property’s value while creating a comfortable living environment for the tenants.

We charge only 3% + GST as management fees

When there is an existing tenant, our fees are simple and transparent:

• Management fee: 3% + GST, with no additional ongoing costs.
• Other fees: A $250 fee (inclusive of GST) applies if a case is lodged with NCAT, and any government fees (e.g., NCAT or sheriff fees etc.) are paid by the landlord. 

When the property is vacant and we need to find tenants:

• Leasing fee: First week’s rent.
• Advertising fee: $265.
• Management fee: 3.3% (including GST)
• Other fees: A $250 fee (inclusive of GST) applies if a case is lodged with NCAT, and any government fees (e.g., NCAT or sheriff fees etc.) are paid by the landlord. 

We manage properties all over Sydney.

Yes. We will handle all the regular bill payments for the owners. If the owners want to pay their bills by themselves, they can do that too.