How can integrity be restored in an industry often criticised for its ethical shortcomings? In this episode, we sit down with John Minns, the NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner, to delve into the measures being taken by the Office of Fair Trading to regulate and improve the real estate sector’s reputation. With an industry plagued by issues ranging from underquoting by sales agents to property managers grappling with rental shortages, and strata managers caught in conflicts of interest, John Minns has a formidable task ahead.

John shares his motivations for stepping into the commissioner role and the surprises he encounters along the way. He discusses how he balances managing immediate crises with long-term strategic planning and tackles significant resistance from various stakeholders, particularly focusing on the pervasive problem of underquoting. We also explore the potential opportunities he sees in the PropTech space and his updates on the Strata Hub system in New South Wales.

The episode covers critical issues such as the licensing loophole allowing new buyer’s agents to practice in NSW via Queensland and the potential benefits of a national licensing system. John addresses frustrations and pricing tactics that often leave consumers disillusioned, sharing his vision for a more transparent and ethical real estate industry. Don’t miss his candid recounting of property blunders that offer a humorous yet insightful perspective on the challenges within the field.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

01:23 - Who is John Minns?

02:29 - What is John’s motivation to make a difference as commissioner

04:10 - What surprised John most about the role?

07:12 - How John manages both short-term crises and long-term planning

08:57 - Among the key stakeholders, which group is the biggest resistance?

11:38 - Tackling the issue of underquoting

16:54 - John’s strategies for effecting change in a slow moving industry

25:03 - Does John see any real opportunities in the PropTech space?

29:19 - What are the plans for improving the Strata Hub system in New South Wales?

35:23 - What’s motivating the government to take action NOW?

38:17 - The issue of new buyer’s agents getting licensed in NSW via Queensland

44:51 - Would national licensing be a good thing?

47:50 - John Minns’ property dumbo #1

50:45 - Addressing frustrations and pricing tactics in property transactions

55:25 - John Minn’s property dumbo #2

About Our Guest:

John Minns, a prominent figure in the Australian residential property sector for over 30 years, brings a wealth of experience to his role as Strata and Property Services Commissioner. His career spans diverse areas including residential sales, project marketing, property management, and franchising, alongside leadership in digital innovation and professional development. John is committed to enhancing consumer experience and protection by promoting transparency and accountability within the industry, advocating for innovation-driven opportunities to foster a trusted and empowered sector.

Connect with John Minns:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-minns-40386324/

Resources:
Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au
Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au
Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!
Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765

How can integrity be restored in an industry often criticised for its ethical shortcomings? In this episode, we sit down with John Minns, the NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner, to delve into the measures being taken by the Office of Fair Trading to regulate and improve the real estate sector’s reputation. With an industry plagued by issues ranging from underquoting by sales agents to property managers grappling with rental shortages, and strata managers caught in conflicts of interest, John Minns has a formidable task ahead.
John shares his motivations for stepping into the commissioner role and the surprises he encounters along the way. He discusses how he balances managing immediate crises with long-term strategic planning and tackles significant resistance from various stakeholders, particularly focusing on the pervasive problem of underquoting. We also explore the potential opportunities he sees in the PropTech space and his updates on the Strata Hub system in New South Wales.
The episode covers critical issues such as the licensing loophole allowing new buyer’s agents to practice in NSW via Queensland and the potential benefits of a national licensing system. John addresses frustrations and pricing tactics that often leave consumers disillusioned, sharing his vision for a more transparent and ethical real estate industry. Don’t miss his candid recounting of property blunders that offer a humorous yet insightful perspective on the challenges within the field.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:23 - Who is John Minns?
02:29 - What is John’s motivation to make a difference as commissioner
04:10 - What surprised John most about the role?
07:12 - How John manages both short-term crises and long-term planning
08:57 - Among the key stakeholders, which group is the biggest resistance?
11:38 - Tackling the issue of underquoting
16:54 - John’s strategies for effecting change in a slow moving industry
25:03 - Does John see any real opportunities in the PropTech space?
29:19 - What are the plans for improving the Strata Hub system in New South Wales?
35:23 - What’s motivating the government to take action NOW?
38:17 - The issue of new buyer’s agents getting licensed in NSW via Queensland
44:51 - Would national licensing be a good thing?
47:50 - John Minns’ property dumbo #1
50:45 - Addressing frustrations and pricing tactics in property transactions
55:25 - John Minn’s property dumbo #2
About Our Guest:
John Minns, a prominent figure in the Australian residential property sector for over 30 years, brings a wealth of experience to his role as Strata and Property Services Commissioner. His career spans diverse areas including residential sales, project marketing, property management, and franchising, alongside leadership in digital innovation and professional development. John is committed to enhancing consumer experience and protection by promoting transparency and accountability within the industry, advocating for innovation-driven opportunities to foster a trusted and empowered sector.
Connect with John Minns:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-minns-40386324/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-minns-40386324/</a></li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit our website <a href="https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au">https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast <a href="mailto:questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au">questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? <a href="http://www.gooddeeds.com.au/">https://www.gooddeeds.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Work with Veronica: <a href="http://www.veronicamorgan.com.au">https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Looking for a Mortgage Broker? <a href="http://www.blusk.au">https://www.blusk.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Work with Chris: <a href="mailto:hello@blusk.au">hello@blusk.au</a></li>
</ul>
Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast">https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719">https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765">https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765</a></li>
</ul>

Who's really in control when you buy a property?

The Elephant In The Room is where the things that no one wants to talk about, actually get talked about.  

Veronica Morgan, real estate agent, buyers agent and co-host of Foxtel’s Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out what’s really going on in the world of real estate.

Veronica and Chris talk to property owners and buyers every day in their respective lines of business. They’ve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in people’s decision making ability when buying and selling property, often to the detriment of the individuals concerned. They are both fascinated by consumer behaviour and together they’re going to uncover who’s really making the decisions when you buy a property.

In each episode they get into the psyche of buyers, agents, auctioneers and other industry experts to learn the truth about how buyers are influenced and why they do the things they do. In every episode you’ll learn from the mistakes of a “property dumbo” as well as Chris & Veronica’s “elephant rider bootcamp” training session.

The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions!

We talk about the things no one wants to talk about in the Property Market

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