Raffles Strata President Clive Palmer hosted guest speaker Donna Gordin, from Perth Strata Co.
I love solving problems: Donna Gordin
Donna Gordin, owner of Perth Strata Co. was our guest speaker recently. Donna is a country girl at heart, born and raised in Esperance, followed by a stint in Kalgoorlie before moving to the city. Donna worked in various mining and hospitality industry roles before entering real estate in 1993. Sensing a business opportunity that might grow, she established Perth Strata Co. two years ago.
Her big heart sees her giving back to community whenever she can. Previously as Chair of Camp Kulin Charities Inc and Vice-Chair for Bridging the Gap, and Relay for Life, she continues to volunteer with the Brentwood Village Town Team. She lives in Brentwood, and her business is located on Moolyeen Rd in Mt Pleasant. I reckon she’d enjoy becoming an Applecross Rotarian, starting her business day with us at breakfast every Tuesday! Maybe we can get her along in July to tell us more about Camp Kulin https://rotaryosbornepark.org.au/stories/camp-kulin
Anyway, growing up, Donna's parents ran a small business where hard work and your word was all you had. With her positive attitude and strong desire to help people, Donna feels has carried these values to her own real estate business, which she established in 2005, and for the last two years with Perth Strata Co.
For many Australians considering moving to a unit, townhouse or apartment block, the term ‘strata management’ is a term they’ve likely encountered. But what exactly does it entail, and why is it important for property owners and residents?
Basically with a Strata title, you own your unit, and share the real estate with the other unit owners. The Strata Company manages the common property and works with an elected Council of Owners within the State Government Strata laws.
There are benefits: shared costs of facilities like a pool, gardens, security, maintenance of the common property, a community barbecue, and some have a gym, all covered by a quarterly fee, paid in advance.
If you are looking for a suitable unit where you can live independently, you need to check the financials, determine if the company has a healthy reserve, and an active 10 year maintenance plan which is reviewed every 5 years. Find out if there are “visiting hours”, restrictions on pets, and look for ‘red flags’ matters like a sense of community, and the age of the building.
Donna recommended visiting the ‘village’ without an agent, and asking local residents how they like the place, and what are some of the activities they, or others, enjoy participating in. And talk to the Strata Manager!