PIPA Member Profile | Debra Beck-Mewing, The Property Frontline
Jul 2024Karen Millers
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Debra Beck-Mewing completed her QPIA while running her advisory business, The Property Frontline.
| CAN YOU PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? |
The Property Frontline is focused on helping clients build profitable property portfolios. This includes planning individual purchasing strategies, acquiring properties for clients, and then helping them optimise each purchase – sometimes through renovation and development projects. We work with a range of specialist service providers – from accountants through to architects – to ensure our clients maximise their position. |
| HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PROPERTY INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL AND WHAT WAS YOUR PATHWAY INTO THE PROFESSION (INCL. OTHER CAREERS)? |
I originally started as a buyers’ agent years ago, working with developers to help them acquire properties that could be developed into townhouses and units. My pathway towards this role was a long one – I have been interested in property since my early Teenage years and built my own portfolio while working for top-tier law and accounting firms. During those corporate years, I tried working with a range of “buyers’ agents” who were either really bad or turned out to be anything but “real” buyers’ agents. This inspired me to join the industry as I couldn’t find the service I was looking for. |
| HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A QPIA? |
I’ve been a QPIA since 2018. |
| HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE QPIA? |
Originally by following Margaret Lomas, as well as noticing advertising in property magazines |
| WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN REASONS FOR BECOMING A QPIA? |
I have a few key reasons: (a) I wanted to play a part in delivering independent and unbiased information to the Australian public. (b) I wanted to be associated with an organisation that is trying to increase the professionalism of the property industry. (c) I really want to provide an alternative to the unethical element of the industry – those people who are just trying to sell a limited range of stock to an unwitting public – don’t get me started on this one. |
| WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES OF BECOMING A PROPERTY INVESTMENT ADVISER? |
The main challenge I found was cutting through the high powered marketing tactics and incorrect information promoted by spruikers. I have made some great inroads on this now, so it’s no longer a big issue for me to handle. However, I still struggle to keep my views elegantly in check when I hear someone talking about how they charge for “education” when I know they’re collecting commission from the sale as well. That practice has got to be eliminated soon, doesn’t it? The other challenge is explaining the difference between a property investment advisor and a buyers’ agent. This area of the industry is still in an embryonic stage, which offers opportunities as well as challenges because people often just put me in the buyers’ agent bucket. |
| DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR PROPERTY INVESTMENT ADVISORY WORK? |
Yes – we charge for plans, portfolio reviews, as well as our acquisition services. The plans are extremely popular with clients as we help people buy any type of property – homes, investments, mini-projects, and commercial property. The portfolio reviews work really well for good financial planners who want to provide their clients with quality advice. I developed this service after I heard about a financial planner who told a client to sell what looked like an under-performing property – it was actually a development opportunity that would deliver significant returns. |
| HOW DOES THE QPIA AND PIPA SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS AND ITS GROWTH? |
Currently, I find the support comes via the information provided by PIPA. Regarding growth, the reputation of PIPA as an organisation helps considerably as clients visit the PIPA website, then call after viewing my listing on the site. I also ensure I display the logo on my communication materials. |
| HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF PIPA? |
Since July 2016. |
| HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION? |
Similarly to above – Margaret Lomas and property magazines. |
| WOULD YOU RECOMMEND OTHER PROPERTY INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS TO BECOME MEMBERS OF PIPA? WHY? |
If they’re keen to see the Australian public receive quality advice then I would definitely encourage property investment professionals to become members. investing in property is one of the most expensive purchases anyone will make, and it’s simply astounding that most people buy without unbiased help the way they do now. Apart from contributing to quality changes, PIPA provides a point of difference to help ethical professionals stand out. |
| WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS AND BEYOND? |
We’re currently activating expansion plans, so we’re adding more people to the team as well as expanding our footprint, service range, and products. |
Originally Published: PIPA Adviser Issue #8