Licence Upgrade takes Michelle Lacey to new heights

There are few people in the Queensland real estate industry that can say they've worn as many different hats as Michelle Lacey. From project manager to property developer, buyer's agent and now, a property manager for a portfolio of investment clients, Lacey's wealth of knowledge and experience sets her apart from the pack.

After graduating from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) with a Licence Upgrade in 2019, Lacey has achieved unbridled success by opening the doors to her very own agency - aptly named Lacey & Co. For those wanting a similar success story, the property expert has some practical tips and tricks for aspiring agency owners to adapt.

FIND YOUR 'WHY'

Lacey purchased her first property in early 2009 - a one-bedroom, art deco style apartment in New Farm. She knew from that moment that she was hooked on the world of real estate. Her career over the past ten years in property has seen her work as a project manager and property developer, before arriving at her current position as property manager for her portfolio of investment clients for Lacey & Co.

For aspiring real estate professionals, it's important to know your 'why' - like Lacey's palpable passion for all things people and property. "I love all things property," says Lacey. "I love the intricate detail of random finishes; I love finding the perfect property for someone, that suits their individual, quirky needs and I love how the home brings people together."

GET QUALIFIED

With a Bachelor of Business under her belt and experience working within her family-owned building and development company, Lacey Developments, the next step was to complete a licence upgrade.

"I needed to round out my skill set; formalising my knowledge base and building on this through the REIQ allowed me to continue controlling my projects," says Lacey. "I wanted to undertake the training through the industry preferred training organisation and know that it was not only relevant to my work but also recognised by my peers."

Upon completion, Lacey opened the doors to her namesake business, Lacey & Co and has never looked back. The testimonials on her website alone are a testament to her commitment to continuous growth as a property manager and agency owner.

ESTABLISH A POINT OF DIFFERENCE

When Lacey was envisioning how her business would look and feel to consumers, she knew that she didn't want to blend in with her competition. "Lacey & Co provides a unique offering through our integrated property group with experience in property management, building, development and project management," she says.

KEEP ON KEEPING ON

Of course, opening the doors to your own agency comes with its own set of unique challenges. For Lacey, creating brand recognition and trying to cut through a crowded market in her first 12 months proved difficult in what was already a tough year for business owners. However, she has one key piece of advice for aspiring agency owners - "have clear goals, and get into it!"

Lacey & Co. is a boutique, privately owned Property Management company offering professional full-service letting and property management to the residential property investment market in South East Queensland. Lacey & Co. was established to service our existing portfolio of investor clients fostered through the property development arm of our business group and is now available to the wider investment market. To view a full list of their services, or to contact Michelle Lacey and her team directly, please visit www.laceyco.com.au