Harris Real Estate South Coast, managing 700 properties, made a bold decision five years ago to move away from its legacy property management platform. Facing the limitations of an outdated server-based system, the agency sought a comprehensive, cloud-based solution to modernise operations and drive efficiency.
Sam Forde, the owner, and Mandy Strauch, a senior property manager, reflect on their journey:
“Our previous system was reliable but outdated. It didn’t give us the flexibility we needed to grow. OurProperty offered a more advanced solution, which seemed like the right choice for us at the time.’
Outdated Systems and Legislative Hurdles
Before transitioning to OurProperty, Harris Real Estate South Coast were challenged by:
- Legacy Systems: The previous platform required on-site servers, manual backups and lacked the flexibility needed for modern property management
- Limited Reporting: The system couldn’t provide the insights required to manage a large portfolio effectively
- Compliance Issues: South Australian legislation posed challenges, particularly for lease renewals and bond lodgments, which were not fully supported by existing systems
- Manual Processes: Tasks like downloading images, creating reports and managing maintenance were time-consuming and prone to errors
A Comprehensive Platform with Automation
OurProperty’s integrated tools helped Harris Real Estate South Coast tackle many of their challenges, delivering efficiency gains through automation:
- Lease Renewals: Automated processes streamlined approvals, reduced human error and provided a transparent audit trail.
- Maintenance Management: Routine inspections and maintenance workflows were digitised, allowing tenants to log issues with photos and landlords to approve repairs instantly.
- Cloud-Based Operations: Eliminated the need for on-site servers, enabling real-time access to data and seamless collaboration across teams.
“The lease renewals and maintenance processes are brilliant. During inspections, we can take photos, send them directly to landlords for approval, and track everything seamlessly.”
Efficiency Gains and Operational Transformation
Since adopting OurProperty, Harris Real Estate South Coast has seen several key improvements:
- Enhanced Efficiency: Automating manual processes reduced time spent on routine tasks, allowing the team to focus on higher-value activities
- Streamlined Operations: Consolidating multiple tools into a single platform simplified workflows and improved team collaboration
- Improved Transparency: The platform’s audit trails and automated reporting provided better oversight and accountability
“With our previous software, everything was manual. OurProperty streamlined everything, saving us time and effort.”
Lessons Learned and Advice for Peers
For other agencies considering a switch, Mandy describes OurProperty as a “one-stop shop, and commends the team for listening to their ongoing feedback which has led to new feature development.
“Everything—maintenance, inspections, ingoings, outgoings, routine inspections—is built in and accessible. There’s no need for add-ons or extra tools. While the system continues to evolve, it’s a comprehensive solution for property management. When you want to scale your agency, you need a system that grows with you. OurProperty offers that flexibility.”
Building for the Future
Harris Real Estate South Coast’s transition to OurProperty highlights the importance of embracing innovation to stay ahead in a competitive market. While ongoing development continues, the platform has enabled the agency to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and adapt to evolving needs.
“Overall, it’s made a huge difference. The automation and integration save us time and effort, and we’re confident in the direction OurProperty is heading.”
See How OurProperty Can Improve Your Workflow
Contact us today or book a demo to see how OurProperty can transform your business.