phone

0401 514 040

email

general@uphillschaefer.com.au

Max is Armidale's own statesman of Real Estate. After 19 years in the building industry, Max started his career in Real Estate in 1971. He firmly believes his hands on experience in building gave him a good foundation to be successful in property sales. "Buying a home is the biggest investment in a person's life, if you can say yes this is a problem but this is how you can fix it - it is a great help to them. You come up with solutions all the time in this business."

Valuation is one of the most important aspects in successfully selling a property, and Max is an expert. "With this many years in the business I get a lot of satisfaction in getting the valuation right. Some agents give high opinions of values, I give a value I believe is correct. Especially in a slowing market like today it is terribly important to price the property correctly. I have been in the industry long enough to get it right most of the time."

Uphill & Schaefer have long been known as the Auction specialists. "I still love the auction floor. We really understand the auction process; we understand the benefits to both buyer and vendor. They don't always sell on the day but it is still a successful process and a good way to meet the market. We believe in the auction system - we know it works."

Max shows no sign of retiring. "These days I enjoy watching all the others do the work! No, really, I still go out and get listings, do valuations and Auctions of course. And I enjoy helping the TEAM! I'd like to think we will be here for many more years. I have grandchildren now that are in their twenties and I encourage them to do their own thing, I also encourage them to have a go here if that is what they would like to do. It would be nice to have family members here in the future. I just want to have people in a place who enjoy being a part of a team, a family - we really look after each other here."

"I would just like to go out of Real Estate knowing I have never made an enemy, just a lot of friends. I don't plan to retire just yet, perhaps play a bit more tennis and golf but not retire - I enjoy it to much!"

"They say the first twenty years you get educated. The next twenty years you get experience. By the time you get to sixty you are supposed to be wise! You get a lot of wisdom along the way and if I can pass that onto others I might save them a few mistakes and they might avoid some of the problems I experienced."

Max has great confidence in the future of Armidale. "I think Armidale is a really strong area. We have everything except industry; we have factories - factories for education! It is great for kids; you can educate them right from kindy to university or a trade right here. Now we have to focus on keeping them, provide jobs. The new developments will help with that. Some industry here would be a good thing, help the retention rate of our young people."

"Armidale is a great place for families and retirees. The climate is good and the Real Estate is reasonable. People from Sydney used to retire to the coast or the mountains but now the prices in these areas are beyond the average retiree so they are starting to look inland."

"Armidale is on the crest of a wave - I think it is just getting started."

phone

0412 410 949

email

gail@uphillschaefer.com.au

It seems that the other team members are the whirlwind of energy driving successful property sales and rental management - and Gail Schaefer is the glue that binds them all together.

Gail has a finger on every button and her eye on all aspects of the business, keeping things running smoothly and ensuring that all clients are happy and satisfied with their experience of dealing with Uphill & Schaefer.

�I am still involved with sales, but these days as a director, my focus is on overseeing the running of the business and helping the team with our rent role which is now a very significant part of our business,� Gail said.

�We look upon each tenant as a future purchaser, home owner or land lord. We respect them and look after them. They deserve to be well looked after in any case.�

�A lot of our rental clients have come to us on the recommendation of their friends. At the end of the day when business starts coming back to you, you know you are on the right track.�

Gail has recently returned to work after the birth of her youngest of three children, Jack. �I had to come back, I love the business, I love the buzz, there is always something exciting happening. We meet some wonderful people, many become friends, you can�t beat this business for the people contact.�

Gail has a passion for what she calls the mum and dad market. �I relate to them of course. I know how difficult it can be to find a home that fits the needs of the each member of the family, knowing that those needs will change. We also see more and more single women buying property independently or acting as the main decision maker for the family. Sometimes they feel more comfortable dealing with a female real estate agent, sometimes it doesn�t matter � at Uphill and Schaefer we have male and female agents so the client can choose.�

In all aspects of running the business Gail�s principles are the same, �I strongly believe in honest, integrity and personalised service. People can trust that I will deliver what I say I will deliver.�

The future? �There is always room for improvement � every day.�

phone (AH)

0408 200 668

phone (BH)

02 67721200

mobile

0408 200 668

email

julie@uphillschaefer.com.au

Julie grew up in the home making business, with father Max Schaefer in the building industry before he went into real estate.

It has been part of her education as Julie explained, �It�s been good grounding for us (Julie and her sister Gail Schaefer). Dad has passed on a lot of information about building it can be a great help when valuing a property or helping a client choose one. It�s the little things too, like knowing what sort of timber the fl oors are, it can be a great help and source of confi dence to a client.�

Julie had also managed a retail store while raising my two girls. �So I also have a good understanding of business in Armidale. I know what it is like for mums trying to cope with work, children AND buying a new home too! I sympathise and try to make things go as smoothly as I can, in any sale.�

�Many people feel they can�t trust real estate agents, but with Max starting the business and then us being involved�

�� I think people see that we can�t have had such long term success without doing the right thing by people. We earn their trust.�

�I really do care about my clients, I get excited when they get excited about a property. When a fi rst home buyer fi nally gets their keys you can�t help think about your fi rst home too.�

Julie has seen many changes in the real estate market over the years. �Once new brick was the only thing people were interested in, and they wouldn�t even consider buying a unit. Now people can�t get enough of timber or old blue brick homes, lovely federation houses and timber fl oors, and we can keep up with demand for units. Tastes and trends will always change, it is our job to follow and understand it for our clients.�

So what is Uphill and Schaefer really about?

�We have the experience to value a property correctly, look after our customers and do the right thing by them. We work hard here. You reap what you sow. You do go through the hard times but then it is blue skies again. We have been here for a long time and plan to stay. �

phone (AH)

0407 412 651

phone (BH)

02 6772 1200

email

shane@uphillschaefer.com.au

Some people just love bricks and mortar. Shane Kliendienst is one of them. Shane bought his first home for his family at 20; it was an ex-housing commission home in East Armidale. �It was a stepping stone for us,� Shane said, �we paid it off quickly and sold for the deposit on our next home.�

Shane followed his love of real estate and went from managing a bar to working in rural real estate for three years before joining Uphill & Schaefer in 1997. His down to earth style, combined with plenty of drive has resulted in a successful career. Shane was asked by the Schaefer family to become a director and partner in the company. �I consider it a real privilege,� Shane said, �The Schaefers have given me a great opportunity, and it is something I will never forget.�

Shane�s experiences both in his career and as a home owner have given him an appreciation for the full spectrum of real estate in Armidale. He has empathy for first home buyers and those on a tight budget and can help them find the best in the more affordable parts of town. �It can be difficult for buyers as some areas have a stigma they don�t deserve. I can help show you where you can pick up a home that can get you out of the rent cycle and still be an enjoyable place to live,� explained Shane. �I�ll always have a soft spot for rural properties, and of course it is exciting to sell a property at the high end of the market.�

�What really excites me is getting a result that makes both parties, vendor and purchaser, happy. I get satisfaction from a happy transfer. For me the - cheapest to the dearest � the buzz is the same.�

For Shane, real estate is all about people, he sees himself as a problem solver and he enjoys a challenge. Shane loves to share his experience with his work mates and is an integral part of a strong team culture. �I like to help the other guys, help solve problems, brainstorm. Between us we can always find solutions for our clients. I like to get things done for my clients; it is black and white, no messing them about.�

Goals for the future? �To improve a little bit all the time. To follow through and know my clients are happy. I would like to build a bigger client base with a higher percentage of referrals � that means I have to be my best and do a good job for you, doesn�t it � we both win!�

phone

0401508801

mobile

0401508801

email

jeremy@uphillschaefer.com.au

Jeremy has established himself in his chosen career in the Armidale real estate scene. Month in month out Jeremy receives written testimonials and thank you cards from clients he has helped with their real estate needs. Jeremy prides himself on being a hard working honest person and believes "what you put in is what you get out".

"I go out of my way to make sure my clients are always kept up to date on everything and always happy with what is going on with their property". You will receive service that is driven with Jeremy's energy and backed up by the years of accumulated experience of the Uphill & Schaefer team.

It is that honest, strong work ethic that has continually contributes to Jeremy's achievement as the highest sale person for the month award. Jeremy's sights are now set on a solid career in real estate. "I am looking long term; to learn as much as I can; do everything right by my clients, show how enthusiastic I am. I will always look to improve with more training. It is exciting meeting new people, helping them find a new home."

phone (AH)

0413 084 567

phone (BH)

02 6772 1200

email

sales@uphillschaefer.com.au

It is the little things that make a real estate transaction run smoothly; attention to detail helps the whole process run smoothly and reduces the stress of all concerned. That's why the team at Uphill & Schaefer has a personal assistant Lynda Lynch helping them.

'My role is easy to describe anything the sales team needs doing. I do it! It's all about freeing up their time to get out and help the clients,'explained Lynda. 'Not all real estate agents have a PA but Gail Schaefer decided it was an important move to improve their service to their clients. There is a lot of paperwork to attend to with real estate, a lot of little things, little details.

'It is my job to take care of those little details and help make sure every thing goes smoothly for the client.'

'The sales team is a great strength of the Uphill & Schaefer business, they really nurture their clients. I am here to help them do it. If the office is well oiled everything just flows. Today is a good example, it is frantic after the weekend auctions; it is a very exciting day with property sales going but it means a lot of things to be finished off for the clients fast! That's what I am here for.'

Lynda has had plenty of experience working in a fast paced environment. 'I used to work for the Armidale Independent Newspaper so I am used to working to deadlines and pressure. Gail Schaefer offered me the job and I jumped at the chance. I have two children who are old enough to enjoy child care now, so I can focus on developing my role here at Uphill & Schaefer.'

Lynda has established her role with Uphill & Schaefer and can see why they are a successful team. 'The team at Uphill & Schaefer is really open to change; they want to move ahead, nothing seems to hold them back. Any suggestions that I have had have been taken on board and considered so that is great. The customer comes first and that really stands out with this team. It is a young team and Gail drives everyone.'

The Schaefers are constantly looking for new ways to improve their service to their clients, a new computer system being the latest tool. 'It will increase our efficiency enormously. With more and more real estate being presented on the internet, and more communication being done via email, we have to keep up with technology' said Lynda.

'It is wonderful that Max Schaefer is still very much part of the business, he has been in the industry so long his knowledge of the market is really to be respected. Everyone bounces ideas off each other here, and Gail's door is always open ' it is a great team , they love what they do and that is really important.'

As a Team Uphill & Schaefer are always attending the latest Real Estate courses keeping us all up to date.

phone (AH)

0408 079 265

phone (BH)

0267721200

email

mandy@uphillschaefer.com.au

Mandy is the senior member of the property management team having been with Uphill & Schaefer since January 2003. After studying business at Passmores in Newcastle, Mandy returned to her family in Walcha. Like many of the team at Uphill & Schaefer she started as receptionist for 12 months and then moved into property.
�I love dealing with people and all the different challenges the job brings.� Mandy said. �Interacting with the landlords, solving problems for the tenants - it all makes it really interesting!�

�I believe the most important thing is to keep in contact with the landlord so that they always know what is happening with their property. Good communication is the key, with the landlord, the tenant, and within our own team so that we can all contribute to good management.�

�If there is anything we cannot resolve there is always the Rental Tribunal, it provides a fair and objective way of resolving any disputes and it protects all parties.�

Mandy does her best avoid any problems occurring by being vary careful in her tenant selection process. �Our landlords trust our judgment so we try really hard to choose the right person for them, and to place the tenant in a house they will enjoy so they stay long term too.�

�Getting new properties to manage is always a high point for us. We have had a lot of business referred to us in the last 12 months; I guess the word is spreading that we really look after our clients.

�When I am not at work I have to admit I probably party too much! I just love being with friends and family. I am a real people person, I guess that�s why I like property management so much!�

phone

0417 725 000

email

rebecca@uphillschaefer.com.au

Rebecca found her start as receptionist at Uphill & Schaefer was the best training she could have for becoming a property manager, as she explained; “Being on reception gave me a great overview because I handled all the incoming calls and inquiries and I was the first point of contact for both tenant and landlord, so it was a pretty smooth transition into property management. I like to get out, meet people, see the different houses. You really get to know the market.”

“We do inspections of course to check that the tenant is looking after the property but also the see if any maintenance needs doing to ensure the tenant is looked after too.
I always try to have the tenant present and respect their privacy. Make sure they feel comfortable with it.”

“You do have to be a diplomat in this job – keep everyone happy and solve problems quickly.”

Any low points to the job? “Some of us have had some exciting times with dogs and things. Shane had a nip from one dog and Mandy couldn’t show a tenant a house the because there was a big snake in the driveway! Generally it is pretty smooth sailing though.”

There is more to developing a property manager than doing an apprenticeship on reception as Rebecca explained. “We do training all the time. We do our initial certificate of registration, and then there is a 12 point system of training that we must complete each year to keep our knowledge and skills up to date. We are lucky to be working for such an experienced and respected family, they have taught me so much. I think the difference with the Uphill & Schaefer team is that they are all so professional yet very approachable.”

“It is a very tight knit close team. We all come to work because we like to come to work,
not because we have to, I believe that is reflected in the quality of our service.”

phone

0421 528 247

mobile

0421 528 247

email

abby@uphillschaefer.com.au

Abby's rapid rise from receptionist to property manager at Uphill & Schaefer will come as no surprise to those who have met her. Abby has a maturity and strong work ethic that is rare in such a young person. "I was lucky to have the chance to learn about good work practice and quality of service while still at school through my work at McDonalds. The experience I gained there has given me a great start to my working life." Abby explained.

Abby was quick to take up the role in property management. "Nikki was promoted to real estate sales so the opportunity came up to take her position. I had developed a feel for what the job entailed while working as receptionist and I already know many of the tenants so it has been easy to jump into the role!"

All members of the team at Uphill & Schaefer are encouraged to train and develop their interest in real estate. Rather than having to leave to further their careers, staff are given the opportunity to advance within the company. This has helped create a strong and loyal group that has a great depth of knowledge of the industry. "Everything runs so well here; everyone gets along. People come to us because of the experience and the friendly atmosphere" Abby said.

Abby's immediate goal is to provide first class service to her rental clients, both owners and tenants. She is confident about Armidale's appeal as an investment / rental market; "Armidale is very busy with the university bringing new people into town looking for houses each year. The new shopping centres have improved the attractiveness of the town for new comers too."

Like many in the team, Abby may progress to sales but right now she is highly focused on the rental market, "I have completed my Certificate of Registration for Real Estate and I plan to put my energy into being a valuable part of the best property management service in town!"