CHRISTIAN MINARDS: DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL SYDNEY STRATA SALES & OFFICE LEASING.
YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY?
I started my real estate career in 1998.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
I’m a Senior Sales and Leasing Agent and I’m responsible for winning business - I list new stock then actively market and sell or lease. It’s a transaction focused role, but I’m also responsible for proactively maintaining existing clients.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
After several years in the hospitality industry my father made several unsubtle attempts to get me to think about entering into real estate. So I went to TAFE and passed my licensing course and thankfully gained employment as a trainee within an independent commercial agency in the CBD.
IT WAS THE CLASSIC SCENARIO OF ‘HERE IS YOUR DESK, YOUR PHONE, THE YELLOW PAGES AND GO FOR IT.’ THE BEST WAY TO LEARN!
WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS?
My major leasing client is Tanert Pty Limited, a private family investment company. Anthony Harris and I service the leasing of their two CBD assets. One is at 66 Clarence Street, where we had a 4500 sqm mandate and I’m proud to say we successfully leased this vacancy. The other is the St James Centre, 111 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. I leased two and a half floors last year in 111 Elizabeth Street, about 2000 sqm in total.
YOUR POINT OF DIFFERENCE?
Having a few grey hairs gives me experience dealing with people and managing realistic expectations of clients and tenants and buyers. Being knowledgeable and respectful are qualities that help me a lot when dealing with situations that require problem solving with challenging transactions.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
I like to get into the office by 7.30am. I do a quick scan of
the Fin Review, especially the property pages, write down tasks on my to do list, and make sure my appointments. I try to focus on new business opportunities in the morning and keep my inspections and other appointments during the afternoon. From 5pm - 7pm it’s paperwork and administration and a little planning for the coming day.
LAST MAJOR TRANSACTION?
Noble Oak Insurance was my last one - we leased level 7, 66 Clarence Street to them, 870 sqm for our client Tanert. And Level 1, 16 O’Connell Street, at 266 sqm was sold for $3,050,00.00
LOCAL MARKET TRENDS?
On the leasing front the vacancy level is heading towards 5%, indicating the available office space for lease is getting tighter. This represents solid rental growth for owners and leaner incentives. The sales market is running low on good quality stock for sale. The last 12 months has seen values increases by around 30% and in a low interest rate environment with no new supply, I anticipate these market conditions will remain for the next 12-18 months. Should the RBA increase the cash rate late this year, this could have the ability to make an impact on vendor’s expectations.
FAVE LOCAL HAUNT?
After a successful month, I can justify a lunch at Felix, a great Parisian styled brasserie in Ash Street in the CBD.
Get in touch with Christian:
0447 777 037
cminards@raywhite.com
Read full magazine here: https://joom.ag/44QY
Ray White’s top 10 listings for February: (Click on address to view listing)
Terrace 40, 42 Young Street Sydney
Suite 28.02, 1 Farrer Place GPT Sydney
Suite 9.03, 46 Market Street Sydney
Level 10, 387 George Street Sydney
Level 6, 23 O'Connell Street Sydney
Level 2, 1 Barrack Street Sydney
Part floor 23, 9 Castlereagh Street Sydney
Suite 2.01, 24 Hickson Road Sydney
Part Level 3, 22 Market Street Sydney
Level 4, 86 Liverpool Street Sydney