Through the lens of the media you often just see one side of finance, Wall Street traders and stock charts make up most of the images that grace your screens. At How To Money we know that there’s a lot more to finance then that, and there are countless individuals working across the industry in a huge variety of roles. 

Whether you’re looking to work in finance or just interested in what they do all day, this series focuses on people working in finance and their stories. Welcome to the Faces of Finance…

In this instalment of Faces of Finance, we interviewed Amy Lunardi, Property Advocate at Amy Lunardi Property. We’d love your feedback and suggestions on who we should interview next! Get in touch by sending us an email.

Introducing Amy Lunardi

I’m a Buyers Advocate and Property Investment Advisor in Melbourne, and have been involved in over 1000 property transactions for home buyers and investors since 2013.

I’m passionate about residential property – I’ve renovated, developed, have a property investment portfolio, and have two podcasts where I educate first home buyers (and first time investors) on how to get into the market. I also have an online course launching in 2022 for first home buyers, which I’m particularly excited about! 

Where do you work and what is your role?

I own Amy Lunardi Property, providing Buyers Advocacy services to home owners and investors seeking to purchase in Melbourne and Geelong. 

My role is to provide clients with strategic property advice, shortlist and search for suitable properties (including those which aren’t advertised online, aka ‘off markets’), perform inspections, conduct due diligence and appraisals, negotiate and auction bid, and provide post-sale services. 

How did you get into finance?

I previously worked in economics for two State Government departments after graduating with a Commerce/Arts degree. I always had an interest in property but after graduating felt it would be a ‘waste’ of my 5 year degree if I transitioned into an industry where the minimum entry requirement is a 1 week course.

After a few years with the Government I realised I had to follow my passion. I found an entry level role in the property industry (which was a sizable pay cut and an increase in hours!) and never looked back. 

What do you enjoy about working in the financial services industry?

Buying a property – whether it be a home or investment – is such a huge financial decision for someone.

I enjoy knowing that I’m assisting my clients in helping find the right property, for the right price, and minimising their risks along the way. The process can also be incredibly stressful and emotional for someone trying to do it by themselves, so my job is to make their journey as smooth and stress free as possible – whilst preserving their time, sanity (and relationships)!

It’s an incredibly satisfying job, especially when we’re successful at auction or I get to make the ‘congratulations’ phone call.  

Do you see any downsides to working in this industry?

The property industry, in particular the property investment industry, is highly unregulated and predatory. The barrier to entry is very low, the education requirements are minimal, and there’s no regulation or monitoring from the Government to ensure consumers are protected – which is horrifying considering the stakes involved, and significantly contrasted against all other facets of the financial industry.

It saddens me to hear stories of investors who have lost hundreds of thousands with dud investments, or have been scammed into thinking they’re purchasing with a reputable ‘investment company’ who are merely fronts for Off The Plan or House and Land developers or marketing companies who are taking huge commissions from developers. 

What is the most common misconception you think others have about the industry?

That property is just a sales job. For me, the industry is more about people than property, and to be successful, you need to be compassionate, empathetic and good at listening – and then applying these skills to give the right advice to your clients. This applies whether you’re in sales or advocacy. 

If you received $1000 extra to spend to ‘increase your happiness’ right now, what would you use it on?

I’d head away for the weekend – I have a huge ‘wishlist’ saved on Airbnb for places around Victoria which I’d love to visit! 

What are your tips for young Australians considering a career in property?

If you’re hoping to get into the property investment industry – make sure you find a role with a company who is fee for service, and who tailors their advice to the clients’ needs. Otherwise, you may find yourself working in a sales role where you’re selling poor quality investments (such as high risk/low scarcity Off The Plan or House and Land packages)

Also consider going above and beyond with your education, even though you don’t technically need it. Consider doing your Full Licence, a Masters in Property, the QPIA course, or perhaps even a mortgage broking or financial planning course, to kickstart your skills in the field. 

Learn more about Amy by heading to her website or on Instagram @amy_lunardi_property.