FAQs - Owners Corporation
Is Ross-Hunt a member of Strata Community Australia (SCA)?
As both a Real Estate Agency and Owners Corporation Management Company, Ross-Hunt has elected to be a member of the Real Estate Institute Owners Corporations Chapter.
Is Ross-Hunt a franchised company?
Ross-Hunt Real Estate is a single office operation of approximately 50 staff members. Though based in Surrey Hills, our Owners Corporation Management Team looks after properties across the entire Metropolitan area and also in parts of Rural Victoria.
Do you charge extra fees or schedule 2.2 fees?
As a member of the REIV Owners Corporation Chapter, our contracts of appointment do not feature a schedule of extra fees commonly referred to as schedule 2.2 fees. We do reserve the right to charge fees at an hourly rate of $165 during business hours and $275 outside of business hours. However, these fees are only charged if a manager is required to convene additional general meetings / committee meetings, and / or prepare for & attend at VCAT.
Is there a fee for holding AGM’s and where can they be held?
Annual General Meetings are included in our management fee. For Owners Corporations of 2-6 lots, an AGM held outside of business hours is charged at a cost of $275 per meeting. For Owners Corporations greater than 6 lots in size, there is no charge for holding the AGM with the time & location to be mutually agreed.
Do Owners Corporations have to use Ross-Hunt preferred contractors when carrying out works or sourcing quotes?
Our preference is that our Owners Corporations resolve to engage the services of our many trusted, qualified and professional contractors for the best outcome. Should an Owners Corporation wish to engage a contractor that is not a Ross Hunt preferred contractor, we will accommodate this provided the contractor is qualified to carry out the proposed works and carries the requisite insurance.
Do you charge a sign-up fee to new Owners Corporations?
There is an initial setup fee of $150 to cover the cost of an OC Plaque, Common Seal, Plan of Subdivision and registration with the Titles Office. This once-off fee is included in the initial budget for transparency.
Does Ross-Hunt provide a dedicated manager to each Owners Corporation?
Yes. Each of our 1150 Owners Corporations has a dedicated portfolio manager. Additionally, with our ‘buddy system’, you will be able to enjoy a continuity of service in an emergency, when the manager is absent.
Does Ross-Hunt only manage properties in their local area?
Ross-Hunt manages Owners Corporations across the entire Melbourne Metro Area and also in regional Victoria. We have Owners Corporations from Yarrawonga to Lorne ranging in size from 2 lots up 300+.
Is being a Real Estate Agency a detriment to your Owners Corporation service?
Absolutely not! It is a common misconception that Owners Corporation Management Companies, who are also a real estate agency, provide a subpar service. Ross-Hunt Real Estate has been managing Owners Corporations since our agency was established in 1973. We have the experience and the proven track record to provide any prospective clients with the peace of mind that will surpass ‘specialist’ Owners Corporation Management Organisations in Victoria.
Furthermore, we pride ourselves on ensuring that the multifaceted nature of Ross Hunt Real Estate is a benefit to our clients, as we are able to offer a more comprehensive and efficient management service where a unit is managed by Ross-Hunt Rentals and Owners Corporation Department. We also offer special rates to all existing clients if they should be interested in selling or renting through Ross Hunt Real Estate.
Do your Owners Corporation Managers divide their time between Owners Corporation Management and Sales and/or Rentals?
No – Our Owners Corporation Managers and admin staff solely operate in the Owners Corporation Department. Your dedicated Manager will not be dividing their time between your Owners Corporation concerns and real estate issues. All Sales and Rentals matters are handled by our dedicated staff members in those separate departments.
Do members of Owners Corporations Managed by Ross-Hunt have to report queries to their manager via the OC Committee or Chairperson?
Where practical, reporting issues via the committee is preferable, but owners should not be inhibited from contacting the manager directly. Our lines of communication are open to all owners.