Lara Faliu: Empowering Real Estate Through Technology

The real estate industry has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, driven by technological advancements and a shift in consumer behavior. Digital transformation has disrupted traditional practices, offering seamless experiences for buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants. Real estate professionals now rely on integrated systems and digital platforms to overcome cultural and language barriers, ensuring efficient communication and streamlined processes. This evolution has made the industry more dynamic, connecting local and global audiences through the power of technology.

Lara Faliu, the CEO and Co-founder of  Konnect Property Group has navigated these industry changes with a unique approach. Arriving in Australia 14 years ago, Lara and her husband rebuilt their lives after the Global Financial Crisis affected their tourism business. Their determination and strategic decision to manage an apartment complex laid the foundation for their future success. Lara's personal journey and empathy for newcomers inspire her commitment to helping others find rental properties and build better lives, reflecting her dedication to supporting her community.

Konnect Property Management, under Lara's leadership, has become a notable player in the real estate market. The company prioritizes a people-centric approach, recognizing the importance of relationships and trust in achieving success. By leveraging technology, Konnect enhances the experience for all stakeholders, from tenants to landlords. The company's agility and community engagement set it apart, allowing it to thrive in a competitive landscape. Konnect's holistic strategy combines expertise, continuous learning, and cutting-edge technology, creating a dynamic ecosystem that delivers exceptional results.

From Struggle to Success

Lara arrived in Australia 14 years ago with a determination to build a business and create a better life for her family. The aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) had significantly impacted a tourism business they had worked hard to establish. Lara and her husband Lawrence secured a contract to manage an apartment complex, which served as the crucial stepping stone for mapping out their future.

They worked tirelessly, seizing every opportunity that came their way. Surrounding themselves with intelligent and capable individuals, they absorbed the knowledge and advice shared by their peers. Now, Lara has several family members working alongside her, and she is passionate about their success. She hopes they will create their own opportunities, with Konnect serving as a valuable platform.

Lara's personal experience of starting anew in Australia drives her. She empathizes with newcomers facing challenges, especially when it comes to finding rental properties or buying homes. Her willingness to lend a helping hand reflects her commitment to supporting others on their journey.

Navigating Success in Real Estate

In their unique approach, Lara and her team prioritize people above all else. Whether tenants, landlords, buyers, or sellers, they recognize that individuals drive their business. While they appreciate the tangible aspects of real estate, the bricks and mortar, it's the moment when a person finds their ideal place or space that brings those structures to life.

Rather than comparing themselves to competitors, Konnect focuses on their niche. Their agility as a small company allows them to adapt and evolve without being tied to rigid systems or processes. Building their brand has been an enjoyable journey, with active participation in community events and swift decisions regarding sponsorship, free from franchise constraints.

In this ego-free environment, every sale and new investor represents a significant achievement. Lara and her team work diligently to foster repeat business and maintain strong relationships. When they opened their second office in Coomera, the sight of their branding and the proud team members was a moment of triumph.

Curating and differentiating every aspect of the digital experience has become crucial. Emotional decisions related to property purchases are increasingly influenced by these digital interactions. Recognizing this, Konnect appointed a Chief Technology Officer 18 months ago. As a result, they now have a cohesive technology strategy, deeply understanding how the digital experience intertwines with the sales process.

Technology has elevated the excitement and uniqueness of every property they rent and sell, connecting Konnect with both local and global audiences.

Empowering People and Technology

In their pursuit of excellence, Konnect Property Management has strategically invested in two key areas: people and technology. Here's how they've made a difference:

1. People-Centric Approach

   - Konnect prioritizes hiring individuals with the right expertise and experience. Their team consists of well-trained subject matter experts, collectively boasting over 100 years of combined industry knowledge.

   - Continuous training ensures that their staff remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

2. Technology Integration

   - Konnect leverages technology to benefit both landlords and tenants.

   - Landlords have 24/7 online access to information about their investments, while tenants can rely on the tenant portal for round-the-clock support.

   - This investment has also amplified Konnect's online presence for vendors.

3. Collaboration and Networking

   - Konnect actively collaborates with other real estate agents and partners. They believe in working together to achieve the best outcomes for their vendors.

   - Extensive networking ensures that Konnect's properties remain top-of-mind.

   - Additionally, they maintain strong ties with developers to stay informed about opportunities for buyers and investors.

Konnect's holistic approach combines people power and cutting-edge technology, creating a dynamic and successful real estate ecosystem.

Building Success Through Relationships

Lara adheres to a simple yet powerful philosophy: people come first. Their relationships serve as the bedrock of their achievements, with trust acting as the ultimate measure of success. Lara attributes much of their progress to the exceptional individuals she surrounds herself with:

Lawrence, the Pragmatic Co-founder:Lara's husband and co-founder, Lawrence, shares her drive. His pragmatic approach keeps the team grounded.

Keith, the Wise Mentor:Lara's father, Keith, serves as a valuable sounding board. His mentorship challenges her thinking.

Eloise, the Top-performing Sales Agent:Lara's sister, Eloise, has already earned accolades, ranking in the top 20% on RateMyAgent. Her sales prowess is unmatched.

Johnathon, the Tech Leader:Recently, Lara's brother, Johnathon, joined Konnect 2 years ago, to lead their technology functions. His expertise propels the business forward.

Alex & Talia: A Dynamic Property Management Team

Lara’s daughter,  Alex,  plays a key role across both building and residential property management, bringing energy and expertise to the team. Talia Skipps daughter-in-law also plays an important part of the Property Management team, they form an impressive and driven duo within the business.

Carly Wallace: General Manager, Konnect Property Group

As General Manager, Carly Wallace plays a crucial role in uniting the team and driving Konnect Property Group forward. Under her leadership, the agency has become highly sought-after, known for its innovation, adaptability, and forward-thinking approach.

"Over the past 12 months, working with our mentor Aaron Sansoni and the ASPT Team has been truly transformative for us, both personally and professionally. With consistent business training and monthly mentoring, we've not only scaled our operations but expanded our team to 12 and counting. The guidance we've received has helped us grow as leaders, and our team has also flourished, developing their personal skill sets and stepping into new levels of confidence and capability,"Says the team.

Lara firmly believes in the strength of their Konnect team and anticipates continued growth.

Authentic Relationships and Cultural Bridges

At Konnect Property Group, Lara prioritizes understanding every individual they work with. Regardless of status or background, everyone receives equal attention. Authentic relationships are key, they empower the team to support customers and clients effectively, aligning with their unique needs and aspirations.

Konnect leverages technology to bridge cultural and language barriers during sales and rental processes. By doing so, they ensure seamless communication and a positive experience for all.

Mighty Despite Size

Konnect Property Group, a young and small boutique agency, thrives on its unique position. While lacking the profile and clout of larger companies, this drives their determination. Every tenant, landlord, developer, vendor, or buyer who places trust in Konnect represents a significant victory. Their ability to achieve remarkable results defies the notion that being small limits one's impact.

Empowering Real Estate Through Technology

Konnect Property PropertyGroup recognizes that technology is their greatest opportunity. It allows them to transcend geographical boundaries, making them both local and global, all from the comfort of a couch. While a prospective residential buyer, investor, or tenant might spend only thirty minutes viewing a property in person, they invest significantly more time, often four hours or more, researching online.

This digital exploration includes analyzing photos, videos, and written materials from agents, and researching similar properties. Google Maps enables virtual walks along streets, assessing neighboring properties. For buyers and renters, online services and digital marketing create an emotional bond with potential properties. In the quiet of their homes, they flip through pictures, read property information, and envision themselves living there.

Konnect's investment in technology pays dividends. However, they face the challenge of evolving alongside technology while staying true to their core value: putting people first.

Navigating Sustainability

Konnect Property Group acknowledges the challenges posed by sustainability and environmental responsibilities. As a young business, they recognize the importance of this area and are directing their attention toward it. Lara believes that technology will play a pivotal role in shaping their approach.

While sustainability may be a learning curve, Konnect is committed to investing in knowledge, just as it did with technology. Keep an eye on their progress, exciting developments await!

Navigating Success

In the world of business, the grind is real, but the rewards are significant. Lara shares valuable advice:

Surround Yourself with Smarter People: Seek out individuals who share your values and drive. They don't need to be the smartest in the room; instead, they listen, recognize opportunities, and bring them to life.

Embrace Learning and Humility: Don't hesitate to ask questions when you're unsure. Respect the knowledge imparted by others.Remember that hard work, risk-taking, and seizing opportunities are essential ingredients for success.

Give Back and Get Involved: Participate in community events, attend seminars, network, and engage in conferences.By doing so, Lara has met great people and expanded her horizons.

Lara's journey exemplifies the power of continuous learning, collaboration, and resilience.