Twenty years, one agency, and now one super fund

REI Super Member Profile

Since joining Matthews Real Estate over twenty years ago, mum of nine (yes, nine) Lisa Anderson has seen a lot of changes in the industry, but she says the Matthews family ethos is as strong as ever.

 

REI Super: How did you get into strata management?

Lisa: I moved to Brisbane as a newlywed a teenager and we were renting a unit managed by Matthews Real Estate. In the late nineties you went in and paid cash over the counter for your rent. I got to know the staff and they needed some assistance in the body corporate section, and they offered me a position. At the time we had around 200 body corporates to manage, whereas now we have over 700.

 

REI Super: Can you tell us about Matthews Real Estate?

Lisa: I think that they should be called Matthews Family Real Estate. Not only has it been run by four generations of the same family, but staff like me are treated like family. It underlies everything we do.

I’ve felt like a part of the family for the last 20 plus years. In that time I've had nine children, moved interstate for my husband's work, travelled around Australia in a caravan and in all that time I kept working for Matthews Real Estate. They know that when they look after their staff, their staff look after their clients, and it’s worked out well for everyone.

On any given day, you'll come into my office to find several of my children helping out or playing with toys in the back. The Matthews’ nieces, grandchildren and so forth are all welcome here, it can sometimes resemble a day care centre.

 

REI Super: What are some of the highlights in your role?

Lisa: Some days much more stressful than others, and you're required to draw on every skill you know to get through the day. But when you get an email out of the blue from an owner you’ve known for 20 years, complimenting you on the job you’ve done, it’s all worth it. It’s so gratifying.

I have the utmost respect for our Principal, Trevor Matthews. He allows us to use our own judgement and gives us the freedom to do our job the best way we know how. His support and respect for us is returned in spades.

 

REI Super: And what would you say has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Lisa: After 86 years in business, Matthews Real Estate was recently inducted into the Family Business of Australia Hall of Fame in Melbourne, Victoria. Trevor gave a speech alongside his wife, Lynn, and it brought a tear to my eye. This business is his family, even those of us who aren’t actually related. He acknowledged and thanked all his staff, and that meant so much to us all. 

 

REI Super: What would you say are the biggest challenges of your role?

Lisa: With changes in building trends, the role is becoming more complex. Traditionally unit blocks were investment properties or owned by an ageing population, but newer constructions often incorporate cafes or other business on the ground level. That means I’m overseeing a mix of residential as well as commercial properties. 

We’re also seeing an increase in overseas investors and young investors, which is fantastic. I’m balancing the needs of a diverse group of people.

 

REI Super: What would you say is the point of difference for clients of Matthews Real Estate? What sets you apart from the competition?

Lisa: We pride ourselves on our down-to-earth approach. We acknowledge that everyone who comes through our doors, whether they’re a vendor, buyer, landlord or tenant, has a vested emotional interest in the property. It’s about people, as much as investments. 

 

REI Super: Can you tell me a bit about your super?

Lisa: I'm not the primary income earner in our family. With nine children, I need job flexibility, so I am casual. But I need to make sure my super will last me in retirement, so I did a number of things that I thought might help.

First, I consolidated super from other accounts into REI Super, as I could see paying multiple fees was just a waste. It was all done online, very easy, all in less than a few minutes, really.

I’d called my other funds, too, but the team at REI Super were so polite and were able to address all my questions, it made the decision to stay with them so easy.

I also top up my super by putting in a little bit more out of my weekly salary. I’m hoping making those small changes now will have a long-term benefit to my balance.

As a family, too, we were finding the cost of our life insurance to a burden. REI Super’s insurance fees, however, were very reasonable, so I increased my cover through the fund. It’s made a real difference to our day-to-day expenses, but I still know that, should anything happen to me, my family will be looked after.

 

REI Super: What do you think you'll do with yourself in retirement?

Lisa: This year I took maternity leave for the first time and it felt very much like retirement! Perhaps travel again. We have travelled around Australia over the years, but there’s always more to see. And the kids will always keep me busy.