My association with Katie Smith dates back to 2007, when we purchased a property in Newport at a Williams Real Estate auction conducted by Katie. When we moved out of the house and put it up for rental several years later, we appointed Katie as our rental agent and remained so for the ensuing decade. During this period I found Katie to be professional and compassionate, responsible and caring for both landlord and tenants. I recall a time when a routine inspection uncovered a minor gas leak which was difficult to pinpoint, Katie swiftly mobilised plumbers and electricians to assist us in converting the hot water system and cooking stove from gas to electricity. In the interim several days, the tenants were without cooking facilities. Katie purchased a portable electric cooktop to loan to the tenants; she declined my reimbursement, preferring to keep the electric cooktop in her office for other similar situations to help other tenants and she guided us on an appropriate modest compensation for the tenants. It was therefore a natural extension that we engaged her for the auction sale, leading to a highly satisfactory result. She has established strong working relationship over the years with a stable of quality tradespeople, to help landlords with great speed, quality outcome and reasonable costs. I have worked with Katie through almost the complete cycle, from inspecting the property, purchasing at the auction, putting the property up for rent, re-letting, carrying our regular property inspections, arranging repairs and maintenance works and most recently, listing and selling the property. During this period of 18 years, Katie's business has deservedly grown tremendously, and with this, also her staff contingence. Yet Katie somehow manages to remain accessible to assist and advise, as if we are her only client; to this point I would add her organisational and team building skills in weaving a large team to produce great effects. Thank you Katie and team!
Katie Smith
