Agent of the week with Kristen Real Estate
By Jo Kennett
THIS WEEK we are profiling Kristen Merrion, head of the award-winning Property Management team and Office Manager at Tate Brownlee Real Estate. Kristen has some great insights into who is investing in the Tweed and where the investment hotspots are, as well as tips for renters in a tight and very competitive rental market.
Q: How did you get into real estate and how long have you been in the industry?
I first entered the real estate industry over 15 years ago, and like many, I started in an admin role on reception. We only had a sales business back then and started our property management portfolio from scratch. It wasn’t long before I realised my passion for property management – I loved the fast pace, the client relationships, and the problem-solving side of the role. Since then, I’ve grown into leadership, and today I’m proud to lead our incredible property management team at Tate Brownlee Real Estate. In March this year we were awarded property management team of the year regional - in Australia. An award we are so proud of as it is awarded by REB ( Real Estate Business), our industry leaders.
Q: Before real estate, what was the most interesting or unusual job you had?
I actually worked in hospitality
Open Homes
Saturday, June 28
Tate Brownlee Real Estate
• 2/73 Price Street, Nerang, 9–9.30am
for many years and was a local hairdresser at Hair On Marine Kingscliff for many years prior to making the jump into real estate. It taught me a lot about customer service, multitasking, and staying calm under pressure – all of which are invaluable in my current role.
I also did some temp work in different industries, which gave me a broad perspective and great adaptability.
Q: You work in a thriving and busy real estate business. What does your role as Head of Property Management entail?
Overseeing the Property Management Department and ensuring we deliver an exceptional experience to both landlords and tenants.
That means supporting the team day-to-day, streamlining our systems and procedures, problem-solving when challenges arise, and making sure our landlords feel confident and informed every step of the way. I also drive growth and service improvements; I sign up most of the new business for property management. I assist with auctions and sales negotiations and procedures, trust accounting and I specialise in NCAT (court hearings) and negotiations.
Q: What’s the best part of the job?
The people. I love helping landlords feel at ease with their investment and helping tenants settle into homes where they can thrive. And of course, leading
• 10 Cook Crescent, Tweed Heads South, 9–9.30am
• 1/1-2 Cox Drive, Tweed Heads Sth, 10–10.30am
• 702/38 Enid Street, Tweed Heads, 10– 10.30am
• 8 Captains Way, Banora Point, 11-11.30am
• 6/278-280 Marine Pde, Kingscliff, 11–11.30am
We understand
We understand
We understand that
Our
such a passionate and capable team – they’re the reason we continue to deliver such high standards.
Watching our team grow, lead, and give back to our community is my biggest passion.
Keeping young people in a real estate career and ensuring they feel supported is super important to me.
Q: What are the most challenging parts, and what sort of skills does the role require?
The rental market can change quickly, and situations with properties or tenants can be complex. It requires a calm, solutions-focused mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities at once.
You also need a genuine passion for helping people and a strong sense of accountability – this job is about people’s homes and investments, and that matters.
Q: What changes have you seen in the rental market?
The rental market has become increasingly competitive for tenants, and compliance expectations for landlords have grown significantly. We’re seeing more technology introduced across the board, from routine inspections to tenant applications, which is helping improve transparency and efficiency.
We have 360 scanning cameras now that scan the whole property, and the AI starts to write the reports.
• 143 Botanical Circuit, Banora Point, 12–12.30pm
• 5/4 Botany Crescent, tweed Heads, 1–1.30om
• 14 Dry Dock Road, Tweed Heads Sth, 1–1.30pm
DJ Stringer
• 802/106 Pacific Pde, Bilinga, 9–9.30am
• 38 Bolton St, Kirra, 10–10.30am
• 1086/18-20 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 10–10.30am
• 24 Blue Waters Cres, Tweed Heads West, 11–11.30am
• 344/6-8 Stuart St, Tweed Heads, 11–11.30am
• 11 Stott St, Tweed Heads West, 12–12.30pm
It is an amazing technology that is only going to improve.
Q: Are you still seeing lots of investors entering the market?
Yes, we are. We’re seeing a mix – some are locals, but there are still quite a few coming from Sydney and Melbourne who see the Tweed Coast and Northern Rivers as strong lifestyle and investment areas.
They’re drawn to the rental demand, the community feel, and the long-term growth. Some of the time they are buying now and eventually have a plan to move in later. The entire area around near the old Tweed Hospital is a big growth spot that I think is going to be very sought after and will provide great investment opportunities.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective tenants in a tight market?
Be prepared and proactive. Have all your application documents ready, be responsive to communication, and show that you’ll be a reliable tenant. It also helps to register for inspections early and speak with the agency to make a personal connection – standing out for the right reasons makes a difference.
We have a tenant database that we use all the time, so never hesitate to make sure you are on the tenant database, so you are the first to know of new rentals hitting the market. Look ledger.
• 2/15 Boyd St, Tweed Heads, 12–12.30pm
• 17/7-9 Parry St, Tweed Heads South, 1–1.30pm
• 5 Cedar Ridge, Banora Point, 1–1.30pm
• 3/4B Chitticks Lane, Fingal Head, 2–2.30pm
JET Real Estate
• 102 Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores, 9.30–10am
• 25A Eyles Avenue, Murwillumbah 9.30–10am
• 130 Brooks Road, Kynnumboon, 10.30–11am
• 11 Kurrajong Street, Mullumbimby, 11–11.30am
• 114 Booka Road, Upper Crystal Ck, 11.30–12pm
• 5 Tweed Valley Way, Condong, 1–1.30pm
