Corrine’s story shows what happens when leadership, process, and technology come together. 

Ailo isn’t just a tool, it’s a pathway to growth. 

For Ray White Beenleigh, it has meant more transparency, more trust, stronger client outcomes, and a clearer vision of what the future of property management can be.

After nearly two decades in the industry, Corinne Forsyth has learned that growth isn’t just about numbers, it’s about processes, people, and the platforms that support them. 

At Ray White Beenleigh, Ailo has become central to that growth journey, helping the team deliver transparency, accountability, and new opportunities for both the business and it’s clients.

“The good thing about Ailo is that you can confidently go to a new client and pretty much say to them, 

. They can see everything that we’re doing. They can see where the tenants are paid to, they can see when the next routine’s coming up. There’s no hiding behind a portal or having to email.”

For Corinne, this visibility isn’t something to fear, it’s a competitive advantage.

“If you’re confident in your processes and your business, you have nothing to hide. I'm very particular about the way that we do things, time frames and clients’ expectations. I’m confident that my team is delivering. We go over our statistics every week in the meeting as well, then there’s nothing to hide. And if you’re doing a good job, you should be able to showcase that to the clients.”

With Ailo, growth conversations are backed by data, not just words.

Lavender

"Ailo’s reminding our tenants they need to pay their rent, and our arrears dropped significantly when we moved over to the platform. And that data runs deep.”

“You can pull more data, in the monthly KPI reports, which breaks down every component. So if you really want to go into detail, you can ask your business owner for it, and you can break it down; many routine inspections we did this month, how many repairs and maintenance got reported, and this is how many we’ve closed off, this is how quickly we action things. There’s so much micro data you can pull from the system to use to win business.”

Corrine's year of networking and learning

“When I came back into a leadership role, I made a promise to myself that in the year 2025, I would focus on networking and learning. Even though I’ve been in the industry for 17 years, I’m still learning, because I have a mentor. With legislation changes and a bit of a shift in the market, t’s a good time to be a property manager. We’re getting a little bit more focused. We’re getting more recognition, we’re getting more training opportunities. My renewed commitment has sparked 

, a monthly initiative that brings together property managers and BDMs across different regions.”

“It’s more just building relationships, you can talk about the day to day of property management too. Obviously, you’re not going to give your whole playbook to the agency down the road. But if you’re networking with people that are an hour or two or even in different parts of Australia, you can share so much knowledge and you improve your process as well. Sometimes referrals come out of it, but at the end of the day, it’s good to have that support network and tribe of people.”

Corinne encourages her team to take a proactive approach when it comes to winning new business.

“The first thing I would do if I was new to this industry, is 

 every competitor in my area, to see what legacy platform they’re using. You’ll be able to get a good indication if people are using Ailo or a system where they have to rely on the property manager or the accounts manager to disperse the funds to the client. Then you can obviously pinpoint what you’re going to promote.”

When Corrine’s office first adopted Ailo, that difference was obvious.

“When we opened, and we were with Ailo, we were the only agency using it. So I heavily focused on the owner's wallet as a selling point."

Pink

For Corinne, growth isn’t just about scale. “I’m really trying to focus with the team that sometimes it’s not always about how many doors you bring in. It also needs to be quality” By embedding Ailo into the management processes, Corrine’s team ensures a strong, accurate picture from day one. 

Proof, not promises: how to rewrite the rules of property management growth

Running a rent roll means juggling people, processes, and compliance — and for most business owners, the trust account sits at the centre of it all. It’s costly, time-consuming, and stressful — not to mention all the third-party apps you need to plug into it just to cover basic workflows.

Annual audits alone typically cost thousands of dollars. Factor in reconciliations, EOFY crunch time, and training staff on clunky systems, and it becomes one of those unavoidable headaches of the job.

But for Cadie Duncan, owner of Cadie Property Co., things look very different to businesses still stuck on legacy tech. Thanks to Ailo, her audit bills are a fraction of the norm — and she never dreads end of financial year.

 no need to coach new staff in complex payments and accounting workflows

 zero calls, zero crises, total confidence

 less admin means more focus on investors, renters, and building her brand

When Cadie launched her business, she knew audits would be a major cost. Most businesses her size, she said, pay upwards of $5,000 a year to keep the trust account compliant.

At first, her auditor wasn’t familiar with the Ailo platform. That could have meant extra work, higher fees, and a long learning curve. But instead of leaving Cadie to bridge the gap, the Ailo team equipped her with the right resources and gave the auditor their own login.

That transparency changed everything. With direct access to the platform, Cadie’s auditor could complete the compliance process with confidence.

The flow-on effect? A process that used to cost thousands now costs just a few hundred.

More than cost savings: less training, less stress

The impact goes beyond the bottom line. With the Ailo platform handling most of the heavy lifting from the payment side, Cadie doesn’t need to spend hours training staff. 

For a business owner, that means less dependency on specialist staff — and less risk if someone leaves.

It also means Cadie isn’t stuck dealing with reconciliations and disbursements. “I have so much free time. I don’t have to worry about it.”

End of Financial Year is usually the most stressful week in a property management business. Staff pull late nights reconciling trust accounts. Investors bombard phones and inboxes asking where their statements are. And business owners often feel like they can’t step away.

“I flew to Queenstown on the first of July. I didn’t really think it through, but I was like, you know what, Ailo’s got my back. Not one phone call - hand on heart!” she said.

Instead of fielding dozens of investor queries, she relaxed on holiday with her son.

That peace of mind is priceless. And it’s a competitive advantage: while other agencies were stuck in EOFY chaos, Cadie was confidently growing her business.

“It absolutely takes away so much work. I have so much free time. I don’t have to worry about it.”

Trust accounting has always been one of the trickiest parts of running a rent roll. But with the Ailo platform, you finally have a choice.

Agencies like Cadie’s run a trust account through Ailo — only it’s leaner, more transparent, and far less cumbersome. And when you complement that with direct-to-landlord payments, you reduce overheads even further and give investors more flexibility.

The point is: you’re in control. With Ailo’s choice model, money flows are simplified, compliant, and secure.

Cadie’s story shows what’s possible when you move away from legacy systems: lower audit bills, stress-free EOFY, and a business that runs smoothly even when you’re not at your desk.

Ready to see how Ailo’s choice model could transform your agency?

The end of audit complexity: Cadie’s story

Starting a new job is never easy, especially when you're stepping into a role that requires mastering new systems and processes. But for Liz Neisler, Property Manager at Ray White Buderim (QLD), joining an agency that uses Ailo turned what could have been a steep learning curve into a surprisingly smooth transition.

"It was very, very easy, very simple," Liz recalls about her first days using Ailo. Coming from a previous database system that wasn't quite up to scratch, the difference was immediately apparent. "Ailo made everything a lot easier."

For property managers, switching between systems can often feel like learning a completely new language. The fear of losing productivity whilst getting up to speed, combined with the pressure of managing client expectations, can make transitions stressful. But Liz's experience highlights how the right system can actually accelerate the onboarding process rather than hinder it.

Before Ailo, Liz's typical week involved the mental juggling act that many property managers know all too well. "Coming from another system where maybe there would be three or four ways to do something" meant constantly having to decide which approach to take, what was urgent versus what could wait, and trying to keep track of where everything was up to.

The cognitive load of managing these decisions day after day can be exhausting. It's not just about the time spent completing tasks, it's about the mental energy consumed in simply figuring out what needs to be done and when.

Now, Liz describes her normal working week as "a lot easier and a lot simpler." The transformation isn't just about having better tools; it's about having clarity.

Cloud

Perhaps the most significant change Liz experienced was moving from a reactive to a proactive approach to property management. Instead of constantly playing catch-up or worrying about what might be falling through the cracks, she now has confidence in her system.

"Ailo has made it more streamlined and a lot easier. Knowing where tasks are and where I need to be with them and everything," she explains. This shift from uncertainty to clarity doesn't just improve work quality, it reduces stress and creates space for property managers to focus on what they do best: building relationships and solving problems.

The simplest recommendations are often the strongest

When asked how she'd describe her new system to former colleagues, Liz's response was immediate and heartfelt:

It's a powerful endorsement that speaks to something deeper than just software functionality. The best systems don't just make work possible, they make work better. They remove friction, eliminate confusion, and create space for property managers to do their most valuable work.

Set up for success: How Liz hit the ground running at Ray White Buderim

Compliance has evolved beyond minimum requirements. Today's property managers understand thorough compliance builds trust with investors and creates competitive advantage. When you demonstrate meticulous attention to compliance details, you show property owners their investment is in capable hands—a powerful differentiator in a crowded market.

Why compliance isn't just about ticking boxes

Compliance isn't a burden—it's an opportunity to showcase professionalism. When investors see comprehensive compliance records, they understand they're working with someone who takes responsibilities seriously.

Making compliance work for your business (not the other way around)

Done right, compliance doesn’t just keep you protected—it becomes one of the clearest signals of your professionalism. Here’s how the most organised agencies turn the admin into a competitive edge:

Thorough documentation isn’t just about staying compliant. It’s a chance to show investors you’re on top of the details. When records are accurate, accessible, and easy to share, you’re not just avoiding disputes—you’re reinforcing trust.

Tip: Don’t just show compliance by sending a bill at the end of the month. Tell your investors what was done, why it mattered, and how it protects their property. A quick note in your monthly update is often all it takes.

Outsourcing compliance tasks can be a smart use of resource allocation. Professional services improve efficiency while reducing liability, freeing your team for relationship building and growth.

Agencies that have trusted relationships with electricians, gas fitters, or pool inspectors often resolve issues faster and with less back-and-forth. If you don’t already have a go-to network, start building one.

How confident are you in your compliance?

Forget the legislation for a second. Think about how confident you feel when a compliance question pops up unexpectedly—either from a renter, an investor, or even a regulator.

Use this quick self-check to see where your agency stands today:

Your 60-second compliance confidence check

If an investor asked to see smoke alarm compliance for their property from 18 months ago, could you send it in under a minute?

Do you have clear, repeatable processes for smoke alarms, electrical safety, gas checks, and pool compliance—or is it all in someone’s head?

When a certificate or inspection is due, do you get automated reminders, or is it sometimes a last-minute scramble?

Could someone covering for a sick teammate pick up a compliance task without starting from scratch?

Do your investors know when a compliance check has been done—or do they only find out when it’s bundled into their monthly bill?

If you paused on more than one, it might be time to rethink your systems. A platform like Ailo could help you manage compliance with less stress, while keeping your investors confidently in the loop.

Common compliance pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Even experienced teams can fall into compliance traps, especially when juggling multiple properties, people, and deadlines. Here are a few of the most common pitfalls

Compliance that lives in someone’s head.

 If one team member holds the compliance process—and they’re away—it’s a risk. Make sure your systems are documented, repeatable, and visible to others.

Relying on calendar reminders (and nothing else). 

Calendars help, but integrated reminders are better. Manual tracking breaks down as your portfolio grows. The best agencies we work with use software to flag expiry dates well in advance.

Forgetting the rules change across borders.

 If you manage properties in more than one state, assume nothing. Build local knowledge into your process.

Whether it’s a faulty smoke alarm or a sudden gas leak, the agencies that respond well already know who to call, what to check, and how to update their investors.

Building consistent processes beats relying on memory or ad-hoc approaches. Start by auditing current compliance tracking methods and identifying gaps needing attention.

Consider how technology can support compliance efforts. The right property management platform helps organise and track requirements seamlessly, reducing administrative burden while improving accuracy.

Focus on creating systems that scale with business growth. As portfolios expand, manual tracking becomes increasingly difficult to manage effectively.

Investment in proper compliance systems pays dividends through improved investor confidence, reduced liability, and professional reputation that drives referral business. When you demonstrate thorough attention to compliance details, you're building the foundation for long-term success.

Take the first step by reviewing current processes and identifying one area for immediate improvement. Small changes in approach can deliver significant improvements in both efficiency and investor confidence.

What's the biggest compliance mistake property managers make?

Relying on memory or scattered tracking systems instead of organised processes. When certifications expire unexpectedly or maintenance schedules slip, it damages professional relationships and creates liability risks. Systematic documentation prevents these costly oversights.

Do compliance requirements really vary that much between Australian states?

Absolutely. Queensland's pool fencing regulations differ significantly from NSW requirements, and smoke alarm standards vary across states. Understanding these regional differences prevents expensive mistakes and demonstrates local expertise to investors.

Should I handle compliance tasks in-house or outsource to professionals?

It depends on your team’s bandwidth—but many agencies we work with choose to outsource certain tasks to licensed professionals. Electricians, gas fitters, and safety inspectors bring specialised knowledge (and peace of mind), while your team stays focused on what they do best—building relationships and growing the business.

How can I turn compliance into a competitive advantage?

Investors don’t hire you to tick boxes—they hire you for peace of mind. When your records are up to date, your maintenance schedules are proactive, and your documentation is easy to access, you’re showing them their investment is in safe hands.

But here’s what many agencies forget: don’t just show compliance by sending a bill at the end of the month. Tell them what you did, why it matters, and how it protects their property. Whether it’s a quick note in your monthly update or a line in your newsletter, closing that loop builds trust—and reminds them why they chose you in the first place.

Property management compliance: your step-by-step guide

 decided to leave their legacy systems behind, they discovered something their old software providers never offered: actual people, in their office from day one, making sure every team member felt confident from the first click.

No remote training videos. No generic webinars. No "figure it out yourself" approach that legacy systems are famous for.

Instead, they got Adam Hooley, Ailo's Head of Client Migration, along with Customer Enablement Specialists Gabi Everard and Kristie te Giffel, walking through their doors on go-live day, ready to sit beside every property manager and turn migration day into something surprisingly upbeat.

"Teams often learn best when they're doing their tasks in front of the computer," explains Hooley. "We call it the how-to context. When somebody goes to do a lease and they're not really sure what to do, we're standing right next to them saying, 'Right, OK, do this, this and this.'"

Belle Property St Kilda's migration day started with the entire team gathered together. Hooley ran through the essentials: getting emails connected, forms integrated, and helping everyone orientate themselves on the screen.

Then came the old-school touch that made all the difference. A printed checklist landed on every desk, outlining exactly what each team member needed to explore in the platform. As property managers worked through their tasks, Gabi and Kristie circulated, ticking off achievements and providing instant support.

"A lot of people get a lot of comfort just having us walking around the office," notes Hooley.

This hands-on approach stands in stark contrast to the legacy systems Belle Property St Kilda left behind, where support meant logging a ticket, waiting days for a response, and losing valuable time instead of being productive from day one.

Catching problems before they become crises 

What the Ailo specialists brought wasn't just technical expertise. They brought emotional intelligence.

"It's much easier for us to keep an eye on morale," Hooley explains. "If we see people that are kind of withdrawing or they're not engaging, then we can pull up a chair and sit down next to them and actually spend more time with them."

When a property manager at Belle Property St Kilda seemed overwhelmed during routine inspection setup, Kristie noticed immediately. They sat down together, worked through the process step by step, and turned potential anxiety into confidence.

This kind of in-person support means small roadblocks never snowball, keeping momentum high and the team confident from the very beginning.

That’s the difference: legacy systems leave those moments unnoticed, while Ailo’s in-office team can spot and support the people who need it most.

Perhaps the most practical advantage of having Ailo's team on-site was their ability to fix issues instantly. With admin access at their fingertips, they could resolve migration quirks immediately.

"If little quirky things aren't quite right, we can just jump in admin UI and fix it," says Hooley. "It gets stuff fixed very quickly for them that might just be things that were missed or broken during migration."

For Belle Property St Kilda, this meant no productivity loss in those crucial first days — the team were transforming their work from day one. While other agencies switching legacy systems might spend weeks ironing out kinks, Belle Property's team was running at full speed from day one.

The contrast with legacy property management systems couldn't be starker. Traditional providers typically offer:

Email support with 48-hour response times

Remote implementation consultants who've never seen your office

A "sink or swim" mentality that leaves teams struggling for weeks

Belle Property St Kilda experienced something entirely different. They got a partner who understood that successful migration isn't about software, it's about people. It's about being there when someone needs to process their first lease application. It's about spotting the team member who needs encouragement.

As Hooley observes, larger offices like Belle Property St Kilda are "geared for change" and "usually adopt change much better" when properly supported. With games throughout the day and celebratory morning tea, Gabi and Kristie helped create genuine excitement about new capabilities.

Belle Property St Kilda's experience raises an important question for the property management industry: Why should agencies accept anything less than in-person support when making such a critical business transition?

Legacy systems have conditioned the industry to expect minimal support, long learning curves, and frustrated teams. Ailo's approach with Belle Property St Kilda proves there's a better way.

"Teams learn best when they're doing their tasks," Hooley emphasises. And Belle Property St Kilda learned that when you have the right people beside you on day one, you're not just learning a new system. You're transforming your entire approach to property management.

Get in touch!

Charcoal

Want seamless transformation? Choose a partner who shows up

If you’ve ever heard someone in real estate talk about “legacy systems,” they were probably referring to the property management software most agencies still rely on. These tools were the industry standard for years, but they were designed for a different era.

Back then, it made sense: trust accounting systems that processed rent once or twice a month, databases that stored tenant details, inspection apps that exported PDFs.

But the world has changed. Renters now expect flexible payments and instant updates. Property investors want transparency, choice, and faster cash flow. Property managers want less inbox chaos and more time for meaningful work. And business owners need scale without overhead.

Legacy systems weren’t built for that. Here's why:

A legacy system is any older technology, software, or process that’s still in use even though it wasn’t built for today’s needs. In property management, this usually means cloud property management software that primarily focuses on helping property managers be more efficient administrators and bookkeepers, often requiring multiple third-party applications and workarounds to manage daily workflows.

The systems typically do not support relationship management, making it difficult to foster strong connections with clients and suppliers. They also lack built-in collaboration tools, preventing team members from working together seamlessly to solve problems, improve processes, and achieve better outcomes—ultimately making the job of a property manager more difficult and less rewarding.

They were groundbreaking when they launched before the 

. But over time, the industry outgrew them.

When agencies add newer tools on top of those systems, you end up with what’s known as a 

A speciality tool for maintenance/repairs reporting

“Glue tools” like Zapier and Airtable

On their own, each tool might help. But bolted together, they create a patchwork of disconnected systems that don’t talk to each other. Property managers end up juggling logins, retyping the same data, and hoping nothing slips through the cracks.

Instead of streamlining the business, a legacy tech stack increases complexity, cost, and risk.

Legacy technology doesn’t just look old. It makes running a modern property management business harder than it needs to be.Here’s how it plays out for each group in the industry:

 As your rent roll expands, so does the overhead. Legacy systems weren’t designed to scale profitably.

 Manual workarounds make it easy to miss deadlines or fall out of step with regulation.

 It’s difficult to get a real-time picture of arrears, inspections, or team workload — meaning you only see problems once they’ve already escalated.

 Bills, arrears, inspection notes, and approvals often live across multiple systems. The result is long hours and little time for meaningful work.

 If someone’s on leave, handover is messy and stressful.

 Messages are scattered across email, texts, and apps — and it’s easy to miss something important.

 Rent often sits in a trust account until mid or end of month, making cash flow unpredictable.

 Unless they ask, most investors don’t know what’s happening with inspections, maintenance, or bills.

 Updates can feel generic or delayed, leaving them disconnected from their own investment.

 Many systems only allow one or two payment methods.

 Entry notices, inspection PDFs, and maintenance requests often get lost in email.

 Legacy systems were built for back-office accounting, not for creating a renter-friendly experience.

The risk isn’t that legacy systems will suddenly stop working. It’s that they quietly chip away at performance, profit, and trust. There is a 

 Property managers burn out from constant admin and lack of support. When they leave, they often take investor relationships with them.

 Delayed payments and poor communication make it harder to win and keep business.

 More manual processes = more chances for errors.

 End-of-month and EOFY cycles force agencies to “tools down” just to reconcile payments.

In other words: legacy systems don’t fail dramatically. They fail slowly — and agencies absorb the cost until it becomes unsustainable.

Replacing a legacy system isn’t about swapping one accounting tool for another. It’s about reimagining how property management should work.

 Rent, inspections, communication, compliance, and payments all connected.

 Bills, arrears reminders, and report generation done in the background.

 Renters, investors, and property managers all see the same real-time information.

 Investors choose how and when they get paid. Renters pay with the method that suits them. Property managers choose how to communicate.

 Growth doesn’t require doubling overhead.

 — to replace the inefficiency of legacy systems with a single, modern platform designed for today’s expectations.

So, what is a legacy system? In property management, it’s the outdated tech that still runs most agencies: trust accounting platforms, bolted-on apps, and manual processes.

And what is a legacy tech stack? It’s the collection of tools agencies have had to stitch together to keep up — at the cost of efficiency, scalability, and service. Legacy systems weren’t designed for today’s customers, today’s compliance environment, or today’s business ambitions.

For decades, the property management industry had to make do with tools built for trust accounting, and bolt other apps around them as new needs emerged. There was no choice. 

Interested in hearing from business leaders who have already made the move? 

What is a legacy system (and why it holds your business back)?

Kate Stewart, Head of Property Management at Ray White Mooloolaba & Kawana Waters, had a bold ambition: to build the best, biggest, and most amazing property management team on the Sunshine Coast. But her legacy tech stack stood in her way.

Trust accounting drained time and headspace. Covering for a property manager on leave meant trawling through inboxes and spreadsheets with no clear view of who had done what. The mental load was relentless, and the wasted cost was staggering.

For Kate, the realisation was simple — legacy systems weren’t adding value to her clients or her team. They were only adding effort, cost, and stress. So she made a bold move: she ditched her legacy tech stack and transitioned her business to Ailo.

Large Pink angle bottom

The first change was financial. The Ailo platform 

automatically handles the bulk of payments and accounting

. So with the majority of her trust accounting headaches gone, auditing costs dropped to near zero. Instead of pouring money into admin, Kate could reallocate those dollars to her team.

White

Multiple third-party tools were consolidated into one platform, removing inefficiencies that had long blocked her team from doing their best work.

But the bigger impact wasn’t financial — it was cultural.

, Kate’s team now works from a single, visible workflow every day. Property managers start their mornings with clarity and a clear to-do list, not inboxes. Overdue actions give Kate an early signal when someone needs support, enabling her to step in before stress compounds.

She also introduced new KPIs that were once impossible to measure, like how long it takes to respond to their clients. The team average is impressive, with one property manager achieving a nine-minute average.

The transparency has sparked healthy competition — one that rewards service improvements with recognition.

For Kate, Ailo didn’t just bring consistency, visibility, and confidence to daily workflows — it unlocked her leadership.

She sees property managers evolving into relationship managers and investment specialists, building careers far beyond the old stereotype of inbox firefighting and trust account admin.

The cultural ripple is already showing. Junior staff are stepping into new roles faster. Career pathways are clearer. Retention is stronger.

For Kate, this means her long-held goal of building the best, biggest, and most amazing property management team on the Sunshine Coast is finally within reach.

Kate’s story highlights why moving beyond legacy systems isn’t just a technology decision — it’s a leadership one.

By removing wasted effort and cost, Ailo gave her the ability to measure what matters, unlock her team’s potential, and design a future where property managers thrive as true professionals.

Her advice to leaders considering the same step? The first weeks may be hard, but the upside — for your business, your team, and your clients — is worth it.

Ditching her legacy tech stack unlocked Kate’s dream of building the Sunny Coast’s biggest & best team

At Ailo, protecting your information is always a top priority. Alongside our own industry-leading safeguards, there are a few simple steps you can take to make your devices and accounts even more secure. By setting strong passwords, switching on multi-factor authentication, and knowing how to spot phishing attempts, you can add an extra layer of confidence to your digital life.

04.09.25 | Release Notes

What's New in Ailo

04 September 2025

Coming soon: Refund fees instantly... yourself 💸

Updates you asked for

It's the little things

1. New merge fields 💬

2. AI comments in Inspection Reports are clearer and more concise ✨