Nest Connect was founded by Principal Director Michelle Watt in 2023 with a clear vision: to create a property management company that investment property owners could genuinely trust and depend on.
With over 20 years of experience in Brisbane’s real estate sector, Michelle witnessed firsthand the challenges many property owners face. Too often, properties, owners, and tenants become just another number, where the ongoing condition of the property, positive outcomes for owners, and quality renting experiences take a back seat to volume and transactions.
This lack of transparency, honesty, and genuine service drove Michelle to establish something different. Nest Connect was born from a determination to prioritise what truly matters: the property owner’s best interests, the property’s long-term value, and creating positive outcomes for everyone involved.
At Nest Connect, we believe property management should be built on trust, transparency, and expertise. We’re not here simply to facilitate transactions, we’re here to be your partner in protecting and growing your investment.
Our approach combines:
Prestige property expertise
With a focus on Brisbane’s premium inner ring
Meticulous attention to detail
And discerning asset care
Extensive networks
Connecting reliable trades, global relocation agencies, and industry leaders
Transparent communication
And refined client service
High-calibre tenant placement
Ensuring exceptional outcomes
Discretion and professionalism
Befitting luxury real estate
As Principal and Director of Nest Connect, Michelle Watt brings more than two decades of distinguished experience in Brisbane’s property landscape. Recognised as one of Queensland’s leading property management professionals, Michelle’s career reflects a mastery of high-end property management and a deep understanding of the demands, intricacies, and expectations that define luxury real estate within the city’s premium inner ring.
Michelle is known for her meticulous attention to detail and discerning approach to asset care. From architecturally significant residences to premium investment homes, she has built a reputation for managing prestige properties with precision, discretion, and unwavering professionalism. Her journey in real estate has been marked by outstanding accomplishments, including helping to build large, award-winning teams in previous roles.
Her extensive network, spanning elite trades, global relocation agencies, premium service providers, and industry leaders, positions Nest Connect as a trusted destination for clients seeking exceptional outcomes and high-calibre tenants.
What sets Michelle apart is her down-to-earth approach and honest advice, paired with a genuine promise to be available when her clients need her. Her passion for the industry and commitment to helping clients achieve their investment goals is evident in every conversation and transaction.
Michelle brings skill, care, and dedication to every engagement, going above and beyond to navigate the complexities of property management. Her philosophy is simple yet profound:
I want you to fall asleep at the end of every day forgetting that you have an investment property.
As Nest Connect’s senior property manager, Lizzie brings a wealth of knowledge. With 8 years in the Brisbane property market. Her approach is defined by warmth, and an unwavering attention to excellence and providing the best outcomes for her owners and tenants. Lizzie’s ability to co-ordinate and manage as aspects of managing property is to be applauded.
Not only is she a talented property manager, Lizzie is also highly skilled in Business Development, Leasing and Team Leadership.
As Nest Connect’s Client Concierge and Inspections Specialist, Keely Watt brings a sophisticated yet contemporary edge to the management of premium Brisbane properties. With an intuitive understanding of high-end homes and a commitment to excellence, she has quickly become an integral part of the Nest Connect experience.
Keely’s approach is defined by precision, warmth, and an unwavering attention to detail. Her ability to present properties at their absolute best, combined with her calm professionalism during inspections and tenant interactions, reflects a maturity well beyond her years.
Growing up alongside Michelle’s real estate career has given Keely a deep appreciation for the nuances of prestige property, from the importance of immaculate presentation to the subtleties of communicating with high-calibre tenants and owners.
Keely’s role extends far beyond day-to-day tasks. She is a key conduit for first impressions, brand experience, and client comfort. Her foresight, organisation, and polished service style help ensure Nest Connect maintains its reputation for boutique, high-level care.
Ashley is undertaking a degree Property Economics at University. Between studies she is a valuable member of our administration and leasing team supporting Michelle and the administration team.
Our focus is on providing quality service to residential property owners
Yes. The whole nest Connect team attend regular industry training to ensure current legislation and best practice standards are maintained at all times.
We evaluate current and historical market prices for comparable properties in a radius surrounding the property to assist in determining what price should be expected for the property
We have a strict criteria that our tenants must meet. We will assess income for affordability, previous rental history including references from previous agencies and copies of the applicants payment history (ledger) & conduct employment checks
Previous rental history including references from previous agencies and copies of the applicants payment history (ledger), we also check a national tenancy databases for tenants that have been added as a result of not paying rent or damaging a property
With out fail, quality images and marketing text is needed. Just like eating – we shop with our eyes.
We will always assess the concerns of with party and address with the other party. Usually a satisfactory outcome can be reached however, occasionally there will be a need to have the n=matter mediated through the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
We have very clear guidelines that we need to adhere to in these instances. We need to mitigate the best financial outcome for our owners and tenants at all times.
Yes. Our contractors are reliable, many have worked with us for years. They are fully insured.
Our maintenance software can assist out tenants with troubleshooting and often solving some issues; the remainder, once received into our maintenance software will be assessed by our team, discussed with the owner and with their approval a contractor will be engaged promptly to undertake the repair.
Yes in most instances. If we are unable to reach an owner there may occasionally be a time where we get the work underway if there is the likelihood that the issue presents as a safety risk or may cause further damage to the property
We inspect our properties 3 times per year with the option to do a 4th if we are concerned about the tenancy. Our owners receive a written report with photos/videos following each inspection.
Our reports are thorough and detailed. We used 360 degree cameras, still photos, video and text to document the condition of your property prior to your tenant moving in and as they exit the property. Our owners receive copies of these reports.
As we onboard our new owners we quickly establish their preferred method of communication. Most matters will be addressed in writing as a standard
Yes – our owners have access to real time data for their property via our owner portal
Usually same day or within 24hours
Yes. Following each disbursement of funds to an owner they will receive a statement outlining money in and any expenses that may have been deducted. Our owners can also access this information via our owner portal
We traditionally have a very low arrears rate of 1-2% with rent behind 1-7 days. Usually a reminder SMS or email is enough to get our tenants back on track. Occasionally of rent falls behind to 8 days then will will issue a Notice to Remedy Breach requesting payment be made within 7 days.
The frequency of transfers can be tailored to suit our owners needs. Our usual is funds are transferred weekly to our owners by EFT or International transfer when our owner are residing outside Australia.
The refund of a bond at the end of a tenancy is dependant on a number of factors and is best when all parties to the bond, the agency & the owner agree to the costs that may be required to be deducted. In most instances our tenants receive a full bond refund.
No. Should you wish to terminate your agreement 30 dyas notice is usually required.
Simple – the owner or our agency will send a termination notice to the current agent giving the prescribed 30 days notice or a lesser period if that has been negotiated. We note the handover date and arrange to collect the keys to the property on that day. Most agencies transfer the tenancy and priority files electronically these days with the occasional agency choosing to hand over a ream of paper.
Before our team can act on your behalf we require a management agreement to be signed.
No but we are working on it
Whether you’re looking to maximise returns on your current investment, need expert guidance on new construction, or want to switch from underperforming management, Nest Connect is here to help.
