Her talents also inspired her to write a book encouraging women interested in property.
Starting off with her first property as a 19 year old, Lillie had her share of good and bad experiences in residential property before switching her attention to industrial property.
“I knew nothing about industrial real estate. I discovered a small factory investment when I met my husband. We later purchased shares in the business he was working in, Bawdens Industrial Parramatta, and it made sense to invest in the same product we were selling, she explained.
The couple now own the agency outright, and Lillie also has a property portfolio of property in France, Australia and USA.
Prior to this Lillie bought what she called “ugly homes” and used her love for home décor to update and upgrade them before selling them for profit.
“I used to rent some residential property out as well, and often had problems with the tenants, and so my interest in industrial property grew because there can be fewer issues with the tenants.
“I soon discovered that with the right legal advice and a correctly structured lease, it is better to invest in industrial property. Tenants want to stay for longer because that’s where their businesses are. So they roll over the lease,” she said.
She is quick to point out that there is a different between commercial and industrial. “Most people think it’s the same. Commercial property is shops and offices, while industrial is factories and warehouses,” she elaborates.
Lillie said she never saw herself as a businesswomen and never thought she would write a book. “I always worked behind the scenes on the business my husband, Barry, and I own. I just thought of doing a business card for our real estate agency.
“Things just grew from there and I spoke to a publisher who suggested a book. I discussed the idea with a few women I knew, and they were excited about reading a book specifically addressing women and the fear we have about industrial real estate,” she enthused.
The book, The Money Factory launched this month and is available for sale at $32 from www.themoneyfactory.com.au
Anyone who makes an inquiry this month will also get a free e-book sent to them. More details are on the website.
Lillie says the launch of the book has opened new doors for her. “It has given me opportunities on the speaker’s circuit, and in other areas of business.
“I did not write this book as an expert, but as a person who moved from a salaried job to an investor. It is about getting rid of fears and making smart choices.”
Lillie has been investing in industrial property for almost 17 years. She said: “Seventeen years is not a long time, but it is long enough to go from being a young woman to middle aged, or middle-aged to nearing retirement.”
She therefore encourages all women to think where they are in life and act now.
