Content
USC researcher surprised by property project
A University of the Sunshine Coast student’s findings on the use of technology in estimating the value of residential houses has been published in a leading Australasian industry journal.
The quality and timeliness of Jude Mannix’s research project so impressed USC Property Economics and Development Lecturer Steven Boyd that he submitted it to the “Australia and New Zealand Property Journal”.
The nine-page article appears in the March issue of the Australian Property Institute’s magazine.
Ms Mannix, of Maleny, finished her USC Bachelor of Property Economics and Development a few months ago and will officially graduate at the University’s 2011 ceremony on Wednesday 20 April.
“I’m now working as a casual research assistant at the USC Office of Regional Engagement and intend to get a job in the property field, whether as an asset manager or analyst or valuer,” she said.
The former fashion designer originally started a Business degree at USC as a new challenge and to assist her family’s plumbing business.
“Then I elected to do a Property Economics course and really enjoyed it,” she said. “I love the mix of studying economics, basic business skills, finance and demographics.”
Both Ms Mannix and Mr Boyd were surprised by the results of her project, which uncovered a differing level of influence between valuers and banks on whether or not to use AVMs (Automated Valuation Models) for mortgage security ‘valuations’.
“It’s an area that needs more research because it seems that computer-based models, which do not require physical house inspections, are being used more by lenders as a low-cost way of quickly processing loans,” Ms Mannix said.
– Julie Gatehouse