The 22 Year Old Leading Innovation and Efficiency in Leasing at Little Real Estate

As we continue to celebrate the rising stars of real estate under 25, Cooper Modica stands out as a dynamic and forward-thinking professional in the leasing space.

Since joining Little Real Estate in May 2023, Cooper has demonstrated a passion for efficiency, leadership, and client care, making a significant impact in his role as Leasing Consultant at the Carlton office.

Driving Operational Efficiency Through Innovation

In less than a year, Cooper has introduced two key initiatives that have transformed the leasing process at Little Real Estate, significantly improving operational efficiency and team collaboration.

The first initiative was the creation of a Saturday property scheduling system. Recognising that weekends are the busiest time for open inspections, Cooper developed a centralised view of all properties scheduled for open inspections.

This system has eliminated confusion, reduced scheduling conflicts, and streamlined weekend operations, leading to smoother processes and less stress for both the team and prospective tenants.

Building on the success of this system, Cooper introduced a weekly leasing report, distributed to property managers at the start of each week.

This report offers a clear overview of scheduled properties, encouraging proactive discussions about which properties should be added or removed. By fostering collaboration between leasing and property management teams, Cooper has broken down silos, creating a more cohesive and efficient working environment.

A Standout Performer in Leasing

Among the three leasing consultants at the Carlton office, Cooper has distinguished himself as the top performer, having successfully leased 206 properties so far this year. His ability to anticipate challenges and develop practical solutions has set a new standard within the team.

One of his most notable achievements was successfully leasing a high-value property at $1,200 per week under challenging circumstances.

The property owner, dealing with a personal medical emergency, was unresponsive when listing approval was needed. To complicate matters, a "For Sale" sign from another agency remained in front of the property, potentially deterring tenants. Despite these obstacles, Cooper remained proactive and solution-focused, ultimately securing a new tenant before the property became vacant—a rare feat in high-end leasing.

Taking the Lead Amid Change

During a structural shift within the company, when the leasing manager role was dissolved and consultants began reporting directly to office managers, Cooper naturally took on an unofficial leadership role.

His colleagues frequently seek his advice, and he actively supports them by covering workloads during leave, preventing disruptions to the leasing process.

The team-oriented leader has also played a pivotal role during challenging periods, including a staff turnover in December. Despite the increased workload, Cooper maintained high performance, even achieving one of his best months on record. His resilience and commitment to maintaining standards have not gone unnoticed.

Proactive Problem-Solving and Compliance Leadership

In an era of heightened scrutiny from Consumer Affairs Victoria, particularly concerning rental property compliance with minimum standards, Cooper has taken a vigilant approach to property inspections.

By thoroughly inspecting properties before they are listed, he has minimised compliance risks. In one instance, when a property developed mould issues after an inspection, Cooper acted quickly—coordinating with property managers to resolve the problem before the property was available for lease.

Cooper’s proactive mindset is not just about avoiding problems but also about identifying opportunities for improvement. By predicting potential roadblocks and addressing them early, he has significantly reduced disruptionsfor the leasing team and enhanced overall efficiency.

Fostering Collaboration Across Offices

Little Real Estate operates 12 offices across three states, which can sometimes create a disconnect between interstate teams.

Cooper’s proactive collaboration efforts bridge this gap, fostering stronger engagement and connection across offices. By leading cross-office brainstorming sessions, he has helped improve team cohesion and facilitated the sharing of best practices.

Additionally, Cooper’s push to make open inspection times publicly visible, rather than hidden behind a registration process, has significantly increased attendance and improved leasing outcomes. His initiative demonstrates a keen understanding of consumer behaviour and how small changes can drive significant results.

Inspiring and Mentoring Colleagues

Cooper’s influence extends beyond his official duties. As an informal mentor, he has guided new leasing consultants, sharing his knowledge and demonstrating best practices in customer care and problem-solving. One example is his mentorship of a new colleague, where Cooper not only provided technical training but also led by example, showing how to manage daily tasks with efficiency and professionalism.

His dedication to helping colleagues extends beyond mentorship. When a teammate was absent during a busy day of inspections, Cooper took the initiative to manage the workflow, stepping up to cover the workload while delegating tasks efficiently. This level of accountability and teamwork has solidified his role as an unofficial leader within the leasing team.

Committed to Professional Growth

To stay ahead in the ever-evolving real estate landscape, Cooper continually invests in his professional development.

He regularly attends masterclasses with real estate coach Michael Sheargold and stays updated on industry trends through platforms such as Domain, realestate.com.au, and Real Estate Today. This commitment to learning and adaptation ensures that he remains at the forefront of industry practices.

Unlike many in his position who view leasing as a stepping stone, Cooper sees it as a valuable career path. His dedication to mastering the role and driving innovation within the leasing space sets him apart as a professional with long-term vision and commitment.

A Future Leader in Real Estate

With a proven track record of driving efficiency, fostering collaboration, and delivering exceptional results, Cooper Modica is not just excelling in his current role—he is shaping the future of leasing at Little Real Estate.

His commitment to professional growth, team leadership, and client satisfaction makes him a rising star within the real estate industry.