Gary Joy hails from Bournemouth, a seaside town on the south coast of England. In January, he founded the movement Let Indonesia (IMT), a real estate online portal that focuses on the needs of the user. Currently LMI are running a system of successful references, claiming to be "money easier than you will ever make."
Gary, how did your trip to Indonesia to start?
My trip to Indonesia began a fateful evening when I worked at an investment company into the night. I caught my reflection in the window and I knew that I hated what I was doing with my life. I quit my job the next day and joined an international school in the UK which I then transferred to Indonesia. I have not looked back since!
When LMI founded and why ?
LMI was officially launched in January 2016, although it was something I wanted to do for a while. In 2013, I tried to find an apartment in Jakarta; I used all available sites and organizations, and they simply do not provide a good enough service. No information has been updated, the website features do not work, the service was average at best and I wasted a lot of time and energy. Flash forward to 2015 and again, I could not find a reliable site. I knew then that someone had to change, so I founded the IMT in order to provide the most comprehensive real estate portal.
What makes the different IMT?
We are becoming the trendsetters of the property market and offer many firsts in Indonesia, all aimed at making life easier for our users. Our main business is real estate - new developments and second homes in Jakarta -. But we are expanding our range and reach quickly
We have also become the home of serviced offices and can help our users find offices throughout Indonesia.
During the design and creation of LMI, we listened to what our users wanted, and studied of the most successful real estate sites in the world. We are proud to have created the website in the most interactive and professional property in Indonesia.
What are you responsible for at LMI?
I meet all the new developments, equipped offices of managers and affiliated partners, we have set up. I value the properties, administer the site, clean the office, write articles, manage social media; you name it, no job is too big or too small. I believe in the example and hope that I can encourage others around me to take pride and ownership in everything they do.
You boast that you are an Indonesian company. Why do you think that's important in your industry?
In a country where local businesses have traditionally been exploited by international companies, our goal is to promote Indonesian trade and provide professional standards. We appreciate the power of local expertise and we are working closely with Indonesian companies offering a range of services. LMI has sought the best ,,, relocation and removal of financial legal structure for our users, so they should not waste their time looking for tips.
If one of our users want free, no obligation advice on ownership of all aspects, we can refer to some of the most reliable and professional companies in Indonesia.
How does one become an ITM agent?
To become an ITM agent you must be proactive, enthusiastic, friendly and professional. We provide extensive training with all staff to ensure professional standards. To join us, we would need to send their CV and cover letter to joinus@letsmoveindonesia.com.
How do you ensure the agents you use are legitimate?
All items on our site is promoted and sold by our own agents and affiliates. We have also introduced a first in Indonesia owned sites, allowing our users to evaluate the performance of our agents to ensure all agents gave professional service.
Your company offers advice related to freehold. What are the key questions you ask me?
One of the most common questions we receive on earth and Development. Many Indonesians have land they want to develop, but do not know how. We work with local businesses to help people assess their land and build something new.
Can you guide us through your referral system and how it could benefit the public?
It is very simple. If you refer a well for us and we managed to trading and the sale or lease, we will pay you a commission of 10 percent of all agent fees we receive. It is quite literally the easiest money you'll ever make. This strategy was very successful for everyone.
Do you have any advice for those planning to get on the property ladder here in Indonesia?
Do your research! Indonesians tend to get their mortgage from their bank or developer. Ask around, check out other banks and make sure you get the best available rate. LMI hope to have an internal-finance team before the end of 2016, so we will offer free advice on all financial products. Watch this space.
Where is your "property of the Week" now?
Currently, our property of the week is a beautiful penthouse in the Verde development in Kuningan. It really a fantastic property. Everyone in the office wants to live there!
What three words would you use to describe the real estate industry in Indonesia?
exciting, experimental and intriguing.
Do you think the real estate bubble could burst?
After a mortgage advisor in the UK in 2008, I have already lived and worked by a burst property. of course, things will change in Indonesia, they can not continue exactly as they are, but for those who play the smart game there will always be opportunities. My advice would never commit to yourself and you should be relatively safe.
What about Bali - the prices will continue to rise
The price can not also continue to increase rapidly over they recent years ?. I predict numbers will increase steadily, but not phenomenal rate they have been.
What would you like to see improved in terms of the real estate industry in Indonesia?
I think the focus should be on the developers to make sure that the surrounding areas are sufficient to manage their new developments. More often than not, new buildings are built with little regard for how it will affect traffic and the local environment.
I ?; although my ultimate dream would be to go to Bali so I can be closer to the sea.
What important life lessons have you learned from your time as an expatriate Indonesian?
Patience was never a virtue I had. I thought things could not work my way or not at all. Living in Indonesia and seeing the ingenuity of the Indonesian people has really opened my eyes on how to do things differently.
Our website is really a testament to this statement and this is evident in our products and services we offer.
Thank you, Gary. To get in touch, email info@letsmoveindonesia.com or call 62 (021) 8063 1916.