RISING STAR FINALIST

Natasha Elford is the owner of Investor Support, a dedicated buyer’s agency and property management service provider that is committed to supporting the veteran and military community.  

She strives to deliver unparalleled support and guidance throughout her client’s entire investment journey, ensuring they make informed decisions that maximise their returns and achieve their financial goals.

Investor Support is deeply invested in the wellbeing of the veteran community and is committed to reducing homelessness by ensuring access to safe and affordable housing.
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Meet Natasha
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‍Natash Elford has gone from driving trucks in the Australian Army to closing real estate deals, but her drive to serve her community remains unchanged.

The30-year-old is the director of Investor Support, a buyer’s agency and property management company, and she is also an aspiring not-for-profit founder.

Natasha joined the Australian Army as a Transport Specialist in 2013 and served six years.

“My first year (out of the military) was just like everyone’s first year out – a roller coaster,” she said.

Natasha tried her hand at personal training – it wasn’t for her – then moved to Townsville where she landed a job as a property manager.

Natasha loved the role but when she was made redundant due to her agency selling, she found herself at a crossroads.

After some consideration, she took a leap of faith and started her own buyer’s agency with just the help of a virtual assistant.

“The first three months were very difficult,” she said.

“I wasn't fully aware of the expectations as a business owner.

“And all I was trying to do was get people to trust me to help buy a property (and) I was still trying to figure out what I'm actually meant to be doing.”

Having sunk her savings into the business, Natasha began to worry when funds got lower and lower.

“It got to the point where I was about to pull the pin,” she said.

“I guess I got in my own head about maybe it's not going to work out, but I just kept going.

“Then, sure enough, the following month, it all began happening.”

Local enquiries began to roll in and, as Natasha began proving herself as a buyer’s agent, buyers from down south began reaching out.

Nine months into business, Investor Support, which is still just Natasha and her virtual assistant, has helped buy 13 properties for clients, either solo or in conjunction with other buyer’s agents.

This financial year the business also began offering property management services.

And Natasha was named as a finalist in the Rising Star category of The King’s Trust Beyond Service Awards.

Natasha said the award wasn’t only special for recognising her business, but because of her plans to launch a non-for-profit.

The North Queensland local already acts as an advocate for veterans searching for affordable housing, but she plans to expand her volunteer work into a charity.

“Essentially, any veteran who is struggling to move into a property or doesn't have their bond, they don't have a bed, they don't have any essentials to move into the property, that's where we will come in,” she said.

Natasha hopes to grow the charity to the point of developing a veteran’s village offering affordable housing to those in need.

“I'm not sure when or how long this would take, but it's in the works, and I'm excited for when that actually does happen, because it’s been a huge passion of mine for the last few years,” she said.