Western Australia’s Top Agents Awarded

February 28, 2011 1 Comment

First National Real Estate’s WA members were rewarded for their shining achievements over the past year on Friday night at the network’s Gala Awards dinner, held at the Vines Resort and Country Club in Swan Valley.

The elegant affair celebrated the best of the State’s real estate performances over the past year, which according to State Chair, Cambell Giles, have been exceptional given the market conditions of 2010.

“Last year was a relatively slow market for property, but our members were still able to deliver services beyond customer expectations and were kept extremely busy, evidence of how good systems and hard work pay off,” Mr Giles said.

“Their results over the last year are testimony to their persistence and commitment to ensure they do their best at all times, especially in difficult market conditions.”

On the night the Top 10 Offices in the state were named and included:
• Hedland First National Real Estate, Port Hedland (Sales Office of the Year)
• Tully First National Real Estate, South Lake
• First National Real Estate Mercer Harries, Pinjarra
• Margaret River First National Real Estate
• Druitt & Shead First National Real Estate, Doubleview
• First National Real Estate Geraldton
• Busselton First National Real Estate
• First National Real Estate Ellenbrook
• First National Real Estate Mandurah
• Allwest First National Real Estate, Australind

First National Real Estate Geraldton won the specialist individual award for Foundation Office of the Year.

Individuals were also recognised with the Top 10 Salespeople being:
• Rick Hockey, Hedland First National Real Estate, Port Hedland
(Salesperson of the Year)
• Serge Doumergue, Hedland First National Real Estate, Port Hedland
• Rob Druitt, Druitt & Shead First National Real Estate, Doubleview
• George Correia, Tully First National Real Estate, South Lake
• Soulla Semple, Tully First National Real Estate, South Lake
• Jenny Gauci, First National Real Estate Heron Johns, Bulls Creek
• Ian Wilson, Tully First National Real Estate, South Lake
• Joe Bryant, First National Real Estate Mercer Harries, Pinjarra
• Rod McDougall, First National Real Estate Ellenbrook
• Jason Cooper, Busselton First National Real Estate

Kristy Law from First National Real Estate Giles Jones, Midland was named Property Manager of the Year, while Samantha Frankcom and Megan Topham, both from Tully First National Real Estate, South Lake were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year, respectively.

Mr Giles said the First National Awards are an important event as it presents an opportunity for members to come together and share their thoughts and views on the industry and events that affect them, such as the recent disasters across Australia.

“During trying times, like the recent floods and cyclones, our members band together and help each other where they can but often in large states and territories like ours it is only at these types of social events that they are able to come face to face with each other,” Mr Giles said.

“The same resilience we show to overcome these types of challenges is the same approach we take to our everyday work. While each member works autonomously, we know we are part of a larger group and collectively we are all striving for the one goal – a better network which can weather any storm and put our clients first”.

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First National Says Stamp Duty Too Taxing

February 24, 2011 7 Comments

Media Release – 23 February 2011

First National Real Estate CEO, Ray Ellis, has joined the voices calling for a reform of state taxes, particularly inefficient ones like stamp duty, saying it is proving too taxing for working families to pay.

“Stamp duty has become nothing more than governments gouging money from those who can least afford to pay – working Australian families,” Mr Ellis said.

“Australia has already proven to one of the most expensive property markets in the world and excessive property taxes, like stamp duty, is making it incredibly difficult for new entrants to gain access to the market or for existing home owners to upgrade.”

According to two independent studies, the Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey 2011 and the Housing Industry Association’s most recent survey, residential property in Australia has become increasingly unaffordable.

According to Mr Ellis, the situation with the Australian property market is becoming untenable and needs to be addressed at a national level.

“We have a chronic shortage of supply, worsening home affordability and an increasingly tight rental market, which could all be partially addressed with a more realistic approach to property taxes, such as stamp duty,” Mr Ellis said.

“In some cases, the one home and land package, could be levied three times with stamp duty. I can’t think of another situation where the one item can be taxed three times.”

“The people who come off the worst in this situation are hard-working Australian families.”

Mr Ellis said that at a time when rents are soaring, vacancy rates are tight and there is a shortage of supply, there is a real potential that more Australian families will be forced onto the streets – increasing homeless rates and welfare payments and further adding economic stress to the Australian economy.

“Serious consideration needs to be given to addressing the problems with the Australian property market if there is going to be hope for future Australians to realise home ownership dreams,” Mr Ellis said.

“Plus, as the Henry Review points out, transaction taxes such as stamp duties reduce economic efficiency, either by discouraging turnover or being embedded in the cost of production, which just increases the problem.

“Inefficient property taxes including stamp duty are now the biggest single non-income tax generator of cash for Australian governments and the Commonwealth needs to act to reduce the states dependence on these taxes.

“An ideal opportunity presents itself at the federal tax summit which we expect to be held in the middle of this year – let’s just hope the governments don’t find the whole matter too taxing.”

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Issued by: First National Real Estate
For further information or to receive a copy of the 2011 Property Outlook, contact
Ray Ellis, CEO, First National Real Estate, on (03) 9418 9129.

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New South Wales Award Winners

February 21, 2011 Leave a comment

Sydney Hilton

Media Release – 21 February 2011

First National Real Estate’s NSW members were rewarded for their shining achievements over the past year on Saturday night at the network’s Gala Awards dinner held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney.

The elegant affair celebrated the best of the State’s real estate performances over the past year, which according to State Chair, Mark Millington, has been exceptional given the market conditions of 2010.

“Last year was a relatively slow market for property, but our members were still able to deliver services beyond customer expectations and were kept extremely busy, evidence of how good systems and hard work pay off,” Mr Millington said.

“Their results over the last year are testimony to their persistence and commitment to ensure they do their best at all times, especially in difficult market conditions.”

On the night the Top 10 Offices in the state were named and included:

• Byron Bay First National Real Estate (Sales Office of the Year)
• First National Real Estate Wal Murray & Co, Mudgee
• First National Real Estate Port Macquarie
• First National Real Estate Gungahlin
• First National Real Estate Rod Jones, North Narrabeen
• First National Real Estate O’Connor, Wollongong
• First National Real Estate North Sydney
• Burridge First National, Drummoyne
• Goulburn First National Real Estate
• First National Real Estate Carlingford

First National Real Estate Yamba received the Specialist Individual Office Award for Foundation Office of the Year and First National Real Estate Port Macquarie received the Specialist Individual Office Award for the Best Office Presentation.

Individuals were also recognised with the Top 10 Salespeople being:
• Lynette Allison, First National Real Estate Home Central, Hamilton
(Salesperson of the Year)
• Stuart James, First National Real Estate Gungahlin
• Scott Henry, Holgate First National Real Estate, Lane Cove
• Matt Hunt, First National Real Estate Rod Jones, North Narrabeen
• Catherine Murphy, First National Real Estate Epping Central
• Allison Mifsud, First National Real Estate Epping Central
• Daniel Godoy, First National Real Estate Carlingford
• Mark Smith, First National Real Estate North Sydney
• Paul Edwards, Goulburn First National Real Estate
• Maria Field, First National Real Estate Coastside, Dapto

Giuliana Parasility from First National Real Estate Nolans, Burwood and Michael Mehmet Agdiran from First National Real Estate Coastside were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year, respectively. Melanie McLeod from First National Real Estate Epping and Liliane Bastawrous from First National Real Estate Merrylands were awarded the Sales Assistant of the Year and Assistant Property Manager of the Year.

Mr Millington said the First National Awards are an important event as it presents an opportunity for members to come together and share their thoughts and views on the industry and events that affect them, such as the recent disasters across Australia.

“During trying times, like the recent floods and cyclones, our members band together and help each other where they can but often in large states and territories like ours it is only at these types of social events that they are able to come face to face with each other,” Mr Millington said.

“The same resilience we show to overcome these types of challenges is the same approach we take to our everyday work. While each member works autonomously, we know we are part of a larger group and collectively we are all striving for the one goal – a better network which can weather any storm and put our clients first”.

Filed under Network News Tagged with

Two of Australia’s Largest Join Forces

February 18, 2011 Leave a comment

Media Release – 18 February 2011

Australian Finance Group (AFG), the largest independent mortgage broking group in Australia and First National Real Estate, the largest independent real estate network, have joined forces to deliver a new alternative in finance and home lending.

The partnership means First National Real Estate agents will be able to offer customers the support of experienced, accredited local mortgage brokers in a way that will make the buying process as smooth as possible.

‘Access to a professional mortgage aggregation service is crucial for all property investors, first home buyers and families’ said First National Real Estate chief executive Ray Ellis.

‘The complexity of mortgage products and their ever changing nature means that only brokers with a broad panel of lending options can provide balanced advice. Even the most seasoned property investor would find it difficult to stay on top of the ever-changing range of products available.

‘Our goal is to ensure that buyers dealing with First National agents are given prompt access to comprehensive advice and are able to quickly gain approval so they can purchase with a minimum of delay and fuss’ said Mr Ellis.

Each month, Australian Finance Group (AFG) helps thousands of families move into homes using its network of 2300 brokers around Australia. With access to more than 800 home loans from 34 of Australia’s lenders, AFG offers the largest range of mortgage products.

In addition, AFG will provide First National Real Estate with administration, technology systems software, education, training, as well as communications and marketing support. In turn, First National Real Estate agents will refer customers to local AFG brokers for efficient, expeditious service, at no charge to the customer.

‘To be selected as an alliance partner by a business with such an extensive network of real estate agencies is a strong endorsement of our product offering’ said AFG general manager Mark Hewitt.

‘We are looking forward to the opportunity of helping more families into homes’

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Issued by: First National Real Estate and AFG
For further information contact:
National Account Manager, AFG: Bryce Deledio on (03) 9038 3413 or 0414 820 659
National Communications Manager, First National: Stewart Bunn on (02) 8337 2535 or 0413 624 317

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First National Nerang – REIQ Best Medium Agency

February 15, 2011 1 Comment

Media Release 15 February 2011

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has awarded the prestigious ‘Medium Residential Agency of the Year’ to First National Real Estate Nerang for the third straight year.

As with previous years, the agency will now defend its status as last year’s winner of the same title at national level.

The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) awards, to be held at Marriott Resort & Spa Surfers Paradise on 31 March, is where the most competitive agencies in Australia will vie for the top award.

‘To receive our local community’s endorsement once or even twice is greatly encouraging for our entire team. To receive it for a third consecutive year leaves me both humbled and enthused. It’s a high honour in our profession and my whole team is inspired by the recognition of their efforts to excel’ First National Nerang principal, Mike Gray said.

Apart from the agency’s determination to maintain its status as one of the top performing offices of the First National network, its ethos is to give back to the community in as many ways as possible. It therefore sponsors Red Cross Emergency Services and plays an energy efficiency education role through the provision of a series of web-related resources.

‘The practice of real estate goes way beyond simply helping people to sell, buy or rent houses. We all witnessed the evidence during the summer floods and cyclones that left so many Queenslanders homeless. The best of the profession pulled together to do everything possible to get people re-housed as quickly as possible’ Mr Gray said.

‘It’s times like these that we see the full value of First National Nerang’s year on year donations to First National Foundation and Red Cross Emergency Services. Red Cross make a real difference in the aftermath of the many natural disasters we experience nationally each year, helping put families in contact with one another and helping people safely begin their recovery.

‘Through our fundraising efforts and those of the entire First National Real estate network, over $1 million has been donated to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters.

According to Mr Gray, it is the agency’s commitment to its clients that sets it apart and continually wins them business, and awards.

‘Our clients know our philosophy is they become a client for life and while we can’t guarantee to sell a property, we do guarantee to keep our clients informed throughout the process so they can make decisions based on the latest information available,’

‘We want to ensure their experience is one that is stress free. For sellers that means they secure the best possible price for their property and for the buyer, that the first night in their new home will be as enjoyable and exciting as it deserves to be.’

Issued by: First National Real Estate

For further information:
Mike Gray, principal from First National Real Estate Nerang on 07 5596 0055

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Local Agents Sparkle at Gala Dinner

February 14, 2011 Leave a comment

Tracey Parham of First National People's Choice (Gawler) and State Chair Russell Burton

Media Release – 13 February 2011

Adelaide agency, First National Real Estate Burton Groves, was named among the state’s Top 10 Sales Offices of the Year on Friday night at the network’s South Australian/Northern Territory Gala Awards dinner, held at the Intercontinental in Adelaide where members were rewarded for their shining achievements over the past year.

The elegant affair celebrated the best of the State’s real estate performances, which according to First National Real Estate Burton Groves Principal, Russell Burton, has been exceptional given the market conditions of 2010.

“Last year was a relatively slow market for property, but our staff were still able to deliver services beyond customer expectations and were kept extremely busy, evidence of how good systems and hard work pay off,” Mr Burton said.

“Their results over the last year are testimony to their persistence and commitment to ensure they do their best at all times especially in difficult market conditions.”

Mr Burton said the First National Awards are an important event as it presents an opportunity for members to come together and share their thoughts and views on the industry and events that affect them, such as the recent disasters across Australia.

“During trying times, like the recent floods and cyclones, our members band together and help each other where they can but often in large states and territories like ours it is only at these types of social events that they are able to come face to face with each other,” Mr Burton said.

“The same resilience we show to overcome these types of challenges is the same approach we take to our everyday work. While each member works autonomously, we know we are part of a larger group and collectively we are all striving for the one goal – a better network which can weather any storm and put our clients first”.

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Issued by: First National Real Estate
For further information Russell Burton, Principal from First National Real Estate Burton Groves, on 08 8265 5511

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2011 Property Market Looking Good!

February 11, 2011 Leave a comment

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Delay reaction after a disaster

February 10, 2011 Leave a comment

Chief Executive - Ray Ellis

MEDIA RELEASE: 10 February 2011

First National CEO, Ray Ellis says victims of Australia’s recent spate of natural disasters should delay making major decisions until they have had time to recover both emotionally and physically.

“A natural disaster does a lot more damage than the debris and destruction that can be seen,” Mr Ellis said.

“They can leave a person suffering unimaginable losses, stressed and struggling to come to terms with their loss.

“They need to give themselves the time to consider all the options that are available to them before deciding whether they wish to rebuild or move elsewhere.”

According to Mr Ellis the best advice he can offer is to talk to their local real estate agent who may have some helpful tips on a variety of forms of assistance, the renegotiation of loan arrangements or other options they may not have thought of.  These tips may include things such as:

  • Look at whether there is a council buy back scheme for properties in ‘disaster’ zones, and if so, whether you are, or may be eligible now or some time in the near future
  • Banks and other mortgage providers may be prepared to provide interest holidays or other financial relief
  • Tenants and landlords should review their rights by visiting the respective residential tenancy authorities in each state – there may be options for rent relief or early termination of lease agreements
  • Seek the assistance of non-profit organizations that providing housing and construction skills, such as Architecture for Humanity
  • Recent home buyers who entered an “unconditional” sale contract may also have options depending on the definition of ‘habitable’ or ‘not habitable’ in the contract
  • It may be worth considering waiting a while before deciding to finally leave the area.  While there is often an initial reduction in home prices following a natural disaster event, prices have been found to mostly recover within 12 months, and so the financial impact could be substantially reduced.
  • Review and update insurance cover to ensure the property is protected from similar disastrous events in the future
  • Look for discounted services and goods, which can generate significant savings for today and the future i.e. www.flooddiscounts.com.au

“Picking up the pieces of one’s life after a natural disaster is no easy feat, but you can make  sure it counts for something,” Mr Ellis said.

“That means taking the time out to rebuild your life so that it is better and stronger than before and you and your family are  able to meet future challenges head on.”

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Tough Flood Policies To Be Eased

February 4, 2011 Leave a comment

By CLANCY YEATES and GARETH HUTCHENS

INSURANCE companies have caved in to government pressure over their tough stance towards flood victims, agreeing to establish a standard definition of flooding and remove confusing jargon from policies.
Facing a backlash after many policyholders found their flood cover excluded damage from rising rivers, insurers yesterday conceded the need for change in the industry.

After meeting the country’s biggest insurers, Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten said they had agreed to develop a common definition of a flood, and to write policies in plain English.
As well, Mr Shorten said the government might consider ending a controversial exemption that leaves insurers outside the scope of unfair contract laws.

“The insurance industry recognises now is the time to have a standard definition for floods,” Mr Shorten said. “That will not be without its complexity but they recognise that for consumers, for certainty, for competition, for security, that this industry is capable of creating common definitions.”

Flood damage has led to 40,000 insurance claims worth $1.5 billion in Queensland and 4500 claims in Victoria. It was too early to gauge the cost of cyclone Yasi, Mr Shorten said.
The move towards a common definition is intended to improve people’s understanding of their insurance coverage and prevent insurers from dodging pay-outs.

At the moment, insurance policies can distinguish between flash flooding, inland flooding and “actions of the sea”.

But the discussions will not be simple – a 2008 industry proposal for a common definition of flooding was rejected by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for being too narrow.

A spokesman for the Insurance Council of Australia, Paul Giles, said the industry had long favoured a common definition but the floods had highlighted the need to resolve the issue.
However, Mr Giles said agreeing on a standard definition would not bring about universal cover against floods – this would remain a matter for consumers. As well, he said insurers were committed to simplifying the fine print in policies so they were expressed in simple terms.

Mr Shorten said the insurance industry was also “on notice” that it could lose its controversial exemption from consumer laws that deal with unfair contracts in other industries.

Mr Giles rejected the need to bring the insurance industry into the fold of other consumer laws, arguing the current arrangement were adequate.

“It’s not as if you’re dealing with a rogue industry,” he said.

SOURCE: The Age | Page 3 | 4 Feb

Story Link: http://www.afr.com/Page/Uuid/6e1d047c-2fa6-11e0-88e2-aedf0627d074

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Cyclone Yasi Emergency Contact

February 2, 2011 Leave a comment

Several First National offices in Far North Queensland closed early today to make preparations for Cyclone Yasi’s expected landfall tonight. Members were busy removing signboards, providing advice to tenants and making properties as safe as possible.

Severe disruptions to normal business are anticipated tomorrow.

If you are unable to reach your local First National office in Far North Queensland and require advice or a property condition report, please contact 1800 032 332 for assistance.

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