News and views from Australia's leading real estate network
February 29, 2012 Leave a comment
First National Real Estate Chief Executive, Ray Ellis recently discussed the 2012 Australian property market outlook with Finance News Network. Watch the full interview here.
February 28, 2012 Leave a comment
Media Release – 28 February 2012
First National Real Estate was recognised recently for its support of the MobileMuster Old phones, more trees campaign, the official recycling programme of the mobile phone industry.
The network received the Award for the Best Promoter to recognise the business that actively and creatively promoted mobile phone recycling to its staff and customers. The Award was presented at the Victorian MobileMuster Business Awards, held as part of the Melbourne Sustainable Living Festival.
First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis, said he was delighted the network’s hard work and efforts had been acknowledged because, as a network, at every level it was committed to energy efficiency and sustainability.
“Our members and staff have embraced the corporate philosophy to lessen the impact our work has on the environment and at the same time take a lead on matters affecting the communities in which we live and work,” Mr Ellis said.
“MobileMuster was seen as an ideal extension of our own energy efficiency and sustainability drive and we worked very hard to encourage our customers, staff and members of the community to recycle their old phones and plant more trees.”
Mr Ellis said he believed the corporate world had an obligation to adopt business practices that would make them more resource efficient and less wasteful.
“It makes good corporate sense from every aspect. We reduce our carbon footprint, improve our bottom line, gain a competitive edge and enhance our reputation when we take on these type of social responsibilities,” Mr Ellis said.
In addition to partnering with the MobileMuster organisation, the network provided additional finance and resources to support the campaign.
“We provided a drop off point for members of our local communities and then promoted the campaign internally to staff and externally to the general public.
“We used a combination of traditional promotional methods, such as media releases and posters, with new technologies, such as social media tools like Twitter, facebook, blogs and smartphone messaging.
“The response we received from our members and their communities was terrific and we are pleased with the results we have achieved.”
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For further information contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317
February 27, 2012 Leave a comment
Network Chairman, Russell Burton
Media Release – 27 February 2012
First National Real Estate announced its SA/NT General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) Award winners on Friday night during an elegant back tie dinner held at the Hilton Hotel in Adelaide.
The Awards recognise the network’s best performers in SA/NT, and offices near the border of NSW, over the past 12 months which, says State Chairman Mr Russell Burton, have been beyond expectation given the volatile economic and market conditions.
“Marketing and selling property effectively in a marketplace which fluctuates and turns with every wind change is a tough ask, but that is exactly what our members have been able to do,” Mr Burton said.
“I am delighted that the teamwork of our members and their staff achievements are being acknowledged through these Awards.”
On the night the Top 10 Offices in the state were named and included:
First National Real Estate Framptons in Alice Springs was also named the Property Management Office of the Year.
Individuals were also recognised, with the Top 10 Salespeople being:
Paula Griggs from First National Real Estate Pope Nitschke (Mt Barker) was named Property Manager of the Year while Kelly Simmons from First National Real Estate O’Donoghues (Darwin) and Sarah Burton from First National Real Estate Burton Groves (Adelaide) were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year respectively.
Jennifer Nitschke from First National Marschall (Waikerie) was named Administrator of the Year and Amanda Illingworth from First National Pope Nitschke (Strathalbyn) was named Receptionist of the Year.
Mr Burton said that with the greatly improved prospects for 2012, he hopes the year ahead will be even more rewarding for members.
“All First National members and their teams should be very proud of their efforts, knowing they have helped many clients realise their home ownership aspirations as well as contributed to the ongoing success of their respective offices and the network as a whole,” Mr Burton said.
“Personally, I am motivated by the excitement of sharing in shaping an organisation that excels at every level and continues to strive for setting industry benchmarks.”
State winners of the First National Real Estate GEM Awards will automatically be in the running for the national Awards to be held in May this year at the network’s annual National Convention.
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Issued by: First National Real Estate
For further information Russell Burton, Principal, First National Real Estate Burton Groves on 08 8265 5511.
February 23, 2012 Leave a comment
Did you know that the average time it takes to disconnect the average home’s utilities and reconnect them at your new address is nearly six hours?
Who has that sort of spare time when they’re in the middle of moving?
It would be great if it were only the water, electricity and gas you had to contend with. However, these days there’s usually also the phone, pay TV and Internet that all need to be disconnected and then re-connected. That means dealing with tedious call centres, waiting in time-consuming queues, and usually having to put up with providers trying to upsell you to different products from the one’s you’re using.
First National agents recognise that you need help and we have the ideal solution. One phone call to Direct Connect will see all your utilities transferred to your new address expertly and efficiently.
Direct Connect will even let you know if there’s a better deal for you if you want them to. They keep you informed and you can spend your valuable time looking after the unpacking, the kids and getting set up.
Just ask your First National property manager for the details.
February 21, 2012 Leave a comment
Audio, On-Demand and Live Training are First National's Edge
Media Release: 21 February 2012
First National Real Estate today announced it has launched a new national professional development initiative in partnership with leading industry trainer, Lee Woodward, across its network of 450 plus offices.
First National’s Competitive Edge with Lee Woodward is a professional development initiative designed to connect each office’s entire team to a better way of thinking, making it operate as a closer business unit.
‘Our members are operating in a tough market and we recognize the challenges they face will not be addressed by a traditional approach to professional development in 2012 and the years ahead’ says Chief Executive, Ray Ellis.
The network has worked with Lee Woodward to tailor a multi-media based programme with the aim of driving greater unity between sales, property management and management functions of every First National business.
‘The programme will target each department’s needs specifically, but uniquely it also references the many products and solutions that First National members already have at their fingertips, but perhaps aren’t fully exploiting’ says Mr Ellis.
‘This creates a holistic approach that is a first for any network in Australia. Lee brings cutting edge expertise, practical advice and fresh thinking to real estate practice, but he also understands how to align that to First National’s service strategy’.
First National Real Estate has experienced a renaissance since a complete change of strategy in 2004 says Ellis. The subsequent speed of innovation has increased exponentially each year, necessitating a highly targeted approach to staff education and development.
‘The entire real estate industry is struggling to keep up with the demands of changing consumer trends, technological evolution, and the new Australian property marketplace. First National has introduced a raft of measures to reduce days on market, improve customer service perceptions, lift skills and engage local communities with their First National member.
‘We have invested in an initiative that would typically cost an individual office tens of thousands of dollars a year each, if they didn’t belong to First National,’ says Mr Ellis ‘and that’s in addition to our normal professional development schedule which is delivered comprehensively throughout metro and regional Australia.’
Lee Woodward, started his real estate career in a First National office and is regarded as one of Australia’s most gifted trainers. His unique insight into the real estate business cuts through the gimmicks.
‘My objective, through ‘The Competitive Edge’, is to bring training, with the same strategy and theme across the business. Interviews with great agents, trainers and coaches in their area of expertise will be augmented by multimedia resources that clearly explain the real estate journey, process, systems and strategies that are needed to be effective’ says Lee Woodward.
First National Real Estate has approximately 450 offices throughout Australasia and supports Australian Red Cross through the First National Foundation.
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Issued by: First National Real Estate:
For further information Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate on 1800 032 332
February 17, 2012 Leave a comment
Women believe they put more importance on the kitchen when hunting for a home compared to men, First National Real Estate’s survey of women and property shows.
As well, women feel the bathroom and the size and number of bedrooms are a higher priority for them than men when buying a home. Women are also more likely to rate proximity to friends and family as extremely or very important. But expect men to be checking whether a home has a garage or a workshop – more men than women say these would be a priority when buying a home:
The survey, of 1,207 Australians (603 male and 604 female), looked at key factors influencing home purchase decisions as well as differences between men and women. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of a range of features that would influence their selection of a home. Overall:
But when couples were asked what things they believe they would prioritise more than their partner, clear gender differences emerged.
And despite becoming an important buying power in the property market, some women say they are still discriminated against. Thirty four per cent of female home owners said they had experienced gender discrimination from tradespeople around the home and 25 per cent said they had experienced it from real estate agents. Only 11 per cent said they had been discriminated against by their mortgage lender.
February 15, 2012 Leave a comment
Do you want to make your home more environmentally friendly but are not sure where to start, or whether it’s even worthwhile?
Green credentials are now a stronger selling point for a property than ever before and there’s little doubt buyers are motivated by green investments you may have made in your home. Even just small eco-improvements around your home will benefit the environment and increase your home’s value.
Making such changes is one of the easiest ways you can boost your asking price or make your property more appealing. As well as reducing your impact on the environment, you’ll save money on utility bills.
Although you may feel overwhelmed by the deluge of information about climate change, energy issues and savings, to the point that you don’t quite know where to start, there are many ways to make positive changes for a minimal cost in terms of dollars and time.
First National Real Estate’s 10 tips for creating a greener household include:
February 14, 2012 Leave a comment
Consider these statistics...
The decision to rent or buy is always a big one. The traditional strategy of buying a first house and then moving up to the ideal home as your income and equity grows is fast being replaced by the initial purchase of an investment property. However, the alternative of renting indefinitely while you save to buy is becoming equally difficult because of escalating rents and an historic squeeze on vacancies.
If you’ve wondered whether you’re ahead by renting or better off buying, consider these statistics.
So, despite arguments to the contrary that emerge from time to time, real estate ownership has made the average Australian second only to Swiss residents as the wealthiest in the world.
So how do you take the step from renting to buying your first home?
February 14, 2012 Leave a comment
Treat the family home as though it were a normal investment
We’re all emotionally attached to the family home so making the decision to rent it out can be fraught with difficulty for some. Letting go can sometimes be a hard thing to do but homeowners across the board need to treat their home just as they would an investment bought specifically for rental purposes.
Even though it’s your private residence, you’re now the landlord so you should consider having the property professionally cleaned to set the standard as well as future expectations for the incoming tenant.
Landlords who demonstrate their personal high standard of cleanliness usually find their tenants respect the property, returning it in the same condition when they leave.
This also applies to the condition of the interior and exterior of the home. Setting a high standard of living and comfort can make all the difference because the longer a tenant stays, the less wear & tear on the property.
Your Property Manager can put you in contact with professional cleaners and qualified tradespeople and can even arrange quotes in most cases.
Ultimately, renting your family home shouldn’t cause any great concern. Properly prepared and presented, then managed carefully by First National Real Estate, you can expect to attract tenants who’ll care for it as much as you do.
February 13, 2012 Leave a comment
SOURCE: Maroondah Leader, 07 February 2012
First home-buyers are looking at Maroondah again after new figures show house prices have dropped.
Recent industry figures show median prices fell up to 12 per cent from December 2010 to December 2011.
First National Treeby (Ringwood, Vic) sales manager Brett Freeman said first-home buyers were back in the market after falling prices scared them off last year.
Mr Freeman said they had not wanted to get into the market while it was still falling.
However, he said the prices appeared to be stabilising after a tumultuous year. “I think they have levelled off again,” Mr Freeman said.
Croydon has emerged as a place to find some value, with a 12.3 per cent drop in house prices in the past year to $420,000.
However, Warranwood has maintained its reputation as the most expensive suburb in Maroondah, picking up 7.1 per cent to $660,000, while other suburbs dropped.
Mr Freeman said it was harder for buyers to find a bargain these days with the internet.
However, he said there was a lot of good value in houses in Maroondah, especially for those looking for their first home.
