First National partners with Lee Woodward

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

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New South Wales Gems Sparkle at Awards Dinner

February 20, 2012 Leave a Comment

First National NSW Chairman, Mark Millington

Media Release – 20 February 2012

First National Real Estate announced its NSW/ACT General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) Award winners on Saturday night during an elegant 60’s themed dinner held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney.

The Awards recognise the network’s best performers in NSW/ACT over the past 12 months which, says State Chairman Mr Mark Millington, 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 Millington 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 Byron Bay (Sales Office of the Year)
  • First National Real Estate Port Macquarie
  • First National Real Estate Walsh & Sullivan (Baulkham Hills/Winston Hills)
  • First National Real Estate Wal Murray & Co (Lismore)
  • First National Real Estate O’Connor, Wollongong
  • First National Real Estate Daystar (Padstow)
  • First National Real Estate Epping Central (Epping)
  • First National Real Estate Rod Jones (North Narrabeen)
  • First National Real Estate Carlingford
  • First National Real Estate Mudgee

First National Real Estate O’Connor was also named the Property Management Office of the Year.

Individuals were also recognised, with the Top 10 Salespeople being:

  • Allison Mifsud, First National Real Estate Epping Central

(Salesperson of the Year)

  • Tony Iskander, First National Real Estate Marrickville
  • Michael Sleiman, First National Real Estate Daystar (Padstow)
  • Ross Patten, First National Real Estate Ross Patten (Ryde)
  • Mike Brady, First National Real Estate Gunnedah
  • Deborah O’Brien, First National Real Estate Homeway (Castle Hill)
  • Daniel Godoy, First National Real Estate Carlingford
  • Peter Diffin, First National Real Estate Walsh & Sullivan (Winston Hills)
  • Scott Henry, First National Real Estate Holgate (Lane Cove)
  • Mario Valensise, First National Real Estate Sellect (Kellyville)

Georgia Bedikian from First National Real Estate Holgate (Lane Cove) was named Property Manager of the Year while Amie Thompson from First National O’Connor and Greg Ward from First National Real Estate Port Macquarie were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year respectively.

Alisha Thomas from First National Manly was named Administrator of the Year and Kathy Tomaras from First National Marrickville was named Receptionist of the Year.

Mr Millington 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 Millington 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 Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate on 1800 032 332.

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’80s Outback’ Home On Selling Houses Australia

February 10, 2012 Leave a Comment

Media Release 10 February 2012

Living room before

In a first for the Northern Territory, a local home with frontage to the Alice Springs Golf Club is soon to be the subject of a forthcoming Selling Houses Australia episode says First National Real Estate Framptons.

The programme, which delves into the real issues faced by homeowners and provides advice aimed at getting challenging properties sold, tackles a large Alice Springs home with multiple additions and a fractured feel.

First National Framptons sales agent, Dominic Miller says the Red Sands Court home was initially listed quietly with Framptons in March last year, after failing to sell through another agent in 2010.

Several extensions and additions from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s as well as problems with the way the house flowed from one section to another, had proven to be a stumbling block for the vendors.

‘Unfortunately, this wonderfully spacious and well located home just didn’t make the most of its assets’ says Mr Miller.

‘It’s only 200 metres from the Alice Springs Golf Course clubhouse and the position offers great views of the fairway and nearby Mac Donnell Ranges, but the home just didn’t make good use of its location.

‘Some parts of the home were very 1970s and other parts were renovated in the 1980s. Unfortunately, although the kitchen had been modernised, it seemed to be cut off from the rest of the home.’

With a slow response from prospective buyers making it evident that something needed to be done to give the sale a real boost, Selling Houses Australia was called in.

Living room afterwards

Now in its fifth series, Selling Houses Australia was the LifeStyle Channel’s highest rating programme in 2011 and its host, property expert Andrew Winter, helped First National Framptons and the home’s owners give the house a reality-check.

‘The home was taken off the market and, after some serious planning, given a makeover to resolve the issues that were making it difficult for buyers to see its potential, then returned to the market in mid-October’ says Mr Miller.

‘With a different look and feel, buyer’s immediately responded more positively and we were able to draw their attention to more the important attributes of the home and its position.

‘After all, the Alice Springs Golf Course is rated as one of the top 10 desert golf courses in the world and, as many Alice Springs residents well know, being on its doorstep is a very good position indeed.’

Titled ‘80s Outback’, the episode featuring the home at Red Sands Circuit goes to air on the LifeStyle Channel on 15 February at 8.30 pm.

Issued by: First National Real Estate Framptons

For further information:

Sales Agent, Dominic Miller on (08) 8950 8322 or 0418 897 767

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First National Supports Rates Decision

February 9, 2012 Leave a Comment

Media Release – 9 February 2012

First National Real Estate’s CEO, Mr Ray Ellis, supports the RBA’s decision to keep interest rates on hold, saying stability is what is sought during times of ongoing consumer nervousness and tension.

“The market is tightly wound at the moment, and movement of any kind could unsettle confidence, which is why we believe the decision by the RBA was the right one at this time,” Mr Ellis said.

“Our agents have reported drops in listing volumes for the second month in a row, which, in part, reflects home owners waiting for selling conditions to improve before they put their properties on the market but also reflects seasonal factors.

“While the market remains slow in much of Australia, decreases in housing availability will begin to place upward pressure on prices as it increases competition, ultimately reducing the number of days it takes to sell a home.”

Mr Ellis said home buying opportunities, even with the rates remaining steady, were still plentiful as interest rates are still relatively low and home prices are at their most affordable for quite a number of years.

“This all bodes well for a property market looking for signs of stability and recovery” Mr Ellis said.

“Any decreases in rates at this time could have further added to consumer nervousness, which is still suffering from uncertainty around global economies and impacts of rising living costs, especially with the advent of the carbon tax.

“At the same time, an increase now could result in reduced affordability, something first home buyers in particular can ill-afford at a time when some of the government assistance schemes are being cut back or dropped altogether.

Mr Ellis said he encouraged anyone looking to purchase a home at the moment to negotiate.

“All the Big 4 banks and other mortgage lenders are on record as saying they are willing to discuss rates with home buyers in order to retain their share of the market, so buyers are in a real position of power to make them deliver on their statement,” Mr Ellis said.

“A calm approach is exactly what is needed right now to allow the property market to catch its breath and stabilise activity, so it can prepare for the next wave of influencing factors. This falls right into the hands of home buyers who should be able to secure the best deals they have for many years.”

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For further information contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

 

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Real Estate Agents To Throw Themselves From Plane

January 24, 2012 1 Comment

Rebecca Mannix, Dot Hamilton & Kara Watts at the Sausage Sizzle

Media Release – 24 January 2012

Four staff from First National Palm Beach (QLD) are planning to throw themselves from a perfectly safe aircraft, along with some corporate support from First National Real Estate’s management in a couple of weeks.

The team will participate in the Jump to Cure Diabetes at the Sunshine Coast Airport in an effort to raise and contribute $5,000 towards finding a cure. The jump is being organised by Team Cure Diabetes who arrange fundraising events throughout the year to support their mission to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

First National Palm Beach’s senior property manager, Dorothy Hamilton, said her fellow jumpers simply want to support Diabetes sufferers as well as their colleague, Cara Watts, who’s 8 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 5.

‘The disease has a huge impact on the lives of entire families, not just the person who has been diagnosed’ said Mrs Hamilton.

‘Simply daily matters for healthy children that we as adults take for granted, such as a treat after school, birthday parties and sleepovers, are fundamental things that every child should be able to enjoy’.

First National Palm Beach has asked for community support in its efforts to raise at least $5,000. A sausage sizzle was held last Friday which raised over $871.00.

Mrs Hamilton said that education and support for families is the most important aspect of managing the disease. Funds raised go towards research for a cure but also the support families need to help their children live a full, healthy, normal life.

MacKenzie Watts give the First National Swash a hug!

Those wishing to make a donation in support of their fundraising effort should visit:

www.teamcurediabetes.org.au/divas_against_diabetes

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Issued by: First National Real Estate Palm Beach

For further information contact Dorothy Hamilton, senior property manager – (07) 5559 9800

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Queensland Pimp Your Home Renovation Winners Announced

January 11, 2012 Leave a Comment

Our winners are off to Bunnings...

Media Release 11 January 2012

First National Real Estate office name today announced the final four winners of First National’s Queensland ‘Pimp Your Property Home Renovation Giveaway’ competition.

Stephen Tillston of Nerang, Kira Hammond of Nundah and Vicki Nunn of Gladstone are each winners of $500 Bunnings Hardware voucher packs. Nathan Griffiths of Currumbin Waters won the major prize of $10,000 in Bunnings Hardware vouchers.

‘The competition, which ran for the latter half of 2011, has helped 13 Queensland families to make improvements around their homes or recover from damage caused by last summer’s weather events’ said Ray Ellis, Chief Executive of First National Real Estate.

‘Our member offices throughout Queensland were delighted to offer the opportunity for their local communities to win a share of the prize pool and remind our customers that First National will be offering an even more exciting competition for them to enter, later this year’.

 

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Indicators Strong For Property Market Recovery in 2012

December 28, 2011 5 Comments

Media release – 28 December 2011

Indications that a property market recovery is likely in 2012 are strong, although it will be a slow and gradual process, with first home buyers beginning to stir, but not fully confident to part with their hard earned savings, and investors having already capitalised on prime market conditions.

According to First National CEO, Ray Ellis, this is the picture based on expectations of interest rates, market movements and local area member knowledge, underpinned by improving consumer sentiment as detailed in First National Real Estate’s 2012 Property Market Outlook released this week.

“Home prices bottoming out, falling interest rates and improving affordability are all working together and may prove the stimulus the market has been waiting for to get it moving again,” Mr Ellis said.

“In turn, increased interest and activity in the property market will see it strengthen further especially with investors who have already shown signs of gaining confidence at the end of 2011.”

Based on the survey findings highlighted in the Outlook, NSW should see an improving market; Victoria is showing signs of recovery, but still has a way to go, Queensland is demonstrating it has lots of potential and is finally on its way back from the devastating floods and cyclones it experienced in 2011; WA and NT will continue to be strong performers especially in resource rich areas; Tasmania is marking time but will pick up as it progresses through 2012; and South Australia will continue to be a solid performer.

All First National state chairpersons agreed buyer confidence should improve in the next 6 months, as a result of lower interest rates, improving local market conditions and a more stable global economy.

For some states, worsening global economic conditions and possible job losses have resulted in an increase in mortgage defaults and this trend may continue until more certainty and stability returns to the US, European and Chinese economies.

According to the state chairpersons, the key challenges for the Australian property market in 2012 will be focused on sustaining a strengthening consumer confidence, which are at the mercy of ongoing stability in global economies and job security; government policy and legislation (especially the introduction for the carbon tax and reduced government assistance for first home buyers); and interest rate movements.

While demand is still expected to remain relatively soft into 2012, a recent sharp rise in Westpac’s time to buy a dwelling index may be the cue for a housing upturn.

“This will, however, be dependent on ongoing interest rate cuts, job security and resulting consumer sentiment,” Mr Ellis said.

Interest rates are expected to drop further with rate cuts of up to 0.5 per cent, although some say it could be as much as 75 to 100 basis points.

“Any future interest rate cuts are expected to stimulate buyer activity as confidence improves and refinancing options broaden, ultimately strengthening the property market,” Mr Ellis said.

“With the Australian housing market now affected by daily international updates and commentary, confidence can change at a moment’s notice.”

Residential markets are expected to remain initially subdued in 2012 as consumers seek to pay off debts.  However, falling house prices and interest rates should stimulate some activity, particularly among bargain hunters who have been squirreling away savings and are now cashed up.

“Our members believe the strongest growth in their regions will come primarily from upgraders, followed by investors, then retirees and lastly from first home buyers,” Mr Ellis said.

Australia’s national office market is one of the best performing commercial property subsectors –with capital value growth expectations of 2.8 per cent over the next 12 months.  It currently outperforms the residential property market and this trend is expected to continue for some time to come.

“Into 2012, the commercial property market will continue to be a mixed bag, very reliant on the area and local market conditions, but the majority of members said they expected the market to stabilise,” Mr Ellis said.

According to First National Commercial members, solar power remains the most popular energy efficient feature in a commercial property, making it more rentable.

Water recycling, the ability to open windows and motion sensor lights are also sought after energy efficient features.

“Around 75 per cent of respondents said they expected sales of commercial properties to increase in 2012, as a result of their region’s attractiveness, trading up or new jobs and increased businesses in the region,” Mr Ellis said.

Growth in commercial property markets is expected to come mainly from the heavy and light industrial sector, followed by the office market and medical industry.

Regional Australia is experiencing some of the most difficult market conditions seen.  Falling prices, non-committal buyers, unrealistic vendors and consistently negative market reporting throughout the majority of 2011 have affected confidence.

However, improving housing affordability and interest rate cuts should inject some much-needed confidence into the regional housing market.

“Over 2011, the regional property markets have been influenced by economic factors such as the strength of the Australian dollar value, commodity prices, demand for Australian products and nervousness around job security,” Mr Ellis said.

“The regional market has stagnated to some degree but this is expected to steady into 2012 as confidence slowly starts to build, eventually returning as the year progresses.”

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Issued by: First National Real Estate.  For further information or to receive a copy of the 2011 Property Market Outlook, contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 02 9320 2535

 

To read the complete document, click here:

http://firstnationalnews.com/2012/01/09/2012-property-market-outlook/

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Safe Decisions Can Make The Most of Your Holiday

December 16, 2011 2 Comments

Stay Safe This Holiday Season

Media Release – 16 December 2011

For people heading off on holidays, First National Real Estate’s National Communications Manager, Mr Stewart Bunn, says to be careful to make sure homes are left safe and secure and to think carefully too, if considering a holiday home purchase.

“Holidays are great times for criminals to get to work if they believe a home is empty.  It’s also a time when vacationers ponder their existence as they sit back and enjoy the relaxing lifestyle on offer in popular holiday spots,” Mr Bunn said.

“No one likes returning from their holiday to find dead plants, over stuffed mail boxes, or even worse, stolen or broken treasures from a burglary.

“But they do like to think about ways of making the holiday euphoria last longer than the few weeks away.”

Mr Bunn said with some careful planning and forward thinking, home owners can find they peace of mind they seek whether they are leaving for vacation or looking for ways to extend it.

“Anyone considering heading off for a well-deserved rest should start now to put some simple, cost effective measures in place for while they are away,” Mr Bunn said.

“Unattended homes and cars act as green lights for burglars, which is why it’s important to take as many precautions as you can to ensure you don’t return from your holiday to find you’re a victim of crime.

“Turning on security lights or alarm systems is a great place to start, but the best thing you can do is ask the assistance of a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to collect the mail each day, put out bins at collection times, park a car in the driveway or adjust curtains and blinds.

“This helps give an impression of someone still being at home and deters unfriendly and unwelcome visitors.”

According to Mr Bunn, a common trend for people on vacation is to fall in love with the holiday spot and look at purchasing in the area to either move into, or retire to, at some later stage in their lives.

“It is easy to get carried away with the relaxing lifestyle of a holiday home and many people want to either relive this time away, or adopt it as a new way of life,” Mr Bunn said.

“But, purchasing a holiday home should only be done after careful planning and consideration of all the factors, beyond the pleasant experience.

“A holiday home purchase comes with some financial considerations such as use or purpose of the home when the owner is not there. These matters have potential long-term impacts and tax implications.”

Holiday homes can attract capital gains tax on the difference between the purchase price and the later sale price, should the decision to sell ever arise.

“However, many holiday home owners neglect to expand their purchase cost base by adding the expenses involved with holding the property, including council rates and water bills, major extensions or repairs, strata levies, garden maintenance and interest on mortgage repayments,” Mr Bunn said.

“This can reduce the taxable component of the sale by many thousands of dollars, which is why it is important to ensure you keep all receipts for any expenditure on the house, including legal fees, stamp duty and any other costs relating to the purchase.”

Mr Bunn advises when looking to purchase a holiday home, to approach it in the same way you would any property investment and make sure it is in the right location.

“A holiday home may also double as an investment property, given it is vacant for most of the year Mr Bunn said.

“So it is important to ensure it is close to transport or employment opportunities, especially if it is in regional areas, otherwise it will be less desirable as an accommodation option for renters.”

There is a lot more holiday property advice says Mr Bunn and your local First National team can offer assistance.

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For further information contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

 

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Should you rent or should you buy?

December 6, 2011 5 Comments

Is now the right time to rent or buy?

Media Release – 6 December 2011

First National Real Estate’s National Communications Manager, Mr Stewart Bunn, says current market conditions, coupled with increasing housing affordability, is causing a rental dilemma. Many renters are questioning if now is the time to stretch their budgets and commit to buying their own home.

“With lowering interest rates and falling house prices, home buying is proving almost too attractive for many renters, but serious consideration needs to be given to the person’s individual and financial situation to ensure they make the right decision,” Mr Bunn said.

“It may appear, on the surface, that purchasing a home may make more economic sense for those doing it tough, where the monthly mortgage is not too far off what they are currently paying for rent, but a closer look may reveal that incidental costs and a small change in circumstances could lead to an untenable situation.”

According to Mr Bunn, the advantages of each housing option should be weighed against the drawbacks to find the one that best suits their specific needs and situation.

“Renting offers great flexibility with the option to relocate from home to home and area to area, as the need arises, which is not the case with buying a property,” Mr Bunn said.

“If finances get tight, or the home situation changes for any reason, it is far harder to just pick up and go if you own your own home.

“Renting is also often a cheaper alternative to buying, especially in the inner city areas particularly favoured by Gen Y-ers who want that urban lifestyle close to where they work.”

While vacancy rates continue to be under pressure, the fact remains that renting may still be more affordable, with monthly rental payments usually less than a mortgage repayment for a comparable property and without the other incidental costs which can be incurred as a homeowner.

“One of the greatest financial and stress-free advantages of renting is that property maintenance costs, repairs, rates and insurance bills are the responsibility of the landlord, not the renter,” Mr Bunn said.

Despite these many advantages of renting a property, there are some disadvantages which will make buying preferable, particularly in light of escalating monthly rentals.  The most obvious one being when renting, it is not possible to put your personal stamp on a property to suit your individual style and design preferences.

“There is also the inconvenience, and in some cases pressure, of knowing your landlord has the right to inspect their property whenever they wish, with sufficient notice, potentially disturbing the renter’s privacy,” Mr Bunn said.

“But the biggest disadvantage of renting is that the property can never be paid off by the tenant, making the money lost for good, without any chance of recovering when the property is sold.”

Ultimately, this is the biggest difference and that is where advice should be sought to determine the short and long-term impact on personal net wealth and cash flow over a lifetime between renting and buying.

“Usually, the decision will be to purchase a home, but it will come down to making sure people buy well and buy right, at the best time for their own individual circumstances,” Mr Bunn said.

“This is where we at First National can really help.  We offer advice and assistance with the necessary knowledge, experience and skills to understand the market, its trends and its weaknesses and opportunities,” Mr Bunn said.

“Despite some government assistance packages for both renters and buyers being abolished or having become obsolete, such as the First Home Owners’ Grant Boost and the National Affordability Rental Assistance Scheme, it is important to remember there are still incentives for potential home buyers and renters to take advantage of, including state government financial assistance packages.

“So home buyers and renters need to learn to make the most of the services we have available, to ensure they make the most of their finances over the long term.  There are many creative ways in which to save for that first purchase whilst renting and we can help explain all the options available.”

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For further information contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

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First National Commercial sets record for Darwin

December 2, 2011 Leave a Comment

Jacana House, Darwin - $58.75 million

MEDIA RELEASE: 2 December 2011

First National Commercial O’Donoghues has set a new record for Darwin CBD commercial sales with the sale of Jacana House for $58,750,000.

The nine-story 39 Wood Street building was built and owned by successful local development company, Gwello Developments. Uniquely, it has a 5 Green Stars rating for design, 5.5 stars for Nabers energy efficiency and is the leading green office space in the Northern Territory. A raft of Federal Government departments as well as listed companies currently calls the building home.

First National Commercial O’Donoghues says that Jacana House was not for sale but, due to strong investment demand, the agency approached the owner with a solid offer.

‘Our residential and commercial business maintains close contact with buyers nationally and we’re not short of investors who are very interested in Darwin opportunities’ says First National Commercial O’Donoghues principal, Jeremy O’Donoghue.

A transport logistics investor, formerly from Darwin, seized the opportunity to secure the ‘A’ grade and environmentally friendly office building through First National Commercial O’Donoghues because no other suitable commercial properties were listed for sale.

‘Jacana House is the only commercial high-rise in Darwin with such a strong energy efficiency rating and it will soon have the ‘As Built Green Star’ rating as well,’ says Mr O’Donoghue.

‘It is an extremely energy efficient building. An enormous amount of thought and effort has gone into the design and construction, which incorporates the requirements of the Green Building Council of Australia.

‘The buyer was seeking a solid, long-term investment with blue chip tenants so we were very comfortable recommending Jacana House as a potential target’.

The Darwin property market is expected to provide exceptional returns for investors for the next few years and commercial property investment may well be leading the pack. Major new projects are coming on line in early 2012.

‘Consumer confidence has hit a 12 month high and is expected to strengthen further as a result of the recent drop in interest rates, the US Presidential visit and the range of projects about to commence. This sale represents clear confirmation of the considerable confidence investors have in Darwin’s future projects.’ says Mr O’Donoghue.

Issued by: First National Commercial O’Donoghues

For further information:

Principal, Jeremy O’Donoghue on (08) 8942 8942 or 0407 080 067

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