Jeff Kennett from Beyond Blue presents opening address at First National’s Annual Convention

May 29, 2012 Leave a comment

Australians need to be more positive about life and grateful for how lucky we are says Jeff Kennett.  “There is so much negative talk in the media and that affects society.  Focus on the negative in the economy and politics weighs on people and makes us feel more negative that we need to be”, says Jeff.

The Former Victorian Premier, retired President of the Hawthorn Football Club and founding Chairman of Beyond Blue was talking to 300+ members of the First National Real Estate network at the opening of the network’s annual convention last week week.

“We need to reflect on how lucky we are as Australians to wake up in the morning; most of us are healthy and, for most of us, what happens to us is in our hands.  It is important we do not let ourselves get weighed down by the negatives and weigh society down as a result.  Life is the most important thing we have and most of us take it for granted” he said.

Mr Kennett said he had had time to reflect on what was important in life once he left politics and had come to the conclusion that leadership, life and love are the positive factors that make the world go round.  “It was interesting that when I was running Victoria, a large state, organisation and budget, I got very little feedback from the public except at the polls.  The media were critical but, by and large, the public were disinterested.  Then I become a president of a football club and all of a sudden you see how passionate people can be.  We had constant feedback because it was important to people, it gave them something to look forward to and to be hopeful about.  It made me realise that to me, losing a grand final was much worse than losing an election” he said.

Mr Kennett sees his work at Beyond Blue as even more important.  “After my family, Beyond Blue has been my most important job, much more important than being premier.  It showed me that we need to give thanks for the gift of life when we wake up every day.  Being grateful and having things like football are important because they give you support against the things in life that cause you stress and anxiety and help you though the tough times.”

First National CEO Ray Ellis thought Mr Kennett’s speech was a real eye opener.  “We all think of Jeff as a tough man and so it was great to hear him give the message about how important things like leadership, life and love are to us.  We can worry about things like the economy but really, we have to focus on what we have and what is good in our lives.  Jeff’s message was a real circuit breaker in the current negative environment” Mr Ellis said.

- copy ends –

Issued by: First National Real Estate.  For further information contact:

Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on

1800 032 332

 

Filed under Media Releases Tagged with , , , , , ,

First National Top Rookies Announced

May 26, 2012 Leave a comment

First National Real Estate has announced its top Rookies of the Year from across its 450 plus member network at its 30th anniversary annual Convention dinner held in Bali on Thursday night.

Amie Thompson from First National Real Estate in O’Connor (Wollongong, NSW) won the coveted title as Property Manager Rookie of the Year, while Bruce McDonald from First National Real Estate Hedland (Port Hedland, WA) won the Sales Rookie of the Year title.

“It’s always exciting to announce the Rookies of the Year because they represent the future of this network,” First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis, said.

“In their first year with us these rookies have made themselves stand out from the crowd and demonstrated those qualities that make an agent great, namely hard working, dedicated, motivated and driven.

“What’s more, our clients respond to the integrity and sincerity that comes across in their dealings with them and that is what this network is all about.”

- copy ends -

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

Filed under Media Releases, Network News Tagged with , , , , , ,

Local Gems Shine at National Awards in Bali

May 25, 2012 Leave a comment

Media Release: 25 May 2012

First National Real Estate announced its national General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) Award winners on Thursday night during its annual Convention, held in Bali this year.

The Awards recognise the network’s best performers from across Australia over the past 12 months which, says Chief Executive, Mr Ray Ellis, 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 Ellis 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, being admitted to the coveted Chairman’s Circle, including:

  • First National Real Estate Tweed Sutherland, Bendigo (Vic) (Sales Office of the Year)
  • First National Real Estate Port Hedland, Hedland (WA)
  • First National Real Estate Commercial Gold Coast, Bundall (Qld)
  • First National Real Estate O’Donoghues, Larrakeyah, Darwin (NT)
  • First National Real Estate Collie & Tierney, Mildura (Vic)
  • First National Real Estate Byron Bay (NSW)
  • First National Real Estate South Lake (WA)
  • First National Real Estate King & Heath, Bairnsdale (Vic)
  • First National Real Estate Port Macquarie (NSW)
  • First National Real Estate Garry Nash, Wangaratta (Vic)

First National Real Estate Paradise Point was also named the Property Management Team of the Year, First National Real Estate O’Donogues Foundation Office of the Year, First National Real Estate Framptons in Alice Springs Most Energy Efficient Office of the Year and First National Lewis Prior in Warradale Referral Office of the Year.

Individuals were also recognised, with the Top 10 Salespeople being admitted to the Chairman’s Circle including:

  • Jamie Bourke, First National Real Estate Commercial Gold Coast (Qld) (Salesperson of the Year)
  • Jeremy O’Donoghue, First National Real Estate O’Donoghues (NT)
  • Serge Doumergue, First National Real Estate Hedland (WA)
  • Rick Hockey, First National Real Estate Hedland (WA)
  • Brian Baker, First National Real Estate Commercial Brisbane CBD (Qld)
  • Allison Mifsud, First National Real Estate Epping (NSW)
  • Tony Iskander, First National Real Estate Marrickville (NSW)
  • Michael Sleiman, First National Real Estate Padstow (NSW)
  • Rob Druitt, First National Real Estate Druitt & Shead, Doubleview (WA)
  • Ross Patten, First National Real Estate Patten Ryde (NSW))

Diane Mann from First National Real Estate Paradise Point (Qld)) was named Property Manager of the Year while Amie Thompson from First National Real Estate O’Connor in Warragul (Vic) and Bruce McDonald from First National Real Estate Hedland (WA) were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year respectively.

Dusk Wright from First National Real Estate Clark in Warragul (Vic) was named Administrator of the Year and Vanessa Mittnacht from First National Real Estate Margaret River (WA) was named Receptionist of the Year.

Mr Ellis 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 Ellis 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.”

Filed under Network News, Media Releases Tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

Tax Tips to Avoid Slips by Investors

May 22, 2012 Leave a comment

Media Release –22 May 2012

Tax time can cause great anxiety for investors who unwittingly make claims they are not entitled to, getting themselves into deep water with the Tax Office.  First National Real Estate offers these helpful hints to assist property investors to capitalise on their allowable deductions and avoid unwanted interest from the Tax Man.

“Property is an increasingly popular form of wealth creation for many Australians, but often they lack the accounting and financial knowledge to know what it is they are entitled to claim, or how much they can claim and what is not an accepted tax deduction,” First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis said.

“The ATO monitors property investor claims and often issue warnings or notices of the types of common mistakes made, so investors should at least visit the ATO website.

“Reports say more than 1.5 million people claim in excess of $24 billion in rental deductions in a year, which explains the ATO’s vested interest and continued focus on monitoring rental property deductions.”

According to Mr Ellis, the most common mistakes made by property investors include making claims against:

  • Immediate initial repairs or capital improvements including structural repairs and improvements which are seen more as capital works deductions such as remodeling a bathroom or building a pergola
  • The portion of a loan that is used for both investing and private purposes
  • Inspection of a rental property while on holiday in the area, which is the real purpose, and the inspection only incidental
  • Expenses relating to the private use of a property such as a holiday home
  • A property that is not genuinely available for rent including periods while it is undergoing construction or renovation
  • Borrowing expenses in the first year rather than being spread out over the term of the loan or five years, whichever is the lesser of the two.

Mr Ellis said investors should seek the services of a qualified professional such as an accountant or financial advisor when looking at preparing their tax return.

“Everyone’s personal financial circumstances are different and the tax implications of the individual property investment strategy may differ, so it is important to discuss it with someone who has the necessary expertise and experience,” Mr Ellis said.

Mr Ellis says it is also a good idea to look at using the services of a respected and qualified property manager who will act on your behalf with your best interests at heart.

“A property manager, such as those with First National, have the requisite forms, processes and systems to effectively manage a property as well as maintain and keep appropriate records for tax and accounting purposes,” Mr Ellis said.

“Proper record keeping and tracking is more than half way to ensuring the investment property yields the optimal return.”

-       copy ends –

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

 

Filed under Media Releases Tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

First National says duty of all to abolish taxes

May 9, 2012 2 Comments

Media Release – 9 May 2012

In the light of the federal budget, which has just been handed down, First National Real Estate says the government should have delivered on the GST promise of abolishing stamp duty and that home buyers should also do their bit to support the Australian property market.

“Australia’s soft property market will continue to tread water unless major changes are made.  We need more new housing stock to come onto the market, indirect costs to be reduced, inefficient taxes such as stamp duty to be abolished – preferably all three!,” Ray Ellis, CEO, First National Real Estate said.

“And  while HECS-like schemes are commendable for assisting home buyers to pay their stamp duty obligations, it should be a matter of reducing, or better still, getting rid of stamp duty altogether and that falls on everyone’s shoulders.

“A struggling property market affects all Australians, as it is a key driver of the nation’s economy and represents a burden for all to share.  This is why home buyers should do their bit and continue to put pressure on governments to live up to their GST promises.”

Mr Ellis said property taxes are reducing home buyers’ ability to purchase new homes, whether they are first home buyers, upgraders, downsizers or investors.

“The real issue for the property market is that buyers aren’t buying and part of that reason is the exorbitant extra costs associated with buying a property,” Mr Ellis said.

“These extra purchase costs mean it is more cost efficient for home owners to consider renovating or think outside the box and look at dual occupancy type solutions.

“The excessive cost of developing vacant land has stalled the process of newly built home stocks coming onto the market, which is having a devastating impact on the market overall.”

Last year, stamp duty accounted for 37% of total property related taxes in Australia and Mr Ellis believes the reliance of Governments on property taxes to boost their coffers should have lessened over time with the introduction of the GST, but the opposite trend seems to be occurring.

“We were promised a reduction in taxes like stamp duty when the GST was introduced.  Not only has it stayed, nationally, stamp duty has risen, due mainly to increases in NSW and Victoria according to industry figures,” Mr Ellis said.

“And yet, property taxes were cut in WA and NT, and government revenues actually increased.

“What seems to be happening is that stamp duty is putting new homes beyond the reach of many, so fewer homes are selling overall, reducing revenue raised through these taxes to governments,” Mr Ellis said.

“But basic economics is at play here, if the stamp duty was lowered more homes would sell, both home owners and governments would see increased revenue.

“Consideration could also be given to abolishing stamp duty and recouping those lost taxes through a more equitable means where the whole population pays – not just those who have saved for a new home.

“Perhaps we should increase tax paid on luxury items such as tobacco or alcohol, or fast food items.”

According to Mr Ellis, making home ownership too taxing is a short-sighted and quick grab for cash by governments and should be ‘stamped out’ as soon as possible so that everyone can achieve their home ownership goals.

-    copy ends –

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

Related articles

Filed under Media Releases Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thousands to make ‘Good Move’

May 7, 2012 Leave a comment

Click here to start searching for your rural escape!

The inaugural Regional Victoria Living Expo revealed the strength of interest amongst Melburnians to move to regional centres and smaller townships throughout rural Victoria says official event partner, First National Real Estate.

More than 8000 people streamed through the doors last weekend at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre where regional centres, business and career opportunities, educational options, housing options and cultural diversity were showcased.

Speaking about the success of the event during parliamentary discussion last week, Victorian Deputy Premier, Peter Ryan said the opportunities in the regional parts of Victoria are absolutely huge.

‘I am thrilled to be able to say that at the expo all 48 of the rural municipalities were represented.

‘A number of mayors and councilors have reported back to us since the expo that they have received inquiries from a vast array of people with different forms of expertise who are now actively pursuing the prospect of being able to move into regional Victoria’ Mr Ryan said.

First National Real Estate confirms it received a significant response at its display booth where thousands of properties throughout regional Victoria were showcased, and representatives from a multitude of its regional offices were on hand to discuss the various attributes of each area.

‘Research released by Peter Ryan indicates 11 per cent of Melbourne’s metropolitan residents, around 450,000 people, are contemplating moving to regional Victoria in the next 3 years. A further 39 per cent are talking about making the move in the near future’ said First National’s communications manager, Stewart Bunn.

‘First National has over 80 offices throughout both metropolitan and regional Victoria so our members are exceptionally well placed to share their knowledge of regional markets, housing values, growth opportunities.

‘We were not surprised that throughout the course of the weekend, over 300 people registered with First National to receive property alerts, or to start the sale of their Melbourne property so they can achieve their escape to the country.’

Since the expo, First National Real Estate has received further enquiry, nationally, from people wanting information about the various incentives and grants on offer from state governments nationwide.

‘What this reveals is the extent to which Australians are changing their views towards regional relocation’ said Mr Bunn.

‘Historically, we’ve been a nation of coast-dwellers but despite the recent softening of house prices in our capitals, the price of metropolitan living continues to trend upwards. As our population grows and the infrastructure of our cities is stretched, more Australians are contemplating the benefits of our regions.

‘As work patterns change and regional employment opportunities improve, the prospect of buying a regional property, reducing the size of your mortgage and enjoying a less stressful lifestyle appears to be very much in the minds of Australians’ said Mr Bunn.

In acknowledgement of this trend, First National Real Estate has introduced ‘Lifestyle’ and ‘Rural Specialists’ amongst its staff throughout regional Australia.

‘These regional members of our network focus on helping people in metropolitan locations make the shift to regional areas by sharing information, demystifying country property and working closely with our city members to facilitate the process’ said Mr Bunn.

The Victorian government has launched a new website, www.goodmove.vic.gov.au which aims to assist people interested in making the move to regional Victoria with all the additional information they’ll need.

- copy ends -

Issued by: First National Real Estate

For further information contact:

Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

Filed under Media Releases, Network News Tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

Save energy in renovations

April 24, 2012 1 Comment

Media Release – 24 April 2012

Home renovating is proving an increasingly popular alternative to buying a second home and First National Real Estate has some helpful advice for home owners about to embark on a renovation – incorporate energy smart ideas where possible.

“The impending introduction of the carbon tax and popular reality home renovating TV shows have spurred further interest in this growing trend, so now is the time for would-be renovators to look at how they can make their homes more energy efficient,” Ray Ellis, chief executive of First National Real Estate said.

“An energy efficient renovation will improve the comfort and economy of the home, and may even push up the sale price to meet the growing demand by home buyers for energy efficient features.

“It can be as simple as ensuring windows and skylights are positioned to capitalise on the sun’s warmth and other simple design features are incorporated, especially those that add up to less reliance on electricity and gas to power the home and so reduce energy bills.”

According to Mr Ellis building and design features should consider north-facing living area where possible, to take advantage of the sun which will provide warmth in winter and an abundance of natural light year round.

General design features could include:

  • Grouping rooms with similar uses together to create ‘zones’ in the house, which can be separated by doors so that only occupied areas, can be heated or cooled.
  • ‘Wet’ areas should be placed close together to reduce the need for long water pipes resulting in a more efficient hot water system and lower plumbing costs.
  • Ceiling heights kept as low as practicable to reduce heating and cooling costs and increase comfort levels.
  • Choose ‘Fit-for-purpose’ building materials for optimal results
  • Window are fitted properly and placed to minimise heat loss in winter and heat gains in summer.
  • Curtains or blinds are also a great way to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gains in summer.
  • Ceilings, walls and in some cases, floors, should be insulated to their appropriate level with no gaps left.
  • Draughtproofing strips and weatherseals fitted to doors and windows leading to the outside to reduce unwanted air leaks and draughts (which can account for up to 25 per cent of heat loss in winter).
  • Select energy efficient and cost effective heating and hot water systems.

“By getting some expert advice, a renovation can incorporate energy efficient design principles and improve both the liveability and value of your home,” Mr Ellis said.

Filed under Media Releases Tagged with , , , , , , , ,

Young Achiever Wins Premier’s Award

April 23, 2012 Leave a comment

CEO Ray Ellis presents Cait Clarke with her Leadership & Innovation awardMedia Release – 23 April 2012

A 25-year-old mother edged out some of the state’s most impressive youths to win the ‘First National Real Estate Leadership and Innovation’ category leading to the ‘Premier’s Young Achiever of The Year’ award in the Southern Cross Young Achiever Awards on Saturday night.

Held at Tasmania’s Wrest Point Casino before an audience of 600, The Southern Cross Young Achiever Awards were hosted by television presenter, Jo Palmer and are designed to acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of Young Tasmanians aged between 14 and 28 years of age.

Cait Clarke won the award as a result of her contribution to youth and community projects around the state as well as her efforts as a councilor in her hometown of Kentish, north of Hobart, which have been widely reported in local media.

‘Cait is the youngest person elected to a local government role, is chairman of the Kentish Youth Council, works with the social inclusion action group and is a Road Educator Volunteer (REV) mentor’ said Ray Ellis, chief executive of the 450-office strong Australasian real estate group.

First National sponsored the category of the Young Achiever Awards as part of its national programme of corporate giving, which includes support of Red Cross Emergency Services’ work preparing Australian communities for natural disasters, coordination of response, and recovery.

‘Leadership and innovation is what First National Real Estate is all about, as evidenced by our leading Tasmanian offices in Burnie and Hobart who have won industry awards at national level, showing many a larger mainland based estate agency what Tasmanians are capable of.

‘As a network, we support the young people of Australia who look at how to change things for the better.

‘It’s what the great state of Tasmania is crying out for; commitment to strong leadership and the ability to imagine more creative solutions to today’s challenges. People like Cait define not just where Tasmania is heading but who Australia is in the 21st century’ said Mr Ellis.

- copy ends -

Issued by: First National Real Estate

For further information contact:

Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

Related articles

Filed under Media Releases Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

First National at home in regional Victoria

April 16, 2012 1 Comment

Media Release: 16 April 2012

First National Real Estate today announced it is official partner of the 2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo, testimony to its commitment to the communities in which its estate agents work and live.

The 2012 Regional Victoria Living Expo aims to bring regional and rural Victoria to Melbourne to showcase the business, lifestyle and cultural riches country Victoria has to offer.

“Country or rural living offers many lifestyle benefits for people and, increasingly, Melburnians are seeking those out,” First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis said.

“We have 83 offices throughout Victoria, with more than half, 47 in fact, located in regional areas, so it is only fitting that we support these communities by highlighting to city-dwellers their many prospects and opportunities.”

Mr Ellis said that the trend for ‘city folk’ to relocate to, or find business and investment opportunities in the country had been growing, especially in recent years, and the Expo is an ideal opportunity for them to find out all about regional Victoria and what it has to offer.

“It can often be daunting for someone looking to purchase a property in the country to find the right area offering the right mix of business, lifestyle, cultural and recreational living,” Mr Ellis said.

“It can also be nerve-racking to make their decision when they are not sure of the area or where the growth opportunities lie.  This is why an Expo like this has been sorely needed for some time.

“Our members are very excited by the Expo because it provides a real opportunity for them to reinforce their commitment to their communities and gives them a chance to show off what they can do for their customers.”

-       copy ends –

For more information concerning the expo, visit http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/expo

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

Filed under Media Releases Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Online scammers, a real threat for renters

April 10, 2012 Leave a comment

Media Release – 10 April 2012

First National Real Estate says the web was a great place to find rental properties or student accommodation, but warns renters to watch out for online scammers.

“Prospective tenants keen to find accommodation in the current tight rental market are increasingly being targeted by dishonest people seeking to take advantage of their circumstances,” First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis, said.

“Rents are escalating, vacancy rates are low and many people who rent often are forced to do so, either because they are still studying or are simply unable to afford to purchase a property outright.

“This makes it especially disconcerting that they would fall prey to greedy scammers who want to feed off others like parasites.”

There are a number of common scams in the market according to First National, but they can easily be avoided.

“Scammers pose as landlords using community websites and say you can’t meet with them to view the property for various reasons. Often they say they are overseas, then demand a payment to secure the keys to inspect a rental property that is always underpriced and seems too good to be true, which usually means it is,” Mr Ellis said.

“They ask that the money be sent via money transfer, even though you have yet to set eyes on the property in person, let alone view or inspect it.

“Once the money is sent out of Australia by wire transfer, it’s gone and so is the property and the scammer.”

Mr Ellis said there were some simple rules to follow to avoid being taken advantage of, the first one being to use the services of a reputable third party such as a real estate agency.

“Going through an agency means you are dealing directly with the landlord’s official representative. If you can’t rent from a real estate agency and must deal with the landlord online, make sure you do not pay any money to gain access to the property for an inspection, and, make certain the landlord intends to comply with your state’s rental legislation. If you’re unsure about anything, contact and agent or the Real Estate Institute of your state’.

According to Mr Ellis, the other simple ways to avoid a rental scam are to:-

  • Never wire money
  • Always meet the landlord or property manager in person before signing any rental documents
  • Even if you are overseas, contact a reputable third party, such as a friend or an agent if you don’t know of anyone in the area, and ask them to view the property on your behalf
  • Never give out bank account information or personal details, especially over the phone or online
  • Do a web search of the landlord’s name to see if there is any other available information on the person.

Mr Ellis advised potential renters to watch out for properties where:

  • the rental amount is unusually low, compared to similar properties in the same area
  • the landlord is unable to show you the property
  • they request payment via wiring, cashier’s check, money order, escrow service, Western Union or MoneyGram,
  • rental applications or reference checks are not requested, and
  • email is from a free email provider such as yahoo, gmail, Hotmail, etc.

“Another dead giveaway is a lot of spelling mistakes in their email communications, the grammar is not good, or, there is an excessive use of capitalisation,” Mr Ellis said.

-       copy ends –

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

Filed under Media Releases Tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

← Older posts

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 2,839 other followers