New homes to drive property market

March 28, 2012 Leave a comment

Media Release – 27 March 2012

A solution to Australia’s sluggish start to the property market for 2012 may rest with the New Homes Building sector says First National Real Estate, especially if associated regulatory and government taxes were reduced.

“New home building is a key barometer for the health of the domestic economy and can often drive first home buyer activity,” Mr Ray Ellis, CEO, First National Real Estate said.

“But the disappointingly weak start for new home sales early this year, indicate low interest rates are not enough to sustain improvements in new home building conditions and something more needs to be done at the policy level.”

An industry report released in February this year showed a decline of 7.3 per cent in seasonally adjusted new home sales in January, with Victoria experiencing the sharpest decline of 19.6 per cent.

“The report also showed a decline in detached house sales for NSW and SA as well, which further weakened results, but strengthened the case for government action,” Mr Ellis said.

According to Mr Ellis, a real opportunity exists for governments to set the new home building agenda and look at policy reform that will reduce new home building taxes.

“Up until now, both state and federal governments have relied on Victoria to prop up this segment of the Australian market, but the results show they can no longer do that.  It is up to governments to show leadership and do something,” Mr Ellis said.

“Policy reform, especially reducing taxes and costs for home building would have a multiplier effect.  It would attract people in a financial position to build a new home, and have the knock on effect of increasing economic activity through jobs and sales activity.

“Everyone’s a winner, so why can’t we build more new homes?”

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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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Victorian and Tasmanian First National Agents celebrate their outstanding achievements

March 26, 2012 Leave a comment

First National Real Estate announced its Victorian/Tasmanian General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) Award winners on Saturday night during an elegant Spanish Fiesta themed dinner held at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne.

The Awards recognise the network’s best performers in Victoria and Tasmania over the past 12 months which, says State Chairman Mr Garry Nash, 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 Nash 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 Tweed Sutherland, Bendigo  as Sales Office of the             Year
  • First National Real Estate Collie & Tierney (Mildura)
  • First National Real Estate King & Heath (Bairnsdale)
  • First National Real Estate Garry Nash (Wangaratta)
  • First National Real Estate LaTrobe (Traralgon)
  • First National Real Estate Neilson Partners (Berwick)
  • First National Real Estate Dawes & Milne (Frankston)
  • First National Real Estate Clark (Warragul)
  • First National Real Estate Westwood (Werribee)
  • First National Real Estate Finning (Cranbourne)

First National Real Estate McGregor (Moonah) was named the Tasmanian Property Management Office of the Year, First National Real Estate City Residential (Melbourne) was named the Victorian Property Management Office of the Year , First National Real Estate Clark (Warragul) was named Foundation Office of the Year and First National Real Estate Taylors (Newtown) was afforded the accolade of Most Energy Efficient Office of the Year.

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

  • Rob Westwood, First National Real Estate Westwood (Werribee)

(Salesperson of the Year)

  • Matt Leonard and Darryn O’Keefe, First National Real Estate Tweed Sutherland             (Bendigo)
  • Andrew Milne, First National Real Estate Dawes & Milne (Frankston)
  • Frank Barrett, First National Real Estate Finning (Cranbourne)
  • Joan Carter, First National Real Estate King & Heath (Paynesville)
  • Andrew Kerr, Neil Kerr First National (Cobram)
  • Debby Kelly, First National Real Estate King & Heath (Bairnsdale)
  • Anthony Rabl and Peter Clark, First National Real Estate Clark (Warragul)

Rose Pearson from First National Real Estate Tweed Sutherland (Bendigo) was named Property Manager of the Year while Ming Kok from First National Real Estate Lindellas (Box Hill) and Jamie Maynard from First National Real Estate Wodonga were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year respectively.

Kirsty Little from First National Real Estate L J Whorlow (Sunbury) ande Dusk Wright from First National Real Estate Clark (Warragul) were dual winners of the Administrator of the Year title and Cathryn Margaret Bird from First National Real Estate Taylor (Newtown) was named Receptionist of the Year.

Mr Nash 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 Nash 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 Garry Nash, Principal, First National Real Estate Garry Nash on 03 5722 2663.

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Queensland Gems sparkle at Sofitel awards dinner

March 19, 2012 Leave a comment

Some of the top award winners at the Sofitel

MEDIA RELEASE: 19 March 2012

First National Real Estate announced its Queensland General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) Award winners on Saturday night during an elegant St Patrick’s Day themed dinner held at the Sofitel in Brisbane.

The Awards recognise the network’s best performers in Queensland over the past 12 months which, says State Chairman Mr Mike Gray, 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 Gray 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 Commercial Gold Coast (Sales Office of the Year)
  • First National Real Estate Surfers Paradise
  • First National Real Estate Metro (South Brisbane)
  • First National Real Estate Nerang
  • First National Real Estate Commercial Brisbane CBD
  • First National Real EstateToowoomba
  • First National Real Estate Paradise Point
  • First National Real Estate Rochedale
  • First National Real Estate Action Realty Ipswich
  • First National Real Estate Biloela

First National Real Estate Paradise Point was also named the Property Management Office of the Year and First National Real Estate Palm Beach was named Foundation Office of the Year for its fundraising efforts.

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

  • Jamie Bourke, First National Real Estate Commercial Gold Coast

(Salesperson of the Year)

  • Brian Baker, First National Real Estate Commercial Brisbane CBD
  • Bob Rollington, First National Real Estate Surfers Paradise
  • Ashley Waldron, First National Real Estate Paradise Point
  • Rob Rollington, First National Real Estate Surfers Paradise
  • Paul Charlton, First National Real Estate Tweed City (Tweed Heads)
  • Christine Gabriel, First National Real Estate Biloela
  • Richard Waldron, First National Real Estate Paradise Point
  • Michael Kettle, First National Real Estate Caloundra
  • Adam Dickie, First National Real Estate Dickies (Sandgate)

Diane Mann from First National Real Estate Paradise Point was named Property Manager of the Year while Jo Grammatico from First National Real Estate Commercial Gold Coast and Brenton Falknau from First National Real Estate Toowoomba were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year respectively.

Kate Campbell from First National Sarina was named Administrator of the Year and Bianca Jordan from First National Action Realty Ipswich was named Receptionist of the Year.

Mr Gray 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 Gray 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 Mike Gray, Principal, First National Real Estate Nerang on 07 5596 0055.

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Trends in property – What’s App-propriate

March 16, 2012 Leave a comment

Click here to download the First National Real Estate App

Media Release – 16 March 2012

First National Real Estate says there will be a stronger focus on technology for the property market this year, but cautions buyers and sellers to make sure they know the most app-ropriate ones that are fit for their purposes.

“We know consumers crave information because it gives them power, control and improved certainty over their purchase decisions,” Mr Ray Ellis, CEO, First National Real Estate said.

“So, the more information we provide, the better our service delivery. That’s why we have worked so hard, as a network, to stay at the forefront of technology in our industry and to ensure we provide the public with what best suits their needs.”

Mr Ellis says one technological advancement set to revolutionise the way consumers access real estate information is the Point-Know-Buy (PKB) trend.

“PKB will reshape consumers’ information expectations, search behaviour and purchasing patterns,” Mr Ellis said.

“Which is why it is crucial they understand how it works whether they are interested in buying or selling property.”

PKB enables consumers to access information about objects they encounter in the real world while on the go, simply by pointing their smartphone or similar device at anything they are interested in.

“What PKB does is effectively links images to any available information about that picture,” Mr Ellis said.

“Which means a buyer can be out and about, perhaps at a display home or open house, point at a prospective piece of real estate and access any available information about it just by pointing their phone.

“No more sitting for hours in front of a computer looking for that ideal house, or being limited to receiving information based on matching words for search engine optimisation or how well you describe something.

“The information will be at their fingertips and instantly accessible, making it much more efficient and convenient for house hunters.”

First National Real Estate already uses mobile technology to its fullest advantage through various Apps which give consumers control.

“We can instantly add a customer’s wish list to our database which will highlight properties that are suitable matches,” Mr Ellis said.

“We can also demonstrate to home sellers the impact on the number of potential buyers if a selling price is too high. Our mobile Apps allow our agents to demonstrate, using a sliding scale, how many buyers are waiting on our database for their home, based on their asking price.

“Mobile Apps also allow us to offer superior property management services for both landlords and tenants through an application that adds a tenant to our database at inspections and another one that enables us to provide a much more thorough and efficient condition reporting tool for landlords.”

The coming 12 months is expected to see a full-blown expansion of technology, especially PKB, and First National is advising consumers to make sure they are up to date with all the latest breakthroughs so they can use the one most app-ropriate for their needs.

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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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Ringwood (Victoria) agent wins Tan participation prize

March 16, 2012 Leave a comment

Sean Hines (Member Services Manager) congratulates David van den BovenKamp

After weeks of practice runs and general preparations, a team from First National Real Estate participated in the ‘Go The Tan’ fundraising run in February.

The First National Real Estate network encouraged its metro Melbourne members as well as corporate staff to enter ‘Go The Tan’, offering a $2,000 marketing package as a prize for the First National staff member who completed the circuit in the fastest time.

David van den BovenKamp from First National Treeby completed the 3.87 km track surrounding Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens with a time of 17 minutes and 18 seconds.

‘Friedreich’s Ataxia is a fatal degenerative neurological disease and the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Foundation plays an vital role in funding research. Anything our agents can do to help raise awareness of the disease as well as funds for the Foundation’s important work must be supported’ said First National’s Chief Executive, Ray Ellis.

‘I congratulate both David van den BovenKamp and the enthusiastic team of participants from First National Treeby for their great teamwork and support of the Foundation’

This year’s Go The Tan event attracted celebrities, politicians, the entire Collingwood football team, and many thousands of Melbourne locals.

First National Real Estate was prominently represented with serious running competitors and quite a few walkers in the fun filled event.

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Issued by: First National Real Estate Treeby

For further information Tim Treeby, Principal from First National Real Estate Treeby on (03) 9879 4422

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Local Gems Sparkle at Awards Dinner

March 13, 2012 Leave a comment

Media Release – 13 March 2012

First National Real Estate announced its WA General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) Award winners on Saturday night during a fire-and-ice themed dinner held at the Hyatt Regency in Perth.

The Awards recognised the network’s best performers in WA over the past 12 months which, says State Chairman Mr Cambell Giles, 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 Giles 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 Hedand, Port Hedland (Sales Office of the Year)
  • First National Real Estate Tully, South Lake
  • First National Real Estate Margaret River
  • First National Real Estate Druitt & Shead (Doubleview)
  • First National Real Estate Broome
  • First National Real Estate Busselton
  • First National Real Estate Mercer Harries (Pinjarra)
  • First National Real Estate Kalgoorlie
  • First National Real Estate Giles Jones (Midland)
  • First National Real Estate Geraldton

First National Real Estate Mandurah was named the Property Management Office of the Year.

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

  • Serge Doumergue, First National Real Estate, Hedland, Port Hedland

(Salesperson of the Year)

  • Rick Hockey, First National Real Estate Hedland, Port Hedland
  • Rob Druitt, First National Real Estate Druitt & Shead, Doubleview
  • Soulla Semple, First National Real Estate Tully, South Lake
  • Jason Cooper, First National Real Estate Busselton
  • George Correia, First National Real Estate Tully, South Lake
  • Jenny Gauci, First National Real Estate Heron Johns, Bull Creek
  • Wayne Bacich, First National Real Estate Giles Jones, Midland
  • Bruce McDonald, First National Real Estate Hedland, Port Hedland
  • Norm Sharp, First National Real Estate Kalgoorlie

Danii Fissioli from First National Real Estate Mandurah was named Property Manager of the Year while Stephanie Soroka from First National Real Estate Tully (South Lake) and Bruce McDonald from First National Real Estate Hedland (Port Hedland) were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year respectively.

Mr Giles 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 Giles 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 Cambell Giles, Principal, First National Real Estate Giles Jones on 08 9274 5033.

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First National urges government to lead

March 2, 2012 1 Comment

Chief Executive, Ray Ellis

Media Release – 2 March 2012

Now that the ‘politics’ of politics are all but settled, First National Real Estate is calling on the government to start focusing on the real issues at hand – namely property and getting Australia going again.

First National Real Estate’s CEO, Mr Ray Ellis, is urging the government to take a stronger leadership role and hold banks accountable for their independent actions on interest rates, to ensure they act more responsibly when the next decision is handed down.

“The recent move by the major banks to independently raise interest rates at a time when restraint was required was very disappointing, and the real estate industry, as well as mortgage-holders, are looking to the government to reign in the banks in some way,” Mr Ellis said.

“The market was showing strong signs of improvement and it is irresponsible of banks to raise rates when the RBA determines they should remain on hold.

“In some capital cities, auction clearance rates dropped on the weekend after the banks raised their rates and fewer properties sold at auction than for the same time last year, evidence the market was subdued following their irresponsible actions.

“This followed our agents reporting drops in listing volumes for the second month in a row, media reporting market activity across the board had picked up in January, up by 40 per cent over last January, and market conditions being good, but the banks’ actions undermined the positive progression of the market, which is only to the detriment of the Australian economy as a whole.”

Mr Ellis said while the government may have been distracted by their own ‘politics’ at the time, it is hoped they will be more attentive when the next RBA interest rate decision is made.

“Real estate is a key driver of the Australian economy, so it needs to be supported during times of uncertainty and reducing consumer confidence,” Mr Ellis said.

“It was fiscally irresponsible for the banks to behave in that manner, and we are certainly looking to both them and the government to do the right thing next time.

“We are doing our bit to provide a supportive environment by offering financial incentives and competitions for our customers and putting them first, and all we are asking is that the government makes sure the banks do the same.

“It is in everyone’s best interest.  Australia will be better for it, home buyers and sellers will be better for it and in the long run, so will the banks.  It is a proven fact that consumers will remain loyal to businesses that support them during tough times.”

Mr Ellis also encouraged mortgage seekers or holders to use their influence and remind the banks how important their patronage is.

“Banks are all vying for the mortgage dollar and are on record as saying they will negotiate on rates to retain their share of the market – buyers and mortgage holders are in a position to make them keep to their word.

“It’s a basic premise that when the banks do the right thing by their customers at times that count, their customers, in turn, will do the right thing by them.”

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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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$50,000 Cash Drop competition starts today

March 1, 2012 Leave a comment

Contact your local First National member for details

Media release: 1 March 2012

First National Real Estate is offering customers the opportunity to win a share of $50,000 cash in its ‘$50,000 Cash Drop’ competition starting today.

“All you need to do is buy or sell a house through us, rent a property, or ask us to manage your investment property and we’ll automatically enter you in the competition” Ray Ellis, First National CEO said.

The competition runs between 1 March and 31 August 2012 and because the prizes are cash, customers will be free to do whatever they wish with their winnings.

“We’re very excited to be able to offer First National customers this opportunity for the next six months” said Mr Ellis.

“One lucky homeowner, tenant or landlord is going to get a very nice surprise come September”.

Visit our competitions website for more details.

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First National MobileMuster Support Rewarded

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

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Local Gems Sparkle at SA/NT Awards Dinner

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:

  1. First National Real Estate O’Donoghues, Darwin (Sales Office of the Year)
  2. First National Real Estate Pope Nitschke, Mt Barker
  3. First National Real Estate Framptons, Alice Springs
  4. First National Real Estate Burton Groves, Adelaide
  5. First National Real Estate People’s Choice, Gawler
  6. First National Real Estate Riggall, Prospect
  7. First National Real Estate Lewis Prior, Warradale
  8. First National Real Estate Naracoorte
  9. First National Real Estate Michelmore, McLaren Vale
  10. First National Real Estate Broken Hill

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:

  1. Jeremy O’Donoghue, First National Real Estate, Darwin (Salesperson of the Year)
  2. Brett Lewis, First National Real Estate Lewis Prior, Warradale
  3. Jackie Smith, First National Real Estate Framptons, Alice Springs
  4. Robert Stell, First National Real Estate People’s Choice, Gawler
  5. Kerri-Ann Laurence, First National Real Estate O’Donoghues, Darwin
  6. Grant Fielke, First National Real Estate People’s Choice, Gawler
  7. Tracey Parham, First National Real Estate People’s Choice, Gawler
  8. Sharon Parsons, First National Real Estate Pope Nitschke, Mt Barker
  9. Michael Nitschke, First National Real Estate Pope Nitschke, Mt Barker
  10. Vaughn Pairman, First National Barossa, Nuriootpa

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.

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