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 , , , , , , , , , ,

Rookies Vie for Top Prize

May 18, 2012 Leave a comment

First National Real Estate’s annual Convention is to be the arena for a battle royale next week, when state-named Rookies of the Year battle it out for the national Award.

“Each of these agents have excelled over the last 12 months, the first year they have been with the network, and they were automatically in the running once they won their state award,” First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis, said.

“They are all deserving of the national title, having worked hard to earn their recognition, and it is through their dedication and commitment that we, as a network, are able to remain at the forefront of our industry going from strength to strength every year.”

According to the nominees, one of the best things they have found working with the First National network is the support they are provided with.

“I’ve found the company very supportive.  The network makes it easy to do the simple things well.  The technology compared to other agencies and networks is unparalleled,” Queensland winner, Brenton Faulknau said.

“I’m a big fan of good and regular training so the quarterly training days with quality trainers provided held in our town are fantastic,” NSW nominee, Greg Ward, said.

“First National offers great IT support for my role, and it’s a great office to work at with great people which makes the working day so much better,” WA Rookie of the Year, Bruce McDonald, said.

Sarah Burton, South Australia’s Rookie of the Year representative, said First National was “fantastic and a well-established corporate network which combines local knowledge with national strength.”

“Plus, they are backed by industry leading marketing systems, technology and quality standards.”

But, for Sarah, the best part of working with the network is that you are a member of a community.

“They provide fantastic sales support and give us the opportunity meet, learn and network with fellow colleagues at the SA/NT Quarterly awards.  Here we are able to attend development training to keep up to date and identify opportunities for improvement,” Sarah said.

“Being part of this ever developing community would be one of the best parts of working with First National.

“Development training offered at award functions and the chance to grow and expand our knowledge of the industry with up to date technology, including programs such as Utopia provides tremendous support to us in our role as agents.”

Jamie Maynard, winner of Victoria’s Rookie of the Year, said the best part of working with First National is the ‘great team environment.”  What he finds most supportive for his role is the fact First National is “a great brand, well-known by everybody in the community.”

- copy ends -

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

Filed under Network News 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 , , , , , , , , , ,

Commercial outlook positive but dual speed prevails

May 2, 2012 Leave a comment

First National Real Estate was represented at the Financial Review Commercial Conference in Sydney, last month, where industry experts spoke about the generally positive outlook for the commercial sector.

2012 is the third year of recovery since the GFC and, although sentiment is still a little fragile, there is definite growth in demand, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.

However, it’s also said that foreign investment dollars would flood into the Australian commercial property market if the Australian dollar fell significantly.

Despite the current exchange rate, investors from Germany, other parts of Europe, Canada, Singapore and elsewhere in Asia are particularly active and most residential tower sites sold in Melbourne over the past year were bought by Asian developers.

International investors are more confident in the Australian economy than domestic investors; they’re still finding it difficult to source finance and lack confidence in the government.

Our local banks are vulnerable to shocks from Europe because of their dependence on wholesale capital markets. This presents a real risk to the Australian commercial real estate market. Fortunately, China-led commodities demand should continue in the short to medium term and this will shape Australia’s real estate markets.

Headwinds may be coming for the Victorian office market, which is more likely to suffer the effects of weakened traditional office occupying businesses. On the other hand, strengthening demand in resource markets is positively affecting Perth.

Filed under Network News Tagged with , , , , , , ,

We’re sorry to see you go

March 27, 2012 Leave a comment

Monika Lydamore & Scott Hawkins

Our wonderful Member Services Managers, Monika Lydamore and Scott Hawkins are leaving us next week to pursue a new venture together.

Here they are at their last Zone Meeting in Sydney’s Hills Zone. We wish them the very best of luck and, along with our members, will miss them.

Great news is we have some exceptional candidates, just about ready to step into the big shoes they will leave.

Filed under Network News Tagged with ,

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.

- copy ends -

Issued by: First National Real Estate

For further information Garry Nash, Principal, First National Real Estate Garry Nash on 03 5722 2663.

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

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.

- copy ends -

Issued by: First National Real Estate

For further information Mike Gray, Principal, First National Real Estate Nerang on 07 5596 0055.

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

First National agent awarded $100,000 in damages

March 14, 2012 Leave a comment

Lëtzebuergesch: Schëld Alice Springs

Image via Wikipedia

SOURCE: Northern Territory News, 7 March

An Alice Springs real estate agent has successfully sued a Territory newspaper for defamation and has won $100,000 in damages.

First National Real Estate Framptons director David Forrest lodged a defamation claim in the NT Supreme Court against Alice Springs News editor Erwin Chianda.

Mr Forrest claimed Mr Chlanda defamed him in an article that suggested the agent should be stood aside from his position in the Real Estate Institute of the NT and had engaged in fraudulent behaviour as principal of his agency.

The article said Mr Forrest was the subject of a fraud investigation and an NT Government Agents Licensing Board inquiry directly before the sentence “The probes follow the collapse of Carey Builders.” The company left homebuyers out of pocket.

Randal Carey was criminally charged, and convicted, for building houses while being unregistered.

Mr Forrest claimed the article indicated he deserved to be stood down. Mr Chianda took no steps to verify those suspicions by checking with the police because of his behaviour as principal and his “connection” with Carey Builders.

Mr Chianda claimed it was an honest opinion a defence under the Defamation Act.

Justice Judith Kelly found the article was not based on material that was “substantially true” a requirement under the defence.

She said: “The article does not distinguish between suspicions, allegations and proven facts.

“Mr Chianda took no steps to verify those suspicions by checking with the police.” Justice Kelly found a sum of $100,000 was sufficient to “vindicate” Mr Forrest’s reputation.

Related articles

Filed under Network News Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

First National CEO talks market outlook with Finance News Network

February 29, 2012 Leave a comment

First National Real Estate Chief Executive, Ray Ellis recently discussed the 2012 Australian property market outlook with Finance News Network. Watch the full interview here.

Filed under Interviews, Market Updates, Network News Tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

← Older posts

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 2,839 other followers