First National Real Estate Membership – We put you first.

March 15, 2012 1 Comment

Click here for more information about First National membership.

We have created an environment and business model that fosters the genuine sharing of ideas, values the management input of our membership, enables flexibility and delivers powerful, relevant products and services.

Crisp new branding has revitalised long-standing consumer appeal, broadening demographic reach and more accurately reflecting our industry leadership in real estate services and technology. Early adoption of mobile applications has assured First National members maintain their lead over competitors with some of the most sophisticated tools available.

However, despite the renaissance that has taken place at First National in recent years, we remain true to the fundamental business model founded by real estate agents 30 years ago. Our Board of Directors continues to comprise member agents who direct the network on behalf of its many stakeholders.

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Millionaires buy up bush retreats

March 12, 2012 1 Comment

English: Mountain Ash and Ferns in Sherbrooke ...

Image via Wikipedia

SOURCE: Free Press Leader, 07 March 2012

The Dandenongs are fast becoming a magnet for cashed-up families looking for lifestyle change, with some properties selling for well over $1 million.

A property in Kallista sold on Saturday, February 25, for $1.2 million to a family from the eastern suburbs.

Ranges First National director Rik Rushton said the Ridge Rd property had four bedrooms, three bathrooms, shed and a workshop and had been completely rebuilt over the past 18 months.

“The number of million-dollar sales are increasing each year as more inner-city and interstate buyers make the lifestyle change that our area is renowned for,” Mr Rushton said.

Mr Rushton said his agency last December sold a 2.4ha property on Sennitts Rd, The Patch, for $1.36 million to a local family.

He said there was a strong trend from inner-city buyers who saw the Dandenongs as a pristine environment that was now well within reach of the CBD.

“With the improvements made with road links, buyers find their dollar buys them a quality property where space abounds,” Mr Rushton said.

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Warragul makes top 100 for growth

March 8, 2012 1 Comment

First National Clark Director, Peter Clark

Residents of the regional Victorian township of Warragul will be delighted to learn that their town made the top 100 list of places experiencing the biggest increase in median prices last year.

In 2010, Warragul’s middle market price was $283,993, but this increased by 8.2 per cent to $307,341 over the course of 2011.

First National Real Estate Clark’s principal, Peter Clark says he’s not surprised, considering the lifestyle benefits and close proximity to Melbourne.

‘What the RP Data top 100 list reveals is that there’s a population shift underway from capital cities to outer ring suburbs and regional areas. Prestige suburbs hardly rated a mention in the list that highlighted areas where property values grew the most.

‘While 41 Melbourne suburbs experienced higher than national average growth in house prices in 2010, only two suburbs were represented in 2011’ said Mr Clark.

Throughout Australia, it was generally areas associated with mining, infrastructure and building activity that fuelled leaps in property values. However, regions with good access to capital cities and well-developed local infrastructure are rising in appeal.

First National Real Estate has monitored a lift in buyer enquiry throughout regional areas in recent years, developing its focus on the ‘Lifestyle’ segment of the marketplace which seeks to cater to the needs of former city residents looking for more space, a community connection and the opportunity to take advantage of all that that offers.

‘Our network has just today announced its official sponsorship of the Regional Victoria Living Expo which takes place at Melbourne’s Convention Centre between 27 and 29 April this year’ said Mr Clark.

‘This sponsorship underlines our commitment to the communities in which our agents work and live. We have 83 offices throughout regional Victoria and our agents are working hard to address the specific types of questions and concerns Melburnians have when they are contemplating a move to the country.

‘We don’t expect this trend to slow either. As cities become more congested and living costs rise, people will increasingly look to the better value offered by regional Victoria.’

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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.

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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.

- copy ends -

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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What’s the best way to handle utility connections when you move?

February 23, 2012 Leave a comment

Did you know that the average time it takes to disconnect the average home’s utilities and reconnect them at your new address is nearly six hours?

Who has that sort of spare time when they’re in the middle of moving?

It would be great if it were only the water, electricity and gas you had to contend with. However, these days there’s usually also the phone, pay TV and Internet that all need to be disconnected and then re-connected. That means dealing with tedious call centres, waiting in time-consuming queues, and usually having to put up with providers trying to upsell you to different products from the one’s you’re using.

First National agents recognise that you need help and we have the ideal solution. One phone call to Direct Connect will see all your utilities transferred to your new address expertly and efficiently.

Direct Connect will even let you know if there’s a better deal for you if you want them to. They keep you informed and you can spend your valuable time looking after the unpacking, the kids and getting set up.

Just ask your First National property manager for the details.

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Men are from the garage; Women the kitchen…

February 17, 2012 Leave a comment

Women believe they put more importance on the kitchen when hunting for a home compared to men, First National Real Estate’s survey of women and property shows.

As well, women feel the bathroom and the size and number of bedrooms are a higher priority for them than men when buying a home. Women are also more likely to rate proximity to friends and family as extremely or very important. But expect men to be checking whether a home has a garage or a workshop – more men than women say these would be a priority when buying a home:

The survey, of 1,207 Australians (603 male and 604 female), looked at key factors influencing home purchase decisions as well as differences between men and women. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of a range of features that would influence their selection of a home. Overall:

  • 73 per cent said having a garage would be extremely or very important;
  • 71 per cent said the quality of the kitchen; the home having water saving systems or equipment, such as a grey water recycling system or rain water tank, was considered extremely or very important by 67 per cent of respondents;
  • 65 per cent said the quality of the bathroom; and
  • 56 per cent said a low maintenance garden or courtyard.
  • At the bottom of the list were: the home having good potential to improve or renovate (38 per cent), proximity to friends and family (36 per cent) and the home having a security alarm system (31 per cent).

But when couples were asked what things they believe they would prioritise more than their partner, clear gender differences emerged.

  • Far more women (28 per cent) placed a greater emphasis on the kitchen than men (three per cent);
  • Women also said they would place a greater emphasis on the bathroom – 17 per cent compared to two per cent of men);
  • 10 per cent of men said the garage or the size of the garage would be a priority, compared to four per cent of women and the same number nominated a shed or a workshop, compared to only one per cent of women;
  • 43 per cent of women compared to only 28 per cent of men said proximity to friends and family is an extremely or very important factor and 46 per cent said proximity to where people in the household work was extremely or very important, compared to 36 per cent of men;
  • Women seem more environmentally aware than men – 72 per cent said water saving systems would be an important feature, compared to 63 per cent of men.

And despite becoming an important buying power in the property market, some women say they are still discriminated against. Thirty four per cent of female home owners said they had experienced gender discrimination from tradespeople around the home and 25 per cent said they had experienced it from real estate agents. Only 11 per cent said they had been discriminated against by their mortgage lender.

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Should you invest in Australian property?

February 14, 2012 Leave a comment

Consider these statistics...

The decision to rent or buy is always a big one. The traditional strategy of buying a first house and then moving up to the ideal home as your income and equity grows is fast being replaced by the initial purchase of an investment property. However, the alternative of renting indefinitely while you save to buy is becoming equally difficult because of escalating rents and an historic squeeze on vacancies.

If you’ve wondered whether you’re ahead by renting or better off buying, consider these statistics.

  • The median net wealth of a renting household is $55,265 whereas homeowners have nine times as much – $487,183
  • Renters comprise 28.7 per cent of the nation’s households but have only 6.3 per cent of the nation’s wealth
  • Australians who own their home are worth 13 times more than renters – $734,394

So, despite arguments to the contrary that emerge from time to time, real estate ownership has made the average Australian second only to Swiss residents as the wealthiest in the world.

So how do you take the step from renting to buying your first home?

  1. Approach the market with a sound five-year plan. Get into the market, pay down the mortgage, and establish equity in the home as a basis for long-term financial security and flexibility.
  2. Budget for extras. As well as a solid deposit, have money set aside to cover insurance, routine maintenance costs and to meet mortgage payments for several months if something goes wrong.
  3. Don’t worry about the market. Your focus should be on building a deposit while looking for the property that matches your lifestyle and budget.
  4. Compromise. Your perfect home is likely to be out of reach for now, so focus on hunting down a property that has solid real estate attributes – good location, off-street parking, security, quality finishes and proximity to restaurants and transport. Choose something that will suit your needs for the next five years or so while you build up equity and prepare for the next phase of home ownership.

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Renting the family home; Should it be treated differently?

February 14, 2012 Leave a comment

Treat the family home as though it were a normal investment

We’re all emotionally attached to the family home so making the decision to rent it out can be fraught with difficulty for some.  Letting go can sometimes be a hard thing to do but homeowners across the board need to treat their home just as they would an investment bought specifically for rental purposes.

Even though it’s your private residence, you’re now the landlord so you should consider having the property professionally cleaned to set the standard as well as future expectations for the incoming tenant.

Landlords who demonstrate their personal high standard of cleanliness usually find their tenants respect the property, returning it in the same condition when they leave.

This also applies to the condition of the interior and exterior of the home. Setting a high standard of living and comfort can make all the difference because the longer a tenant stays, the less wear & tear on the property.

Your Property Manager can put you in contact with professional cleaners and qualified tradespeople and can even arrange quotes in most cases.

Ultimately, renting your family home shouldn’t cause any great concern. Properly prepared and presented, then managed carefully by First National Real Estate, you can expect to attract tenants who’ll care for it as much as you do.

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Renting With Pets, Think Again…

February 3, 2012 1 Comment

You own an investment property and you’re wondering whether you should consider applications from tenants with pets.

Conventional wisdom and maybe even your property manager’s advice suggests you might want to think twice about that. Obviously there’s the potential for damaged carpet as a result of small accidents, marked walls or garden damage. But is that really any different from the normal wear and tear of renting to people without pets?

New research suggests perhaps not.

Responsible pet owners typically work hard to ensure their pets don’t annoy neighbours and don’t do damage to their rental property. They know that one black mark against their name means it may be much more difficult to rent in future, or worse, they may have to surrender their pet to be euthanised, if they can’t find a suitable property.

The research also shows that tenants with pets pay and average $25 to $35 dollars more per week for their property.

Naturally, as with all rental applicants, good pet references are essential. Your property manager may also ask that your tenants sign an annexure to their lease, clearly spelling out expectations and requirements such as having carpets steam cleaned when the property is vacated.

As a landlord, the choice remains yours but allowing your property manager to consider applications from prospective tenants with good references expands your pool of potential customers. Anecdotal evidence also suggests tenants with pets rent for longer periods, reducing the wear and tear that occurs when people move in and out, and, lifting your annual net return.

First National Real Estate offers a ‘Pet Friendly Rental Search’ on its national and member websites. Prospective tenants simply tick the ‘Pet Friendly’ box when searching for property to instantly separate properties that are an option for them.

Even though vacancy rates are at very low levels and many landlords experience no difficulty finding good tenants for their properties, renting to a responsible tenant with a pet may see your investment leased for a longer period, at a higher rate, and that’s well worth thinking twice about!

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