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.”

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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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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.

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Issued by: First National Real Estate

For further information contact:

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

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What sorts of benefits can you expect when moving from a metro area to a regional location?

April 18, 2012 2 Comments

As First National is official partner of the Regional Victoria Living Expo, we’ll be taking a look at some of the reasons people move to regional areas of Australia and the types of benefits they find when they’ve completed their move. With state Governments offering incentives, what’s the buzz about and what sorts of benefits can you expect if you move from a metro area to a regional centre?

We tend to find that people relocating from metro areas are firstly surprised at how much more convenient country living really is and what it offers, not just for families, but also for retirees and working couples or individuals.

People quickly discover that day-to-day activities like trips to the supermarket or doctor are remarkably less frustrating. Even if they do have to travel a few more kilometres than they did in the city, the absence of traffic congestion and snarls often makes the journey so much faster and enjoyable. Plus, parking is usually much easier and waiting times shorter. And… people are, almost always, more welcoming.

The next most common discovery is that, contrary to popular metropolitan opinion, a social life in the country can be every bit as sophisticated as that of life in the big smoke. The reality is that when you get to the country, you’ll soon discover that you’re no pioneer. Plenty of urbanites have already found their way to the regional location of your choice and have already been enjoying the lifestyle benefits for years.

Naturally, property prices are usually much more affordable in regional locations so, whereas you may feel somewhat squeezed by your metro digs, a regionally located home is likely to gain you features you could only have dreamed of in the city.

Obviously, it’s not all a bed of roses but this post is about some of the benefits. We’ll get to some of the pitfalls and things to watch out for in future posts.

So, if you’ve been dreaming about making your big move, don’t just keep watching re-runs of ‘Escape to the Country‘. If you’re in metro Melbourne, get yourself along to the Regional Victoria Living Expo (April 27-29) and, if you’re anywhere else in Australia, post your comments or questions below and First National will do its best to provide the answers.

You can also Tweet your questions to @RealEstateCast

 

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Toddler drownings, the unfortunate truth

April 13, 2012 Leave a comment

Each year, toddlers continue to drown in backyard pools so safety must always be a First National property manager’s primary concern.

The unfortunate truth is that drowning can happen at any property if appropriate precautions aren’t taken. Royal Life Saving – the national body for water safety in Australia – campaigns hard to get all households to check their pools to ensure safety. They also send the message to local councils that pools need to be checked to ensure compliance with safety standards.

There’s no doubt, with the degree of public distress at each drowning, backyard checks and adherence to the Australian standards for pool safety will become a bigger issue over time.

Where a rental property has a pool, the managing agent holds some responsibility for the safety of the pool and the tenants. Obviously property managers cannot ensure toddler supervision, or that tenants don’t prop the pool gate open, so keeping pool safety top-of-mind is crucial.

However, agents do bear responsibility for ensuring the tenant is informed about pool safety and supervision, and that the pool surroundings and equipment meet minimum standards.

First National encourages Landlords to talk to its Property Managers, to make sure they understand the requirements and their legal responsibilities when they own and investment property with a swimming pool.

We also talk to our tenants, ensuring they understand their responsibilities with their pool. We provide clear documentation concerning what they are expected to do and what the safety requirements are.

Our property managers also regularly turn to pool professionals, such as PoolWerx, to ensure they’re fully aware of changing Australian safety standards. We recommend Poolwerx to all consumers as they can quickly let you know if your pool doesn’t meet the necessary safety criteria.

Taking action to ensure your pool is safe is vital to reducing the risk of a tragedy. By taking action today to ensure your pool is well maintained and safe, you are actively helping to reduce the incidence of drownings.

Visit www.homepoolsafety.com.au for further information and checklists or contact at First National property manager for advice.

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Faulty gas appliances can kill

April 12, 2012 2 Comments

In March 2011, a private member’s bill to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning was passed in Federal Parliament after two young boys in country Victoria died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The new regulations will come into force mid to late 2012, when legislation in all states and territories complies with the new laws. However, Landlords need to be aware they are still liable, irrespective of when the new laws take effect, as they already have a duty of care to the tenant and should ensure gas appliances are repaired in a timely manner.

First National strongly recommends that Landlords start to consider their compliance strategy to ensure tenants are not exposed to faulty appliances, nor themselves to potential negligence and/or litigation.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon Monoxide is unlike smoke and is a highly poisonous gas produced when any fossil fuel burns incompletely. It has no smell, taste or colour and is therefore very difficult to detect with human senses. The first warning symptoms that Carbon Monoxide is present in the air are usually headaches and nausea. It can leak from flues, or cooking and heating appliances when they have been poorly maintained, or when they simply break down.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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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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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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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