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.”

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Tax Tips to Avoid Slips by Investors

May 22, 2012 Leave a comment

Media Release –22 May 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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First National says duty of all to abolish taxes

May 9, 2012 2 Comments

Media Release – 9 May 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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.

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Save energy in renovations

April 24, 2012 1 Comment

Media Release – 24 April 2012

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

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

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

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

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

General design features could include:

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

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

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What can buyers expect in terms of capital growth in regional areas?

April 19, 2012 Leave a comment

Generally speaking, regional areas do not offer startling growth rates, however, they often have their own micro economy which may have benefited from a major business relocating from a metro area, or, as a result of tourism. Some areas also benefit from being on the path of major air, road or rail links.

Also, regional property prices don’t generally  fall as fast when market conditions turn. Prices are far less elastic. The latest housing data shows that over the past 12 months, Melbourne home values fell by 5.4 per cent whereas regional areas fell by just 2.5 per cent. Having said that, it’s important to point out to our city cousins that Melbourne’s home values are still up by 45.5 per cent since the start of 2007. Victoria’s performance, by Australian property market standards, has been outstanding in recent years so it’s not surprising we’ve seen some moderation of prices over the past 12 months.

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First National at home in regional Victoria

April 16, 2012 1 Comment

Media Release: 16 April 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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