Capital city vacancy rates tighten

April 4, 2012 Leave a comment

Residential vacancy rates in most capital cities slipped for the second month in a row in February, with Hobart the only capital recording an increase in available rental properties of 0.2 per cent.

Data from SQM Research shows the national average fell to 1.7 per cent in February, down from 1.8 per cent in January.

Hobart is breaking the trend as vacancies increase, with rates rising from 1.0 per cent to 2.3 per cent over the past 12 months.

Melbourne still has the highest vacancy rate at three per cent, yet also witnessed the biggest monthly drop after falling 0.5 per cent. However, the Victorian capital has been oversupplied for several months. The report reads, “This may come as good news for landlords, with the city’s vacancy rate coming down to three per cent, a figure seen by SQM Research to be at equilibrium.”

Perth vacancies remained steady at a national low of 0.6 per cent. However, listings that have been advertised for three weeks or more, when compared to the total number of established rental properties, dropped by more than a hundred, from 1,084 in January to 973 in February.

However, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA), the vacancy rate of Perth was higher, at 1.6 per cent. Yet the REIWA report acknowledged this was the lowest vacancy rate experienced in Perth for more than four years.

“We particularly note conditions in Perth have now swung heavily in favour towards landlords and we are now expecting rents to rise in Perth by at least five per cent for this year,” said Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research.

Perth real estate agencies have been reporting strong demand for rental properties, with one agent in the city’s south reporting 82 separate groups of people looking at one property which was renting for $390 a week.

This follows a report from another Perth agent that a rental property attracting more than 20 interested parties, with the property renting for $20 above its original asking price.

According to SQM Research, Sydney (1.5 per cent), Adelaide (1.3 per cent) and Canberra (0.7 per cent) all dropped by 0.1 per cent on-month, while Darwin (0.7 per cent) and Brisbane (1.6 per cent) both slipped by 0.2 per cent.

Source: Real Estate Business

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Bargain buys at The Entrance

March 30, 2012 Leave a comment

The Entrance, A coastal holiday hamletAn oversupply of units and apartments has created a unique buying opportunity at The Entrance, just north of Sydney, according to local agents.

Finding an apartment to buy in the popular holiday suburb of The Entrance is not hard to come by.

Of the 166 properties for sale in the beachside town, 112 are apartments and units.

And given the huge availability, buyers are in a strong position to negotiate prices.

Philip Martin of First National The Entrance said the situation presented a great buying opportunity for savvy investors and those wanting to enter the property market.

“With the number of properties on the market, owners who have to sell are a lot more reasonable with prices,” Mr Martin said. “This is a good situation for investor buyers who can expect a rent return of around six to seven per cent.

“The high percentage of mortgagee sales over the last few years has put downward pressure on prices.

“But we are seeing the market start to recover. Compared to this time last year unit numbers are down and slowly selling off.”  Mr Martin said investors looking to cash in high rental returns and Sydneysiders securing weekend getaways were the main buyers taking advantage of the situation.

Visit First National The Entrance’s website for more information www.theentrancere.com.au

If you buy, sell, rent or lease from First National between now and 31 August, you have a chance to win a share of $50,000 in cash prizes with First National’s $50,000 Cash Drop

 

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New homes to drive property market

March 28, 2012 Leave a comment

Media Release – 27 March 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Victorian and Tasmanian First National Agents celebrate their outstanding achievements

March 26, 2012 Leave a comment

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

The Awards recognise the network’s best performers in Victoria and Tasmania over the past 12 months which, says State Chairman Mr Garry Nash, have been beyond expectation given the volatile economic and market conditions.

“Marketing and selling property effectively in a marketplace which fluctuates and turns with every wind change is a tough ask, but that is exactly what our members have been able to do,” Mr Nash said.

“I am delighted that the teamwork of our members and their staff achievements are being acknowledged through these Awards.”

On the night the Top 10 Offices in the state were named and included:

  • First National Real Estate Tweed Sutherland, Bendigo  as Sales Office of the             Year
  • First National Real Estate Collie & Tierney (Mildura)
  • First National Real Estate King & Heath (Bairnsdale)
  • First National Real Estate Garry Nash (Wangaratta)
  • First National Real Estate LaTrobe (Traralgon)
  • First National Real Estate Neilson Partners (Berwick)
  • First National Real Estate Dawes & Milne (Frankston)
  • First National Real Estate Clark (Warragul)
  • First National Real Estate Westwood (Werribee)
  • First National Real Estate Finning (Cranbourne)

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

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

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

(Salesperson of the Year)

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

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

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

Mr Nash said that with the greatly improved prospects for 2012, he hopes the year ahead will be even more rewarding for members.

“All First National members and their teams should be very proud of their efforts, knowing they have helped many clients realise their home ownership aspirations as well as contributed to the ongoing success of their respective offices and the network as a whole,” Mr Nash said.

“Personally, I am motivated by the excitement of sharing in shaping an organisation that excels at every level and continues to strive for setting industry benchmarks.”

State winners of the First National Real Estate GEM Awards will automatically be in the running for the national Awards to be held in May this year at the network’s annual National Convention.

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Issued by: First National Real Estate

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

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Queensland Gems sparkle at Sofitel awards dinner

March 19, 2012 Leave a comment

Some of the top award winners at the Sofitel

MEDIA RELEASE: 19 March 2012

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

The Awards recognise the network’s best performers in Queensland over the past 12 months which, says State Chairman Mr Mike Gray, have been beyond expectation given the volatile economic and market conditions.

“Marketing and selling property effectively in a marketplace which fluctuates and turns with every wind change is a tough ask, but that is exactly what our members have been able to do,” Mr Gray said.

“I am delighted that the teamwork of our members and their staff achievements are being acknowledged through these Awards.”

On the night the Top 10 Offices in the state were named and included:

  • First National Real Estate Commercial Gold Coast (Sales Office of the Year)
  • First National Real Estate Surfers Paradise
  • First National Real Estate Metro (South Brisbane)
  • First National Real Estate Nerang
  • First National Real Estate Commercial Brisbane CBD
  • First National Real EstateToowoomba
  • First National Real Estate Paradise Point
  • First National Real Estate Rochedale
  • First National Real Estate Action Realty Ipswich
  • First National Real Estate Biloela

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

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

  • Jamie Bourke, First National Real Estate Commercial Gold Coast

(Salesperson of the Year)

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

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

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

Mr Gray said that with the greatly improved prospects for 2012, he hopes the year ahead will be even more rewarding for members.

“All First National members and their teams should be very proud of their efforts, knowing they have helped many clients realise their home ownership aspirations as well as contributed to the ongoing success of their respective offices and the network as a whole,” Mr Gray said.

“Personally, I am motivated by the excitement of sharing in shaping an organisation that excels at every level and continues to strive for setting industry benchmarks.”

State winners of the First National Real Estate GEM Awards will automatically be in the running for the national Awards to be held in May this year at the network’s annual National Convention.

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Issued by: First National Real Estate

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

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Ringwood (Victoria) agent wins Tan participation prize

March 16, 2012 Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Issued by: First National Real Estate Treeby

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

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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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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.

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Local Gems Sparkle at Awards Dinner

March 13, 2012 Leave a comment

Media Release – 13 March 2012

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

The Awards recognised the network’s best performers in WA over the past 12 months which, says State Chairman Mr Cambell Giles, have been beyond expectation given the volatile economic and market conditions.

“Marketing and selling property effectively in a marketplace which fluctuates and turns with every wind change is a tough ask, but that is exactly what our members have been able to do,” Mr Giles said.

“I am delighted that the teamwork of our members and their staff achievements are being acknowledged through these Awards.”

On the night the Top 10 Offices in the state were named and included:

  • First National Real Estate Hedand, Port Hedland (Sales Office of the Year)
  • First National Real Estate Tully, South Lake
  • First National Real Estate Margaret River
  • First National Real Estate Druitt & Shead (Doubleview)
  • First National Real Estate Broome
  • First National Real Estate Busselton
  • First National Real Estate Mercer Harries (Pinjarra)
  • First National Real Estate Kalgoorlie
  • First National Real Estate Giles Jones (Midland)
  • First National Real Estate Geraldton

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

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

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

(Salesperson of the Year)

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

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

Mr Giles said that with the greatly improved prospects for 2012, he hopes the year ahead will be even more rewarding for members.

“All First National members and their teams should be very proud of their efforts, knowing they have helped many clients realise their home ownership aspirations as well as contributed to the ongoing success of their respective offices and the network as a whole,” Mr Giles said.

“Personally, I am motivated by the excitement of sharing in shaping an organisation that excels at every level and continues to strive for setting industry benchmarks.”

State winners of the First National Real Estate GEM Awards will automatically be in the running for the national Awards to be held in May this year at the network’s annual National Convention.

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Issued by: First National Real Estate

For further information Cambell Giles, Principal, First National Real Estate Giles Jones on 08 9274 5033.

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Millionaires buy up bush retreats

March 12, 2012 1 Comment

English: Mountain Ash and Ferns in Sherbrooke ...

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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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