Network and industry
Countdown to Kuala Lumpur
With just days to go before over 380 delegates depart for the autumn warmth of Kuala Lumpur, it’s time to re-check your Convention eBook to make sure you have everything you’ll need.
With most members arriving on Sunday night, there are no formal events to attend and no registration is required. Just settle in, grab some dinner, explore the hotel and we’ll see you on Monday morning at 9:15 am for our opening in the Grand Ballroom, unless of course you’re up for some Tai Chi in the park beforehand. In that case, we’ll see you at 7:00 am in the hotel lobby.
See you in Kuala Lumpur and safe travels.
Agents to be tasked with reporting suspicious activity
Real estate agents will be tasked with reporting suspicious activity to crack down on money laundering through the property market under planned reforms.
The Attorney-General’s Department has commenced the second stage of consultation on the tranche 2 reforms which affect lawyers, accountants, real estate agents and dealers in precious metals and stones, with the prevalence of dirty money flowing into the property market a particular area of concern.
It is said that Chinese interests alone laundered more than $1 billion through Australian real estate transactions in 2020.
The current proposal includes extending due diligence and reporting duties to anyone who represents sellers in a real property transaction, facilitates auctions or acts as an auctioneer, introduces a buyer to a property or acts as a buyer’s agent or developer.
Agents may soon be required to do due diligence to be satisfied they know the identity of their customers and report any suspicious activity during a sale. This might include if the buyer seems uninterested in the property price, wants to pay a large deposit in cash, purchases without viewing, or quickly cycles through buying and selling, among other red flags.
Submissions for this phase of the reforms will close on 13 June 2024. Have your say here…
'Advance to Go' New Zealand Convention
Our Kiwi compatriots gathered recently for their annual convention and GEM Awards in New Plymouth, which this year was Monopoly themed. Throughout the event, agents negotiated swaps of Monopoly cards to achieve a matching set for a chance to win prizes.
A formidable selection of speakers included highlights such as a presentation on social media from one of New Zealand’s largest broadcasters, Justin Smith; a chilling address on personal safety from Phil Thompson of Protect, a hilarious presentation on connecting with people from one of New Zealand’s most recognisable media personalities, Jason Gunn, an informative update on Artificial Intelligence from Elite Agent’s Samantha McLean, and an almost impossibly entertaining address on financial literacy from Hannah McQueen from enable.me.
During the awards dinner, the inaugural John Powell Memorial Award was presented by Jill Powell to Ann Crossley of FN Rotorua, who has celebrated her 35th year in the real estate industry this year.
Australian Chair, Rob Westwood and Australian Chief Executive, David Edwards attended the event, which featured expert market analysis by Ashley Church.
Vale David Haggarty
First National’s membership was very sorry to receive news that longterm former New South Wales member and Regional Councillor, David Haggarty had passed away at the age of 77.
As the founder of an independent estate agency which was later to become FN David Haggarty (Maitland, NSW) in 1987, David was a thoroughly engaged member who dedicated many hours to the advancement of First National through NSW Regional Council.
David was a kind and caring man who created a legacy that is today faithfully continued by Mick and Alex Haggarty and their wonderful team as FN Maitland.
A service for David was conducted at 11am Tuesday 7th May at St Peter’s Anglican Church in East Maitland.
2023 Annual Report
First National Real Estate has this year delivered its annual report in a digital format, achieving substantial savings on print and postage in the process. Click the image to read.
An iPhone feature that could save your life
Do you and your team use iPhones?
If the answer is yes, then please make sure everybody has configured the emergency call feature and knows how to use it if they find themselves in an unsafe situation.
In an emergency, you can secretly trigger a call to emergency services by reaching into your pocket and pressing the power button 5 times quickly.
Doing so starts a 10 second countdown before your phone silently alerts emergency services to your GPS location and sends a text message to up to 5 emergency contacts listed in your phone contacts directory.
To configure your phone correctly:
- Go to settings and select 'Emergency SOS'
- Turn on 'Call with Hold and Release'
- Turn on 'Call with 5 Button Presses'
- Turn on 'Call Quietly'
- Select 'Edit Emergency Contacts in Health'
- Choose who of your friends should be contacted
Save the date
Digital workshop demystifies content creation
While FN Social Express is your friend when it comes to providing a consistent stream of on-brand social media content, we all know agencies need to create locally relevant content if they want to build an audience.
Stephen Toms completed another of his entertaining workshops in Parramatta (NSW), with a group of First National delegates who are now primed to produce content that engages their local community.
Brisbane, we’ve got one final Digital Workshop scheduled for you on 25 June. Don’t miss out!
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