3. Media and Marketing

Rising Oil Prices, Global Tensions: What Are the Impacts for Real Estate?

👓 1 minute read

📹 7 minute video briefing

Rising oil prices are wreaking havoc with supply chains and impacts will certainly be felt across the real estate industry. 

Communications & Corporate Affairs Manager, Stewart Bunn spoke to Graeme Day of Radio 2ST (Southern Highlands and South Coast NSW) to discuss what the Middle East conflict means for homeowners, landlords, first homebuyers and investors.

Australia: ACMA Warns FN Agency for Breaching Do Not Call Register, SMS Rules Change

👓 1 minute read

A First National office has received a warning about prospecting without regard for the No Call Register, and ACMA is making changes you need to know about when it comes to SMS marketing. 

Fines for non-compliance are substantial, so we’ve provided a reminder about the principles you must adhere to when telemarketing. 

How to comply with telemarketing laws:

1. Regularly ‘wash’ your calling lists through the Do Not Call Register

2. Only make calls during permitted calling times – 9:00 am to 8:00 pm weekdays, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturdays (no calls allowed on Sundays and public holidays)

3. Provide the required information during calls

4. Terminate calls immediately upon request

5. Make sure anybody else making calls on your behalf is abiding by the rules

You cannot outsource your compliance obligations.

SMS Marketing Changes

If you send branded text messages with your business name at the top  - rather than text messages from a salesperson - from 1 July 2026 you must be registered for a Sender ID Number and display it at the top of your text message.

The intention of this change is to protect Australians from text message scams.

What to do:

To get registered you need to contact your Telco or message provider before 1 July. If you don’t, your text messages may be labelled as ‘Unverified’ and will be grouped together with other ‘Unverified’ messages, including scam messages, on mobile phones.

There are different processes depending on if you have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or not. 

Find out how to register a sender ID if:

• you have an ABN

• you don’t have an ABN.

Find out more here…

Beware the ‘Google is Dead’ and Everybody’s Using ChatGPT’ Brigade

👓 1 minute read

Have you been contacted by marketing company warning you everybody is using ChatGPT and that Google is dead? And, for about $5,000 per year they can fix this problem for you? Don’t be misled. These claims are unfounded.

No provider can control or guarantee AI recommendations, which are inconsistent and drawn from public data. Try it yourself. Just about every agent search produces different answers.

Google remains dominant, with far greater search volume and stronger commercial intent. Most users still rely on Google to find agents, while AI tools are mainly used for general information.

The practical takeaway is clear. Agents should focus on proven fundamentals – strong reviews, consistent online presence, and a well-optimised website – as these drive visibility across both Google and AI platforms.

First National Names Top NSW Performers

👓 1 minute read

Our Byron Bay and Port Macquarie offices led the network as regional agencies dominated our honours list. Elite Agent and The Real Estate Conversation shared the news.

• Elite Agent

• The Real Estate Conversation

AML Explainer: Listing Kit Flyer

👓 15 second read

In preparation for the 1 July 2026 deadline, First National has prepared a listing kit flyer that explains why the real estate industry must verify a client's identity, and potential ask more questions about source of wealth.

Download your Residential or Commercial copy below