Network & Industry

IN this edition… 

• 🌱 Defining a network GROWTH plan (see Network & Industry)
• 🦮 Avoid critical errors with ASSISTANCE ANIMALS in rentals (see Agency Practice)
• ⚖️ Take our VIC/TAS - Property Management VCAT Refresher (see Agency Practice)
• 🤖 Is there an AI tool for that and should you use it? (see AI & Tech)
• 🥇 FN Hedland seizes top REIWA award from Ray White (see Agents)
• 🚴🏿 Lend a hand to Colin and Jason for Hands across the water (see Community)

Leadership Workshop charts course for growth

The network’s top performers, Board and Regional Councillors got together in Byron Bay for our annual Chairman’s Circle, which was followed by a pivotal Leadership Workshop. 

The Leadership Workshop drew input from members to:

• Define the ideal future First National licensee
• Identify the behaviours, values and strategies needed to foster a whole-of-network growth strategy 
• Develop ideas and strategies to attract ideal candidates
• Considered optional business models i.e., traditional offices, digital offices, white branding ‘powered by FN’

Your network is now prioritising initiatives for action and will keep you informed of the next steps.

‘I just wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for the invitation to the Chairman's Circle this week. It was an honour and privilege to be invited to sit at the table and I just wanted to thank you for the invitation and also for making it possible. Both Amy and I made it home safe yesterday and will debrief everything we brought home with the team.’

Danielle Collins

FN Hedland (Port Hedland, WA) 

Macquarie Bank’s insights to our changing world

Martin Lakos of Macquarie Bank delivered a substantive economic update at the Chairman’s Circle, sharing the bank’s thoughts on:

• What Donald Trump’s re-election means for inflation
• Whether interest rates will fall in February
• The property market outlook for 2025

Download a brief here or take a 'deep dive' with our AI hosted discussion by clicking the image above.

Farewell, but not goodbye

This December, First National's respected Network Performance Manager, Ted Piteo, will formally retire, concluding a distinguished career dedicated to supporting real estate agencies across the nation. 

Ted has helped countless First National members achieve significantly greater profitability in their businesses, and we are grateful for the commitment he has shown. While he steps away from his official role, there is the potential for Ted to remain connected with First National members in 2025, sharing his sought-after profit-focused insights and guidance on a flexible basis. 

We’ll provide an update in the New Year.

Red, Loud & Proud 

Our recent ‘Red, Loud & Proud’ Commercial Conference brought 17 commercial offices together from across the country, with 36 commercial principals, leasing agents, and PM agents convening for two days of learning.

Nine speakers covered a broad range of commercial real estate topics, including:

• Commercial market conditions and the economy
• Legal traps and conflict resolution
• Acquisitions, leasing strategies, and workshops on leadership and organisational structure
• National Essential Safety Measures (ESM) requirements
• Insights into a PM platform and auction portfolio platform for agent access

The sessions were engaging and relevant, with each topic sparking interest and inviting the active participation of delegates. A highlight was our member panel, where three of our own shared their day-to-day experiences, insights, and successes. Thank you to our contributing members for sharing your expertise.

Council’s training plans bring members closer together

Western Australia’s Regional Council convened recently to discuss 2025 training plans. 

Your councillors emphasised the importance of tailored training initiatives to meet regional needs and foster ongoing professional development. 

A CPD training day will once again be held early next year alongside the State Awards, offering members an excellent opportunity to connect and engage.

PMC24 wraps up with VIC/TAS members in Melbourne

Our annual Property Management Conference series – PMC24 - Empower, Believe, Achieve – wrapped up in Melbourne, providing our property managers the opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues, and forge new connections in a social setting.

Following that, National Property Manager Debbie Fletcher visited Victorian offices with James Bateman, before hosting a PM Think Tank in Sale (VIC) where the engagement was outstanding. Debbie was impressed by the willingness of our property managers to be open and transparent about their success and failures, and everybody was fully engaged throughout the process. 

‘Lots of ideas to implement here, I’ve got a better sense of a game plan.’

Stephanie Caulfield 

FN Central KW (Morwell, VIC)

‘The think tank, open forum was a winner. Some of the best training comes when learning from others on the same battlefield. The discussions were frank, open and honest. Really enjoyed the day - hoping for more of the same.’

Allison Holzer 

FN Neilson Partners (Narre Warren, VIC)

PM Think Tank in Port Macquarie

Not to be outdone by the Victorians, Mid North Coast members in New South Wales came together for a PM Think Tank of their own with Amy Bruce and Jason Partridge – principal of FN Patterson (Port Macquarie, NSW). 

A BIG thank you to everyone who participated in the fun and informative event, and a shout-out to Jason for lending his expertise!

Southern NSW Principal’s Business Session

South Coast, Southern Highlands and Wollongong members got together with Sarah Barton in Bowral at the Berida Hotel for a Principal’s Business Session, canvassing the challenges and solutions of the current market.

‘All attendees agreed that the branding needs a reboot. Also, how to secure growth and how to do it well. Great training session with Sarah and well put together.’

Anna Falvey

FN Bowral (NSW)

‘It was good to catch up with other agencies in our zone and exchange experiences and activities.’

Allan Falvey

FN Bowral (NSW)

Fancy Christmas in July in Margaret River? 

Next July, mark your diary (30th July thru August 1) if you’re interested in sharing some space with our rural and regional experts. Margaret River is the centre of Western Australia’s wine growing industry, and next year it’s the centre of our Rural & Regional Muster conference.

Queensland, don’t miss 2025’s Sales Power Up

It’s on again! 

Queensland’s extremely popular Sales Power Up makes a return in March 2025, just ahead of our State Awards night. 

Mark your diaries and book your accommodation well in advance for the best rates.

Download our new Calculator App

First National’s new Calculator App gives agents and customers (including first homebuyers) a set of easy-to-use tools to calculate:

• Commissions
• Stamp duty
• Settlement dates
• Loan repayment calculator
• Unit converters
• Rent vs Buy
• Property selling and buying cost

It even takes into account first homebuyer calculations concerning any stamp duty waivers applicable to their property purchase, and we’ve used this additional functionality to add this very useful page to the National Website. You might like to also link to it from your website and promote through your social media.

Link to the app from your website and promote through your social media. Embed the calculator in your website using https://www.visionabacus.net/w/ACalcList/FirstNational

Download and share the FN Calculator app with your customers today.