Network & Industry News

MERRY CHRISTMAS: Together, We Made 2024 The Best Year Yet

2024 has been a phenomenal year for First National, as CEO Ray Ellis pointed out in his Christmas wrap-up. 

Thank you to everybody who participated in the making of our Christmas video throughout the year. We’ve covered a lot of ground:

• DELIVERED a winning lead for our agents through strongest relationship in the industry with REA
• BOOSTED brand through a national TV and radio advertising campaign
• DEFEATED the Greens rental freeze/controls campaign 
• PROVIDED expert training from industry leaders 
• EDUCATED property managers on how to manage domestic violence
• HOSTED the biggest Convention in network history (thanks Hobart!)
• CELEBRATED your achievements through the national and state GEM Awards

From the all your friends and colleagues within the head office administration team, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

As always, Head Office will run a support staff over the Christmas break during the official closure, from Monday 25 December until Tuesday 2 January. Just call 1800 032 332 if you need help.

‘Wow. That’s awesome. What an amazing year it has been.’

Glenn Ball

FN Action Realty Ipswich (QLD)

‘Sensational 2023 wrap-up, Ray. As a Performance Partner, I have loved getting into the field to meet First National offices across Victoria and Tassie. Such a sensational group of people with a shared focus and vision.’

Dana Walton

REI Super

‘Thank you. That was a great recap from Ray.’

Anette Munroe

FN Biloela (QLD)

PODCAST: Real Estate Marketing, AI and Trends for 2024

In our last Podcast for the year, Chief Operations Officer Ed Atkinson takes a deep dive with Amy Read from REA to find out about the marketing trends you need to be across for 2024. 

COMPLIANCE: FN Wollongong Sails Through Walk-In Spot Check from NSW Fair Trading

Right in the middle of sorting out the tangle that is her newly purchased rent role, FN Wollongong principal, Leanne Brailey told us she recently had a NSW Fair Trading inspector walk through her doors to audit her office. 

Fortunately, having attended the network’s CPD training with Trish Rogers, Leanne and her team sailed through with flying colours!

‘Thank you for the amazing training my team and I did in the last fortnight. It was our saving grace and we passed the audit with flying colours. The cheat sheet in the training, with the three property management and sales files, was perfect. We had it completed and stuck up on the wall, so we knew exactly which files to grab. The tip to have the supervision guidelines on the desktops was again perfect. Thanks to Head Office for the investment in the quality training.’

Leanne Brailey

FN Wollongong (NSW)

CONVENTION 24: Don’t Miss Out on Kuala Lumpur

After 40 years of Conventions, there’s no doubt we know how to show you a good time, while also supporting a featured-packed business agenda.

If you haven’t booked yet for Kuala Lumpur, don’t wait any longer. Airlines are not yet back at full capacity and, with so many of you wanting to bookend your Convention with a vacation on either side,  we want you to have maximum flexibility.

CYBER SECURITY: Facebook Page Deletion Threat - Don't Panic!

We've had multiple reports of a very common Facebook message scam that threatens you with removal of your page due to policy violations. 

The above example threats all follow a common theme; you have breached Facebook's policies and an urgent response is required from you. In all the above examples, the claims are illegitimate and no action is required.

These threats are received daily by many members' Facebook pages. You do not need to act. If, however, you are concerned, send a screen shot to your BGM for investigation.

COMPLIANCE: Clarity for Western Australia’s Agents on CPD and Tenancy Reforms

DMIRS has confirmed to First National that a 24-month transition for Continued Professional Development (CPD) training is proposed to commence in January 2024, with agents set to administer the self-funded program. Currently, real estate agents are required to accumulate 10 CPD points from a combination of mandatory and elective training activities each year. Under proposed changes, the number of points required will be reduced to five points annually. More details on the CPD announcement are available here.

Concerning Residential Tenancy Reforms, legislation was recently introduced in WA Parliament that will affect landlords, property managers and real estate agents.

• Tenants will be allowed pets
• Landlords may only refuse pets prohibited by strata by-laws (or with Commissioner for Consumer Protection approval)
• Scope for pet bonds is to be expanded (so it can be used for cleaning or repairs)
• Landlords will be able to impose conditions
• Rent bidding will be banned
• Rent increases limited to once per year
• Changes to dispute resolution process
• Changes concerning modifications to properties

Read more about REIWA’s commentary on the matter here…

FN COMMERCIAL: Another New Commercial Memorandum Template Released

National Commercial Manager, Anne Donchos, continues to assist our FN Commercial offices in the development of their skills and resources. So, she is pleased to share with all offices yet another new Commercial Memorandum template that has been released. In this example, FN Phillip Island is marketing Cowes Plaza. 

Take a look at the full template here and find out more by speaking to Anne today on 0414 582 224.