Network & Industry News

Rent Controls: Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes

Last week, First National Real Estate led the industry in alerting Australians to the international failure of rent controls. 

With calls from The Greens – ‘the party of renters’ – for a freeze on rents having the potential to influence government policy-making, First National sparked considerable discussion nationally after sharing its research on failures of policy in New York, Sweden, Paris, Berlin and San Francisco.

Nearly 40 minutes of First National on primetime/drive-time radio across large sections of the country drew  commentary from landlords about a rent freeze.

They indicated that if there is a rent freeze:

• They will withdraw their properties from NRAS where they already charge 20% lower rent
• They will sell their properties if they are not able to cover their rising costs
• There should be a freeze or reduction in interest rates paid by investors if a rent freeze is considered
• Supply could be improved if the government didn’t slug homeowners with Capital Gains Tax for renting out spare rooms

Information Express provided your office with content on the topic for your website, plus social media collateral to support educating your local audience. Protect your investment in your rent roll by getting this content into your community via social media.

See the media and marketing chapter of this newsletter for full details.

Become a Leading Rural & Lifestyle Specialist

Operating profitably as an agent in regional Australia requires a different skill set. So, First National’s Rural Chapter brings together the network’s top operators to curate each year’s Regional & Rural Muster agenda.

Based in Cromwell New Zealand, this year we’re bringing together leaders in agribusiness, rural and industrial estates, vineyards, and fast-moving consumer goods. This will strengthen every delegate’s business acumen, while giving you the chance to get to know your First National colleagues better as well.

Hosted at the world-renowned Highlands Motorsport Park, our outstanding line-up of speakers includes:

• Henry van der Velden – Former FN agent, civil engineer, orchardist, rural development & industrial estates expert
• Paul Croft – Residential, commercial and retail projects developer with over 25 years’ experience in property & finance
• James Dicey – Chair of Otago’s Winegrowers Association, James develops and manages vineyards for people who own a vineyard but lack viticultural skills
• Pete Jamieson – FMCG sales & marketing expert, Pete transitioned from corporate life to greener business pastures in the cherry industry

Download the flyer or find out more by contacting Rural & Lifestyle Chapter Chairman, Rob Stephens on 0458 658 566 or Lucia at head office on 1800 653 666.

Staying Top of Search

If your agency and its website doesn’t appear in the Google Map Pack or on page one of search, there’s plenty you can do to improve. And, with AI set to totally disrupt search in the coming years, make sure your website is as search engine optimised.

In addition to the network’s proven strategies for website SEO and Google Reviews, we’re now assessing each office’s website to see how your website's keywords are performing against those of your competitors.  This is critical to being top of search.

Our Business Growth Manager (BGM) team is progressively sharing reports with each office and our digital team is ready to answer any questions these may generate.

New FN Commercial Manager 

First National is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne Donchos as the new National Commercial Growth Manager for FN Commercial.

With a wealth of experience in commercial real estate in Australia and a proven track record in sales, Anne is well-equipped to lead our network into a new era of success.

Anne joins us with an impressive background in the industry, having spent nearly a decade as a member of First National Real Estate in Vanuatu. During her time there, she gained substantial commercial real estate experience and honed her skills in guiding clients through the intricacies of the sales process. Her dedication to offering exceptional service and ensuring all goals are achieved has earned her a reputation for excellence among her clients and peers.

We warmly welcome Anne and look forward to a prosperous future under her management. Contact Anne on 0414 582 224 or email anne.donchos@firstnational.com.au

Taking Manic Out of Maintenance

SA/NT investor relations managers have recently enjoyed some great training sessions with Julie Collins. Julie shared her advice about communication, maintenance and risk, the perils and pitfalls of condition reports.

Developing a Black Belt Mindset

Tom Panos trains the top 1% of agents across Australia and NSW agents have the chance to see him in Wollongong, Ballina and Newcastle throughout September. 

So, don’t miss out. Tom will be discussing:

• How to be a high-tech agent and still have high touch 
• 29 ways to get listings 
• Creating sales in these changing markets
• Developing a black belt mindset 
• Buyer servicing in 2023
• Seller servicing in 2023 
• What are the top 1 % doing to win

Make sure you get registered today!

How to Manage Domestic Violence

Do you and your team know how to manage domestic violence in a rental property?

It's critically important that all First National Real Estate property managers understand the complexities and don't endanger tenants who are at risk.

Please watch this REINSW training webinar, which has nationwide relevance.