Network & Industry News

CONVENTION 2023: Hobart, here we come!

Next week, Hobart turns blue and white as First National hosts its biggest Convention in history! 

Over 600 of our agents, performance partners and staff will enjoy being treated to an event unlike any other available in Australian real estate. 

Don’t forget to bookmark your READY, SET, HOBART Convention eBook on your mobile. It is your home base for information about all the events, conference schedule, sessions and speaker profiles. 

Famous Australian comedian, Dave Hughes (Hughsie), will be our Convention MC and our agenda delivers an incredible diversity of speakers that will inform, inspire, and educate.

Our ‘Black Tie’ National Awards night at Princess Wharf One will shine a spotlight on the network’s top achievers, invaluable staff and notable newcomers to the industry, no doubt with some hilarious twists and turns from Hughsie.

Don’t miss our inaugural FI NA Theatre, a comprehensive demo-zone of products and services, the Taste of Australia showcase, FI NA Fair Day and The Great Aussie BBQ (have you got your outfit sorted out?).

The entire head office team is looking forward to delivering excellence. 

See you in Hobart.

UP-SKILLING: Top agents gather in Sydney for Chairman's Circle

First National’s leading agents gathered in Sydney at Hyatt Regency for our annual Chairman’s Circle event, where they had the opportunity to mix, share expertise, and toast their GEM Awards successes.

Chief Operations Officer, Ed Atkinson, provided a review of network services and innovations, then our guest speakers provided inspiration, updates on current economic affairs, and a preview of ‘Your Patch’ – an integral part of our Information Express strategy that will define what makes your region unique and desirable, and make you the local authority on real estate.

Bernard Salt AM

Get ready to help your customers discover their dream neighbourhood! Bernard Salt AM, Australia's leading demographer, unveiled his exclusive project for First National Real Estate: 'Your Patch':

• Complete analysis of your types of real estate and household incomes
• Average household sizes and mortgage repayments
• Median rents per week and renters vs owners
• Rates at which people are moving into and out of your locality

Your Patch will be released at Convention 2023.

Martin Lakos

Martin Lakos, the media spokesperson for Macquarie Bank, gave an energetic and engaging overview of international economic conditions, the impact of the war in Ukraine, and Macquarie Bank's prediction of Australia's economy avoiding a recession.

• He predicts the RBA will lift the cash rate again in May and August
• Interest rates anticipated to peak at 4.1% before the next rate cutting cycle begins in quarter 1 or 2 of 2024
• Macquarie Bank sees only a very low chance of Australia experiencing a recession

Calum Piesse

Callum Piesse, our premier sales agent in Rotorua, New Zealand, didn't let ADHD and a downward spiral into alcoholism hold him back. Instead, he:

• Committed to recovery 
• Followed his father's footsteps into real estate
• Overcame his personal obstacles 
• Set goals
• Turned his deficits to advantages to achieve success

Jonathan Swift

Jonathan Swift, the Executive General Manager for consumer experience at REA, outlined the exclusive end-to-end digital marketing advantage First National agents have through our deal with ‘Connect’.

• REA provides a larger audience than all other major real estate portals combined
• FN’s exclusive discount with Connect creates an unbeatable advantage
• REA's exclusive digital marketing advantage and solutions to improve trust, First National Real Estate is poised for success

Before the event was wrapped up, National Experience Manager, Suzi Cowperthwaite hosted the FN Quiz, which saw our delegates break into groups to compete and show who had the best knowledge of their colleagues and the network. One of the tasks was for a spokesperson to explain why real estate agents should join First National Real Estate. Terry Godde led his team to victory, delivering by far the most eloquent rationale for joining the network.

‘Callum Piesse spoke regarding his journey to the man he is today, which I felt was very raw & honest and was well received by all. Martin Lakos – insightful and positive. Bernard Salt held the room in his hand – “Your Patch” is an amazing initiative. A massive coup for the network.’

Rob Westwood

FN Westwood (Werribee, Vic)

‘Brilliant day with a wonderful group of members. Thank you.

Jacinta Purvis

FN Discover (Bathurst, NSW)

‘Big thank you to FN head office. The event is done to get the best of the best FN agents to meet in one place and network, hear from industry experts on market forecasts and things we can expect to impact our businesses moving forward. Very few brands will fly invitees from each state to Sydney, put you up in a hotel and wine and dine you through the entire trip. Big congrats to First National for ensuring it stands out from its competitors and goes that extra step for its members.’

Ryan McCann

FN Cleveland (Qld)

‘It was a “pinch me” moment to be in that room with such incredible agents, executives and guest speakers. The day/s were so valuable to me. I’ve made so many new connections with agents all over the country and will definitely be stepping into their offices to say hi next time I’m in their areas. It’s so nice to have such support from the experienced agents who have the time to get to know us as younger agents. I’ve taken out of it more industry insight, incredible connections, more confidence and so much excitement for my future with First National Neilson Partners. Thank you for everything you do.’

Lily Thompson

FN Neilson Partners (Narre Warren, Vic)

‘Thanks for the invitation, Ray. The speakers in Sydney were fantastic. Wayne and I both took plenty away from our time at the Chairman’s Circle.

Troy O’Brien

FN Charles L. King & Co (Echuca, Vic)

‘Thank you to Ray, Lucy, Matt, Ed, Stewart and all of the rest of the team for putting on a great event. All the speakers did a great job; just being around our successful agents within our brand helps keep you motivated as well. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Hobart.’

Troy Duncan

FN Lake Macquarie (Edgeworth, NSW)

‘Great couple of days spent in Sydney. As always, First National put on a great show. I never walk away from one of these events without making a new friend or two.’

Megan Hill

FN Copper Coast (Wallaroo, SA)

‘I would like to thank all of you for this excellent event. Speakers were of an excellent standard and Mark Lakos was exceptional. Ray and all the team remained client focussed and made each and every member feel welcome. The accommodation was excellent and the food and beverage was excellent. It was apparent to me that each guest attended with the right attitude and for the right reasons. The fabric is strong.’

Terry Godde

FN Townsville (Qld)

CONVENTION: Join us for Foundation Golf Day

A highlight of every National Convention is FN Foundation’s fundraising golf day. Will you be joining us at this year at The Royal Hobart Gold Club?

POLICY: QLD Rental Reforms

The Palaszczuk Government recently announced that there will be more changes to the Residential Tenancies & Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, giving tenants more power concerning:

• Security modifications
• Decorative changes
• Balancing privacy (for tenants) and access (for landlords)
• The rental bond process
• Fees and charges

Rental increases are also proposed to be capped at one increase per annum.

FN Information Express released a 3-page update for Investor Relations Managers and Landlords. 

Click the image above to download a copy.

POLICY: Interest rates should stay paused, REIA

Today the RBA will make a pivotal decision about the official cash rate and the REIA has called for it to hold.

ABS data shows that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.4% in the March quarter of 2023 and 7.0% over the past twelve months. 

‘This is down on the annual figure for the December quarter of 7.8% and is the lowest quarterly increase since the December quarter of 2021 and clearly confirms a slowing down in the rate of increase,’ said REIA President, Hayden Groves. 

‘With the CPI having peaked late last year as was forecast by the RBA it is time for it to continue to keep a pause on further rate rises at its meeting next week allowing additional time to consider additional data showing the lagged impact of the previous ten rate increases and assess the outlook for the economy,’ concluded Mr Groves. 

POLICY: Greens attack on negative gearing

'Scrap negative gearing if you want our votes', says Greens leader, Adam Bandt.

At his National Press Club speech last week, The Greens' Adam Bandt will threaten to oppose the Prime Minister’s $10bn Housing Australia Future Fund unless he ­delivers on the Greens’ demands. 

The Greens’ five-point housing package includes:

• Doubling the rate of commonwealth rent assistance at a cost of $43.6bn
• Building 225,000 publicly owned properties over a decade 
• Abolishing the 50% capital gains discount (for owners of more than one investment property)
• Establishing a rent-freeze housing fund for state governments
• Phasing out investment property deductions. 

UP-SKILLING: QLD Sales Power Up, 31 May

Queensland sales agents, we have an exciting mini but mega conference coming up for you in Brisbane on 31 May.

Be with us at the Sofitel for the biggest event in Brisbane, where you'll hear from the industry's best speakers, followed by canapés and drinks with your colleagues. Get ready for addresses from:

• First National CEO, Ray Ellis
• Chris Helder (Circle of Influence)
• Tom Panos (Scripts and Dialogues)
• Cameron Kusher (Economic Update, REA)
• Lee Woodward (Claiming doors)
• Daniel Spencer (Mastering vendor management in a tough market)
• Kat Davidson (Comedian)

Click here to register now.

UP-SKILLING: Investor relations Round Table

Victorian investor relations managers recently travelled to Echuca (Vic) for a Round Table with National Property Manager, Debbie Fletcher. 

Our Round Table events give property managers the opportunity to openly air their challenges, frustrations and successes with others, strengthening their skill sets and fostering a deeper understanding of best practice and wellbeing. 

During the meeting, Debbie Angrove of our Echuca office mentioned that one of the CEO’s recent radio interviews had struck a chord with her about the lack of housing in Australia.

‘You said in your interview that back in the 1950s there were the same issues as there are today. This made me realise that it’s not my fault that I can’t find housing for Echuca/Moama residents; that it’s an issue before my time,’ said Debbie.

As background, Debbie is a hard-working property manager with over ten years’ experience. She has seen a lot in recent years – COVID, floods etc. Yet, she finds that the general public blames property managers for the country’s circumstances. The CEO’s radio interview made her feel valued, she said.

‘It was really good to see you ladies yesterday. You are both so down to earth and it is really bloody refreshing! Leis and I had a blast!’ 

Meaghan Monro

FN McConnell (Kyabram, Vic)

‘The workshop in Echuca was well presented and organised. First National provides great support for all their members and property managers.’

Debbie Angrove

FN Charles L. King & Co (Echuca, Vic)

CYBER: NSW Fair Trading advice on tenancy applicants

The entire industry is grappling with how to reduce the amount of data we store on our tenancy customers to reduce our cyber security risks. So, it’s important we take every opportunity to remind you that First National’s discounted deal with REA on Connect significantly reduces your exposure (see the Information Express chapter of this newsletter if you haven’t signed up).

In the meantime, NSW Fair Trading has issued updated guidelines on how to safely manage personal information from tenants and applicants. If you’re not using Connect, you can review the guidelines here.

COMMERCIAL: No looking back!

The one consistent message First National receives from members who join FN Commercial is that they can’t believe the positive impact FN Commercial branding has on their agency. 

More than 50 commercial properties have made the move to FN Commercial Rayner’s rent roll in the past 12 months alone, with Marcus Rayner and Tarryn Baselmans positioning themselves as the local experts.

No matter how much commercial business you may have transacted in the past, putting up FN Commercial signboards extracts plenty of local new business enquiry for every member of our growing commercial network.

Find out more about our mentorship program by clicking the image above.

UP-SKILLING: Tom Panos wows SA/NT Agents

As one of Australia’s most influential Real Estate Trainers, Tom Panos wowed our SA/NT agents at Adelaide oval last week. 

Tom discussed listing and selling in a changing market, covering:

• New Dialogue How to list without overpricing 
• How to get price reductions 
• Buyer management in a hard market 
• How to prospect in a digital world 
• 11 biggest mistakes agents are making now 

'I found Tom to be one of the best speakers I have seen. He was interactive, honest, funny and I gained some valuable content.'

Rebecca Dartnall

FN Burton Groves (Tea Tree Gully, SA)

'I have followed Tom Panos for years and finally got to hear him train and speak. A true inspiration. Simple real estate concepts, scripts and offered lots of ideas, facts and stories to utilise in the fast-paced current market. A breath of fresh air.'

Sylvia Presepio 

FN Murray Bridge (SA)

'Wonderful session, very inspiring and engaging.  Tom kept the room involved and commanded our attention at all times.  Very well received and valuable life lessons as well as real estate lessons. Highly recommend and I’m glad I travelled to attend.' 

Zeta Bennett

FN Broken Hill (NSW)

Congratulations as well to the winners of our SA/NT Quarterly Awards:

Top Property Management Office – Winner: FN O’Donoghues

• Top Property Management Office – Runner Up: FN Lewis Prior
• Top Property Management Office – 3rd Place: FN Taylor’s

Top Sales Office – Winner: FN O’Donoghues

• Top Sales Office - Runner Up: FN Murray Bridge
• Top Sales Office - 3rd Place: FN Peoples Choice

 Top Sales Agent – Winner: Mitchell Halpin - FN Broken Hill

• Top Sales Agent – Runner Up: Simon Connelly - FN O’Donoghues
• Top Sales Agent – 3rd Place: Grant Fielke - FN Peoples Choice

 #1 Commercial Agent: Jeremy O’Donoghue - FN O’Donoghues

#1 Rural / Lifestyle Agent: Sylvia Presepio - FN Murray Bridge

Top Property Manager – Winner: Sarah Chau - FN O’Donoghues

• Top Property Manager – Runner Up: Nathan Janda – FN Salisbury
• Top Property Manager – 3rd Place: Kelly Pengilly – FN Burton Groves

#1 Business Development Manager: Karlie Ridley - FN Lewis Prior