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In the light of the federal budget, which has just been handed down, First National Real Estate says the government should have delivered on the GST promise of abolishing stamp duty and that home buyers should also do their bit to support the Australian property market. “Australia’s soft property market will continue to tread water unless major changes are made.  We need more new housing stock to come onto the market, indirect costs to be reduced, inefficient taxes such as stamp duty to be abolished – preferably all three!,” Ray Ellis, CEO, First National Real Estate said. “And  while HECS-like schemes are commendable for assisting home buyers to pay their stamp duty obligations, it should be a matter of reducing, or better still, getting rid of stamp duty altogether and that falls on everyone’s shoulders.  “A struggling property market affects all Australians, as it is a key driver of the nation’s economy and represents a burden for all to share.  This is why home buyers should do their bit and continue to put pressure on governments to live up to their GST promises.” Mr Ellis said property taxes are reducing home buyers’ ability to purchase new homes, whether they are first home buyers, upgraders, downsizers or investors. “The real issue for the property market is that buyers aren’t buying and part of that reason is the exorbitant extra costs associated with buying a property,” Mr Ellis said. “These extra purchase costs mean it is more cost efficient for home owners to consider renovating or think outside the box and look at dual occupancy type solutions. “The excessive cost of developing vacant land has stalled the process of newly built home stocks coming onto the market, which is having a devastating impact on the market overall.” Last year, stamp duty accounted for 37% of total property related taxes in Australia and Mr Ellis believes the reliance of Governments on property taxes to boost their coffers should have lessened over time with the introduction of the GST, but the opposite trend seems to be occurring. “We were promised a reduction in taxes like stamp duty when the GST was introduced.  Not only has it stayed, nationally, stamp duty has risen, due mainly to increases in NSW and Victoria according to industry figures,” Mr Ellis said. “And yet, property taxes were cut in WA and NT, and government revenues actually increased. “What seems to be happening is that stamp duty is putting new homes beyond the reach of many, so fewer homes are selling overall, reducing revenue raised through these taxes to governments,” Mr Ellis said. “But basic economics is at play here, if the stamp duty was lowered more homes would sell, both home owners and governments would see increased revenue. “Consideration could also be given to abolishing stamp duty and recouping those lost taxes through a more equitable means where the whole population pays – not just those who have saved for a new home. “Perhaps we should increase tax paid on luxury items such as tobacco or alcohol, or fast food items.” According to Mr Ellis, making home ownership too taxing is a short-sighted and quick grab for cash by governments and should be ‘stamped out’ as soon as possible so that everyone can achieve their home ownership goals. - copy ends – For further information contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

A 25-year-old mother edged out some of the state’s most impressive youths to win the ‘First National Real Estate Leadership and Innovation’ category leading to the ‘Premier’s Young Achiever of The Year’ award in the Southern Cross Young Achiever Awards on Saturday night. Held at Tasmania’s Wrest Point Casino before an audience of 600, The Southern Cross Young Achiever Awards were hosted by television presenter, Jo Palmer and are designed to acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of Young Tasmanians aged between 14 and 28 years of age. Cait Clarke won the award as a result of her contribution to youth and community projects around the state as well as her efforts as a councilor in her hometown of Kentish, north of Hobart, which have been widely reported in local media. ‘Cait is the youngest person elected to a local government role, is chairman of the Kentish Youth Council, works with the social inclusion action group and is a Road Educator Volunteer (REV) mentor’ said Ray Ellis, chief executive of the 450-office strong Australasian real estate group. First National sponsored the category of the Young Achiever Awards as part of its national programme of corporate giving, which includes support of Red Cross Emergency Services’ work preparing Australian communities for natural disasters, coordination of response, and recovery. ‘Leadership and innovation is what First National Real Estate is all about, as evidenced by our leading Tasmanian offices in Burnie and Hobart who have won industry awards at national level, showing many a larger mainland based estate agency what Tasmanians are capable of. ‘As a network, we support the young people of Australia who look at how to change things for the better. ‘It’s what the great state of Tasmania is crying out for; commitment to strong leadership and the ability to imagine more creative solutions to today’s challenges. People like Cait define not just where Tasmania is heading but who Australia is in the 21st century’ said Mr Ellis. - copy ends - Issued by: First National Real Estate For further information contact: Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

First National Real Estate says the web was a great place to find rental properties or student accommodation, but warns renters to watch out for online scammers, “Prospective tenants keen to find accommodation in the current tight rental market are increasingly being targeted by dishonest people seeking to take advantage of their circumstances,” First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis, said. “Rents are escalating, vacancy rates are low and many people who rent often are forced to do so, either because they are still studying or are simply unable to afford to purchase a property outright. “This makes it especially disconcerting that they would fall prey to greedy scammers who want to feed off others like parasites.” There are a number of common scams in the market according to First National, but they can easily be avoided. “Scammers pose as landlords using community websites and say you can’t meet with them to view the property for various reasons. Often they say they are overseas, then demand a payment to secure the keys to inspect a rental property that is always underpriced and seems too good to be true, which usually means it is,” Mr Ellis said. “They ask that the money be sent via money transfer, even though you have yet to set eyes on the property in person, let alone view or inspect it. “Once the money is sent out of Australia by wire transfer, it’s gone and so is the property and the scammer.” Mr Ellis said there were some simple rules to follow to avoid being taken advantage of, the first one being to use the services of a reputable third party such as a real estate agency. “Going through an agency means you are dealing directly with the landlord’s official representative. If you can’t rent from a real estate agency and must deal with the landlord online, make sure you do not pay any money to gain access to the property for an inspection, and, make certain the landlord intends to comply with your state’s rental legislation. If you’re unsure about anything, contact and agent or the Real Estate Institute of your state’. According to Mr Ellis, the other simple ways to avoid a rental scam are to:-Never wire money Always meet the landlord or property manager in person before signing any rental documents Even if you are overseas, contact a reputable third party, such as a friend or an agent if you don’t know of anyone in the area, and ask them to view the property on your behalf Never give out bank account information or personal details, especially over the phone or online Do a web search of the landlord’s name to see if there is any other available information on the person. Mr Ellis advised potential renters to watch out for properties where: the rental amount is unusually low, compared to similar properties in the same area the landlord is unable to show you the property they request payment via wiring, cashier’s check, money order, escrow service, Western Union or MoneyGram, rental applications or reference checks are not requested, and email is from a free email provider such as yahoo, gmail, Hotmail, etc. “Another dead giveaway is a lot of spelling mistakes in their email communications, the grammar is not good, or, there is an excessive use of capitalisation,” Mr Ellis said. - copy ends – For further information contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317  

A solution to Australia’s sluggish start to the property market for 2012 may rest with the New Homes Building sector says First National Real Estate, especially if associated regulatory and government taxes were reduced. “New home building is a key barometer for the health of the domestic economy and can often drive first home buyer activity,” Mr Ray Ellis, CEO, First National Real Estate said. “But the disappointingly weak start for new home sales early this year, indicate low interest rates are not enough to sustain improvements in new home building conditions and something more needs to be done at the policy level.” An industry report released in February this year showed a decline of 7.3 per cent in seasonally adjusted new home sales in January, with Victoria experiencing the sharpest decline of 19.6 per cent. “The report also showed a decline in detached house sales for NSW and SA as well, which further weakened results, but strengthened the case for government action,” Mr Ellis said. According to Mr Ellis, a real opportunity exists for governments to set the new home building agenda and look at policy reform that will reduce new home building taxes. “Up until now, both state and federal governments have relied on Victoria to prop up this segment of the Australian market, but the results show they can no longer do that.  It is up to governments to show leadership and do something,” Mr Ellis said. “Policy reform, especially reducing taxes and costs for home building would have a multiplier effect.  It would attract people in a financial position to build a new home, and have the knock on effect of increasing economic activity through jobs and sales activity. “Everyone’s a winner, so why can’t we build more new homes?” For further information contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

First National Real Estate announced its Victorian/Tasmanian General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) Award winners on Saturday night during an elegant Spanish Fiesta themed dinner held at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne.The Awards recognise the network’s best performers in Victoria and Tasmania over the past 12 months which, says State Chairman Mr Garry Nash, have been beyond expectation given the volatile economic and market conditions.“Marketing and selling property effectively in a marketplace which fluctuates and turns with every wind change is a tough ask, but that is exactly what our members have been able to do,” Mr Nash said.“I am delighted that the teamwork of our members and their staff achievements are being acknowledged through these Awards.”On the night the Top 10 Offices in the state were named and included: First National Real Estate Tweed Sutherland, Bendigo  as Sales Office of the   Year First National Real Estate Collie & Tierney (Mildura) First National Real Estate King & Heath (Bairnsdale) First National Real Estate Garry Nash (Wangaratta) First National Real Estate LaTrobe (Traralgon) First National Real Estate Neilson Partners (Berwick) First National Real Estate Dawes & Milne (Frankston) First National Real Estate Clark (Warragul) First National Real Estate Westwood (Werribee) First National Real Estate Finning (Cranbourne)  First National Real Estate McGregor (Moonah, Tasmania) was named the Property Management Office of the Year, First National Real Estate Clark (Warragul) was named Foundation Office of the Year and First National Real Estate Taylors (Newtown) was afforded the accolade of Most Energy Efficient Office of the Year.Individuals were also recognised, with the Top 10 Salespeople being: Rob Westwood, First National Real Estate Westwood (Werribee) (Salesperson of the Year) Matt Leonard and Darryn O’Keefe, First National Real Estate Tweed Sutherland  (Bendigo) Andrew Milne, First National Real Estate Dawes & Milne (Frankston) Frank Barrett, First National Real Estate Finning (Cranbourne) Joan Carter, First National Real Estate King & Heath (Paynesville) Andrew Kerr, Neil Kerr First National (Cobram) Debby Kelly, First National Real Estate King & Heath (Bairnsdale) Anthony Rabl and Peter Clark, First National Real Estate Clark (Warragul) Rose Pearson from First National Real Estate Tweed Sutherland (Bendigo) was named Property Manager of the Year while Ming Kok from First National Real Estate Lindellas (Box Hill) and Jamie Maynard from First National Real Estate Wodonga were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year respectively Kirsty Little from First National Real Estate L J Whorlow (Sunbury) ande Dusk Wright from First National Real Estate Clark (Warragul) were dual winners of the Administrator of the Year title and Cathryn Margaret Bird from First National Real Estate Taylor (Newtown) was named Receptionist of the Year.Mr Nash said that with the greatly improved prospects for 2012, he hopes the year ahead will be even more rewarding for members.“All First National members and their teams should be very proud of their efforts, knowing they have helped many clients realise their home ownership aspirations as well as contributed to the ongoing success of their respective offices and the network as a whole,” Mr Nash said.“Personally, I am motivated by the excitement of sharing in shaping an organisation that excels at every level and continues to strive for setting industry benchmarks.”State winners of the First National Real Estate GEM Awards will automatically be in the running for the national Awards to be held in May this year at the network’s annual National Convention. - copy ends -Issued by: First National Real EstateFor further information Garry Nash, Principal, First National Real Estate Garry Nash on 03 5722 2663.

First National Real Estate announced its Queensland General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) Award winners on Saturday night during an elegant St Patrick’s Day themed dinner held at the Sofitel in Brisbane. The Awards recognise the network’s best performers in Queensland over the past 12 months which, says State Chairman Mr Mike Gray, have been beyond expectation given the volatile economic and market conditions. “Marketing and selling property effectively in a marketplace which fluctuates and turns with every wind change is a tough ask, but that is exactly what our members have been able to do,” Mr Gray said. “I am delighted that the teamwork of our members and their staff achievements are being acknowledged through these Awards.” On the night the Top 10 Offices in the state were named and included:• First National Real Estate Commercial Gold Coast (Sales Office of the Year)• First National Real Estate Surfers Paradise• First National Real Estate Metro (South Brisbane)• First National Real Estate Nerang• First National Real Estate Commercial Brisbane CBD• First National Real EstateToowoomba• First National Real Estate Paradise Point• First National Real Estate Rochedale• First National Real Estate Action Realty Ipswich• First National Real Estate Biloela First National Real Estate Paradise Point was also named the Property Management Office of the Year and First National Real Estate Palm Beach was named Foundation Office of the Year for its fundraising efforts. Individuals were also recognised, with the Top 10 Salespeople being:• Jamie Bourke, First National Real Estate Commercial Gold Coast   (Salesperson of the Year)• Brian Baker, First National Real Estate Commercial Brisbane CBD• Bob Rollington, First National Real Estate Surfers Paradise• Ashley Waldron, First National Real Estate Paradise Point• Rob Rollington, First National Real Estate Surfers Paradise• Paul Charlton, First National Real Estate Tweed City (Tweed Heads)• Christine Gabriel, First National Real Estate Biloela• Richard Waldron, First National Real Estate Paradise Point • Michael Kettle, First National Real Estate Caloundra• Adam Dickie, First National Real Estate Dickies (Sandgate) Diane Mann from First National Real Estate Paradise Point was named Property Manager of the Year while Jo Grammatico from First National Real Estate Commercial Gold Coast and Brenton Falknau from First National Real Estate Toowoomba were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year respectively. Kate Campbell from First National Sarina was named Administrator of the Year and Bianca Jordan from First National Action Realty Ipswich was named Receptionist of the Year. Mr Gray said that with the greatly improved prospects for 2012, he hopes the year ahead will be even more rewarding for members. “All First National members and their teams should be very proud of their efforts, knowing they have helped many clients realise their home ownership aspirations as well as contributed to the ongoing success of their respective offices and the network as a whole,” Mr Gray said. “Personally, I am motivated by the excitement of sharing in shaping an organisation that excels at every level and continues to strive for setting industry benchmarks.” State winners of the First National Real Estate GEM Awards will automatically be in the running for the national Awards to be held in May this year at the network’s annual National Convention.Issued by: First National Real Estate For further information Mike Gray, Principal, First National Real Estate Nerang on 07 5596 0055.

First National Real Estate says there will be a stronger focus on technology for the property market this year, but cautions buyers and sellers to make sure they know the most app-ropriate ones that are fit for their purposes. “We know consumers crave information because it gives them power, control and improved certainty over their purchase decisions,” Mr Ray Ellis, CEO, First National Real Estate said. “So, the more information we provide, the better our service delivery. That’s why we have worked so hard, as a network, to stay at the forefront of technology in our industry and to ensure we provide the public with what best suits their needs.” Mr Ellis says one technological advancement set to revolutionise the way consumers access real estate information is the Point-Know-Buy (PKB) trend. “PKB will reshape consumers’ information expectations, search behaviour and purchasing patterns,” Mr Ellis said. “Which is why it is crucial they understand how it works whether they are interested in buying or selling property.” PKB enables consumers to access information about objects they encounter in the real world while on the go, simply by pointing their smartphone or similar device at anything they are interested in. “What PKB does is effectively links images to any available information about that picture,” Mr Ellis said. “Which means a buyer can be out and about, perhaps at a display home or open house, point at a prospective piece of real estate and access any available information about it just by pointing their phone. “No more sitting for hours in front of a computer looking for that ideal house, or being limited to receiving information based on matching words for search engine optimisation or how well you describe something. “The information will be at their fingertips and instantly accessible, making it much more efficient and convenient for house hunters.” First National Real Estate already uses mobile technology to its fullest advantage through various Apps which give consumers control. “We can instantly add a customer’s wish list to our database which will highlight properties that are suitable matches,” Mr Ellis said. “We can also demonstrate to home sellers the impact on the number of potential buyers if a selling price is too high. Our mobile Apps allow our agents to demonstrate, using a sliding scale, how many buyers are waiting on our database for their home, based on their asking price. “Mobile Apps also allow us to offer superior property management services for both landlords and tenants through an application that adds a tenant to our database at inspections and another one that enables us to provide a much more thorough and efficient condition reporting tool for landlords.” The coming 12 months is expected to see a full-blown expansion of technology, especially PKB, and First National is advising consumers to make sure they are up to date with all the latest breakthroughs so they can use the one most app-ropriate for their needs. For further information contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

Now that the ‘politics’ of politics are all but settled, First National Real Estate is calling on the government to start focusing on the real issues at hand – namely property and getting Australia going again. First National Real Estate’s CEO, Mr Ray Ellis, is urging the government to take a stronger leadership role and hold banks accountable for their independent actions on interest rates, to ensure they act more responsibly when the next decision is handed down. “The recent move by the major banks to independently raise interest rates at a time when restraint was required was very disappointing, and the real estate industry, as well as mortgage-holders, are looking to the government to reign in the banks in some way,” Mr Ellis said. “The market was showing strong signs of improvement and it is irresponsible of banks to raise rates when the RBA determines they should remain on hold. “In some capital cities, auction clearance rates dropped on the weekend after the banks raised their rates and fewer properties sold at auction than for the same time last year, evidence the market was subdued following their irresponsible actions. “This followed our agents reporting drops in listing volumes for the second month in a row, media reporting market activity across the board had picked up in January, up by 40 per cent over last January, and market conditions being good, but the banks’ actions undermined the positive progression of the market, which is only to the detriment of the Australian economy as a whole.” Mr Ellis said while the government may have been distracted by their own ‘politics’ at the time, it is hoped they will be more attentive when the next RBA interest rate decision is made. “Real estate is a key driver of the Australian economy, so it needs to be supported during times of uncertainty and reducing consumer confidence,” Mr Ellis said. “It was fiscally irresponsible for the banks to behave in that manner, and we are certainly looking to both them and the government to do the right thing next time. “We are doing our bit to provide a supportive environment by offering financial incentives and competitions for our customers and putting them first, and all we are asking is that the government makes sure the banks do the same. “It is in everyone’s best interest.  Australia will be better for it, home buyers and sellers will be better for it and in the long run, so will the banks.  It is a proven fact that consumers will remain loyal to businesses that support them during tough times.” Mr Ellis also encouraged mortgage seekers or holders to use their influence and remind the banks how important their patronage is. “Banks are all vying for the mortgage dollar and are on record as saying they will negotiate on rates to retain their share of the market - buyers and mortgage holders are in a position to make them keep to their word. “It’s a basic premise that when the banks do the right thing by their customers at times that count, their customers, in turn, will do the right thing by them.”   For further information contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

First National Real Estate was recognised recently for its support of the MobileMuster Old phones, more trees campaign, the official recycling programme of the mobile phone industry.The network received the Award for the Best Promoter to recognise the business that actively and creatively promoted mobile phone recycling to its staff and customers.  The Award was presented at the Victorian MobileMuster Business Awards, held as part of the Melbourne Sustainable Living Festival.First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis, said he was delighted the network’s hard work and efforts had been acknowledged because, as a network, at every level it was committed to energy efficiency and sustainability.“Our members and staff have embraced the corporate philosophy to lessen the impact our work has on the environment and at the same time take a lead on matters affecting the communities in which we live and work,” Mr Ellis said.“MobileMuster was seen as an ideal extension of our own energy efficiency and sustainability drive and we worked very hard to encourage our customers, staff and members of the community to recycle their old phones and plant more trees.”Mr Ellis said he believed the corporate world had an obligation to adopt business practices that would make them more resource efficient and less wasteful.“It makes good corporate sense from every aspect.  We reduce our carbon footprint, improve our bottom line, gain a competitive edge and enhance our reputation when we take on these type of social responsibilities,” Mr Ellis said.In addition to partnering with the MobileMuster organisation, the network provided additional finance and resources to support the campaign.“We provided a drop off point for members of our local communities and then promoted the campaign internally to staff and externally to the general public.“We used a combination of traditional promotional methods, such as media releases and posters, with new technologies, such as social media tools like Twitter, facebook, blogs and smartphone messaging.“The response we received from our members and their communities was terrific and we are pleased with the results we have achieved.” For further information contact Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager, First National Real Estate, on 0413 624 317

First National Real Estate’s CEO, Mr Ray Ellis, supports the RBA’s decision to keep interest rates on hold, saying stability is what is sought during times of ongoing consumer nervousness and tension. “The market is tightly wound at the moment, and movement of any kind could unsettle confidence, which is why we believe the decision by the RBA was the right one at this time,” Mr Ellis said. “Our agents have reported drops in listing volumes for the second month in a row, which, in part, reflects home owners waiting for selling conditions to improve before they put their properties on the market but also reflects seasonal factors. “While the market remains slow in much of Australia, decreases in housing availability will begin to place upward pressure on prices as it increases competition, ultimately reducing the number of days it takes to sell a home.” Mr Ellis said home buying opportunities, even with the rates remaining steady, were still plentiful as interest rates are still relatively low and home prices are at their most affordable for quite a number of years. “This all bodes well for a property market looking for signs of stability and recovery” Mr Ellis said. “Any decreases in rates at this time could have further added to consumer nervousness, which is still suffering from uncertainty around global economies and impacts of rising living costs, especially with the advent of the carbon tax. “At the same time, an increase now could result in reduced affordability, something first home buyers in particular can ill-afford at a time when some of the government assistance schemes are being cut back or dropped altogether. Mr Ellis said he encouraged anyone looking to purchase a home at the moment to negotiate. “All the Big 4 banks and other mortgage lenders are on record as saying they are willing to discuss rates with home buyers in order to retain their share of the market, so buyers are in a real position of power to make them deliver on their statement,” Mr Ellis said. “A calm approach is exactly what is needed right now to allow the property market to catch its breath and stabilise activity, so it can prepare for the next wave of influencing factors. This falls right into the hands of home buyers who should be able to secure the best deals they have for many years.”