Find Real Estate For Sale and Rent across Australia

First National Real Estate will continue its support of the Regional Victoria Living Expo, which it believes will be bigger and better than in 2012. “Last year, the first Expo attracted crowds of more than 8,000 people over the weekend, and based on the feedback we have been receiving this year, we think even more people will visit the event,” First National Real Estate Chief Executive, Mr Ray Ellis said. “We received many follow-up calls last year from Melburnians seeking to relocate to regional Victoria, and we were able to assist quite a few to successfully relocate over that time.” Take Carrum Downs couple, Peter and Jenny, who inspected a property in Hamilton Park through First National Garry Nash in Wangaratta.  They attended the Expo where they met Principal Garry Nash and talked about their situation and aspirations for a stress-free lifestyle. “I helped Peter and Jenny list their Carrum Downs property with my colleagues at First National Finning in Cranbourne, and then assisted them to purchase a regional block of land in Eldorado in north-east Victoria,” Mr Nash said. “It's a similar story with another couple, John & Julie, from Mordialloc who have now listed their home with First National Phillips Nicholson and I am helping them with their search for a rural property around Wangaratta. “That's the benefit of events like the Regional Victoria Living Expo.  It affords home buyers and sellers the opportunity to do all their research under the one roof in a simple, more streamlined process.” According to Mr Ellis, regional cities across Victoria are currently experiencing price growth twice as fast compared to five years ago. “The growth rate for prices in regional cities including Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga jumped from 0.8 per cent between 1991 and 2006 to 1.6 per cent between 2006 and 2011,” Mr Ellis said. “And if we achieve the type of response at this year's Expo as we did last year, more Australians will look to relocate, bringing even further gains to property prices in regional areas. “We received in excess of 300 registrations over the course of the weekend last year, and following the Expo received further enquiry, nationally, from people wanting information about the various incentives and grants on offer from state governments nationwide.  The beauty of the First National network is that we have independent owners happy to work together and help clients all across the country.  So as Australians change their views towards regional relocation, we can help. “As our population grows and the infrastructure of our cities is stretched, more Australians are contemplating the benefits of our regions.” That seems to be the case for a couple who bought a property in Drouin through Anthony Clark of First National Clark in Warragul. “I have worked with this couple since Expo last year and while they are not making the move from Melbourne immediately, it won't be long before they are enjoying a new lifestyle in the Gippsland region,” Mr Clark said. The Regional Victoria Living Expo sponsored by First National Real Estate returns to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 19-21 April 2013, showcasing the outstanding opportunities available in regional and rural Victoria. - copy ends - Issued by: First National Real Estate

ederal Legislation currently being considered could cost the Australian economy millions of dollars in lost productivity if implemented in the real estate industry according to First National Real Estate, Chief Executive, Mr Ray Ellis. The Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013 (the Bill), which is currently being considered by the Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee, proposes among other things: the need to provide additional remuneration for employees working overtime; unsocial, irregular or unpredictable hours; working on weekends or public holidays; or working shifts. “ The Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013 operates on the basis that everyone should or wants to work during the day, during the week.  While in many industries this is true, it is not true of the real estate industry.  Its impact would be devastating, not just to the industry, but to the economy as a whole” Mr Ellis said. Most real estate businesses work their staff in rosters so they can cover the necessary night and weekend work needed to provide their services to the public.  “Staff are attracted to the industry because it favours entrepreneurship, it rewards those ready to work hard.  Everyone employed by a good employer knows the hours before they sign an agreement,” argues Mr Ellis, “this is a law protecting people who want to work regular hours and within rigid guidelines and regulations and does nothing for those who choose to work flexibly and think outside the square”. But the real cost of this type of legislation would be felt in the economy at large, and paid by the average citizen.  The first and most obvious cost will be increased wages which will need to be paid for by increases in fees.  “Housing affordability is a major issue in this country but this legislation would see an immediate increase in agency fees.  This will slow down housing sales at a time when we can ill afford it,” Mr Ellis said. The hidden cost will be in the number of agencies who will alter or reduce their working hours in order to avoid the extra cost.  The vast majority of property transactions in this country are individuals making private transactions, so they need to inspect, sign a lease, buy and sell properties in their own time. “Imagine if everyone who inspected a house or negotiated a sale or purchase had to do so during standard working hours,” said Mr Ellis, “the housing sector would grind to a halt but also every other business would find people asking for time off to go and talk to the real estate agent, it would be a nightmare.  The economy needs real estate agents to work nights and weekends so that everyone else does not have to,” Mr Ellis said.  “This is an industry that thrives on flexibility and entrepreneurship, these are not people attracted by the ordinary working week and Australia does not need to pay for it.” Mr Ellis is the first independent director to be appointed to the Board of the Real Estate Institute of Australia. - 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

Gas and electricity prices are on the rise, fuelling the flames of discontent for many home owners.  With the onset of winter, First National Real Estate offers advice that will warm the cockles of homeowners' hearts, while keeping 'bill chills' at bay. “Recent inflation figures show electricity prices have increased by over 16 per cent a year and gas has risen around 11 per cent a year,” First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis said. “And power usage increases as the warm days of summer turn cooler over the winter months. “But there are some simple steps that can be taken to keep the family warm and cosy in winter, without costing the earth.” In winter, a typical Australian household consumes around 2700 kWh of energy, an increase of about 7 per cent over other seasons and, for every one degree increase in home temperature in winter, energy use increases by 15 per cent. So it is prudent to look for ways to reduce consumption and avoid the shock of rising energy bills. According to Mr Ellis, 'conserve, seal and deal' are three principles to remember when looking to reduce energy bills. CONSERVE energy use by turning down thermostats on heaters by one or two degrees and maintain room temperatures between 18 and 21 degrees.  Each degree lower can decrease heating costs by up to 10 per cent.  Energy use can also be lowered if lights are turned off when rooms are empty, compact fluorescent lamps are installed (which use around 80 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last around 10 times longer) and appliances such as computers and televisions are turned off at the wall whenever possible.  Standby power can account for up to 10 per cent of total power bills. SEAL up any air leaks around the home, which can raise energy bills by allowing heat to escape outside.  Install draught seals and weather stripping around doors and windows and repair faulty seals.  Insulation will also help retain heat during winter -  homes  insulated to the recommended levels can potentially save 5 to 25 per cent on heating and cooling costs. DEAL - look at using or installing energy efficient appliances where practical.  Great deals are offered towards the end of the financial year or before the weather fully turns.  Using major appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers or dryers at bed-time and other low energy use times of the day will also produce better deals on power bills. “Australian cities are consistently being featured among the most expensive cities in the world to live, but that doesn't mean home owners shouldn't be vigilant in looking for ways to make their lives more affordable,” Mr Ellis said.

March heralds a significant event on the fundraising calendar, the Red Cross Calling appeal which, this year, will be joined by Australia's premier real estate network, First National Real Estate.Through its philanthropic arm, First National Foundation, First National members will open their doors and hearts, and ask local communities to do the same.“Red Cross works tirelessly to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity, which it has been doing for 60 years through this campaign,” First National Real Estate, Chief Executive, Mr Ray Ellis said.“As members of the many communities that have benefited from these efforts, we feel privileged to be able to give back in any way we can.“Participating members of the network will be actively promoting the Red Cross Calling appeal and all monies raised will go straight into the humanitarian organisation's coffers, so they can continue the great work they do on an everyday basis.”To date, First National Foundation has contributed more than $1.2 million to the worthy work of Red Cross.  Through its activities during Red Cross Calling, the network hopes to significantly increase that figure.“It is terrific to be involved in a campaign where we get back as much as we give,” Mr Ellis said.“I know our members enjoy the spirit of giving and the social returns they get go beyond the tangible.“Nothing is more gratifying than the satisfaction you achieve from knowing you are helping someone in their time of need, and that includes Red Cross.”

A solution to housing affordability may rest with the humble home extension, age-old granny flat, or dual occupancy says First National Real.  It's just a matter of which will best suit each home owner's individual circumstances. “A combination of increasing demand, the ongoing shortage of supply, an aging population and a slow but gradually improving property market is forcing many home owners to consider any option that provides flexible working solutions to house their families ,” First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis said. “The best of these is granny flats. You can extend or subdivide, depending on the problem needing to be addressed.” Mr Ellis said,  “Granny flats are ideal for those needing a space of their own, like elderly parents or Gen Y children who are still at home. “If rented out, they can also represent a great source of additional income in these challenging economic times,” Mr Ellis said. “Plus, if the granny flat provides extra space, greater flexibility and more living areas to a dwelling, it's likely to add appeal and value in most markets, just as an extension will. “But to assure added value, any extension or granny flat should be designed in keeping with the home.” Mr Ellis said, there was also another option for maximising the financial potential of a home, which is often overlooked, but may prove especially beneficial for asset rich, but cash poor landowners. “Dual living, or dual occupancy through subdividing the existing dwelling or land, offers a host of advantages not afforded through an extension or granny flat. However, this option needs to take into account a number of additional considerations,” Mr Ellis said. “It means going through the planning application process and is more expensive, but the end result is a separately titled, saleable asset.” Whichever option is chosen, Mr Ellis cautions homeowners to seek the advice of an accredited builder, or local council, before proceeding. Regulations regarding construction and occupancy vary in each state and from council to council. “Authorities are able to advise on the various aspects and rules that apply to the size and positioning of the building on the land, as well as title registrations and rates payments,” Mr Ellis said. “Advice should also be sought from a financial advisor for tax implications of building, and real estate agents for advice on renting a second dwelling as well as any value it may add to the overall property.”

First National Real Estate's Victorian and Tasmanian members were presented with their General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) Awards on Saturday night, in a fun filled evening featuring a Carnivale theme, at Melbourne's Grand Hyatt hotel. The gala evening celebrated the best of the state's real estate performances over the past year which, according to First National Real Estate Victorian Chairman, Garry Nash has not been without significant challenges for the profession. “Last year continued to be a slow market for property on the back of the previous two years which were fraught with economic turmoil and natural disasters, but our members showed their mettle, meeting conditions head on with fortitude and optimism,” Mr Nash said. “They continued to put their clients first and now, with the market slowly starting to turn, they are beginning to see the results of their hard work and effort. “These Awards are a recognition of that hard work, and tireless spirit to ensure they do their best at all times.” On the night the Top 10 Offices in the state were named and included: First National Real Estate Tweed Sutherland, Bendigo - Vic/Tas 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 Clark, Warragul First National Real Estate Waverley City, Glen Waverley First National Real Estate Dawes & Milne, Frankston First National Real Estate Neilson Partners, Berwick First National Real Estate Treeby, Ringwood First National Real Estate Westwood, Werribee Melbourne CBD agency, First National Real Estate City Residential won the Property Management Team of the Year Award. Individuals were also recognised with the Top 10 Salespeople being: Sarah Carey, First National Real Estate Carey, Lara Matt Leonard, First National Real Estate Tweed Sutherland, Bendigo|Rob Westwood, First National Real Estate Westwood, Werribee Andrew Milne, First National Real Estate Dawes & Milne, Frankston Frank Barrett, First National Real Estate, Finning, Cranbourne Andrew Kerr, First National Real Estate Neil Kerr, Cobram Darryn O'Keefe, First National Real Estate Tweed Sutherland, Bendigo Joan Carter, First National Real Estate King & Heath, Paynesville Shufang Zhao, First National Real Estate Waverley City, Glen Waverley Jamie Maynard, First National Real Estate Wodonga Vanessa deGregorio of First National Real Estate Neilson Partners, Narre Warren was named Property Manager of the Year.  Susan Bussell, from First National Real Estate O'Meara Kennedy, Yarrawonga and Jonathon O'Donoghue from First National Real Estate O'Donoghues, Hawthorn East were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year, respectively. Mr Nash said the First National Awards are an important event as they present an opportunity for members to come together and share their thoughts and views on the industry and events that affect them, such as the recent disasters across Australia. “During trying times like the recent floods, cyclones and bushfires, our members band together and help each other and their clients where they can, but it is often only through these types of social networking events that they are able to come face to face with each other,” Mr Nash said. “It is this spirit of “we are all in it together” that sets us apart from our competitors, which is why we continue to support our communities with fundraising and sponsorship opportunities and events.”Share this: Members at the Crowne Plaza Coogee Bay First National Real Estate's New South Wales and ACT members were presented with their General Excellence and Marketing (GEM) Awards on Saturday night, in a fun filled evening featuring a Carnivale theme, at Sydney's Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach. The gala evening celebrated the best of the state's real estate performances over the past year which, according to State Chairman, Mark Millington has not been without significant challenges for the profession. “Last year continued to be a slow market for property on the back of the previous two years which were fraught with economic turmoil and natural disasters, but our members showed their mettle, meeting conditions head on with fortitude and optimism,” Mr Millington said. “They continued to put their clients first and now, with the market slowly starting to turn, they are beginning to see the results of their hard work and effort. “These Awards are a recognition of that hard work, and tireless spirit to ensure they do their best at all times.” On the night the Top 10 Offices in the state were named and included: First National Real Estate Byron Bay - NSW/ACT Office of the Year First National Real Estate Port Macquarie First National Real Estate Coffs Coast, Coffs Harbour Jetty First National Real Estate Walsh & Sullivan, Baulkham Hills First National Real Estate Rydalmere First National Real Estate Daystar, Padstow First National Real Estate Carlingford First National Real Estate Epping Central, Epping First National Real Estate O'Connor, Wollongong First National Real Estate Wal Murray & Co, Lismore North Narrabeen agency, First National Real Estate Rod Jones won the Property Management Team of the Year Award. Individuals were also recognised with the Top 10 Salespeople being: Deborah O'Brien, First National Real Estate Homeway, Castle Hill Michael Sleiman, First National Real Estate Daystar, Padstow Ricky Ho, First National Real Estate Rydalmere Allison Mifsud, First National Real Estate Epping Central Jason Crouch, First National Real Estate, Max Bailey, Singleton Daniel Godoy, First National Real Estate Carlingford Scott Henry, First National Real Estate Holgate, Lane Cove Michael Alexander, First National Real Estate Michael Alexander, Harrington Park Ron Fischer, First National Real Estate Port Macquarie Graeme Paddock, First National Real Estate Leumeah United, Leumeah Karen Joseph of First National Real Estate Manly Vale was named Property Manager of the Year.  Kate Stephenson, from First National Real Estate Coogee and Paul Crinis from First National Real Estate Gerard Smith, Picton were named Property Manager Rookie of the Year and Sales Rookie of the Year, respectively. Mr Millington said the First National Awards are an important event as they present an opportunity for members to come together and share their thoughts and views on the industry and events that affect them, such as the recent disasters across Australia. “During trying times like the recent floods, cyclones and bushfires, our members band together and help each other and their clients where they can, but it is often only through these types of social networking events that they are able to come face to face with each other,” Mr Millington said. “It is this spirit of “we are all in it together” that sets us apart from our competitors, which is why we continue to support our communities with fundraising and sponsorship opportunities and events.”- copy ends -  

Australians continue to invest in property as a proven path to long-term financial security and the summer months bring increased rental relocation activity, particularly in the early months of the new year.  However, many landlords and property investors neglect to protect their valuable asset by taking out appropriate insurance cover. “It is important for landlords to realise the cover they need should extend beyond the normal building insurance policy, which does not cover things like willful damage to their property, failure to pay rent, or claims made against them by their tenant,” First National Real Estate CEO, Mr Ray Ellis said. “Summer is always a busy time in the rental market as tenants find it more convenient to move at the start of the school year, and, the holiday letting market also produces increased interest. “Landlord protection policies differ widely, but at First National Real Estate we can help landlords find the right insurance policy for them.  Some, for instance, are designed to be used in conjunction with a typical home and contents or strata title policy, while others are more comprehensive. We also help our tenants find contents insurance, which can be challenging for those living in a shared household.” According to industry research, less than half of all self-managing landlords have specific landlord insurance, even though three out of five recognise a bond is not sufficient to cover most incidents with tenants. Landlords who use real estate agents to manage their relationship with tenants  face fewer problems than those who self-manage their investment properties. “At First National Real Estate we manage properties on behalf of clients on an ongoing basis,” Mr Ellis said. “We make sure appropriate rental agreements are in place, screen potential tenants and check their references, regularly inspect properties and ensure maximum returns are achieved for each of our rental properties. “We have leading edge systems and best practice procedures in place to ensure vacant properties are marketed correctly, and maintained in optimal rental condition. “We can provide clients with documentation to support tax depreciation claims and arrange regular value appraisals and asset management reports to maximise their investment potential. “In essence, we put you first by making sure you and your investment are properly covered, and, that your tenants are kept happy in a properly maintained home.”

First National Real Estate, through the First National Foundation, has joined the Red Cross in its appeal for all Australians to be prepared for a disaster as part of the inaugural Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Week, being run from 17-21 September. “Australia is prone to disasters of all kinds, especially over the Summer and wet seasons, which is why it is critical that people make the effort to protect what is probably the biggest financial commitment they make in their lives, their homes,” National Communications Manager, Stewart Bunn said. “Not to mention the emotional attachment they have developed for many of the personal and sentimental items housed inside. “As agents, we see what home owners go through to purchase a home, and we believe it is an essential that we involve ourselves in any means available to help them protect it. “Which is why we value our partnership with the Red Cross so much. It affords us the opportunity to give back to the communities where we live and work, as well as be involved in activities that can make a huge difference to our clients.” All our staff at First National Real Estate are being encouraged to review their own REDiplans, and assist clients where they can to do the same during the national week. “This is exactly the type of thing the First National Foundation has been set up for. To support communities across Australia where it is needed,” Mr Bunn said. “Preparedness Week is designed to focus attention on this piece of strategic asset protection planning which has the potential to affect all Australians. “Red Cross has made it easy with a range of resources built around helping people to be better prepared to reduce the impacts of an emergency such as bushfires, flooding, cyclones and hurricanes. “Despite so many large scale disasters in Australia in recent years, people still believe it won't happen to them, and a week like this brings home just how vulnerable everyone is. “Disasters don't discriminate, and nor does First National Foundation. The only way to protect yourself and minimise the impact of a disaster is to be ready by making sure you have an appropriate plan in place. “Let us put you first and help you prepare for a disaster.” - copy ends - Issued by: First National Real Estate For further information contact: Stewart Bunn, National Communications Manager,First National Real Estate on 1800 032 332

Current market conditions are bringing home ownership dreams closer for many first home buyers and First National Real Estate  CEO, Mr Ray Ellis says building a new home may be their best option.“The housing sector of the construction industry continues to lag, so first home buyers should look at taking advantage of the various state government initiatives designed to get it moving,” Mr Ellis said.“First home owners are in the prime position of being able to lead negotiations and builders keen to work should be willing to come to the party.“Combine this with the government grants in each state to support new builds and first home buyers may find themselves in their own homes sooner than they ever thought possible.”Recent statistics from the Australian Industry Group and Housing Industry Association show there has been a decline across all sectors of the construction industry, but a greater decline in houses and apartments.“While this represents bad news for the construction industry, it puts first home owners in the driver's seat to secure better prices, making a new home build much more realistic, especially given the escalating up-front headworks and development charges,” Mr Ellis said.“But, anyone looking at building a new home should make sure they research thoroughly and ensure contracts cover everything involved in the construction process. It's particularly important to be warey of variations clauses.“Too often we see the situation where a first home buyer has enthusiastically entered into a contract only to find the contract or their budget did not cover all items.  Then they are left to find additional funding for the 'surprises' they discover along the way.”First National Real Estate recommends first home buyers access the information guides available from government departments, respected bodies such as Archicentre, and independent building information centres.- 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  

The First National Real Estate network, through the First National Foundation, has launched a national bushfire appeal and joins the Red Cross in its appeal for all Australians to dig deep and donate to assist those who have been directly affected by the recent spate of bushfires across the country. “Australia is prone to disasters of all kinds, especially over the summer and wet seasons, which is why we are urging everyone to give generously and support those communities most in need,” Mr Simon O'Donoghue, Chairman, First National Foundation said. “Our members have always been involved with the support of their local communities and, over the past six years, the First National Foundation has donated more than $2,200,000 to the Australian Red Cross as a result of our fundraising efforts. “People know that when they donate through First National Foundation, their donation will reach the people who need it most from individuals, families and farmers, right through to the community level.” Thousands of people across Australia have been affected by bushfires with many suffering untold losses including their homes, pets, livestock, sentimental and personal effects, and in some cases, their livelihoods as well. “At times like these, when communities are threatened by natural disasters, we redouble our fundraising efforts through the Foundation, which donates to the Australian Red Cross and its assistance to Australians in disaster preparation, response and recovery,” Mr O'Donoghue said. “Even today, as the nation faces one of the worst fire-prone seasons in decades with the current heat wave conditions, the money we have raised in the past is still being used to assist those areas affected by some of the most devastating disasters in Australia's history. “Many of these people are the ones that we have helped to purchase their homes, or move into a new one and we feel their need as much as if it were our own. “This is why we value our partnership with the Red Cross.  It affords us the opportunity to give back to the communities where we live and work, as well as be involved in activities that can make a huge difference to our clients.”