This time two years ago I made one of the biggest choices of my career and life. I resigned from a great corporate role and started my own business.
I have been reflecting on these last two years recently with some sense of wonderment and fascination... what a two years it has been been and how time sure does fly!
I finished my corporate career on December 23rd 2009, registered my business trading name on 24th December, worked on my website with my brother on 25th and 26th December (yes that is Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and launched my company officially on the 4th January 2010. Everything just flowed from there and in the beginning mostly at a frenetic pace.
All of the preparation and thought process regarding the leap of faith into my own business was largely in my head until that Christmas 2009/2010. My business plan was written during that period on yellow bits of paper where it is still sits today in my office. I have reviewed it often and tweaked, revised, re planned the journey along the way.
The last two years have almost been a blur, but in saying that a blur that is remembered vividly and with great pride. The business has progressed exceptionally well with a membership base of over 100 offices which equates to an estimated 1000 agents and property managers plus a large client base who utilise the training and consultancy aspect of my business.
They say that nothing worthwhile is easy, and I am reminded of this often. I have been most fortunate in my career of real estate; I have rarely found it to be 'work' or a 'job' - it has been a career and a hobby plus a passion since from when I started in reception all those years ago in Biloela Queensland.
Two years on, with many more successful and creative years to come; thank you those who are sharing my journey with me.
www.realestateexcellence.com.au
Stacey Holt (Real Estate Excellence Academy)
December 17, 2011
December 13, 2011
There is no secret in growing a successful real estate business and rent roll
I have for many years listened to the odd story about friends and family having ‘gripes’ regarding service in my beloved real estate industry. I have always vehemently defended the industry however sometimes have had to concede that their gripes may be founded. As with any industry, customer service can sometimes let the whole ‘team’ down.
With all the advent of technology, systems and processes of which I strongly support the industry must never forget the basics. The basics being that the Real Estate Industry is mainly a customer service industry with property being a close second. People are our business and whilst this statement is obvious to most, it is forgotten at times by some. It is also not ‘taught’ to new people entering the industry and reminders not often provided to the more experienced.
The phone calls, the emails and unannounced visits from clients and customers are not an interruption; they are a necessary part of the business. Whilst time management is a vital part of any agent’s day, there is a way to gracefully deal with the interruptions (as perceived) without letting the person feel like an intrusion and instead make them feel like they are the most important person in the world, if only for that minute.
My father has for many years struggled with agencies and had some terrible experiences regrettably. It was so refreshing to speak with him recently and he was raving about his new agent and property manager. What made him rave?
• The agency when they signed him up gave him a statement of ‘our commitment to you’
• They are delivering exactly what their commitment stated
• They are paying him his rental monies earlier than expected
• They are phoning him to advise if monies are delayed
• They phone him to survey him and asked ‘is there any way we can improve’?
The agency is sticking to the basics, and of course that is customer service. I believe there is no secret to growing a successful real estate business and rent roll. It is of course hard work (but nothing worthwhile is easy). Successful agencies with substantial growth have all the same things in common
• They have a culture of service
• They have a strong culture of training and improving services
• They have a strong culture of team work
• They have support in the background from the licensee and staff
• They have systems, procedures and policies clearly in place
• They meet regularly to review their practices and always strive to improve
• They all believe in the one goal – client satisfaction = staff satisfaction
With all the advent of technology, systems and processes of which I strongly support the industry must never forget the basics. The basics being that the Real Estate Industry is mainly a customer service industry with property being a close second. People are our business and whilst this statement is obvious to most, it is forgotten at times by some. It is also not ‘taught’ to new people entering the industry and reminders not often provided to the more experienced.
The phone calls, the emails and unannounced visits from clients and customers are not an interruption; they are a necessary part of the business. Whilst time management is a vital part of any agent’s day, there is a way to gracefully deal with the interruptions (as perceived) without letting the person feel like an intrusion and instead make them feel like they are the most important person in the world, if only for that minute.
My father has for many years struggled with agencies and had some terrible experiences regrettably. It was so refreshing to speak with him recently and he was raving about his new agent and property manager. What made him rave?
• The agency when they signed him up gave him a statement of ‘our commitment to you’
• They are delivering exactly what their commitment stated
• They are paying him his rental monies earlier than expected
• They are phoning him to advise if monies are delayed
• They phone him to survey him and asked ‘is there any way we can improve’?
The agency is sticking to the basics, and of course that is customer service. I believe there is no secret to growing a successful real estate business and rent roll. It is of course hard work (but nothing worthwhile is easy). Successful agencies with substantial growth have all the same things in common
• They have a culture of service
• They have a strong culture of training and improving services
• They have a strong culture of team work
• They have support in the background from the licensee and staff
• They have systems, procedures and policies clearly in place
• They meet regularly to review their practices and always strive to improve
• They all believe in the one goal – client satisfaction = staff satisfaction
December 6, 2011
Is this the beginning of Rent Control in Queensland?
For fear of sounding alarmist or controversial, it is media releases like this below from the Queensland Government that get me wondering where the property industry is heading. Whilst most in the Property Industry would concede that prices for rental property in most mining towns in Queensland is extraordinary and out of reach of most ordinary Queenslanders; it must be asked what about the investors? With increasing regulation imposed on today's property investor is there a possible taskforce to be created to monitor investor costs as well? Generally speaking, rental (and sales) pricing is commonly founded and based upon supply and demand. This has for many many years been the 'formula' (if there was one) for pricing property.
Whilst again the mining rents are extraordinary, the pricing has largely been driven by supply and demand. What is feared is the question - is this the beginning of rent control in Queensland? Or will this be a government reaction to a problem only in mining towns in recent times and in recent years possibly to come? One must refer to the investor as well to even up the playing field - the costs to comply with the myriad of statutory requirements imposed by Government is a costly one for most. It is called an investment for a reason... if Investors continually get hit with regulations and task forces such as below, what will happen? The very possible thing that will happen is what the Government and our society can ill afford. With Government increasingly removing itself from social housing stock with more reliance on the private rental sector, more than this task force needs to be considered.
Media contact: Minister Struthers' office 0408 620 467 Sourced from www.cabinet.qld.gov.au as at 6th December 2011.
www.realestateexcellence.com.au
Whilst again the mining rents are extraordinary, the pricing has largely been driven by supply and demand. What is feared is the question - is this the beginning of rent control in Queensland? Or will this be a government reaction to a problem only in mining towns in recent times and in recent years possibly to come? One must refer to the investor as well to even up the playing field - the costs to comply with the myriad of statutory requirements imposed by Government is a costly one for most. It is called an investment for a reason... if Investors continually get hit with regulations and task forces such as below, what will happen? The very possible thing that will happen is what the Government and our society can ill afford. With Government increasingly removing itself from social housing stock with more reliance on the private rental sector, more than this task force needs to be considered.
New Rent Affordability Taskforce for Mining Communities
A plan of action is underway to help keep rents affordable in boom resource towns, with the establishment of a Rent Affordability Taskforce for Resource Communities. Housing Minister Karen Struthers today announced the taskforce, which will include representatives from the Residential Tenancies Authority, the Urban Land Development Authority, and all relevant Government Departments.
"This taskforce will assess the rental market in resource towns (including level of rent rises and impact of increases); develop strategies to provide more affordable rental; and provide additional support and advocacy to renters," Ms Struthers said.
"I'm pleased to announce new services to work specifically for low income households in resource communities: a new RentConnect service will now help locals under housing stress to find affordable rental properties in resource towns.
"I have also approved $140,000 in funding for outreach Tenancy Advice and Advocacy Serv ice for the resource towns.
"This means new workers who will specifically target help to resource community tenants - protecting their rights, including the right to challenge excessive rental increases.
Ms Struthers said there are new changes to social housing eligibility to allow greater flexibility in resource towns, particularly where there is limited demand for social housing.
"My agency has also placed an immediate hold on the sale of government housing and land in these communities, except for sale for affordable housing."
Ms Struthers said rapid growth in the resources industry has made local housing supply and affordability a major issue.
"We are taking action to provide more support and we are addressing this concern."
The action of the taskforce will build on the considerable action of the Bligh Government, including:
"This taskforce will assess the rental market in resource towns (including level of rent rises and impact of increases); develop strategies to provide more affordable rental; and provide additional support and advocacy to renters," Ms Struthers said.
"I'm pleased to announce new services to work specifically for low income households in resource communities: a new RentConnect service will now help locals under housing stress to find affordable rental properties in resource towns.
"I have also approved $140,000 in funding for outreach Tenancy Advice and Advocacy Serv ice for the resource towns.
"This means new workers who will specifically target help to resource community tenants - protecting their rights, including the right to challenge excessive rental increases.
Ms Struthers said there are new changes to social housing eligibility to allow greater flexibility in resource towns, particularly where there is limited demand for social housing.
"My agency has also placed an immediate hold on the sale of government housing and land in these communities, except for sale for affordable housing."
Ms Struthers said rapid growth in the resources industry has made local housing supply and affordability a major issue.
"We are taking action to provide more support and we are addressing this concern."
The action of the taskforce will build on the considerable action of the Bligh Government, including:
- The Major Resource Projects Housing Policy, which requires resource companies to build more housing as part of their project approval
- The Urban Land Development Authority's new developments in Gladstone, Moranbah, Blackstone (Real Estate Excellence note; I believe they mean Blackwater here?) and Mackay, all of which are bringing more housing to market to ease pressures on rent prices.
- Significant National Rental Affordability Scheme allocations in these communities to build affordable new properties for rental at 20% below market prices.
- Tougher tenancy laws that allow tenants to challenge excessive rent increases.
Media contact: Minister Struthers' office 0408 620 467 Sourced from www.cabinet.qld.gov.au as at 6th December 2011.
section 71 of the RTRA Act already allows tenants to dispute significant changes from one lease to another including rent increases.
www.realestateexcellence.com.au
November 12, 2011
National Real Estate Licensing
Factsheet for current licensees
Australia working together
One system, one national licence
A new national occupational licensing system commences from July 2012. This means that as a current licence holder, you will get a single national licence for your current occupation which will enable you to work anywhere in Australia without having to worry about applying or paying for different licences.
What does this mean for me?
As a current licence holder, you will automatically become part of the new national system. The first wave of occupations to commence will include property occupations (excluding conveyancers and valuers) electrical occupations, plumbing, gasfitting and air-conditioning and refrigeration occupations. Building and building related occupations, conveyancers and valuers will be transferred to the national system in a second wave.
How will national licensing benefit me as an employer?
As an employer, national licensing will allow you to advertise and employ staff from anywhere across Australia – without the delay of waiting for a new licence to be issued if the licensee lives in a different state or territory.
You can do tomorrow what you can do today
The new national system will not disadvantage current licensees. If you are licensed to perform a certain type of work in a state or territory, you will be able to perform the same work right across Australia under your national licence.
How do I transfer to a national licence?
You do not need to take any action for this to happen. You will be advised individually by your state/territory licensing authority, prior to commencement of the new system, of the licence to which you will transfer. The new system will be administered by the National Occupational Licensing Authority (NOLA) but you will still go to your state/territory licensing agency for all licensing matters, including renewals.
National licensing will increase Australia’s ability to respond to national emergencies. This means that experienced tradespeople from across Australia can work together in any state or territory to help out with any clean up, without the need to apply for a licence in that state/territory.
Transparency for consumers
NOLA will set up a national register of licensees to assist consumers to make an informed decision about who they may choose to undertake work required
Current as at 12th November 2011 – sourced from www.nola.gov.au by Real Estate Excellence www.realestateexcellence.com.au
November 9, 2011
Subscriber Update - November 2011 (QLD)
sent via email to Subscribers of Real Estate Excellence www.realestateexcellence.com.au
Subscriber Update November 2011 – A Free Service to the industry |
Knowledge is Power Property Managers
Today’s Licensee and Career Property Manager are required to have a sound knowledge of a vast and diverse range of compliance issues. A common misunderstanding in the industry is the role of the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority). What must be remembered is the RTA only administers the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 and Regulation. The following matters that affect property managers daily in their careers are set out in different legislations and under other Government Departments. For more visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/membership-information/cat_view/12-real-estate-news-and-media
Licensees’ fined $10000, $25000 and one banned for life
To read more visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/membership-information/cat_view/12-real-estate-news-and-media
Seller Awarded $208 000 as contract was changed after buyer signed
To read more visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/membership-information/cat_view/12-real-estate-news-and-media
Landlord Listing Booklet – New Service!
Contents | Page |
Welcome to our agency | Provided (for final edit) |
Our Team and Our Services | Provided (for final edit) |
Lessor Obligations | Provided |
Title Search requirements | Provided |
Legal Impediment | Provided |
Discrimination Law and Tenant Selection | Provided |
Smoke Alarms and Safety Switches | Provided |
Pool Safety Laws | Provided |
Vacant possession requirements | Provided |
Tenant rights and obligations under the RTRA Act | Provided |
Entry to the property and notice periods | Provided |
Maintenance obligations – emergency and routine | Provided |
General risk management | Provided |
Keys, locks and security | Provided |
Rent arrears | Provided |
Tenancy breaches | Provided |
Water | Provided |
Tenancy Agreement – the RTA Form 18a (the tenancy contract) | Provided |
Special terms to the agreement | Provided |
Garden/Tree Maintenance | Provided |
Termination of tenancies | Provided |
Tribunal | Provided |
Disbursement of rental funds and the rental statement | Provided (for final edit) |
Management Agreement | Provided |
Landlord insurance | Provided |
Public liability insurance | Provided |
Budget recommendations | Provided |
Our Communication policy | Provided (for final edit) |
Our Privacy policy | Provided (for final edit) |
For more visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/membership-information/cat_view/80-training-services-and-resources
Six Membership options – Real Estate Excellence
For more visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/membership-information/cat_view/81-membership or email staceyholt@me.com
Training Events
Townsville 25th November – PM Excellence CDP 2
Brisbane 29th November – QCAT
For more visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/services/education-and-training-in-queensland or email stacey.holt@me.com
Please encourage others to subscribe to the FREE Updates – thank you
Knowledge is Power Property Managers
· Pool Laws
· Safety Switches
· Special Terms
· Smoke Alarms
· PAMD Act and Codes of Conduct
· Discrimination
· Tree and fencing laws
· QCAT and Tribunal
It is important to note that one may speak with the RTA about a matter listed above however they do not specialise in those laws.
Real Estate Excellence specializes in Real Estate Training, Professional Development, Risk Management, Compliance and Best Practice to assist in all matters relating to Residential Property Management (plus Licensee, Residential Sales and Administration). Private Training can be held in your office or via ‘telephone’ training and Membership best practice services are available. For more information, without obligation of course email staceyholt@me.com
This information sheet relates to Queensland only.
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