March 25, 2011

QLD Real Estate Industry Focus on New Campaign - Fair Work Ombudsman

This email below was provided to Real Estate Excellence from http://www.qpir.com.au/
Stacey,

We understand that your organisation may have contact with a significant number of employers in Queensland's 'real estate industry'. The Fair Work Ombudsman (the Federal workplace relations regulator) has commenced a 'targeted' compliance campaign IN QUEENSLAND ONLY focused on the existence, or otherwise, of agreements registered with QPIR, as required by the Real Estate Industry Award 2010 (award).


Attached is a media release about the compliance campaign, an extract from the award, and information about industry-specific agreement suppliers. A complete copy of the award may be downloaded from www.qpir.com.au/award. The award defines the real estate industry as:



'. . . the provision of services associated with sales, acquisitions, leasing and/or management of residential, commercial, retail, industrial, recreational, hotel, retirement and any other leasehold or real property and/or businesses. Such services include:

* real estate agency;

* business and hotel broking;

* strata and community title management (or similar service however described);

* stock and station agency;

* buyers agency; and

* real estate valuation.'


I would ask that you consider forwarding this email (especially including the attachment) to any Queensland-based 'real estate industry' employers in your database.

Questions from such employers about agreement registration generally should be directed to QPIR Administration (P: 07 3219 7622; E: admin@qpir.com.au ). Alternatively REEA members may contact me direct (M: 0411 208 794; P: 07 3376 1397; E: bsiebenhausen@reea.org.au ). Those employers who are not REEA members are requested to visit www.reea.org.au/membership  and complete a membership application before contacting me.



Regards,

BRUCE SIEBENHAUSEN.

Chairman, QPIR

Secretary/Treasurer, Real Estate Employers' Association (REEA)

To view the Media Release visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/component/docman/cat_view/37-federal-compliance-and-legislation/9-real-estate-industrial-awards-a-employment-matters?orderby=dmdate_published




www.qpir.com.au









Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure that this email message is free from errors and/or omissions, QPIR, REEA & the PSAQ, their employees, officers and agents do not accept any liability for the results of any action taken in reliance upon, based on or in any connection with this message. To the extent legally possible, QPIR, REEA & the PSAQ, their employees, officers and agents, disclaim all liability arising by reason of any breach, or any errors and omissions contained in this email (or any attachment).

March 21, 2011

Property Management Excellence - Career Development Programme

CDP - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 -  Attend One, or Attend them All!

Real Estate Excellence is proud and excited to announce a six step Career Development Programme for Property Management Excellence. Please find following the Six Step (CDP) Options for Property Managers and Licensees; programme suitable for newcomers, experienced and advanced. Please review this document for an outline of all programmes being offered very soon!

Stacey Holt, Director Real Estate Excellence will present each session.

For all expressions of interest, please email Stacey Holt. Sessions are expected to roll out in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast from June 2011. The sessions will be rolled out in the regions later in 2011 and into 2012. It is expected that these sessions will be offered on a regular basis. All courses will be $99 per person including GST. (Discounts apply to Members). Small groups only to assist in a quality and effective learning environment.

For all enquires contact Stacey Holt stacey.holt@realestateexcellence.com.au  Please forward this invitation to any colleagues who you feel may benefit from receiving it. PRIVATE IN House training is also available. Enquire today about PRIVATE IN House Training and to receive the Real Estate Excellence “MENU”. All of Real Estate Excellence Training and services come with a satisfaction guarantee. Best Practice Real Estate Agency Advice is provided as part of the training and education services.

Attendees of this Career Development Programme are strongly recommended to consider GOLD SOLE MEMBERSHIP of Real Estate Excellence. GOLD SOLE Membership provides many benefits to your business including 10% discount of OPEN Training Services, Phone and Email Best Practice Advisory Services for up to ten staff, twice monthly Member Updates, Select Complimentary Best Practice Forms plus other benefits. Ask Stacey Holt for more information. GOLD SOLE Membership is only $22 per week including GST for up to 10 staff; equates to $2.20 for each staff member.

CDP 1 – Property Management Excellence (three hour programme)



• Understanding QCAT, RTA and the OFT

• Understanding key documentation used in tenancy such as the General Tenancy Agreement and the Management Agreement

• Understanding the legislative duty to the lessor and tenant

• Vital risk management procedures and why

• Application Form and processing – Tenant Selection

• Discrimination Law

• Advertising and Showing the Property

• Feedback reports for vacant property

• Tips on Career Development and Advancement

# Includes using and studying the RTRA Act



CDP 2 – Property Management Excellence (three hour programme)



• Rent payment methods

• Binding the tenant lawfully

• Entry Condition Report Compliance and Best Practice

• Sign up procedures

• Sign up procedure role play

• Bond lodgement requirements and part payment of bond

• Rent arrears procedures and completion of Form 11 and Form 12

• Routine Inspections – tips on how to complete an inspection

• Lease Renewals

• Rent and Bond Increases

• Rent Decreases

• Routine and emergency maintenance

• Tips on effective communication with the lessor and tenant

• Reporting to the Lessor during the tenancy

# Includes using and studying the RTRA Act



CDP 3 – Property Management Excellence (three hour programme)



• The 7 ways to lawfully end a tenancy under the RTRA Act

• Abandonment

• Death of a sole tenant

• Tenancy databases

• Exit reporting and tips on how to carry out a successful vacate

• Dispute Resolution and bond disputes

• Lost management procedures

• QCAT procedures and presentation tips including file preparation

• QCAT Forms such as Form 2, compensation claims, appeals and reopening a hearing

# Includes using and studying the RTRA Act



CDP 4 – Property Management Excellence (three hour programme)



• Tips on how to win new business

• Tips on listing presentations and pre listing kits

• Tips on how to close the sale

• How to utilise your agency point of difference in the market place

• Requirements when carrying out a Rental Appraisal

• Tips on how to complete a Rental Appraisal

• Scripts, tips and dialogues

• Risk management, compliance and best practice completion of the management agreement

# Includes using and studying the RTRA Act





CDP 5 – Property Management Excellence (three hour programme)



• Egg time theory and effective property management

• Tips on how to effectively deal with emails, phone calls and unexpected visitors

• Email and Phone etiquette

• Ideal day, week and monthly planning

• Taking control of your time and your career

• General Agency Risk Management

• Negotiation and Communication Tips





CDP 6 – Property Management Excellence (three hour programme)



• Quality control of paperwork and procedures

• A best practice agency assessment review

• Steps to take if a claims is made against your agency

• RTA investigations

• OFT investigations

• Property Management Reporting

• Trust Account key provisions

contact Stacey Holt for any enquiries, and be sure to register for the FREE updates at www.realestateexcellence.com.au

March 16, 2011

Real Estate Excellence Address QLD Parliament House - Sustaining Tenancies

Speech notes from 16th March 2011.
Good morning Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentleman

Thank you to 4 walls and St Vincent De Paul Society for the opportunity to present this address this morning at the new communities: sustaining tenancies Networking and Information Breakfast.

After almost 20 years in the wonderful Real Estate Industry, it is with great privilege and pleasure that I represent the industry today.

The Real Estate Industry has changed dramatically in the last ten years. We have seen great change come due to increased legislative obligations, higher risks of litigation and increased demand for extraordinary services from clients and customers.

In the last ten years our industry has seen massive change particularly through the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act, Fire and Rescue Services Act and the recently formed Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act; to name but a few significant changes. With new legislative come many increased obligations, increased business costs and increased expectations. Training and education is sometimes a major issue in our industry due to an almost overwhelming legislative responsibility, financial and time restraints.

It is with regret that the current property management registration regime imposed in Queensland under the PAMD Act is heavily focused on sales learning outcomes as opposed to property management. It must be said that the word property manager is not used nor referenced in the current Act. They are called registered salespeople. This is thought to play some part in the struggles that some of our industry face.

The role of today’s property manager is demanding and diverse. A quick snapshot shows us that in one day, a career property manager carries out many of the following tasks:



• Tenant suitability assessment and new tenancies

• Arrears management

• New business management

• Routine and emergency maintenance

• Tenant and lessor requests

• Routine inspections

• Trust account management

• Vacating tenants and bond matters

• Tribunal representation;

to name but a few of the many varied tasks and skills required on a day to day basis.

In relation to refugee housing, there are some obvious problems and maybe not so obvious solutions.

Some of the problems our industry face include;

• Language barriers

• Time barriers

• High expectations of some or all parties

• Supply and demand on property

• A perception of risk, especially with issues in the current public domain such as the most tragic situation on Christmas Island.

Possible solutions are

• Community workers and advocates assisting prospective tenants by making appointments if required with property managers. Property managers, like us all have heavy commitments each day; an unannounced visit may put restraint on the services that can be provided. This is also recommended for advocate and community workers wanting to build relationships with agents and property managers. Time management is a major issue for our industry.

• Community workers and advocates could contribute further by assisting prospective applicants in completing the applications form and assisting in ensuring that required documents such as Identification and proof of income are provided with the tenancy application.

• Prospective tenants could be further briefed on what the expectation and requirements of agents are such as making appointments, completion of application forms and their future tenancy obligations.

• A major issue faced by many is language barriers; what would greatly assist agents and refugees is Government funded interpreter services. The cost at present of these services is a huge barrier for many.

• More information could be provided through fact sheets as an example about refugees and housing issues. This information could be provided to agents and property managers who in turn can pass information to lessor client to assist in understanding and breaking down any barriers.

• Another solution is ensuring that Refugees placed in the private rental market sector are provided are case worker who also assists with any communication with the Property Manager as an ongoing relationship throughout the tenancy.

It must be said that the Real Estate Industry and Property Managers are genuine, compassionate and empathetic people. We are not without our own industry problems and issues; however we all realise that the houses and units we rent and sell, are more importantly somebody’s home.

Thank you again for the opportunity to present the thoughts from a Real Estate Agency perspective. 

March 15, 2011

Property Managers should not be called Property Managers

In recent years and months, particularly in recent days, I have given a great deal of thought to the title "Property Manager" and what does it really mean?

At present I am assisting a Platinum Member of Real Estate Excellence who is negotiating with a lessor client who is expecting the Property Manager to deal with a fence dispute matter with a next door neighbour. I must admit I am almost appalled at some of the matters that landlords expect our industry to do today; from dealing with disputes with neighbours over trees and fences, registering their pools and spas on required registers,  lodging  and dealing with insurance claims to name a few of the matters that property managers are expected to do on top of managing the tenancy.

It has long been said that Property Managers should be called People Managers; I for one agree with this! However, it is not really an appropriate nor friendly 'title'. As Real Estate Agents/Property Managers, we manage tenancy relationships on behalf of the lessor, not their own private affairs such as insurance and disputes with neighbours.

The industry today should consider changing the title Property Manager to Tenancy Relationship Manager; it explains more of what we do as property managers is not really appropriate in today's industry. Whilst people will say that they carry out all those extra tasks as added valued (and I am a huge fan of this is my own business and certainly advocate this practice), it must be asked, when is enough enough. How much more are we going to do for free as well?

One of the new training programmes being held by Real Estate Excellence - Secrets to Retention and Growth explores the fact that our industry cannot keep on doing what we have always done. For fear of sounding revolutionary, I do firmly believe that major changes have to start occurring for business survival, and these changes have to start from within.

www.realestateexcellence.com.au

March 7, 2011

Real Estate Excellence Industry Update 7th March 2011

Good morning Real Estate Excellence Members and Subscribers

The Property Agents Bill and the Agents Financial Administration Bill resumes its second reading in Queensland Parliament tomorrow. The Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act is expected to be replaced with these two new Acts during 2011. For more information visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/education-and-training-events-real-estate-excellence/cat_view/36-queensland-compliance-and-legislation


Also, the Neighbour Disputes Resolution Bill is also tabled for further debate. This new laws will make many changes to trees and fencing laws in Queensland - for more information visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/education-and-training-events-real-estate-excellence/cat_view/36-queensland-compliance-and-legislation
To review the Bill and explanatory notes visit http://parliament.qld.gov.au/view/legislativeAssembly/tableOffice/documents/notice_paper/Notice%20Paper.pdf


More information and updates about these new future laws will be provided through Real Estate Excellence Member Updates. If you would like more information about Real Estate Excellence Membership or Email and Phone Best Practice Advisory Services, please visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/education-and-training-events-real-estate-excellence

Training Update

Sunshine Coast - Secrets to Growth (and retention) Exposed - 16th March

Bundaberg - Rental Property Matters and QLD Police Drug Squad Information session - 17th March

Fraser Coast - Rental Property Matters - 18th March

Townsville- Rental Property Matters - 21st March

Brisbane North - Secrets to Growth (and retention) Exposed - 22nd March

Cairns - Rental Property Matters - 28th March

Brisbane South - Secrets to Growth (and retention) Exposed - 30th March

For more information and to download registration forms, please visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/education-and-training-events-real-estate-excellence/cat_view/34-qld-training-and-registration-forms


Have a great week! Please feel free to forward this email onto licensees and Real Estate Colleagues; to receive these updates visit http://www.realestateexcellence.com.au/ and subscribe for FREE.

Stacey Holt
stacey.holt@realestateexcellence.com.au