March 1 2010
I hope that this update finds you and the business going well. Hard to believe we are already in March! Sustainability and QCAT continue to be the two main topics of discussion in our industry. In relation to sustainability, the fines amnesty ended as of 1 March 2010; below is an extract from the latest Building Codes Queensland Division Newsflash. www.dip.qld.gov.au
On-the-spot fines – Sustainability Declaration
From 1 March 2010, on the spot fines will commence, and will be issued by:
• local governments for offences under the Building Act 1975 by home sellers, such as where a seller fails to prepare a sustainability declaration ($200 on-the-spot fine)
• the Department of Fair Trading for offences by real estate agents under the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000, such as failing to conspicuously display a sustainability declaration at a home’s open inspection($200 on-the-spot fine)
NOTE: the maximum penalties range up to $2000 for sellers (as per the Building Act) and up to $10000 for real estate agents (as per the PAMD Act). The sustainability declaration (and much more!) is discussed in all upcoming sales training workshops being held by Stacey Holt Real Estate Excellence. Visit the website OR contact me direct for more information. Also, the next morning tea event in Brisbane is with the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) whereby the declaration and many other issues will be discussed
QCAT – Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal
The morning tea with QCAT event, which was held on the 22nd February was well attended with the event booked out several weeks prior. Louise Logan, Principal Registrar of QCAT, gave a very informative and interesting presentation. The frustration of the industry was evident in relation to time frames for hearings. As discussed at the session, though it is far from ideal, the introduction is the biggest change to the Queensland judicial system in over 50 years. In the Real Estate Excellence QCAT Nuts and Bolts Workshops to date, I have been using the analogy of a ‘three month old baby’ – given that QCAT is now 3 months old. Whilst it is realised that these teething problems may cost lessor clients money (and agents), more than ever lessor protection insurance is to be strongly recommended by property managers and agents. Although insurance is not the answer to this problem, it is a sound risk management strategy for both lessor investors and property managers. The QCAT Nuts and Bolts intensive workshops are being held in many areas throughout Queensland.
Industry Best Practice
The following best practice tips are based on areas of agency practice that have been a common theme from clients these past weeks. I hope the following information is of benefit to your business.
Administration and Licensee Best Practice
Did you know that the PAMD Real Estate Agency Practice Code of Conduct requires that the agency prominently display to the public that there is an industry Code of Conduct and all staff must promptly advise a member of the public (customers and clients) where they can obtain a copy of the Code of Conduct for Real Estate Agents if requested?
For information about career development training focusing on risk, compliance and best practice for administrators and office managers, visit the website or contact me direct for more information.
Residential Sales Best Practice
Did you know that Section 31 of the PAMD Real Estate Agency Practice Code of Conduct requires that salespeople notify the seller immediately in writing if a buyer has not paid a sales deposit in accordance with the terms of the contract? The late deposit is not to be accepted by the agency unless the seller has been advised in writing by the agency and the seller has authorised the acceptance of the late deposit in writing.
For information about career development training focusing on risk, compliance and best practice for salespeople and administrators, visit the website or contact me direct.
Residential Property Management Best Practice
Did you know that there is confusion in the industry about rent arrears and repeated breaches? The RTRA Act states that if a tenant is more than 7 days in arrears of rent, then on the 8th day, a notice to remedy breach for rent arrears can be issued. If the tenant does not remedy the breach in the 7 day breach time period, then after the expiry of the notice to remedy breach, a notice to leave for rent arrears can be served. (add postage time frames if posted) Time frames do not need to be added for email, fax or hand delivery notice of delivery. The repeated breaches provision in the Act is a completely separate matter and is a provision in the legislation for ‘repeat offenders’; meaning that if a tenant (or lessor for that matter) continually breaches the act or agreement and notice to remedy breaches are served, and then they are remedied during the breach period, on the third or more notice to remedy breaches for the same event, the lessor/agent (or tenant) can apply to QCAT on an urgent application for termination on grounds of repeated breaches.
Until next time, enjoy Autumn!
www.realestateexcellence.com.au
Stacey Holt (Real Estate Excellence Academy)
March 1, 2010
February 20, 2010
What's next!
Saturday 20 February 2010
WOW, what another exciting, adventurous and very interesting week it has been both personally and professionally.
The business hit a few exciting milestones this past week, including my first interstate client, my 5th advisory client (on agreement) and secured two 12 month IN House Training Agreements. Plus, one of the highest moments of the week was working with one office in particular; their professionalism, class, knowledge and hunger for education had me wanting to jump as high as I could in the sky! Love working with some amazing wonderful motivate professionals, as is indicative of much of the real estate industry.
Personally, we got a new family car - a MINI Cooper S, Black - after having a black car years ago, which I loved, I swore I would never get another black one as it is very hard to clean! But as they say, never say NEVER! I love the mini, very cool with sunroof and leather seats plus other cool options.
Until next time...
WOW, what another exciting, adventurous and very interesting week it has been both personally and professionally.
The business hit a few exciting milestones this past week, including my first interstate client, my 5th advisory client (on agreement) and secured two 12 month IN House Training Agreements. Plus, one of the highest moments of the week was working with one office in particular; their professionalism, class, knowledge and hunger for education had me wanting to jump as high as I could in the sky! Love working with some amazing wonderful motivate professionals, as is indicative of much of the real estate industry.
Personally, we got a new family car - a MINI Cooper S, Black - after having a black car years ago, which I loved, I swore I would never get another black one as it is very hard to clean! But as they say, never say NEVER! I love the mini, very cool with sunroof and leather seats plus other cool options.
Until next time...
February 14, 2010
Commericalism and special events in our lives
February 14 2010
As I walked through my local shopping centre this morning, I got to thinking of an old debate about certain special events of the year, Christmas, Easter and Valentines Day to name but a few events that are special to most of us.
As I stumbled past the vast array of flowers and chocolates (that even I felt guilty for not getting some for my loved one) I then ran into the HUGE array of Easter eggs! What the???
Most of us have long questioned the commercial reality as opposed to the reality of certain days that are marked on our calendars by 'others' (not us). We of course choose whether we celebrate these days that are told to us by other to 'celebrate'. There are a few of us in our society who choose not to celebrate the days; either at all, or particularly not in a commercial sense.
Every day in a relationship should be valentines day; and yes I know, relationships are not a 'bed of roses' - pardon the pun. Nor am I looking at life and relationships through 'rose coloured glasses' - again pardon the pun...
But seriously, relationships are not easy - nothing worthwhile is; but in saying that why is one day chosen in which we turn to our significant other and 'appreciate them' and shower them with gifts of which we've normally paid a huge mark up on as the day comes to quickly after Christmas and we all so busy with 'life'.
My point, my observation is to try and live all our lives like everyday is Christmas (celebrate) like it is Valentines Day (appreciate and love our other) and like Easter (eat good chocolate) Why wait for that one day of the year?
Until next time...
As I walked through my local shopping centre this morning, I got to thinking of an old debate about certain special events of the year, Christmas, Easter and Valentines Day to name but a few events that are special to most of us.
As I stumbled past the vast array of flowers and chocolates (that even I felt guilty for not getting some for my loved one) I then ran into the HUGE array of Easter eggs! What the???
Most of us have long questioned the commercial reality as opposed to the reality of certain days that are marked on our calendars by 'others' (not us). We of course choose whether we celebrate these days that are told to us by other to 'celebrate'. There are a few of us in our society who choose not to celebrate the days; either at all, or particularly not in a commercial sense.
Every day in a relationship should be valentines day; and yes I know, relationships are not a 'bed of roses' - pardon the pun. Nor am I looking at life and relationships through 'rose coloured glasses' - again pardon the pun...
But seriously, relationships are not easy - nothing worthwhile is; but in saying that why is one day chosen in which we turn to our significant other and 'appreciate them' and shower them with gifts of which we've normally paid a huge mark up on as the day comes to quickly after Christmas and we all so busy with 'life'.
My point, my observation is to try and live all our lives like everyday is Christmas (celebrate) like it is Valentines Day (appreciate and love our other) and like Easter (eat good chocolate) Why wait for that one day of the year?
Until next time...
February 13, 2010
Reflections
February 13th 2010
Don't you find it amazing to look back on your life, either professionally or personally and realities hit home as to why certain things have happened. The old saying 'everything happens for a reason' is something I believe in; the problem with that is, at the time of something happening in your life, we may not know why it actually happened, but some time later, days, months or even years, the 'reason' becomes apparent.
I have had a few moments like that this week; some too personal to explain but some I can. Regarding my career, it has been a long amazing, sometimes tiring journey. That journey is still continuing and is far from over I know. But the stages are certainly very different; I reflect back on my early days with Bill Hamilton and Co Real Estate (now Ray White Biloela) when I first began. I laugh greatly about some memories of those first days, especially when the property manager at the time said 'rent arrears' - I had to ask what rent arrears were! Oh my goodness did I really admit that!! I was only 19! (think there is a song called that, but a much more serious issue that one)
I then moved onto Ray White Rockhampton for many wonderful years, then Ray White Corporate. After that the REIQ and now here I am (gee I know I fast forwarded those reflections :) but let me tell you, there are many poignant moments in my career that I have recently realised why that 'event' happened. During a presentation to licensee's this week (in a licensee workshop, I found myself saying Real Estate is all I Know, and that is so true. Though I did do bar and restuarant work at the Boomerang Hotel Mackay but that story is a novel in itself :)
I am blessed to have and to have had such amazing people surrounding me, supporting me and believing in me. Sadly some of those great people dropped off (and I don't mean where we all end up one day) a long the way, which is unfortunate however there are three reasons they say that we meet people, for a reason, for a season,or for a lifetime.
Life is good, no complaints. Another great week for my business. Onwards and Upwards as my dear old friend said to me last night (thanks Ray)
Until next time..
Don't you find it amazing to look back on your life, either professionally or personally and realities hit home as to why certain things have happened. The old saying 'everything happens for a reason' is something I believe in; the problem with that is, at the time of something happening in your life, we may not know why it actually happened, but some time later, days, months or even years, the 'reason' becomes apparent.
I have had a few moments like that this week; some too personal to explain but some I can. Regarding my career, it has been a long amazing, sometimes tiring journey. That journey is still continuing and is far from over I know. But the stages are certainly very different; I reflect back on my early days with Bill Hamilton and Co Real Estate (now Ray White Biloela) when I first began. I laugh greatly about some memories of those first days, especially when the property manager at the time said 'rent arrears' - I had to ask what rent arrears were! Oh my goodness did I really admit that!! I was only 19! (think there is a song called that, but a much more serious issue that one)
I then moved onto Ray White Rockhampton for many wonderful years, then Ray White Corporate. After that the REIQ and now here I am (gee I know I fast forwarded those reflections :) but let me tell you, there are many poignant moments in my career that I have recently realised why that 'event' happened. During a presentation to licensee's this week (in a licensee workshop, I found myself saying Real Estate is all I Know, and that is so true. Though I did do bar and restuarant work at the Boomerang Hotel Mackay but that story is a novel in itself :)
I am blessed to have and to have had such amazing people surrounding me, supporting me and believing in me. Sadly some of those great people dropped off (and I don't mean where we all end up one day) a long the way, which is unfortunate however there are three reasons they say that we meet people, for a reason, for a season,or for a lifetime.
Life is good, no complaints. Another great week for my business. Onwards and Upwards as my dear old friend said to me last night (thanks Ray)
Until next time..
February 11, 2010
Mid February 2010 Real Estate Excellence Industry Update
Mid February 2010 Real Estate Excellence Industry Update
Industry Update
With the government introducing a new version of the QLD Sustainability Declaration on the 4th February 2010, the industry also got the news last weekend about the Federal government introducing mandatory energy assessments for both sales and rental properties from May 2011. The Queensland media do not appear to have picked this news up as yet.
Visit www.realestateexcellence.com.au - then USEFUL Information and click on Real Estate Media and Sustainability for more information.
A reminder about upcoming events throughout Queensland being held in March and April. Visit the site and click on USEFUL Information *upcoming events OR contact me direct.
Until next time....
Industry Update
With the government introducing a new version of the QLD Sustainability Declaration on the 4th February 2010, the industry also got the news last weekend about the Federal government introducing mandatory energy assessments for both sales and rental properties from May 2011. The Queensland media do not appear to have picked this news up as yet.
Visit www.realestateexcellence.com.au - then USEFUL Information and click on Real Estate Media and Sustainability for more information.
A reminder about upcoming events throughout Queensland being held in March and April. Visit the site and click on USEFUL Information *upcoming events OR contact me direct.
Until next time....
February 6, 2010
About Stacey Holt - Real Estate Excellence
Stacey Holt began the business Real Estate Excellence in January 2010 to continue and expand on an already extensive and successful real estate career. Prior to the launch of her own business, Stacey had 8 years in agency practice in regional Queensland, followed by 2 years in a franchise corporate role. After the franchise role, Stacey then spent six years in a corporate position, as an industry trainer and then best practice and policy manager based in Brisbane, for the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).
The corporate position saw Stacey travel around Queensland on a regular basis educating the real estate industry on issues relating to best practice, policy and legislation. Stacey, in her former corporate role, consulted with government on a range of issues that greatly affect the industry including the Sustainability Declaration and the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act.
In addition, Stacey has been a speaker at many Queensland and National conferences, authored regular monthly articles for a Real Estate Journal and has written and presented numerous real estate training programs. The many programs that have been written and presented by Stacey have all had the three main streams and focus required for today's real estate professional; best practice, compliance and risk management.
Stacey Holt Real Estate Excellence sees the beginning of a new era of service and education Excellence for the Real Estate Industry. Today’s real estate professional needs expertise from an industry specialist who can assist the business in compliance, best practice and risk management in no nonsense fashion.
One of Stacey’s areas of expertise is her ability to ‘plain speak’ the law and explain complicated legislation in a simple way that we can all understand! Stacey is also well known for her passion and legislative knowledge and is a firm believer of keeping things simple in her delivery of real estate education. Knowledge is Power has long been a motto of Stacey’s which has seen her continue to prosper in the industry of professional Real Estate.
Testimonials can be provided upon request. Please refer below to some of the many testimonials that can be provided.
TESTIMONIALS
____________________________________________________________________________________
I have great pleasure in providing some feedback regarding Stacey Holt of Real Estate Excellence of whom I have known for many years in a professional capacity.
I am co-director of a large franchise office in Australia and over the last decade we have worked very hard to build the company and take it forward as professionally and progressively as possible. This would not have been possible without listening and learning from those in this industry that have proven expertise and knowledge about the legislative and practical side of real estate and fewer are held in higher regard across this diverse industry as Stacey Holt.
I first came into contact with Stacey when she was working for an agency in Rockhampton and a chance introduction and debate about tenancy policy at that time was all that was required for me to ascertain I was debating with a most knowledgeable and professional individual.
It therefore came as no surprise to me when I learned that Stacey had later been appointed as a best practice and policy manager for the REIQ and over a period of 6 years continued to advise agencies in areas of best practice in both small forums and large conference speeches in her own plain speaking and knowledgeable manner.
Now though her company Real Estate Excellence we as an industry have a new ability to receive best practice advice personalised to us individually in our roles and I would encourage any person serious about success in real estate to swiftly acquaint themselves with Real Estate Excellence or risk operating in an industry where ignorance is no defence and the differences between success and failure are slim, so there would be no good reason not to ensure you protect yourselves, families and careers through best practice operations of your office.
If any person reading this would like further insight into Stacey’s background or information on the benefits of engaging an individual of this caliber from an independent third party then I would have no hesitation in inviting them to contact me.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I have watched with interest as Stacey has developed her skills in all areas of real estate. Stacey has been a guest on our radio show on a number of occasions and speaks with confidence and authority on a broad range of real estate topics.
Stacey's new business will allow her to focus on what I know she enjoys and that is the development of people. She has a wonderful communication style and an ability to impart a lot of knowledge and instill confidence. I wish her every success. I have no hesitation in recommending Stacey Holt and Real Estate Excellence.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Although I have personally known Stacey Holt for more than eight years, our company have had the pleasure of utilising Stacey Holt for training in Qld for the last three years.
Her presentation style oozes energy and passion, she has the ability to keep an audience enthralled, no matter how heavy the topic. She is a crusader for our industry and agents should feel blessed that Stacey is available for training and assistance.
Personally, I have always found Stacey to be an extremely diligent person, I believe she has an analytical mind and her wealth of Legislation knowledge is exceptional, which gives agents peace of mind that any question, query or concern that is given to Stacey to address is not answered unless she is 100% sure her answer is correct.
In all my dealings with Stacey, I have found her to be honest, loyal and a person of high integrity and ethics.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The writer/s of these testimonials details can be provided upon request.
February 6th 2010
The corporate position saw Stacey travel around Queensland on a regular basis educating the real estate industry on issues relating to best practice, policy and legislation. Stacey, in her former corporate role, consulted with government on a range of issues that greatly affect the industry including the Sustainability Declaration and the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act.
In addition, Stacey has been a speaker at many Queensland and National conferences, authored regular monthly articles for a Real Estate Journal and has written and presented numerous real estate training programs. The many programs that have been written and presented by Stacey have all had the three main streams and focus required for today's real estate professional; best practice, compliance and risk management.
Stacey Holt Real Estate Excellence sees the beginning of a new era of service and education Excellence for the Real Estate Industry. Today’s real estate professional needs expertise from an industry specialist who can assist the business in compliance, best practice and risk management in no nonsense fashion.
One of Stacey’s areas of expertise is her ability to ‘plain speak’ the law and explain complicated legislation in a simple way that we can all understand! Stacey is also well known for her passion and legislative knowledge and is a firm believer of keeping things simple in her delivery of real estate education. Knowledge is Power has long been a motto of Stacey’s which has seen her continue to prosper in the industry of professional Real Estate.
Testimonials can be provided upon request. Please refer below to some of the many testimonials that can be provided.
TESTIMONIALS
____________________________________________________________________________________
I have great pleasure in providing some feedback regarding Stacey Holt of Real Estate Excellence of whom I have known for many years in a professional capacity.
I am co-director of a large franchise office in Australia and over the last decade we have worked very hard to build the company and take it forward as professionally and progressively as possible. This would not have been possible without listening and learning from those in this industry that have proven expertise and knowledge about the legislative and practical side of real estate and fewer are held in higher regard across this diverse industry as Stacey Holt.
I first came into contact with Stacey when she was working for an agency in Rockhampton and a chance introduction and debate about tenancy policy at that time was all that was required for me to ascertain I was debating with a most knowledgeable and professional individual.
It therefore came as no surprise to me when I learned that Stacey had later been appointed as a best practice and policy manager for the REIQ and over a period of 6 years continued to advise agencies in areas of best practice in both small forums and large conference speeches in her own plain speaking and knowledgeable manner.
Now though her company Real Estate Excellence we as an industry have a new ability to receive best practice advice personalised to us individually in our roles and I would encourage any person serious about success in real estate to swiftly acquaint themselves with Real Estate Excellence or risk operating in an industry where ignorance is no defence and the differences between success and failure are slim, so there would be no good reason not to ensure you protect yourselves, families and careers through best practice operations of your office.
If any person reading this would like further insight into Stacey’s background or information on the benefits of engaging an individual of this caliber from an independent third party then I would have no hesitation in inviting them to contact me.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I have watched with interest as Stacey has developed her skills in all areas of real estate. Stacey has been a guest on our radio show on a number of occasions and speaks with confidence and authority on a broad range of real estate topics.
Stacey's new business will allow her to focus on what I know she enjoys and that is the development of people. She has a wonderful communication style and an ability to impart a lot of knowledge and instill confidence. I wish her every success. I have no hesitation in recommending Stacey Holt and Real Estate Excellence.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Although I have personally known Stacey Holt for more than eight years, our company have had the pleasure of utilising Stacey Holt for training in Qld for the last three years.
Her presentation style oozes energy and passion, she has the ability to keep an audience enthralled, no matter how heavy the topic. She is a crusader for our industry and agents should feel blessed that Stacey is available for training and assistance.
Personally, I have always found Stacey to be an extremely diligent person, I believe she has an analytical mind and her wealth of Legislation knowledge is exceptional, which gives agents peace of mind that any question, query or concern that is given to Stacey to address is not answered unless she is 100% sure her answer is correct.
In all my dealings with Stacey, I have found her to be honest, loyal and a person of high integrity and ethics.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The writer/s of these testimonials details can be provided upon request.
February 6th 2010
The week that was...
Saturday 6th February 2010
It has been a huge week in the business which is fantastic! I had a diverse week, with a mix of Auction training for a group, consulting with property managers for a day on the coast, then a workshop with sales people focusing on sustainability and contracts. An interesting mix of subjects and topics, and with great people!
I was reminded (not that I ever forget) what the 'real world' in real estate was like this week, when one of my clients phoned me just as I was arriving at the office for our 8am consulting appointment to say that she was racing to a property as she has received a phone call to say that water was running everywhere at this vacant property. After a disaster was quickly managed, the client informed and steps taken to 'fix' the problem, we then settled in for a fantastic productive meeting!
( I must comment on this client; an agent of 21 years, licensee for 10 - and wow, she has the energy and passion that would be the envy of most) I walked away from her feeling energised (and maybe a little bit exhausted) - just kidding. People like that are remarkable.
Late Friday afternoon (4th February) I received confirmation that the Office of Fair Trading QLD will do a presentation to our industry on March 17 2010. Which will be fantastic!
The events being held across the state are getting alot of interest and registrations, thank you to those who have registered! We are going to have great property management and sales training workshops!
Until next time...
and ps. the week that was FANTASTIC! and I love my iphone! (am wondering how did I live without it?
It has been a huge week in the business which is fantastic! I had a diverse week, with a mix of Auction training for a group, consulting with property managers for a day on the coast, then a workshop with sales people focusing on sustainability and contracts. An interesting mix of subjects and topics, and with great people!
I was reminded (not that I ever forget) what the 'real world' in real estate was like this week, when one of my clients phoned me just as I was arriving at the office for our 8am consulting appointment to say that she was racing to a property as she has received a phone call to say that water was running everywhere at this vacant property. After a disaster was quickly managed, the client informed and steps taken to 'fix' the problem, we then settled in for a fantastic productive meeting!
( I must comment on this client; an agent of 21 years, licensee for 10 - and wow, she has the energy and passion that would be the envy of most) I walked away from her feeling energised (and maybe a little bit exhausted) - just kidding. People like that are remarkable.
Late Friday afternoon (4th February) I received confirmation that the Office of Fair Trading QLD will do a presentation to our industry on March 17 2010. Which will be fantastic!
The events being held across the state are getting alot of interest and registrations, thank you to those who have registered! We are going to have great property management and sales training workshops!
Until next time...
and ps. the week that was FANTASTIC! and I love my iphone! (am wondering how did I live without it?
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