Lend A Hand For Renters

November 28, 2011 Leave a comment

Is NRAS is losing its edge as affordability improves?

While the network supports NRAS in principle, it is no longer effectively impacting on rising rents, leaving those most in need of assistance flailing in their efforts to make ends meet.

First National is calling on the government to look at changing NRAS so it has more relevance and achieves what it set out to do, or consider other forms of assistance such as bringing back some of the grants and other incentives that were obviously phased out too soon.

First National says while it is good news for the property market to get first home buyer activity increasing as a result of the market conditions, it is not good when it is done at the expense of those renters who can least afford it.

Struggling renters need access to assistance schemes that meet their circumstances and offer real assistance, which NRAS initially did, but has since failed to recognise the growing demand of assistance required, making it obsolete.

We don’t see property market conditions altering too dramatically in the near future, and certainly not to the extent that they will improve the situation soon enough.

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Do I really need Landlord insurance?

November 18, 2011 Leave a comment

Not all tenantsare bad, but you do need to make sure you are covered
Guard against this sort of nightmare...
Guard against this sort of nightmare…

should something go wrong.

While most tenants take good care of the proper they are leasing, those that don’t may intentionally cause extensive damage. Intentional damage is not covered by many standard home insurance policies nor is the failure to pay rent.

The valuable common features of a Landlord Insurance policy include:

  • Malicious or intentional damage to the property by the tenant or their guests
  • Theft by the tenant or their guests
  • Loss of rent if the tenant defaults on their payments
  • Liability, including for a claim against you by the tenant, and
  • Legal expenses incurred in taking action against a tenant.

It’s important to remember that not all landlord protection policies are the same. Some, for instance, are designed to be used in addition to a typical home and contents or strata title policy while others are more comprehensive.

Some policies allow cover for the contents of the property. This is particularly important if you rent a partially or fully furnished property. Speak to your First National Property Manager and they will be able to help you find the right policy.

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What’s the best way to combat mould in your home?

November 17, 2011 Leave a comment

Unsightly, unhealthy and unwelcome...
Unsightly, unhealthy and unwelcome…

Mould spores are always present in the air around us which is why it is so important to keep your home properly ventilated.

As simple plants belonging to the fungi group, these tiny aviators need moisture in the air and are always on the lookout for a nice enclosed area in your home where ventilation is poor. That’s why cupboards and wardrobes often present the ideal moisture and temperature combination for mould and mildew to thrive.

To combat mould, you need to reduce moisture levels, consider insulation and increase ventilation.

Ideally, start by opening the windows to create cross ventilation regularly. This is the most energy efficient and inexpensive approach. Too cold? Alright, but open the windows just a little. Remember, the important thing is to keep air moving.

Next, check what’s going on with insulation. Insulation prevents heat loss from walls and ceilings, thereby keeping a room warmer. When the walls and ceiling are warmer, moisture is less likely to condense on these surfaces, so your home is kept dryer.

Alternatively, another common method is to use an electric dehumidifyer. Most hardware and department stores can recommend the appropriately sized unit for your affected room.

Other areas that mould and mildew really enjoy are closets and the clothes they contain. As moulds grow they cause considerable damage. Mildew secretes an enzyme that decomposes organic matter and uses it for growth and reproduction. It often leaves a musty odour in clothes and causes unsightly black stains and rot.

One well-tested and successful method is to place a small low wattage electric light globe, say between 40 and 60 watts. The dry heat prevents mildew and mould growth although this can be expensive.

Many people prefer to buy chemical dehumidifyers such as ‘Damp Rid’ and ‘Closet Camel’ at the supermarket or hardware store. These small plastic buckets contain refillable mineral salts that absorb moisture, collecting it below in a small reservoir that you need to empty periodically.

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Agents Should Rate In Energy Scheme

October 20, 2011 Leave a comment

First National Real Estate believes real estate agents have a role to play in any national mandatory disclosure energy efficient rating scheme, so long as it is the right role.

The proper policy and regulations need to be in place, and the appropriate people prescribed the role they are best suited to play.

A national and consistent approach is crucial to any future success of a scheme of this nature.  Current state-based schemes already produce inconsistent ratings and results due to software flaws or subjective interpretation of results often compounded by a lack of correlation between actual energy performance of houses and their star ratings.

The real solution to the mandatory disclosure issue lays with government and industry working together.

Government needs to get the scheme right and put it in place with appropriate support strategies, both in terms of financial resources and implementation, which means getting the regulations and policies passed, educating the general public on the benefits of energy efficiency ratings and funding ongoing research and development.

It then falls to real estate agents to promote the ratings through the marketing of the properties they have on their books to buyers and lessors.

The real question is how assessors are selected and trained and accredited.  It is important that they are independent of the real estate profession so no potential conflict of interest is perceived by consumers.

The First National Real Estate network is committed to environmentally efficient principles and prides itself on its green initiatives – it fully supports a national mandatory disclosure of energy efficient ratings scheme, as long as all players act in the interest of the environment.

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Get the job done! Win one of five $5,000 hardware vouchers

October 1, 2011 Leave a comment

First National Burnie has launched a competition where homeowners or home hunters have five chances to win $5,000 in gift vouchers from Bunnings hardware in October.

Australians love do it yourself projects so there’s always huge interest in our competitions where the prize helps get another home improvement finished.

Whether you own your own home or rent, there’s a lot of useful equipment or even home furnishings that you can buy with $5,000 worth of hardware gift vouchers.

During the competition, we’ll also be offering a free iPhone game called Real Estate Rumble.

Real Estate Rumble is just for fun. You don’t have to play the game for a chance to win one of the five competition prizes but, like building up a real estate portfolio, the game is addictive.

Download your free version from Apple’s iTunes Store; just search ‘real estate rumble’.

Enter our competition by visiting www.burniefirstnational.com.au and follow the prompts to register between 1 October 2011 and 11.59 pm AEDST on 31 October 2011.

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Warm Up Winter Buyers

June 28, 2011 Leave a comment

Selling your home is nerve-racking at best but there are some things a seller can do to maximise the value of their property, even when the weather is cold and things look a bit dull and gray.

The most important tip is to appoint a well-respected, reputable and trustworthy real estate agent because they have a duty to achieve the best price for their clients, keep their finger on the pulse of the market and  keep their clients educated and informed on current market trends.  

Agents are encouraged to think creatively and strategically to shorten the number of days properties are on the market and maximize the price of the property, including updating photography, being positive and upbeat, using all the marketing tools such as social media and networks, and making sure the seller sets the right price. 

Here are a few things sellers can easily undertake and afford to present their properties in the best possible light: 

  • Paint a few feature walls to create visual impact.  Consider using the services of an interior decorator for a quick consultation and some ideas.
  • Add a few personal touches like family photos and memorabilia around the place to give that ‘homey’ feel
  • Keep lights on during inspections to add an interesting touch and make sure curtains, shutters and blinds are open – letting in as much natural light as possible as well as make rooms feel much more spacious.
  • Make sure everything is clean including windows, both inside and out and light fittings.
  • Place some flowers in vases to liven things up a bit, and even consider spraying some perfume around (but not too much!)
  • Turn on heaters so that the temperature inside the home is comfortable, inviting the buyer to linger longer, especially on cold days. 

Another key tip is that sellers should always try to keep in mind who they are selling to, just like any other product that is for sale. 

At the end of the day, sellers should put themselves in the place of the buyer, think about what would they look for and make sure their home delivers as best as it can. That’s what First National Real Estate does – they think of their clients and put them first, because that’s what they would like if they were clients.

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First National Foundation Australian Floods Appeal

January 11, 2011 Leave a comment

First National Foundation Floods Appeal

First National Real Estate has launched a fundraising appeal through the First National Foundation, pledging that all funds raised will go to Australian Red Cross Emergency Services in support of people affected by the Queensland and Western Australian floods.

First National Foundation is committed to the support of Australian Red Cross Emergency Services and, through the fundraising efforts of First National Real Estate agents nationally, has already donated over $1 million towards the preparation of Australian communities for natural disasters such as those currently being experienced.

Funds donated provide real assistance on the ground such as helping Red Cross Emergency Services to coordinate the National Registration and Enquiry System that assists families, friends and relatives to locate each other.

3,919 people have already used the NRIS system currently being operated by Red Cross in Queensland. Red Cross is also assisting with recovery in Bundaberg, Dalby, Warwick, Chinchilla, Emerald and is on standby to provide additional support where necessary.

Red Cross is also distributing practical resources and useful tips to help Queenslanders and begin cleaning up after floods. The ‘Cleaning Up After Flooding’ booklet helps households start the process, both practically and emotionally, but with a firm eye on safety.

Donations can be made to First National Foundation’s Australian Floods Appeal by visiting http://bit.ly/eMz3LQ

Issued by: First National Real Estate

For further information contact National Communications Manager, Stewart Bunn from First National Real Estate on 1800 032 332

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Bank on leaders working together for affordable homes

December 6, 2010 Leave a comment

Recent interest rate hikes demonstrate the increasing need for Governments and the Big Four Banks to work together to address the key issues of supply and demand and housing affordability.

The endless rounds of ongoing debates need to stop and the banks and government need to start communication if they hope to stop the spiraling downward cycle.  They are the ones with the power to fix up the property market problems and they need to stop taking with one hand while giving with the other, and start talking with each other.

The Property Market is suffering from an undersupply of stock which is making housing affordability even more elusive.  They need to look at influencing affordability and supply by reducing or abolishing stamp duties, abolishing exit fees, introducing more competition into the banking sector and looking at policies that will stimulate the construction industry.

Not even the prospect of a Senate enquiry into banking competition, the abolishment of exit fees, portable bank account numbers, or Parliamentary debate on legislation forcing banks to lift rates by no more than the RBA, is enough.

Any moves, or new policies must be done in light of the property sector, because ultimately it is the “mum and dad” property owners who will suffer the most.

Political leaders need to have the fortitude and imagination to reform property taxes and the banking sector if there is any hope of addressing affordability issues.

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