The Home of Real Estate In this Issue... A Message from the CEO

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Welcome New Members

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Real Estate as a Profession of Choice

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Partnership with Carters Asbestos Management

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Property Management – Expect the Unexpected

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2013 Awards for Excellence

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Query Connect Campaign

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REISA Leads the Way in Legislative Training

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REISA Diary Dates

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Thankyou to Our Partners

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the REISA board Greg Moulton – President Ted Piteo – Vice President Greg Nybo – Immediate Past President Mark Sanderson – Director Sean Connors – Director Tony Ricketts – Director Christine Bertram – Director Rod Foster Jones – Independent Director Nick Storer – Independent Director Leo Redden – Independent Director

Contact REISA REI House, 249 Greenhill Road Dulwich SA 5065 PHONE: 8366 4300 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.reisa.com.au REISA QUERY CONNECT Real Estate - Real Advice FREE CALL 1800 804 365

Message from the CEO Greg Troughton

Leading the industry Legislation is always a compromise and that compromise should always provide the optimum result. Some might say a type of oxymoron. The legislation that impacts on tens of thousands of South Australians was finalised by Parliament last month. All parties should be congratulated. Whether you are buying, selling or leasing property, these changes are for the better. While the Real Estate Institute is a lobbyist group representing the best interests of the real estate agent, by necessity it also tries to represent the best interests of the SA consumers in real estate. Believe it or not – without the real estate consumer, real estate agents would have nothing. Real estate practice is changing – whether it be technology, customer service or legislation. It’s in a constant state of change. I can’t recall the last dinner party I attended that did not feature discussion on property and property values. I think that the recent changes are for the better and only time (and many more dinner parties) will tell the tale. I guess that is a nice introduction to my next topic of discussion. If the property sector is so important to the South Australian economy, why does it continue to be the ‘cash cow’ for State Governments? I think the question answers itself – in short, because it can! There is no doubt that the services provided by Government have to be paid for by someone somewhere – that again is a given. At my last search, property taxation amounted to some 40 plus percent of the total State Government taxation take. Again, I will be the first to acknowledge that the services provided in a civilised society must be paid for but surely asking one sector to pay that amount is exorbitant and debilitating. Further, the nonsense that it is only those wealthy individuals holding and transacting in property who are paying for this, and no one else, is a sleight of hand. Yes you can have provisions in various bits of legislation stating categorically who pays the

THE REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

various taxes and charges but to think that those individuals paying do not pass on those costs to every consumer, is again nonsense. If I am paying land tax and I am in business to make a profit, then surely I am passing on those costs, admittedly where I can, in terms of the market sustaining my margins and profit? We are all not only paying but at the same time holding back the investment in the property sector. When will the Government stop killing the goose that lays the golden eggs? I heard recently that you must stop loading up the camel before the last straw. I await patiently for the imposition of the last straw – I don’t want it but I think it is inevitable with a government having little or no alternative sources of taxation revenue. Only if and when there can be a sensible discussion about the need to lessen the burden can South Australia thrive. Note I said lessen and not remove entirely. Though entire removal was something that I always thought was the deal on the GST table years ago – ie; that the Federal Government would introduce an efficient tax, in the imposition of GST, if States would remove the various inefficient taxes at State level. Was that an opportunity lost or have I turned into a cruddy old commentator remembering what could have been the “good ol’ days” of potential reform?

WELCOME | The Home of Real Estate | www.reisa.com.au

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Proudly presented by THE REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

welcome New Members Sam Dowler Adelaide Residential Rentals Hannah Trevilyan First National Real Estate Adrian Patterson Dani Gaspari - Century 21 Southern Troy Decelis - Ring Partners Sarah Whitehouse - Ring Partners Daniel Eramiha - Landmark Harcourts Vicki Reid Hugh Jones - Hallett Cove Conveyancers Jennifer Jackman - Horner Management Fiona Gibbons - Adcock Real Estate Andrew Muirhead - Accessible Housing Kellie Dyer - Phil McMahon Real Estate Daniel Palumbo - Palumbo Building Sallyann Loh - Munro Property Group Daniel Nemer - Kelly & Co. Lawyers Myriam Bultsma - First national Coombs Deborah May - Raine&Horne Lanis Henriks - Henriks Rural Agencies Susan Hamilton-Flanagan Harris Property Management Susan Bice - Ring Partners Brooke Chandler Residential Letting & Management Allison Maas - Munro Property Group Belinda Dodd - Adcock Real Estate Hung Bui - Century 21 - Property People Andre Dantu - Baker Real Estate Say Siew Lim - Inspire Real Estate

real estate as a profession of choice A real estate career is becoming more popular as a vocation in Australia, with figures released from the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) showing a 9% increase in agent numbers from 2006 to 2011. According to the May 22 release in 2006, there were 56,500 real estate agents in Australia, a number that had grown to 64,698 by 2011. REIA president Peter Bushby said that even though the real estate market itself has been flat in recent years, the number of agents has remained “healthy”. He is concerned however, about the new National Licensing proposal that was released in August. The National Occupational Licensing System (NOLA) is intended to reform regulations and increase work productivity across Australia. Under this system, individuals can be licensed to work anywhere in the country rather than needing to obtain duplicate licenses and deal with varied regulations between regions.

Mr Bushby was unimpressed with the proposals however, saying that “commercial and rural real estate will be deregulated meaning unqualified people will be able to assist consumers in these transactions (in many cases, one of the largest transactions they will make in a lifetime)”. He is concerned about the potential for real estate standards to be put aside, as “under COAG’s proposed national licensing model, entry level and agent licensing levels will drop in the majority of states and territories, resulting in increased consumer risk”. Real estate courses are available at REISA for current agents wishing to upskill or for anyone considering a career in property. “Real estate employs a lot of Australians. You’ll find them in every town, every community, and consumers deserve to have faith in the qualifications and professionalism of their agents,” Mr Bushby concluded.

Kelly Abbas - Refined Real Estate Charyn Youngson - Houses to Impress

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Vanessa McArdle Homburg Real Estate - Tanunda Deborah Mckay - D K McKay Mark Griffin - Griffin Real Estate Panagiotis Asimakopoulos PPN Mawson Lakes PTY LTD Philip Arcus - WCT Pty Ltd Bruno Aloi - I Do Real Estate Heidi Verheyen - Adelaide Property Sales Shirley Mathers Shirley Mathers Conveyancing Gary Baker - Baker Real Estate Judith Vikor - United Management Property Group Mark Bailey - Bailey Property (SA) Raffaele Pacillo - Adelaide Realty

REISA announces new Partnership with...

Carters Asbestos Management Carters Asbestos Management is a dynamic and responsive South Australian business providing quality asbestos identification, management and consultancy services for over 22 years in the public and private sector, nationally. Their core business is to assist clients maintain their Workplace Health and Safety compliance and minimise their risk, thus reducing possible harm to people from the effects of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Carters have a team of dedicated and highly qualified people who can assist with the identification, assessment, advice, management, repair or removal of any asbestos containing materials.

THE REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA | The Home of Real Estate

Managing Director Rob Strong says, “Carters are looking forward to this exciting opportunity to further expand our strong relationship with REISA to be able to promote asbestos awareness, asbestos education and asbestos compliance amongst REISA members and their clients”. Carters have been providing compliance advice to REISA for over 3 years and serving many of its members for a number of years. We take this opportunity to warmly welcome the team from Carters as an official sponsor of REISA.

Property Management – EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Every day brings with it a new adventure for property managers.

Take all your best laid plans – and scrap them. In a business centered on working with people, no two days are the same.

They work with people all day every day, finding and placing tenants, solving problems that often need to be solved as soon as yesterday and dealing with property owners, building managers, repairmen and so much more.

REISA chats with Property Manager Ben Philpott to find out more. How long have you been in the industry?

Naturally, they need to have exceptional time management skills.

How many agencies have you worked at, ran or owned?

But what else? For many property managers, both the most rewarding and most difficult part is dealing with people.

I have worked for Ray White, RE / MAX and worked the last three years as an independent, DB Philpott Real Estate. As a family, we have always held the franchise for each of these companies.

Conflicts can and will arise but usually the cause stems from a breakdown in communication. Managers have to be experts on diplomatic problem solving with the ability to put themselves in other peoples’ shoes and really listen to others’ problems. A thick skin is required to evict tenants, ensure rent is paid on time and to deal with contractors and building code enforcers – this is certainly not a role for the faint of heart. A professional manner and a thorough understanding of real estate law are the best tools they have to deal with these situations, so learning about the Residential Tenancies Act and staying up to date with ever changing regulations is all part of the job. Australia’s landlord and tenant laws are designed to be neutral between the landlord and tenant and are rated by the Global Property Guide, so understanding these laws is key to successfully negotiating any difficult situations. This includes keeping an eye on news in the area that might have an effect on the properties under their care and bringing anything of note to the attention of the people who will be affected. It’s not a job but a career that requires a balance of real estate knowledge and skills with communication and management competencies. Do you think you have what it takes?

I started in property management in 1999 as a 21 year old.

Besides your agency, which other agency do you admire and why? I don’t really concentrate too much on other agencies, but I do respect companies like Smallacombe Sanderson as they have stood the test of time, but they also seem to be able to retain some great staff on a long term basis and from the outside they look like a company I would do business with if I was not in real estate. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to begin a career in the real estate industry?

Why did you become a real estate agent/property manager?

I became a property manager as there I would let them know it’s not a quick was a position available at my family’s route to an easy pay day, it’s a lifestyle business and at the time I was working not a job, real estate is about people for Mitsubishi and doing my sales not so much about houses, the basics certificate at night time. I remember not that people find boring are the most having the full support of my family to join important parts of the job. You have mainly because of my age at the time. to take time to build your business So in the first instance it was a ‘let’s and you have to be patient. wait and see’ approach to how people would react to dealing with Which is your favourite a 21 year old with their “I believe to be sporting team and investment. These days age a good property who is your favourite does not seem to be as big sporting person? manager, you a factor. At that time the real estate market was about need to be able Port Adelaide Football Club. Favorite sporting person – age, whereas these days to tell the good Scott Hodges. people seem to not mind with the bad young and dynamic people What is your favourite helping them buy, sell and when dealing holiday spot? lease property. What do you think are the elements that make up a good property manager?

with both landlords and tenants”

I believe to be a good property manager, you need to be able to take the good with the bad when dealing with both landlords and tenants, you need a good understanding of the Tenancies Act, to be on time, organised, a mediator and a social worker, be prepared for hard work and long hours, but at the end of the day understand that it is a very rewarding job.

Kangaroo Island. I have young children so there is always plenty to do and see and it’s so close to Adelaide.

If you could sit down to dinner with three people, who would they be? James Packer, Charles Darwin, Bear Grylls. What is the strangest request a vendor/ tenant/ landlord has asked of you? A landlord once requested that I carry out my initial condition reports with my eyes half open, and a final inspection with my eyes wide open.

JUNE / JULY 2013 | www.reisa.com.au

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Proudly presented by THE REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

2013 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE in Real estate – make the most of your success The REISA Awards for Excellence in Real Estate celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies and individuals operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry.

2013 Awards for Excellence in Real Estate Make the most of your success...

Enter online now! Categories including: Residential Sales, Property Management, Commercial & Industrial, Strata & Community Management, Regional, Agency, Business, Corporate Support, Community Service, Marketing & Communications and Innovation

reisa.com.au/eventsinfo/awards

The Awards recognise, encourage and promote excellence in the real estate profession and highlight important elements of real estate practice such as commitment to service, client satisfaction, innovation, professional development, community involvement and contribution to the profession. The Awards are a celebration of South Australia’s most successful real estate practitioners in a variety of professional categories in the areas of residential sales, property management, commercial and industrial, strata and community management, regional and rural, agency, business, corporate support, community service, marketing and innovation. Where categories align, the Awards also provide the opportunity for South Australian entrants to be nominated for the National Real Estate Institute of Australia Awards program. Now well established in the Real Estate calendar, the Awards program continues to grow in strength and numbers with the quality of entrants matching the energy and professionalism of the South Australian real estate industry.

The Awards aim to: • Publicly recognise the highest levels of achievement in real estate professions • Endorse your company’s expertise and professionalism • Provide a benchmark for best practice within the real estate industry • Continuously improve and raise industry standards • Reinforce the value of the real estate industry

Important Dates SUBMISSIONs NOW Open

Thurs 15th August

Submissions Close - 5pm

Sat 31st August

Finalists Announced

Thurs 5th September FinalistS Briefing

Wed 11th - Tues 24th September Judging & Site Visits

Friday 11th October Awards Night

If you’ve attended our Awards dinner in the past, you will know the night is filled with fun, friendship and great entertainment mixed with a sprinkle of anticipation and excitement. So what are you waiting for? Enter now:

reisa.com.au/eventsinfo/awards

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REISA QUERY CONNECT campaign rolls out in July – keep an eyE out!

Carters

Residential and business settlements Commercial transactions and leases Land divisions Adelaide Office: (08) 8232 6666 Norwood Office: (08) 8210 0009

Asbestos Management

South Australia’s leading conveyancing firm, serving the real estate industry since 1989 Advice on all property matters

Settle for the best with Conveyancing Matters

www.conveyancingmatters.com.au

THE REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA | The Home of Real Estate

REISA LEADS THE WAY IN LEGISLATIVE TRAINING Over 1000 Real Estate professionals are now forewarned and forearmed with REISA hosting Legislative Update training sessions in Adelaide and across the State during June and July. The SA Parliament has recently passed amendments to the real estate legislation and REISA is busy preparing SA real estate professionals to be updated and prepared for the changes. REISA is currently developing its submission for the regulations and this

Prestige Partners

will be sent to Government in the near future. The submission will be a comprehensive document that will seek to clarify aspects of the legislation and provide even greater flexibility for agents in their professional dealings. In particular, REISA is working very hard on allowing the Form 1 (Vendor’s Statement) to be delivered by email, the font of sales agency agreements to be reduced and notices relating to financial and investment advice and collusive practices to be streamlined.

Enterprise Partners

 Gateway Partners REISA Training Team: Ray Brincat, Jonathon Moore, Antonia Mercorella & Greg Troughton

Greg Troughton, Anthony Toop & Peter Briscoe

Carters

Asbestos Management

Sally Turner of Klemich Real Estate

A captivated audience at the CrownE Plaza

Buying, Selling or Renting? REAL ESTATE, REAL HELP Free Call REISA QUERY CONNECT

1800 804 365

Professional Development Training Dates

For all partnership, event and general information contact Lisa Stewart - Manager Marketing and Communications on 8366 4325 [email protected]

Thurs 5th September -

Residential Contract to Settlement

bite sized property management

certificate iv property services (real estate)

Thurs 25th July -

Wed 11th - Fri 13th September -

Fri 12th July -

Mon 5th - Fri 9th August -

Mon 16th September -

Wed 7th August -

For more information and for registrations, visit reisa.com.au or call 8366 4300.

Mon 8th July -

REISA DIARY DATES

Tues 23rd July -

We offer sponsorship packages that create year round advantages and are supported by extensive marketing campaigns.

Residential Advertising Price Compliance

Mon 15th July -

Sales Agency Agreement AND Contract Documentation Refresher

Form 1 Refresher Certificate in Residential Property Management level 1 (Essentials) New Legislation Review

business sales - level 1

certificate iv property services (real estate)

JUNE / JULY 2013 | www.reisa.com.au

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