FOR MEMBERS OF THE REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE OF QUEENSLAND

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE OFT CAUTIONS AGENTS REA + NEWS CORP FINALISTS ANNOUNCED! ON LOCATION ACCURACY PARTNERSHIP

DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 2 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017

ISL00753 (FP REIQ).indd 1 15/06/2016 9:17 am CONTENTS

Regular:

In this edition: Industry News 3 REIQ Events 8 Awards for Excellence finalists 11 Chapter News 21

Training 24

Commercial News 29

Zone Focus 32

Zone Events 38

Our Members 39

Recruitment 40

Legal Update 41

Zone Chair Profiles 42

Done Deal 46

Supplier Directory 47

New Accredited Agencies 48

Who’s Who at the REIQ? 49 Agency Advice 28 I've got a database, but I'm not sure I'm getting the most out of it?

Research 30 "Worst is over" for state economy, with 2017 looking brighter Risk Management 34 Amendments to the Retail Shop Leases Act The REIQ Journal is proudly produced on paper manufactured under an ISO14001 enacted in November 2016 Environmental Management Program, using fibres from certified forests and audited sources. What to do in a multiple offer scenario The REIQ Journal is printed with soy based inks.

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 1 REIQ REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE QUEENSLAND

SAFEGUARD YOUR COMMISSION FOR LESS THAN $2 An agreement of more than 90 days renders your Form 6 invalid.* Get it right every time with the REIQ’s 90 Day Ready Reckoner. *Applies only to residential property sales.

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REIQ Mission Statement To remain the State’s peak real estate organisation, universally recognised for its leadership of the profession and its relevance to real estate practitioners, governments and the community.

Board Publisher Disclaimer REIQ Chairman The REIQ Journal is published by Articles printed and opinions expressed Rob Honeycombe The Real Estate Institute of in the REIQ Journal do not necessarily reflect the views of the REIQ. All statements CEO Queensland Ltd are believed to be true and accurate, but Antonia Mercorella ABN 49 009 661 287 cannot be guaranteed and no liability will be accepted for any error or omission. Directors Managing Editor Information appearing in the REIQ Journal Linda Bland, Jonathan Blocksidge, Felicity Moore may not be reproduced without the written Julie Boyd, Peter Brewer, Mark T 07 3249 7300 permission of the Managing Editor. Brimble, Anita Brown, Eddie Chung, E [email protected] Advertisements must comply with the Deborah Duffy Deputy Editor relevant provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and other relevant Contact us Jordan Tindal legislation. Responsibility for compliance PO Box 1555 Coorparoo DC Qld 4151 T 07 3249 7374 with legislation rests with the person, 21 Turbo Drive, Coorparoo E [email protected] company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement. Neither the REIQ nor T 07 3249 7347 Graphic Designer any of its employees accepts responsibility F 07 3249 6211 Holly Tape for advertisements. Advertising T 07 3249 7312 Advertising in the REIQ Journal does not E [email protected] T 07 3249 7374 necessarily reflect the views of the REIQ. E [email protected] REIQ Journal is published 11 times a year. W reiq.com We publish 3,500 copies each edition with ©Copyright REIQ 2016. ISSN; 1442-9683 an estimated readership of 15,000.

PAGE 2 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 NSW forges path REIQ wants Queensland real estate to follow

The New South Wales The reforms outlined in the NSW The REIQ has met with the INDUSRTY NEWS Government is moving the Reform Paper include: Attorney-General on the matter of lifting standards and introducing • Increasing the certificate of state’s real estate profession compulsory professional registration qualification from the development in Queensland. closer to higher levels of current four units of competency professionalism with its to seven units Key points raised with the Attorney- recent Training Reform • A mandatory practical experience General included: Paper, a move supported component for certificate holders • Real estate is one of the most and echoed by the REIQ for and licensees heavily regulated professions • The creation of a new licence and agents must be well versed Queensland’s profession. category of Licensee-In-Charge, in a broad range of legislative with responsibility for trust conditions. There needs to be REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella accounts and a minimum of two a requirement that ensures congratulated REINSW President years’ experience and a diploma- agents maintain their legislative John Cunningham on his Institute’s level qualification. knowledge role in working with government to • New fraud prevention measures • The majority of Queensland create the Reform Paper. which will require agents to real estate agents support the “This is a process of reform that the transfer rental income out of trust introduction of compulsory REIQ is keen to replicate in Queensland accounts at the end of each month professional development and is very similar to the lobby work we • Giving NSW Fair Trading greater • Raising the barriers to entry will have been doing with the Palaszczuk investigative powers to tackle ensure higher calibre professionals Government that will, if successful, rogue agents. enter real estate usher in greater consumer protections • Compulsory CPD would enhance and improve professionalism across the consumer protection entire profession,” she said. “We’ve been given assurances that this is a no-brainer, that improving consumer protection is a goal that we can all agree on,” Ms Mercorella said. “We are eagerly looking forward to working with the Palaszczuk Government to implement this important reform and urge them to announce a start date in 2017,” she said.

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Approved Insurance broker of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland. PAGE 4 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 Let the REIQ be your safety net and partner A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN INDUSRTY NEWS If you’re a member of the REIQ then you are an owner of this business. It’s here to provide for you and support you in your career and in your business, but to do that it needs to be sustainable.

Reading our REIQ board papers The REIQ board recently made the recently I was amazed at a list decision to recruit a full-time in our CEO Antonia had prepared. house legal counsel to the team, In our ongoing lobbying to the bolstering the work done by our state government on mandatory on-team lawyer and CEO Antonia. CPD (continuing professional Working with government and development), she’d listed all the watching out for you in your career legislation real estate agents need to and in your business. It’s important be across. The laws that impact our work for the REIQ and we’re really work and the dealings we have with pleased Niti Prakash has now joined sellers and buyers, landlords and us to take things up a notch. tenants. Recently we marked up almost 4 The list was exhaustive and million forms written since the new exhausting! The Property web-based Realworks platform was Occupations Act is first to mind and launched. And this month I wanted the Res Tenancies Act is familiar. But to ask for your ongoing feedback on then there’s the Property Law Act and how we can continue to improve Australian Consumer Law. And you the forms and their content. Is there also need to be aware of the Land something that bugs you every time Sales Act. And the list continues. you complete a Form 6? Not enough space for names or other details? Are Antonia makes the point that there more templated info and ‘how the work of a real estate agent in to’ guides that would help you? Queensland is one of the most regulated of all professions. Email the Realworks team at [email protected]. Get your appointment form wrong and your commission is gone. the dice every day you go to work. The REIQ’s sales contracts are Skip a critical step in the Form 6 Your Property Management Support universally recognised as the ‘go to’ appointment process and you could Service (ph 3249 7347 and Agency for conveyancing in Queensland. face a fine of up to $24K. Accidently Advice Line (also 3249 7347) are free Like many of you I fondly remember contract out of an act with a lease or member services. You’re crazy if when they were one, double-sided tenancy agreement? There’s a fine for you’re not using these tools. A3 sheet, but you and I both know that too. Get carried away with your nothing in law is that simple any enthusiasm for an investment and Only the REIQ is at the table with more. So the REIQ’s task is to ensure step over the financial advice line? government, working with its senior Queenslanders have the most Yep, there’s another law and a fine officers, meeting with ministers and efficient contracts possible, with that goes with that as well. But fines shadow ministers. Only the REIQ as few opportunities for dispute as are not the worst of it, some breaches is consulted on changes to the law possible. To ensure agents have the of the Property Occupations Act before, during and after they happen. best tools. impose imprisonment terms! So we’re on top of things. Only REIQ’s forms offer you the peace Realworks costs just $110 per quarter So how can you hope to stay on top of of mind that comes from knowing for members (less for micro offices) this moving feast of legislation? You for unlimited forms. So if you’re not your Institute is looking out for you. need to work closely with your REIQ. yet subscribing I’d encourage you to Protecting you from unnecessary take another look. If you’re not using the Realworks litigation and fines. Protecting your forms I’d argue you are really rolling fees and commissions. #ProudToBeARealEstateProfessional

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 5 Our Corporate Programme provides benefits for you.

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PAGE 6 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 INDUSRTY NEWS We work for the whole state A WORD FROM THE CEO

Queensland has been operating in a two-speed market for some time now, since the mining boom ended in late 2011.

ueensland has been operating We will keep you posted on our fight in a two-speed market for for regional Queenslanders. some time now, since the Q And finally, with the Christmas mining boom ended in late 2011. holiday almost here I wanted to wish And while we are starting to see a everyone a wonderful break with glimmer of good news for regional family and friends. Queensland markets with the rising It’s been a busy, tough, rewarding coal price and possible green light for year and now is the time to pause and the Adani Carmichael Mine, we are a enjoy some fun times. We put a lot long way from recovery. of pressure on ourselves to create a It’s with this in mind that the perfect Christmas day for our friends REIQ has written to the Queensland and family and if you’re looking for Treasurer, Curtis Pitt, urging him a laugh when things go wrong, check to consider broadening the first out our REIQ executive management home buyer grant to include team’s Christmas disaster stories on established homes for those buyers pages 44 and 45. in regional Queensland. And finally, while it’s easy to get While our fight to broaden the first- caught up in the challenges of our home buyers’ grant has previously daily lives, it’s sometimes good for the been aimed at the whole state, we soul to step back and recognise that believe a renewed focus on regional we have a roof over our heads, food Queensland is where the need is on the table, and clean water in the greatest and most urgent. and our profession is one of the tap. We have much to be thankful for. state’s largest employers. It will significantly help those first Enjoy the Christmas break, take home buyers who want to buy but More than 40,000 professionals time out to celebrate with family don’t want to build, and it will help work in real estate throughout this and friends. the flagging real estate market. great state, from the tip of Cape York Merry Christmas and see you in 2017! We know the grant in its current to the New South Wales border and form is not working for regional at every point in between. Every Queensland, with fewer than 1000 real estate professional is crying out Best wishes, grants awarded each year for the past for this measure, particularly in our four years. Three times that amount regional communities. has been awarded to first home We are asking Mr Pitt and the buyers in the southeast corner. Palaszczuk Government to consider Real estate is one the biggest the needs of those outside the contributors to the state’s economy southeast corner of Queensland. Antonia

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 7 Mercedes Benz Drive Day

The REIQ and Mercedes-Benz partnered to host a high-octane day of adrenalin soaked driving at the Mercedes-Benz Mount Cotton Training Centre. Special guests included franchise leaders Brendan Whipps (Harcourts) and Greg Reed (First National Real Estate), along with REA Group State Sales Manager Residential Ben Hodge, and Direct Connect’s Shaun Mahony. The group of 30 keen-as-mustard drivers learned about modern vehicle technology, as well as how to drive through a range of unexpected driving conditions. They were taught emergency braking and avoidance techniques and what to do when you lose control of the car. They also enjoyed a display of superior driving by skilled drivers in elite-level Mercedes-Benz vehicles. A hot lunch followed the driving action and the day was enthusiastically regarded as a spectacular team-building day by all who attended. The REIQ thanks Mercedes-Benz for this partnership opportunity and looks forward to other ventures in the future.

PAGE 8 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 REIQ EVENTS

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 9 REIQ Finalists announced for 2017 Awards for Excellence

The Real Estate Institute standing out against a particularly event,” Ms Mercorella said. strong field. of Queensland has The REIQ Auctioneer of the Year announced its 2017 Awards “Our members represent the highest winner was announced earlier standards of the real estate profession in the year to enable our winner for Excellence finalists, and they set the benchmark for and runner-up to compete at the representing the best in success,” Ms Mercorella said. Australasian Auctioneer of the Year the Queensland real estate “Queensland’s real estate market event in September. The winner of this profession for the year. has shown modest growth this category for 2017 REIQ Auctioneer of year, especially in comparison the Year is Justin Nickerson. This year’s Awards attracted a record with the southern states, and as A shortlist of finalists for the media number of entrants, reflecting the a result our members have had to category, Best Real Estate Report, is growing strength in the market. be more efficient, more skilled and not yet available as entries close on more focused than ever before to December 16. Winners will be announced at the achieve commercial and professional gala Awards dinner at Brisbane City success,” she said. The 2017 REIQ Awards for Excellence Hall on 4 February 2017. winners will be announced at a gala “Our judges have been highly dinner on 4 February, 2017. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said impressed with the quality of the calibre of entrants was stellar entrants and we are looking forward Tickets are on sale today and and she congratulated all entrants on to announcing the winners at our gala can be purchased at REIQ.com.

DATE: Saturday 4th February 2017 | 6.30pm - 12.00am LOCATION: Brisbane City Hall COST: $199.00 per ticket | $1890 for table of 10 DRESS: Black Tie RSVP: REIQ.com by Tuesday 24th January 2017

PAGE 10 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 2017 REIQ Awards for Excellence finalists INDUSRTY NEWS Auctioneer of the Year Commercial Salesperson of the Year Residential Property Manager of the Year • Jason Andrew - Jason Andrew • Jason Lynch - Colliers International • Angie Johnson - First National Real Auctioneers Brisbane Estate Mooloolaba • Justin Nickerson - Apollo Auctions • Michael Hedger - CBRE Brisbane • Cushla Symons - RE/MAX Regency • Matthew Condon - Apollo Auctions • Robert Dunne - Savills Brisbane • Cyndi Ward - RE/MAX Gold • Phill Broom - Jason Andrew Auctioneers Community Service Award • Kath Madgwick - Amber Werchon Property Business Broker of the Year • Colliers International Brisbane • Katie Knight - RE/MAX Success • Adrian Coyne - Sell Your Business ASAP • Harcourts Solutions • Kellie Drinnan - Laguna Real Estate • Iain Horne - Benchmark Business • John Henderson Real Estate Proffesionals Noosa Heads Sales & Valuations • Laguna Real Estate • Lauren Robinson - Rental Results • Matthew Hartley - Benchmark • The Ray White Surfers Paradise Group • Rachael Bryne - Jean Brown Properties Business Sales & Valuations • Samantha Rowland - Place Aspley • Michelle Wright - Connect Business Corporate Support Person of the Year Brokers • Amy Wolter - Place Group Pty Ltd Residential Salesperson of the Year Business Development Manager • Emily Lang - Laguna Real Estate Gympie • Anne Fidler - Belle Property of the Year • Emily-Jane Megraw - LJ Hooker • Brett Andreassen - Doug Disher Real • Jessica King - MPM Property Nerang Estate • Kellie Drinnan - Laguna Real Estate • Rebecca Sully - Colliers International • Damien Keyes - Keyes & Co Noosa Heads Brisbane • Damien Said - Century 21 On Duporth • Leanne Jayne Kerr - Century 21 on • Sarah Done - Amber Werchon Property • Jack Dixon - Dixon Family Estate Agents Duporth • Tara Kelly - Place Ascot • Justin Hagen - Calibre Real Estate • Lisa Perruzza - Place Estate Agents Large Residential Agency of the Year • Mark McGill - Amber Werchon Property Bulimba • Nyree Ewings - LJ Hooker Cleveland • Nathaniel Smith - Bees Nees City • Amber Werchon Property • Rebecca Herbst - Bees Nees City Realty Realty • Calibre Real Estate • Tristan Rowland - Place Aspley Buyers' Agency of the Year • Harcourts Solutions • Laguna Real Estate Rookie of the Year • Gold Coast Property Advisors • Place Estate Agents (Place Group Pty Ltd) • Eoghan Murphy - M-MOTION Real • Property Pursuit • The Ray White Surfers Paradise Estate • Propertyology Group • Hayley Jane - Place New Farm Buyers' Agent of the Year • Dowling & Neylan Real Estate • Jade Hale - Professionals Redlands • Bryan Loughnan - Propertyology • RE/MAX Regency Real Estate • Karen Young - Property Zest Pty Ltd • Century 21 on Duporth • Nicole Morgan - MPM Property • Thomas Bassingthwaighte - Dixon • Nathan Wunsch - Property Pursuit Medium Residential Agency of the Year Family Estate Agents • Stephen McGee - National Property • Bees Nees Realty Buyers • Tristan Brown - Amber Werchon Property • Denovans Real Estate • Tony Coughran - Gold Coast Property • Warren Hickey - Ray White Hope Island • M-MOTION Real Estate Advisors Small Residential Agency of the Year • RealWay Property Consultants Caloundra Commercial Agency of the Year • Aluka Property • CBRE Brisbane Regional Residential Agency of the Year • Bridgebury Real Estate • Colliers International Brisbane • ONE Agency Damian Raxach • Brookwater Realty Commercial Property Manager of the Year • Property Shop Cairns • Dixon Family Estate Agents • Keyes & Co Property • Angie Morgan - CBRE Brisbane Regional Salesperson of the Year • Place Aspley • Daniel Shafferman - Colliers • Damian Raxach - ONE Agency International Brisbane Damian Raxach • Ray White MetroWest Brisbane • Stephanie Johnson - Realway Property • Rawdon Briggs - Colliers International • Wythes Real Estate Consultants Caloundra Brisbane • Xperience Realty

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 11 Herston Quarter declared a priority development area

The $1.1 billion Herston and jobs sooner and the community “As part of the overall project, Quarter Redevelopment will benefit from having a world- Australian Unity will develop a class health, research and residential pedestrian link between Herston project (the site of the former precinct right on their doorstep,” Road, the heritage core and the Royal Royal Children’s Hospital Ms Trad said. Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) to provide easy access prior to its relocation to “The Herston Quarter project will around the precinct and to high- support 700 jobs annually during Lady Cilento) has today frequency public transport.” been declared a Priority the 10 year construction period and hundreds of ongoing jobs Minister for Health and Ambulance Development Area (PDA) — once complete. Services Cameron Dick said this fast-tracking investment and project further demonstrates the “The Herston Quarter is an example government’s commitment to job creation on the important of the Government’s Advancing Our ensuring Queenslanders have access inner-city site. Cities and Regions Strategy which to modern world class health services is generating jobs and economic close to home. Deputy Premier and Minister for growth by unlocking the potential of underutilised government-owned land. “The Herston Quarter has the Infrastructure, Local Government potential to attract and retain the and Planning Jackie Trad said “Declaring a PDA means that the best clinicians, health workers, declaring the Herston Quarter State Government becomes the researchers, academics and students,” a PDA would accelerate the assessment manager of the project, Mr Dick said. development of the key health taking responsibility for approvals and knowledge precinct. ensuring less red tape and a more “The precinct will include a new 132- cohesive and efficient outcome across bed public Specialist Rehabilitation In August, one of Australia’s oldest the whole site.” and Ambulatory Care Centre, health and financial services diverse accommodation options, mutual organisations, Australian Treasurer Curtis Pitt said declaring including retirement and aged care Unity was announced as preferred the Herston Quarter a PDA would developments, and world class Herston Quarter developer after a deliver immediate benefits to the public spaces.” comprehensive selection process local economy. For more information about Herston conducted by Queensland Treasury. “By fast tracking this process we will Quarter visit herstonquarter.com.au. “Declaring the site a PDA means see workers on the ground sooner, a For more information about the Australian Unity will be able to great outcome for the community and Herston Quarter PDA visit deliver local investment opportunities for the local economy,” Mr Pitt said. dilgp.qld.gov.au/herston-quarter-pda

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REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 13 Masterplanned communities come of age in Queensland

WORDS BY REIQ MEDIA now offers super-fast broadband (100 Risks vs rewards AND COMMUNICATIONS megabits per second) and free wi-fi However, MPCs can be seen as a risk. COORDINATOR JORDAN TINDAL, throughout its parklands. The environment can feel sterile, AND REIQ RESEARCH ANALYST Most MPCs are located where land particularly in the early years while the KARINA SALAS is cheap and this was the case with house and land packages are still selling Queensland is the undisputed the Sinnathamby family’s Greater and the retail and commercial tenants Springfield, where the initial parcel of have not yet become fully established. home of the masterplanned land was purchased for $7.9 million. community (MPC) with Other concerns can include capital Supersized MPC growth and the quality of the Australia’s first MPC, Robina, investment. Is there re-sale value Greater Springfield - launched in the property? This will obviously launching here in the mid- 22 years ago and named by the UDIA vary from community to community 1980s and Greater Springfield as Australia’s Best Masterplanned but figures suggest that capital growth Community - is 35kms from the recently named Australia’s is reliable. largest, and arguably most Brisbane CBD, or roughly 45 minutes’ drive. It is Australia’s Robina, Queensland’s oldest successful, MPC. largest MPC and now includes masterplanned community, grew six suburbs – Springfield Central, 177.2 per cent over 16 years, and But while they provide young Springfield Lakes, Brookwater, North Lakes, another masterplanned home buyers with an affordable Augustine Heights, Spring Mountain community, grew 128.6 in 16 years. entry point into the market, as and Springfield. In the 15 years since its inception, they mature are masterplanned Last year GE Australia moved its the Springfield Lakes annual median communities holding their value 500 employees to Greater Springfield sale price lifted by 193.1 per cent. and do they offer comparable to base its head office there, joining This increase is equivalent to an capital growth to established more than 30,000 residents. The annualised growth of about 7.5 per homes in the general community? population is projected to reach cent. This compares to Ipswich Why choose an MPC 105,000 by 2030, making it the median sale price growth of 237.9 per An MPC is designed to recreate largest masterplanned community cent in roughly the same period. in Australia. the feel and convenience of small- A comparison between Ashmore town life. Living in an MPC gives Until recently, the average population and Robina indicates that Ashmore young families an opportunity to of the typical Queensland MPC was reported an annual growth of invest in an affordable area without between 10,000 and 50,000 residents. 7.2 per cent and Robina of 9.3 per sacrificing in other lifestyle areas. cent between August 1983 and However, with the success of Greater The communities offer low-density August 2016. Springfield, the future for the MPC living (impossible to achieve for the looks set to be super-sized with The long-term price growth of houses same price in the inner city) and future projects slated for in masterplanned communities has are heavily family focused, offering commencement with a projected been consistent when compared to benefits such as access to affordable population of at least 105,000. the annual house median sale price childcare, proximity to good medical growth in well-established suburbs in facilities and educational institutions, Ecco Ripley, by developer Sekisui the vicinity area. as well as that “small town” feel that House, is expected to become home many families find desirable for to 120,000 people over the next The popularity of masterplanned raising children. 20 years. And if the land sale of communities is undisputed, with canefield land goes ahead on the developments now springing up The typical MPC today features northern tip of the Gold Coast, in regional markets. For many retail and dining precincts, often a development with a projected Queenslanders, the affordable entry a retirement village, parks, ample population of more than 120,000 point combined with the benefits of low- public green space and schools. could be planned. density living and convenient facilities Developers are coming up with new makes choosing a masterplanned ways to attract home buyers. Ecco community a simple choice. Ripley, by developer Sekisui House,

PAGE 14 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 Conference coming 2017!

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Join leading professionals for 2017’s premier property management event! REIQ Property Management Conference Brisbane Friday 17 March 2017

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 15 REIQ welcomes new babies!

The REIQ would like to is the third grandchild for both congratulate these new Rachael’s parents, Kevin and Ann, and Rohan’s parents, Greg and Gabby. parents, part of the REIQ family, on the new additions Baby: Jackson William Wilschefski delivered by the stork! Born: 20 March, 2016 Weight: 3.83kgs

The Disher family: Former Western Suburbs Zone Chair Toby Disher and wife Rebecca welcomed their first child, Georgie Grace Elizabeth Disher at the Wesley Private Hospital, Auchenflower. Georgie is Doug and Sue Disher’s first grandchild and the first granddaughter for Rebecca’s mother (following four grandsons). Everyone is absolutely smitten and she’s even letting The Wilschefski family: mum and dad get a little sleep at just three months old! REIQ trainer Rachael Wilschefski and Baby: Georgie Grace Elizabeth Disher husband Rohan welcomed their first Born: 5 September, 2016 child, Jackson William Wilschefski at Weight: 2.88kg the Mater Private Hospital. Jackson

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PAGE 16 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 SPONSOR CONTENT

Smoke alarm legislation INDUSRTY NEWS deadline approaches

WORDS BY MELANIE HARRISON, with one another, so they all sound shortage of professional electricians SMOKE ALARM SOLUTIONS when smoke is detected, rather than and technicians. just the alarm that is activated first. Smoke Alarm Solutions (SAS) Over the past 6 years, Smoke Alarm Owner-occupied homes and rental has proudly partnered with Solutions has taken the proactive properties have an additional 10 and stance to only install or replace REIQ to spread the word 5 years respectively to comply with photoelectric alarms in properties about new smoke alarm this new Act. when required, as they have been legislation that starts to come It is well known that availability of proven to have a quicker response into effect on 1 January 2017. electricians can be tight at critical time than ionisation alarms, to a times and seasonally busy periods broader range of fires. Australian such as Christmas. With looming fire authorities also recommend A domestic house fire breaks out compliance deadlines, due to this photoelectric alarms because they in QLD every 4.7 hours. In 2014, a new legislation coming into effect, are less likely to sound in a false particularly tragic house fire in Slacks the supply of qualified electricians alarm situation, resulting in the alarm Creek claimed the lives of eleven and technicians will be even lower being tampered with and ultimately people and three generations of the than normal. If landlords need to becoming inoperable. same family. This was the greatest meet the January 1 deadline, it is loss of life caused by a domestic advisable to encourage them to Call the nation’s leading smoke alarm house fire in Australian history. book an appointment now, rather provider on 1300 852 301 today to These unacceptable statistics and than risk being non-compliant find out how your clients can meet that one enormous tragedy were the with legislation due to the expected their legislative obligations now. catalyst behind the Qld Government’s decision to enforce more stringent smoke alarm legislation. The first deadline for compliance is fast approaching. On 1 January 2017, newly built or significantly renovated homes will need to be compliant with the new legislation, as set out in the Fire and Emergency Service (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Amendment Act 2016. The new legislation provides a higher level of safety than the former legislation in place since 2006. Rather than in the entry of each bedroom, smoke alarms will need to be installed inside every bedroom of a home (or where a person sleeps). Alarms will need to be powered by either 240 volt or a 10 year lithium battery, and photoelectric rather than ionisation. Additionally, all smoke alarms need to be interconnected

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 17 Location, location, location: avoid misleading advertising

BY BRIAN BAUER, the property is located. is, or is likely to, mislead or deceive. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Listing a property for sale in a The OFT will continue to investigate OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING particular high-demand suburb, when and take enforcement against any Recent feedback from the real in fact the property is located in an real estate agency found to be engaging in misleading advertising. estate industry to the Office of adjacent, less prestigious suburb is misleading advertising. Misleading advertising is detrimental Fair Trading (OFT) suggests to the entire real estate industry, the practice of intentionally The Queensland Government particularly to agents who run provides a free and publically available professional and honest businesses. listing a property’s location plug-in for Google Earth, based on as being in a more prestigious Titles Registry Office data, showing Real estate agents who are found which suburb an address is located in. guilty of breaching the ACL risk suburb to attract potential penalties of up to $1.1 million for buyers may be creeping back Real estate agents are required by law a corporation or $220,000 for into the industry. to take reasonable steps to find out or individuals. Disciplinary action may verify the details of the property they also be taken under the Property are selling to avoid error, omission, Occupations Act 2014. Buying a home is a significant exaggeration or misrepresentation. decision for a buyer, and most For further information on spend considerable time and effort All licensed real estate agents should regulations in the real estate industry, researching the market. Buyers must be familiar with the Australian visit the OFT website at qld.gov.au/ be able to trust the advertisements Consumer Law (ACL), which requires fairtrading. The Google Earth plug-in they see, including details like where advertising be free of information that is available from business.qld.gov.au.

GOT YOUR 100 CPD POINTS? Only a couple of weeks to go!

100 points of CPD a year are required to maintain REIQ membership. MANY OPTIONS ARE STILL AVAILABLE INCLUDING: - ONLINE: Webinars and Journal Assessments - SALES: Download Lee Woodward’s “Just Calls – Sales with Industry Guests” courtesy of Real Estate Academy - PM: Aon Risk Solutions present “PM Risk Management”, in conjunction with VEDA - COMMERCIAL: Carter Newell presents the latest on retail lease changes and more.

Visit REIQ.com visit the Member Resources section and click on CPD for more information, or for help please call Judy on 1300 MYREIQ or email [email protected]

PAGE 18 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 Regional areas get jobs focus

The State Government has into regional communities across contributing 20 per cent of the launched a series of measures the state and supporting more than project cost through the PPP INDUSRTY NEWS 600 jobs in 51 projects.” contract arrangements. which it hopes will reinvigorate The Government announced it would Working Queensland Cabinet the local economies throughout double its cash contribution to the Committee meeting called to regional Queensland, including Beef Australia expo in Rockhampton focus on jobs bolstering jobs and real estate. taking total government support for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk the event to at least $1 million. has called a Working Queensland In Townsville, three levels of “The Palaszczuk Government will Cabinet Committee to focus on jobs government signed a memorandum promote Queensland’s beef exports through major new projects and the of understanding to renew the city and the cutting-edge science and Government’s job-generating programs. centre, create a vibrant and liveable innovation that makes our beef so The Premier said the Cabinet city and accelerate jobs growth. prized overseas. Committee, which had met Early opportunities include “The benefits to Rockhampton throughout Queensland prior to revitalising the CBD and waterfront simply can’t be overstated. An the State Budget in June, would precinct – drawing on the independent assessment of the 2015 reconvene in Brisbane on 18 Commonwealth’s commitment event concluded $74 million was November ahead of the release Mid- of $100 million for an integrated spent in the region as a direct result Year Economic and Fiscal Review. stadium and entertainment centre – of the Expo.” “This is the opportunity to stocktake and activating the State Development on all the major projects and our job- Area – including through delivery of Works begin on direct gateway generating programs,” the Premier said. the Commonwealth’s commitment to Toowoomba from Second of $150 million for the Townsville Range Crossing The Working Queensland Cabinet Eastern Access Rail Corridor. Direct access between Toowoomba Committee would be briefed on updates to key major projects, such as Meanwhile, State Development City and the $1.6 billion Toowoomba the $21 billion Carmichael Coal project, Minister and Minister for Natural Second Range Crossing (TSRC) is $3 billion Queens Wharf project and Resources and Mines Dr Anthony moving closer, with works starting on the multi-billion Star Entertainment Lynham said last month that the local connection roads and bridges in Group’s Jupiters development, Government’s Building Our Regions the Mort Street area of Cranley. the North Queensland Stadium in program was creating more than 600 The Australian government is Townsville as well as projects under jobs throughout regional Queensland. contributing $1.137 billion, 80 per the Government $40 billion four-year “Our $375 million Building Our cent of the TSRC project cost, capital works program and Market Led Regions program is pumping funds and the Queensland government is Proposals initiative.

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 19 AFR Lists Amber Werchon Property in Fast 100

REIQ Zone Chair Amber Amber Werchon Property was ranked revenue of $1.97 million and a growth Werchon’s agency, Amber 51st, with revenue of $5.99 million, rate of 46.9 per cent. 44 employees and a growth rate of Ms Werchon is a former winner of Werchon Property has been 62 per cent. named in the Australian the REIQ Residential Salesperson The oldest business to be included in of the Year. She was the youngest Financial Review’s Fast the list was Brisbane-based family- person to win the honour and so far 100 for 2016. owned business McAndrew Group the only person to win three years ranked 75th, with revenue of $2.38 consecutively. One of Ms Werchon’s The Fast 100 is an annual list of the million and growth of 49.4 per cent, sales agents, Mark McGill, has won fastest growing businesses in the an outstanding effort for a business back to back Salesperson of the Year country, ranked by revenue growth started in 1985. titles and is a finalist for the 2017 Awards for Excellence, potentially over four years, and the list is open to Other property-related businesses to joining her as the only two agents to public and private entities. be ranked include LocalAgentFinder. win three times in a row. Entrants must have commenced com.au, which came in at 25th with trading before July 1, 2012 and provide growth rate of 83.4 per cent and “I am so proud of my team and the four years of turnover data, with a revenue of $7.08 million, and One reputation our brand carries as one minimum of $500,000 in the first Agency, which was started in 2007 by of the region’s most trusted and reporting period. Paul Davies, ranking 82nd and with successful,” she said.

News Corp Australia and realestate.com.au partnership

News Corp Australia and News Corp Australasia’s executive realestate.com.au have chairman Michael Miller said: "This deal combines the strengths of both announced a partnership companies and ensures our audiences which will re-home online real can access the largest, single source of estate news to the new URL: property and real estate information available online in Australia. realestate.com.au/news. All property news, content and insights will be available free and This partnership brings together unrestricted on realestate.com.au/ News Corp real estate journalists and news. Commercial terms of the the realestate.com.au editorial team partnership were not disclosed. to produce national, state and local property market news every day. REA Group CEO Tracey Fellows said: “We know that Australians are property obsessed and that real estate is not a national experience, it’s local. With more local news content than ever before, people will be able to freely access the latest property news that matters most to them.”

PAGE 20 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 CHAPTER NEWS

Productive meetings further chapter goals

The REIQ meets regularly with the six chapter committees that represent the six main sectors within our membership body.

These committees set the agenda and Commercial & Industrial Agents: decide on activities for the year and By Chair Doug Smith what would benefit their respective The Commercial & Industrial Chapter sectors. They advise the REIQ on is a sounding board for the REIQ legislative changes, providing vital on issues within and potentially feedback and crucial support on affecting our commercial, industrial lobbying matters. These committees and retail areas. work with the REIQ and the broader real estate community to improve This last year has seen input on the awareness and greater understanding new Commercial Tenancy Agreement, of real estate issues within the Sale Contracts, Form 6 Appointment broader general community. forms, training topics, REIQ policy, and input/feedback on the REIQ’s proposed responses to various Government departments. The Commercial & Industrial Chapter would like to advocate that the CPD program includes more topics and opportunities for professional "We welcome ideas and input from our development that are useful to commercial and industrial agents. C&I members on what subjects you would So, with that in mind, we welcome ideas and input from our C&I like to see covered in the next CPD members on what subjects you would program, including C&I sales, leasing like to see covered in the next CPD program, including C&I sales, leasing and property management topics." and property management topics. We would also welcome more involvement in the Chapter Committee from interested members.

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 21 Property Management: Residential Sales: Business Brokers: By Chair Clint Dowdell-Smith By Chair Daniel Argent By Chair Ron Frank Regional Queensland has been This year, the Residential Sales The REIQ Business Brokers Chapter experiencing quite tough market Chapter Committee worked with the Committee has been quite busy. conditions and challenges. I am proud REIQ to implement improvements to Recruitment: After an extensive that half of the PM Chapter represent the Contracts of Sale we use. recruitment campaign we are pleased regional areas. This has given the We have discussed whether there to announce that the Committee now REIQ further opportunity to hear what should be a process and need for all has a full complement of members. is happening right across Queensland. Statutory Easements to be registered Business Brokers Conference: The property management space this with the Government to eliminate We hosted the highly informative year has seen the wheels turning issues post-contract and to allow for conference in July and the event towards legislative amendments. a smoother and more transparent was well attended and offered sales process or whether this should No doubt you are all aware of the great professional development just remain as best practice. At the upcoming changes to the Smoke opportunities for all attendees. very least it should be best practice Alarm legislation taking effect to obtain a sewerage and drainage Version 4 of the REIQ Business Sale on January 2017 and have started search for each property. Contract: An updated draft of the planning for this. (See the REIQ’s fact proposed wording for the new REIQ sheet on this on page 41). Given the digital world we live in a (Version 4) Business Sale Contract prominent topic of discussion has Also, the Government is reviewing was submitted to all the committee been in relation to enabling agents possible amendments to the RTRA members who offered their comments to have greater access by the use Act. As a major stakeholder in the on the wording and sought expert of technology, iPad, tablets to be industry the REIQ was invited to advice from various solicitors able to take electronic signatures take part in a round table with other specialising in Business Law. This at appointments on Realworks stakeholders to discuss and debate the proposed change has been passed forms as opposed to having to print proposed changes to the RTRA Act. onto the REIQ. Once it is endorsed out paperwork. This is a function by the Queensland Law Society it will Your PM chapter has been involved not currently provided directly by be made available through Realworks. with providing feedback and advice Realworks but one that is being looked on both of these areas. into and we are hopeful this will not Form 6 and REIQ Attachments: We be too far away and will no doubt be discussed further improvements to Looking forward to next year no doubt an exciting advance for the industry. some of the wording in the Form we will have challenges to face but 6 that would protect the agent’s also great opportunity. By using the Other important topics have entitlement to commission. available services to REIQ members included body corporate searches, such as PMSS and the great roster websites providing ‘best agents’ to Business Broker of the Year: We of training and networking events the public and the REIQ Awards for launched an aggressive marketing allows the REIQ to hear about what Excellence criteria. campaign to gain more interest from is happening on the ground in your REIQ member business brokers to Overall, this year has been extremely neck of the woods and can better tailor nominate for the Business Broker positive and the committee looks content and support for you. of the Year Award which resulted in forward to continuing to look for multiple nominations forms being and implement improvements to the received from high quality candidates. industry, not only for agents but also for sellers and buyers.

"It is worth noting that we are always looking for new talent and will do everything we can to support the growth of new talent in the auctioneering fraternity."

PAGE 22 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 Buyers Agents: Auctioneers: By Chair Meighan Hetherington By Chair Peter Burgin January heralded the inaugural It has been a great and productive meeting of the Buyers’ Agents’ year with the auctioneering chapter. Chapter Committee and from that There have been two core focuses, point forward we have been full and we have made significant

steam ahead. headway in both areas. CHAPTER NEWS The first chapter breakfast and The first of which is to continually networking event was held in April raise the skill level and competency overlooking the legendary ‘Gabba. of auctioneers in Queensland via Neuroscientist, Dr Diane Harner the auctioneering competition challenged how we think about our and we were very proud to have customers and our businesses. Queenslander Justin Nickerson crowned the Australasian After many years’ consultation, in 2016, Auctioneering Champion. buyers’ agents were included as a party on the REIQ Contract for Sale, making There has been many new faces it easier for agents and solicitors to compete at a state level and this is communicate with the buyer’s agent. something we will always encourage This is a significant move forward for and ensure that even for the the real estate profession. most novice of competitors, the auctioneering competition is an The Buyers’ Agent Chapter will environment where they feel safe and continue to work with the REIQ to supported. It is worth noting that we lobby for increased licensing standards are always looking for new talent and and mandatory CPD training. will do everything we can to support The Buyers’ Agent Chapter Committee the growth of new talent in the is grateful to the Management and auctioneering fraternity. Board of the REIQ for embracing The second and more recent focus, and supporting the role of Buyers’ which remains a work in progress, Agents in the Queensland real estate is the tightening of the registration profession. We are looking forward to process at auctions. We have found another productive year in 2017. it challenging when buyers are ill- Merry Christmas to all! prepared at registration and fail to register all parties who wish to be on the contract of sale. This becomes more challenging when buyers want to purchase in a company name, a trust or a self-managed super fund. We are looking forward to developing a more streamlined approach which will offer greater protection to the client, the agent, office and auctioneer. We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and we look forward to sharing a prosperous new year with you all.

Peter Burgin "The Buyers’ Agent Chapter will continue to work with the REIQ to lobby for increased licensing standards and mandatory CPD training."

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 23 Optimising income for your client WORDS BY KIM COFFEY, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICE

When it comes to advising a lessor about the rent they will be able to achieve for their property, it is important that a Property Manager’s advice is as accurate and reliable as possible.

be included in the original signed where none of the tenants will be tenancy agreement, specifying the the same (such as where tenants amount of the increase or how it is all vacate and the property is relet to be worked out. If the fixed term to entirely different tenants) then tenancy agreement contains no the restriction on frequency of rent provision for a rent increase, then increases under section 93 obviously any increase in rent payable by the does not apply. tenant cannot take effect sooner than The restriction on frequency of the end of the fixed term. rent increases applies regardless of If the rent payable by the tenants whether the lessor or managing agent is being increased going from one has changed. So if a property is sold, agreement to another, then this is but the tenants are the same, the new not occurring during an agreement owner/ agent still cannot require a and the Act does not require 2 rent increase to commence sooner months notice. The tenant signs than 6 months after the current rent the new agreement and pays the became payable. higher rent from the start date of How much can rent be increased by? the new agreement. Best practice Too low or too high, and the lessor would be to give the tenant as much Legislation does not impose any risks missing out on income. forewarning as possible. However particular method or restriction in Property Managers advise lessors under section 93 of the RTRA Act, relation to calculating rent increases about the appropriate asking rental an increase in rent payable by the or decreases. Generally this is when first securing the management tenant cannot take effect sooner controlled by market forces – supply of a vacant property, and it should than 6 months after the current and demand. If a tenant believes that be done again each time the property rent became payable by the tenant. a rent increase is unreasonable they is re-let, or each time a tenancy This applies during their tenancy, can apply to the Tribunal for an order. “renewal” is being negotiated. Failing and also applies even if the tenants In deciding whether to allow the to notify the lessor of a rising or are entering into a new agreement increase, the Tribunal will take into falling rental market would not be for the property. So for example, account the aspects listed in section acting in the client’s best interests. whilst it is allowable to establish 92 of the RTRA Act. Ultimately, if the market will not a 12 month fixed term agreement • the range of market rents usually support the asking rent, the lessor with a provision regarding a rent charged for comparable premises; should be advised to reduce the rent increase that will take effect at least in order to secure a tenant. Lessors 6 months after the commencement, • the proposed increased rent should be aware of the importance it would not be allowable to have a compared to the current rent; of being responsive to the market tenant enter into two 3-month fixed • the state of repair of the premises; to attract and keep a tenant, and to term agreements where the second • the term of the tenancy; reduce vacancies. agreement required a higher rent • the period since the last rent What restrictions apply to than the first agreement. In essence, increase (if any); rent increases? rent increases cannot occur more frequently than 6 monthly. • anything else the tribunal Under section 91 of the RTRA Act, considers relevant. when rent is being increased during a The restriction on frequency of rent increases applies even if there has How do I advise a lessor about the tenancy the tenant must be given at achievable rent for their property? least 2 months written notice before been a change of shared tenancy, as the increase takes effect. If the rent long as at least one of the tenants 1. Using a direct comparison method increase is going to be happening paying the existing rent will still be in is the most reliable, and easiest during a fixed term tenancy, then the property when the increase takes to communicate. Choose similar the details of the increase must effect. However, if it is a situation properties that you have recently

PAGE 24 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 rented, and provide information them some calculations that rental price isn’t the only factor a to the lessor about how the other illustrate the point. The REIQ Property Manager can offer advice recently-let properties compare vacancy rate research is also a on. Other considerations are; with theirs, what rent was obtained useful benchmark to monitor • Property appeal. The property for each, and how long it took to whether the market is currently condition, look, style, and smell all secure a tenant at those properties. favouring lessors or tenants in impact on the number and quality This enables the lessor to gain an an area. Using all of this type of of applicants for a property. Some of TRAINING information effectively allows understanding of what tenants are it comes back to common sense, but a renting agent to produce a willing to pay for properties like Property Managers can also collect comparative market analysis for theirs at the current time. and collate information about “what the lessor. The renting agent’s 2. You can also provide examples tenants want” from prospective recommendation on the asking of other similar properties you tenants. This can be used to rent can be made confidently, manage that are currently vacant. proactively advise lessors of what knowing that it is based on Provide information about how the they can do to make their property current market results, and facts other vacant properties compare to more appealing to the houseproud about supply and demand. This theirs, what rent is being sought, tenants they hope to attract. and how long the properties have will add to the agent’s credibility and professionalism. An REIQ • Lessor prerequisites. It might be been vacant so far. This enables best practice form called the lessor’s insistence on particular the lessor to gain an understanding Rental Appraisal - Comparative Market tenancy terms that is making of how many and what kind of Analysis – Form EF084 is their property harder to rent and properties are competing with available on Realworks. increasing vacancy timeframes. For theirs to attract tenants. example, their insistence on only 3. Information about quarterly Although the Property Occupations Act accepting long or short tenancies, median rents can also be sourced only indicates a specific requirement or their unwillingness to accept easily from the RTA website. to use a comparative market analysis pets. If these constraints don’t Whilst a median rent figure doesn’t when listing a residential property for match the preferences of tenants tell the lessor what rent their sale, it is important to consider the in that particular market, it can particular property is worth on legal obligations that are imposed slow down the letting process. Of the rental market, it does show the on rental agents: course these decisions are always lessor details of figures of median • Section 212(1) of the Property the property owner’s to make, but rents over time enabling lessors to Occupations Act states that agents always ensure lessors are informed better understand the rises and must not represent anything of the impact of their choices. falls of rents in the area where that is false or misleading, and • Value add. Perhaps the rent their property is located. This section 212(4) says that it may includes pool cleaning, or can be particularly helpful when be misleading if you didn’t have gardening – great for tenants who explainingto a lessor in a slowing reasonable grounds for making the aren’t big on doing those things rental market why they may need representation. Clearly this obligation themselves, and great for lessors to lower their rent to attract a could be applied to a multitude of who gain peace of mind. Perhaps tenant. This can happen when circumstances, but would certainly the rent includes water. Perhaps multiple new rental properties capture the representation of rental the property has solar panels and become available in the area, value to a lessor. electricity discounts are passed on or if changes in the area have • Section 20 (3) of the Property to tenants. Perhaps the property led to less people seeking rental Occupations Regulation requires is wired up for Foxtel, NBN or accommodation in that area. a real estate agent involved in other services the tenant can then 4. Be familiar with, and prepared the leasing of a property to take readily connect and use at their to explain, the changes to either reasonable steps to find out or cost during their tenancy. In a slow supply or demand that have lead verify the facts material to the rental market, these factors can to falling rents in the area where lease to avoid error, omission, make a big difference the managed property is located, in exaggeration or misrepresentation. • Marketing. Encourage lessors case lessors raise objections. This • Section 57 of the Residential to invest in a professional might involve telling them about Tenancies and Rooming photography package. These losing of major employers in the Accommodation Act requires that photos can be used again for area, new residential constructions a fixed rental amount is stated in future reletting assuming they causing tenants to be drawn away the advertising for a residential still do accurately represent the from older properties, changing property for rent. property. Professional photos will demographics in your area, and ensure their property is shown Reduce Vacancy Rates so on. Remind them of the lost in its best light, and can make a income incurred when rents are When it comes to optimising income significant difference to enquiry set too high, and perhaps show for the client, establishing the right in a competitive market.

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REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 27 I've got a database, but I'm not sure I'm getting the most out of it? AGENCY ADVICE I hear a lot about how important the database is to an agent, and how I should be getting so much from it, but I’m not really sure if I’m getting the most out of it. How do I maintain my database and then use it properly?

You’re absolutely right to be focusing is an acknowledgement by relevant your attention on your database. It individuals that they agree to the is probably the most important tool privacy policy. The privacy policy an agent has at their disposal and should be reviewed and approved by used correctly it can yield hot leads a lawyer or a privacy law specialist time after time. However, like all who can tell you if your privacy policy good tools, it needs to be maintained complies with Privacy Act 1988, the and operated according to the Australian Privacy Principles and manufacturer’s instructions or it will other relevant legislation. be more useless than the blown glass Maintaining paperweight your aunt got you from Don’t add and ignore! Prague. At least that will hold the a database doesn’t need to be time paper in place on your desk! consuming. There are many software programs now that will automate A well-organised database actually much of the process. However, you increases in value as time goes on do need to set these up. You need (provided you regularly update it and to make sure that you are in regular maintain the hygiene of the data!). contact with everyone on your A few key tips to maintaining database so that they remember your database: you and also so that they don’t unsubscribe the first time they hear Put a system or a process in place: from you in six months. This is crucial. Every time you come into contact with someone Useful and entertaining: Ensure who could be a potential buyer or that the information you provide seller have a process in place that is interesting! The fastest way to captures their details and adds them see your unsubscribes climbing is to the database. to provide boring, spammy emails. It may be worthwhile to consider Permission-based marketing: professional advice in terms of the Equally as important as having material you are forwarding. There a process in place to add people are plenty of former journalists to your database is ensuring it is who are now content marketers or a permission-based process. It is content writers. important that people agree in writing to be included in your database. This Simple opt out: Make it easy to opt is as simple as a checkbox in any out. This is not just you being a good online or paper transactions and it guy. It is the law. The opt out option does not need to be a convoluted must be visible, either down the process. People are familiar with bottom or up the top and it must be being on databases and have an a simple process to be removed. understanding of what it entails. Hygiene issues: Your database is Privacy Policy and Privacy Laws: useless if the contact details are Have a privacy policy that is readily wrong. Regularly check that contact available. Again, this is as simple details are up to date, including as a page on your website and a phone numbers and any other checkbox-step which when ticked email addresses.

PAGE 28 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 Cairns building momentum in commercial sector WORDS BY BY COMMERCIALVIEW.COM.AU CEO, DANIEL BIGNOLD COMMERCIAL NEWS COMMERCIAL Momentum is building in north Queensland’s major business, education and retail hub, Cairns.

The major economic driver, tourism, Cruise Line International Association. the centre in 1997 and its re-entry to is performing strongly, with one in the market as the 57th Harris Scarfe Growth in tourism is having a clear and five employed in the industry that to open nationally is seen as a vote of positive impact on commercial property. contributed $3.5 billion to the local confidence in the region. Looking at the retail sector, the sale of economy over the past 12 months. Stockland Cairns, which was put on the In the CBD the $1.6 million refurbishment The growth in domestic and market for $230 million at the beginning of the Cairns Museum which will be international visitors is steady, with of the year, has been shelved. housed in the historic School of the Arts 2.86 million visitors to the area last year. building is due to be completed next year. With 50,000 sqm of retail space and The museum refurbishment brings the Cairns will welcome 60 cruise ship anchor tenants including Woolworths, council’s total spend on the School of visits next year, including 10 by which recently renewed its lease until Arts building to $10.3 million. Pacific Eden, which had its maiden 2036, it is one of Queensland’s most home-port season in Cairns this year. significant shopping centres. Target The outlook for office values in the This is virtually an economic gold has signed on till 2022 and Harris Cairns region is positive with lower mine, as cruise ship passengers spend Scarfe, which opened with much interest rates and stronger economic more money in Cairns than any other fanfare in May, is committed until conditions helping to make office Australian port, according to the 2026. The retailer closed its doors at space more attractive.

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REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 29 “Worst is over” for state economy, with 2017 looking brighter WORDS BY BIS SHRAPNEL SENIOR ECONOMIST AND REPORT AUTHOR, RICHARD ROBINSON

The Queensland economy will fare better in 2017, even though it’s a mining state and tied to mining, according to economic forecaster, BIS Shrapnel, in its Economic Outlook bulletin this month.

BIS Shrapnel Senior Economist and report author, Richard Robinson said the mining states of WA and NT had not yet reached bottom, but the worst for Queensland was now over. “For most of the decade to 2012, the mining investment boom saw Western Australia, Queensland and, more recently, the Northern Territory, recorded by far the strongest economic growth,” he said. “Now, with the resources investment boom well into a substantial decline – and with more to come – they have been overtaken by NSW and Victoria. “The pendulum is swinging away from the mining boom regions and towards those states now benefiting from the lower dollar, thanks to their non-mining tradeables and services sectors,” he said. The peak in the mining boom and subsequent falls in both resources investment and commodity prices coincided with the 30 per cent decline in the Australian dollar (against the US dollar) to US72 cents in the March quarter 2016, although the dollar has since risen to US76 cents. The previously weak states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia

PAGE 30 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 and Tasmania – whose trade-exposed industries had suffered under the Interestingly, growth in Gross State high dollar from 2007 to 2014 – are Product (GSP) in the mining states now strengthening as the increased has stayed mostly positive due to new competitiveness from the lower mining production and export capacity dollar boosts their key tradeables coming on stream, while steep falls sectors: tourism, education services, in (mostly mining-related) imports RESEARCH agriculture, manufacturing industries are not detracting from growth and and some business services. helping GSP stay positive. But mining production is a lot less labour intensive Pain not yet over for mining states, a than mining investment. better outlook for non-mining states Furthermore, both investment New South Wales is expected to and consumption expenditure (or have the strongest state economy domestic demand) tend to employ over the next two years, with non- more people than export industries, mining investment picking up, while although tourism is the key public investment, private non- However, it is forecast to bounce exception. So although the headline dwelling building and private civil back over the next two years, GSP rate looks positive, it feels like construction will keep growth strong, led by education-related and a recession in these states, with and offset the decline in residential other social and institutional employment declining and spending construction a year from now. buildings, roads, harbours, water staying weak. and telecommunications-related Victoria was the top performing Queensland – now set to emerge infrastructure. A sizeable chunk of state last year, and while the lower from mining investment slump the funding for this pick-up in activity A$ continues to boost growth, the will come from Commonwealth decline in residential investment (due Queensland SFD finally increased in infrastructure allocations. to oversupply – a common theme the first two quarters of 2016, after across all states, except NSW) and the declining in seven of the previous Queensland State Government car manufacturing shutdown in late eight quarters. finances are in relatively poor shape, 2017 will cause growth to slow. although State Government revenues The weakness of the past four years have benefitted from the residential South Australia will also suffer is due to the collapse of mining property recovery and corresponding from the car-making shutdown and investment in Queensland – first increases in stamp duties. housing decline, but will continue coal and other minerals, then oil and to be boosted by the lower A$ and gas as the three huge LNG plants The recent jump in coal prices strong public investment, including in Gladstone (and the associated and production ramping up on the defence projects. pipelines and myriad gas wells) are Gladstone LNG plants, will now also being completed. boost Government revenues and help However, the former strong states of underwrite the healthy increases in Queensland, Western Australia and the However, the worst of the mining slump public investment and government Northern Territory, have experienced is now over, with increased government consumption expenditure. outright declines in State Final Demand spending and dwellings building (for (SFD) as resources investment – which 2016/17 only) now set to be the key Residential property has been dominating their economies – drivers of the domestic economy. Private dwellings investment, which has plummeted. State final demand is expected to has grown for the past three years, The mining states will be at the mercy increase at just over two per cent over is expected to continue its solid of further falls in resources investment. the next two years. upswing into 2016/17, albeit at a slower rate. For Western Australia and the Queensland’s diversified economy Northern Territory, the worst is not – particularly its strength in the However, with the level of dwelling yet over and further large declines in tradeables sectors – will be a key construction now well above demand, mining investment are expected over factor in its recovery, but the sharp an oversupply will manifest over the next two years, although SFD in slowing in population growth, from 2016/17, driving a sharp downturn the Northern Territory will be strong the boom time 2.6 per cent to 1.3 per in 2017/18. this year before collapsing in 2017/18. cent now, will act as a constraint. Private non-dwelling building will Queensland has experienced the worst Public investment has also been a also decline over the next two years, of the mining investment declines, drag on the Queensland economy, led by hotels and offices due to and its more diversified economy will having fallen by over a third over the oversupply, the latter largely related begin to improve from here, although past six years since the 2009/10 peak, to the decline in mining investment- the looming residential downturn will including a fall of 15 per cent over the related business services, which were keep growth constrained. past two years. a key component of office demand.

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 31 Townsville, a northern city on the road to recovery

WORDS BY REIQ RESEARCH ANALYST, KARINA SALAS

Rising unemployment in Townsville is presenting significant challenges for the local economy, and this includes challenges for the residential property sector.

The city’s unemployment levels been fast-tracked and declared Impact on the residential are among the highest in Australia ‘critical infrastructure’ by the property sector and the residential market has been State Government The residential property market has not generally contracting for the past six • The $1.64 billion Port of Townsville been isolated from the local economy years, with a brief rally in the past expansion is on track. The contraction and the lack of employment 12 months. project will create 174 jobs during opportunities in the region. State and local governments are construction and 180 operational Up until the start of the mining targeting the key issues in Townsville in jobs once construction is completed downturn the Townsville property an effort to turn the economy around. • Stage 1 of the revitalisation of market was performing well, showing Townsville’s CBD project has The residential market performed well a long-term (over 11 years) increase commenced and will require an during the mining boom. However, in the median house price of 45.8 per initial investment of $28 million from 2010, as the resources boom cent, from $240,000 in June 2005 to to be funded in equal portion by came to an end, the median house $350,000 in June 2016. The median unit the State and local governments. price has been consistently sinking. price lifted 36.9 per cent, from $204,500 About 60 jobs are expected to in June 2005 to $280,000 in June 2016. Unemployment be created during the project However, over the past six years, the implementation stage The mining downturn has been house market has contracted by about tough on Townsville. In the past six • Construction of the $9.5 million 7.2 per cent and the unit market has years the unemployment rate has NRL Cowboys House to support contracted by about 13.2 per cent. more than doubled, going from students from remote communities This contraction occurred despite 4.9 per cent in December 2010 to is due for completion in late 2016 the consistent population growth in 13 per cent in August 2016. • $6.6 million expansion of Townsville, which is an indication Townsville General Hospital Public and private investment that the underpinning economy has children’s ward, due for completion been weakening steadily, with forces A raft of public and private by the end of 2017 of supply and demand out of balance. investment has been announced. The • Public housing construction journey to economic recovery will be projects with a projected Despite the economic challenges, lengthy and challenging. Projects in investment in financial year the region’s population increased by the pipeline include: 2017 of about $38.8 million. about 1.5 per cent per year from 2010 to 2015. This is could be an indication • $250 million North Queensland The Aitkenvale project has just that locals are staying, despite Stadium, due for completion for commenced and it is projected employment issues and hoping for a the 2020 NRL season. The project to inject about $3.3 million to the turnaround in the economy. will create more than 700 jobs and local economy and engage about boost business confidence. Local 125 contractors. The market trend indicators are also contractors and consultants have Most of these projects are still in reflecting falling demand. Average already been shortlisted, including the planning stage. However, we days on market for houses and units designers, quantity surveyors, are now seeing solid signs of sit above three months compared to amongst others investment commitment, which two months for Brisbane. • $21.7 billion Carmichael coal and will form the basis for an Similarly Townsville’s vendor rail project. The approval process improvement in the local economy. discounting for houses has of the Adani’s mega mine has

PAGE 32 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 ZONE FOCUS ZONE

TOWNSVILLE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Townsville Brisbane Australia

14%

13.0%

12%

10%

8%

6% 5.4% 5.6%

Days Market on Days 5.2% 5.2% 4% 4.9%

2% increased to nearly 10 per cent compared to Brisbane’s average Source: REIQ. Data sourced from the Department of Employment vendor discounting of about 5.5 per cent. Units have shown a similar TOWNSVILLE PROPERTY MARKET AND POPULATION GROWTH performance with a vendor discount in the region sitting above 10 per cent. Median House Price Median Unit Price Estimated Population $400,000 220,000 $380,000 Outlook of the residential 193,992 200,000 $350,000 property market $350,000 180,000 155,367 160,000 Townsville is very affordable, $330,000

but with limited employment $300,000 140,000 Population 120,000 opportunities. Combined efforts from $280,000

$250,000 $240,000 100,000 governments are driving the planning $ Price Median 80,000 process of infrastructure and $200,000 60,000 investment projects in the region. $204,500 40,000 The pipeline of proposed projects is $150,000 20,000 JUN-05 JUN-06 JUN-07 JUN-08 JUN-09 JUN-10 JUN-11 JUN-12 JUN-13 JUN-14 JUN-15 JUN-16 expected to support the long journey Source: Corelogic RP Data,12-months rolling median sale price. to recovery and encourage economic ABS 3218: Regional population growth diversification in the region. id. population experts website ,data compiled from the National institute of Economic Research However, it is too early to predict TOWNSVILLE MARKET TREND INDICATORS when the economic and housing statistics will turn around. Average days on market- Houses Average days on market- Units Average vendor discount - Houses Average vendor discount - Units Recent statistics indicate that the price 140 -12% of coking coal reached $245 a tonne 131 by mid to late October compared to 120 -10% 125 124 -10% 119 121 the lowest price of $72 reached in -9.7% 108 100 104 104 2015. This may improve the financial 101

99 -8% Vendor Discount%

95 95 92 93 outlook of local mining companies 89 80 80 and create more employment -5.8% -6%

60 -5% 65 opportunities in the region. 64 62 64 Days Market on Days 57 58 -4% 49 Whilst it is still uncertain if the nearly 40 48 $250 a tonne coking coal price is -2% sustainable in the long-term, regional 20 economic diversification is critical - 0% to ensure Townsville overcomes the JUN-05 JUN-06 JUN-07 JUN-08 JUN-09 JUN-10 JUN-11 JUN-12 JUN-13 JUN-14 JUN-15 JUN-16 current economic recession. Source: REIQ. Data supplied by Corelogic RP Data.

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 33 Amendments to the Retail Shop Leases Act enacted in November 2016 WORDS BY CARTNER NEWELL PARTNER BRONWYN CLARKSON AND CARTER NEWELL SOLICITOR DUNCAN LOMAS

The Retail Shop Leases Amendment Act 2016 (Qld) (the Amendment Act) was finally enacted by the Queensland Parliament on 25 May 2016 after a lengthy process of statutory review and consultation.

However, in recognition of industry • providing flexibility for the premises are located in a single stakeholder submissions of the tenant to waive the lessor level building. need for a transitionary period, the disclosure period; and • A retail shop with a floor area Queensland Government indicated • excluding unnecessary of more than 1,000 m2; and that the amendments would not procedural requirements where • Premises used wholly or come into effect for approximately the State, the Commonwealth predominantly for the carrying six months after the Amendment or a local government is a on of a business by a tenant Act was passed and assented to, and tenant of premises situated for a landlord, as the landlord’s the date of 25th November 2016 was in a retail shopping centre; employee or agent. proclaimed for the new amendments • Clarifying the current market rent to take effect. The Amendment Act also clarifies determination process provided that the RSLA will not apply to Now that the amending provisions for under the RSLA; premises within a common area of have commenced, landlords, tenants • Clarifying excluded areas for a retail shopping centre if they are and letting agents for retail premises the purposes of apportioning used for an automatic teller machine should be aware of and prepare for landlords’ outgoings; and or vending machine. the nature and impact of the changes • Clarifying the accounting and to the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 Changes benefitting tenants reporting obligations by landlords (Qld) (RSLA). to tenants for promotion/ The Amendment Act makes The Changes advertising and sinking fund a number of changes that contributions. enhance protection for tenants The Amendment Act has made a and prospective buyers of retail wide range of changes to the RSLA, Exclusion of certain leases from the businesses, including the following: with a focus on the following: operation of the RSLA • Although landlords are still • Excluding certain leases from the The Amendment Act provides that required to provide disclosure to operation of the RSLA, where their the RSLA does not apply to leases tenants before a tenant enters into application cannot be justified; of the following: a lease, tenants can now waive the • Clarifying the application of the • Non-retail leases in an area of disclosure period, should they wish disclosure provisions in the RSLA; a shopping centre regarded or to do so; and • Enhancing protection for tenants, identified as commercial or for • Requiring the landlord to provide a including prospective buyers of non-retail service providers. The Lessor Disclosure Statement to an retail businesses, and providing RSLA would therefore not apply existing tenant, within seven days for the release from liability for to leases of premises located in a of receiving the renewing tenant’s assignors and their guarantors retail shopping centre if they are notice exercising an option of on an assignment of lease, where not used wholly or predominantly renewal under a lease. the assignor has complied with its for carrying on a retail business disclosure obligation; and at the time the lease is entered The renewing tenant can give the landlord a notice to advise that • Providing for exclusions from the into either: its notice exercising the option landlord’s liability for compensation • the retail area of the level is 25% is withdrawn within 14 days of to the lessee for business disruption or less of the total lettable area receiving a current Lessor Disclosure in certain circumstances; of the level, if the premises are Statement from the landlord. • Providing for liability as to located on a level of a multi – certain legal costs related level building; or • Facilitating appropriate disclosure to a retail shop lease; • the retail area of the building is to franchisees and sub-tenants. Under the Amendment Act, • Simplifying procedural 25% or less of the total lettable landlords would be required requirements by: area of the building, if the to provide a Lessor Disclosure

PAGE 34 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 Statement within 28 days, where • The Amendment Act clarifies Additional general amendments requested by: that a disclosure statement is not The Amendment Act also makes a ‘defective statement’ merely • a franchisor who is a tenant of a some general amendments which: leased shop, where the franchisor because it omits information that proposes to grant a franchisee is irrelevant to the lease, or if its • Clarify that landlords’ calculation a licence or similar contractual layout does not comply with the of ‘apportionable outgoings’ for a right to occupy and use all or approved form. shopping centre or leased building part of the leased shop wholly or • Provision for the landlord’s must exclude areas within a predominantly for the carrying recovery of lease preparation costs common area of the centre or on of a retail business; or where the tenant has negotiated, building used for a ‘prescribed purpose’ from the total area used • a tenant who proposes to but does not proceed with, the for determining the apportionable sub-lease the premises. final lease after instructing for it to be prepared; and outgoings for the leased premises. The reasonable costs incurred by the ‘Prescribed purpose’ includes one • Clarification that the landlord’s landlord for preparation of a Lessor or more of the following purposes: liability for compensation for Disclosure Statement in the above business disruption does not • Information, entertainment, circumstances would be payable by apply where the landlord’s action community or leisure facilities; the franchisor or prospective sublessor. is a reasonable response to an • Telecommunication equipment; • Ensuring that a tenant is only emergency or in compliance with • Automatic teller machines or liable to refurbish the leased shop a statutory duty. vending machines; during the lease term where the • Provision for landlords to include • Seating tables and other furniture; lease gives sufficient details of the a lease provision limiting a • Trade out areas; nature, extent and timing of the claim for compensation for required refurbishment; anticipated disturbances such • Storage; and • Requiring a landlord’s annual as redevelopment (which would • Parking. estimate and audited statement of otherwise entitle the tenant to • Give a major lessee (a tenant of five outgoings to provide a breakdown compensation under s 43 (1)(a) – (e) or more retail shops in Australia) of centre management fees; of the RSLA due to substantially the option to waive the requirement • Requiring the landlord to restricting access to the leased for a lease not to contain a ratchet make available to the tenant shop, cause significant disruption provision (which would prevent a a marketing plan detailing the to trading etc.) where that: decrease, or limit the extent of a landlord’s proposed advertising/ • occurs within one year from the rent decrease following a review or promotion expenditure; date the lease is entered into, and give the landlord the ability to avoid • Providing for the release of the • the landlord gives the tenant a the rent review, so that the rent assignor tenant to include the written notice which meets the does not decrease). assignor lessee’s guarantors if the specified minimum requirements Conclusion assignor has complied with its before the lease is entered into. disclosure obligations or any QCAT The recent commencement of the RSLA • Clarification that the tenant amendments will provide some clarity order that its Assignor Disclosure cannot ‘double – dip’ on Statement be given, and the and improvement in the operation compensation under ss 43(1), 46G of the Act and will better delineate Assignor’s Disclosure Statement (reasonable compensation) and s is not a defective statement; landlord and tenant obligations in 46G (relocation costs) of the RSLA. relation to retail shop leases. Having • Removing the requirement for a However, one key proposed change resulted from a lengthy consultation tenant under a turnover lease to was omitted from the Bill for the process, these amendments have been give the landlord monthly turnover Amendment Act before it was anticipated as a welcome improvement certificates and an annual audited passed. Essentially, the original draft by industry participants. statement of turnover; and Amendment Bill proposed a new • Requiring the landlord to be With the amendments having mechanism whereby a lessor would commenced on 25th November 2016, responsible for mortgagee have the ability to object to the lessee’s consent costs. it is recommended that landlords, termination of a lease based on a tenants, letting agents and property Changes benefitting landlords defective disclosure statement. The managers ensure they become Government accepted submissions Some of the amendments to the familiar with the revised RSLA as it from the Queensland Law Society now stands, and where necessary, RSLA that benefit landlords include that the proposed mechanism would the following: update leasing processes to comply be unduly burdensome on tenants, in with, and take the benefit of the • Clarification that that RSLA does requiring them to fit out premises and changes for new retail leases. not apply to certain leases, as to carry out the lease until the objection noted above; dispute was resolved. On this basis, the proposed mechanism was removed from the Amendment Act.

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 35 What to do in a multiple offer scenario WORDS BY CARTER NEWELL SENIOR ASSOCIATE, ANDREW PERSIJN

It is not uncommon for agents to find themselves in a situation where a seller has verbally agreed to sell their property to one potential buyer, only to have a second potential buyer offer to purchase the property for a higher amount before the seller has signed the written Contract of Sale from the first potential buyer.

Agents will of course be aware that in Section 22 of the PO Regulation Queensland, a Contract of Sale must provides that an agent must act in be in writing and executed by both accordance with their seller client’s the buyer and seller. instructions unless it is contrary to the conduct provisions of the PO Regulation Agents caught in the middle of a or otherwise unlawful to do so. multiple offer situation, like the one discussed above, must ensure that In addition to this, there are they comply with their obligations numerous provisions of the REIQ to both their seller client and the Standards of Business Practice potential buyers. which are relevant in a multiple offer situation. Article 4 provides that In this article, we take the opportunity Members must: to examine a real estate agent’s obligations in a multiple offer situation “…(b) act in the best interests of and provide some best practice tips their Client and act in accordance to assist agents in their dealings with with their instructions except where their seller clients and potential buyers to do so would be contrary to in a multiple offer situation. Statute Law; Prior to the commencement of the (c) act ethically, fairly and honestly Property Occupations Act 2014 (Qld) when dealing with all parties so (PO Act) on 1 December 2014, the as to minimise controversy and to Property Agents and Motor Dealers not prejudice the reputation of the (Real Estate Agency Practice Code of Institute and/or the Members;… Conduct) Regulation 2001 (Qld) (the …(f) act in a manner that is Code of Conduct) provided a number professional and courteous, and of conduct provisions regarding an that does not disadvantage existing agent’s obligations to both their seller negotiations;…”. client and potential buyers. Article 9(a) prohibits Members However, the commencement of the from making false or misleading PO Act saw the end of the Code of representations or statements about Conduct. Whilst the Code of Conduct properties or businesses, or from was not replaced, the Property engaging in any conduct which is Occupations Regulation 2014 (Qld) likely to mislead or deceive; whilst (PO Regulation) encompasses some Article 9(b) states that Members of the principles and rules that were must not participate in any harsh or contained within the Code of Conduct. unconscionable conduct with respect to the marketing, sale, rent or leasing of properties or business.

PAGE 36 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 Further, the Australian Consumer It is important that agents are aware 2. Approach the potential buyers Law (ACL) prohibits conduct, in trade that if either of these scenarios were and provide them with a or commerce, which is misleading investigated by the Office of Fair timeframe within which to or deceptive, or is likely to mislead Trading following a complaint from a provide their best and final or deceive. Agents must, therefore, potential buyer, the agent would have offer to purchase the property; exercise a degree of caution insofar to produce evidence of the existence 3. The offers are to be sealed and as ensuring that any representations of the other potential buyers and then presented to the seller; and which they make in the course of higher offer. 4. If the agent has been instructed marketing a property are accurate If an agent receives multiple offers to to advise the potential buyers to and not likely to mislead or deceive. purchase a particular property, the submit their best and final offer, it Failure to comply with their agent should inform the potential should be stressed to the seller that obligations could potentially lead to a buyers that multiple offers have these offers should not be used claim against an agent for misleading been received and obtain a written as a means to commence further and deceptive conduct, prosecution acknowledgement from the potential negotiations with the potential for a breach of the PO Act and PO buyers that they have been advised buyers; and Regulation and/or an appearance of that fact. In this regard, an 5. A written acknowledgement should before the REIQ Professionals Acknowledgement of Multiple Offers also be obtained from the potential Standards Tribunal for breaching the Form is available via Realworks. buyers that they have been REIQ Standards of Business Practice. This approach alerts the potential informed of the multiple offers. Practical advice for agents buyers to the existence of other If the seller considers this course of offers and provides them with an Given the competing obligations action to be appropriate, the agent opportunity to make an increased faced by an agent, it is often difficult should ensure that they obtain offer to purchase the property if they to know the best course of action to instructions from their seller client wish. In this situation, agents should take when confronted with a multiple in writing. Agents should also ensure ensure that no pressure is exerted offer situation. that they keep detailed file notes of on potential buyers to increase their their conversations with their seller On the one hand, agents have an offer as this may be considered to be clients and all potential buyers. All obligation to immediately inform high pressure tactics, harassment or documents relating to a property their seller clients of all offers, act in unconscionable conduct. transaction should be kept secure accordance with instructions from If an agent does find themselves in for a minimum of six years. their seller clients and to obtain the situation where the seller has the maximum sale price for the It remains the seller’s prerogative verbally accepted an offer but is yet to property. However, in obtaining the to provide instructions to an agent execute the written Contract of Sale, maximum sale price for the property, regarding the course of action he or the agent should carefully consider agents must treat potential buyers she wishes to take in a multiple offer what information is passed on to the honestly and fairly and not engage situation however, agents should potential buyer until such time as the in misleading or deceptive conduct always remember that whilst they agent has received a copy of the fully and/or unconscionable conduct. must act in accordance with their executed Contract of Sale. The agent seller clients’ instructions, they ought Conduct which may be considered should also remind their seller client not to do so if those instructions are misleading or deceptive and/or that the offer has not been accepted contrary to the PO Regulation or are unconscionable can include, but is until the seller has executed the otherwise unlawful. not limited to: written Contract of Sale. Conclusion • an agent playing potential buyers In circumstances where an agent off against each other in an has received multiple offers from It is a daily occurrence for real estate attempt to draw out further offers potential buyers, before the seller had agents to balance the interests of, and and drive up the sale price; and executed the written Contract of Sale, duties owed to, their seller clients, whilst at the same time providing • an agent advising a buyer of the it is recommended that the agent assistance to third party buyers. existence of a higher offer in advise their seller client of the offers circumstances where a higher offer and discuss the following course of While the scope of agents’ duties is does not exist, has lapsed or has action as one method to handle a not always clearly defined, we hope previously been rejected by the seller. multiple offer scenario: this article serves to reinforce the 1. Advise the potential buyers that importance for agents to be aware the seller has received other offers of the extent of their duties and has before they have executed the provided useful best practice advice written Contract of Sale; for dealing with their seller clients and potential buyers in a multiple offer situation.

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 37 2017 Zone Events Calendar

Zone Date Type Zone Date Type Cairns Wed - 1 Mar Lunch Ipswich Thur - 3 Aug Morning Tea Townsville Thur - 2 Mar Lunch Mackay Wed - 9 Aug Morning Tea Caboolture & Rockhampton Wed - 16 Aug Morning Tea Thur - 9 Mar Breakfast Redcliffe Gladstone Thur - 17 Aug Morning Tea Gold Coast Wed - 15 Mar Breakfast Toowoomba Wed - 23 Aug Morning Tea Western Thur - 16 Mar Breakfast Breakfast / Lunch / Eastern Thur - 24 Aug Northern Wed - 22 Mar Breakfast Morning Tea Sunshine Coast Thur - 23 Mar Breakfast Brisbane - REIQ Tues - 29 Aug CPD ONLY Southern Wed - 29 Mar Breakfast Fraser Coast Wed - 6 Sep Morning Tea Ipswich Thur - 30 Mar Breakfast Bundaberg Thur - 7 Sep Morning Tea Mackay Wed - 3 May Breakfast Emerald Wed - 13 Sep Morning Tea Toowoomba Wed - 10 May Breakfast Cairns Wed - 11 Oct Lunch Eastern Thur - 11 May Breakfast Townsville Thur - 12 Oct Lunch Rockhampton Wed - 17 May Breakfast Caboolture & Thur - 19 Oct Lunch Gladstone Thur - 18 May Breakfast Redcliffe Brisbane - REIQ Thur - 18 May CPD ONLY Gold Coast Wed - 25 Oct Lunch Western Thur - 26 Oct Lunch Roma Wed - 24 May Breakfast Northern Wed - 1 Nov Lunch Bundaberg Wed - 31 May Breakfast Sunshine Coast Thur - 2 Nov Lunch Fraser Coast Thur - 1 Jun Breakfast Southern Wed - 8 Nov Lunch Cairns Wed - 7 Jun Breakfast / Lunch Mackay Thur - 9 Nov Morning Tea Townsville Thur - 8 Jun Breakfast / Lunch Ipswich Thur - 9 Nov Lunch Caboolture Wed - 14 Jun Morning Tea Rockhampton Wed - 15 Nov Morning Tea Redcliffe Thur - 15 Jun Morning Tea Gladstone Thur - 16 Nov Morning Tea Atherton Wed - 12 Jul Lunch Toowoomba Wed - 22 Nov Lunch Gold Coast Wed - 19 Jul Breakfast / Lunch Eastern Thur - 23 Nov Lunch Breakfast / Lunch / Western Thur - 20 Jul Morning Tea Twilight CPD Brisbane - REIQ Wed - 29 Nov & Networking Breakfast / Lunch / Northern Wed - 26 Jul Morning Tea Fraser Coast Wed - 6 Dec Morning Tea Sunshine Coast Thur - 27 Jul Breakfast / Lunch Bundaberg Thur - 7 Dec Morning Tea Southern Wed - 2 Aug Breakfast / Lunch

THE REIQ RENTAL SURVEY NEEDS YOU!

Did you know, when you provide information to the REIQ rental survey: - It’s anonymous - You are helping the market self-correct. If you’re concerned about an oversupply, the best thing you can do is provide information so developers can make decisions about projects. - You get the results first. We send this data to you first, before it is released to the media and the rest of our membership. Use it to make decisions about your own processes and practices. - You win! Every participant receives a $50 training voucher to any REIQ training. Email Karina Salas: [email protected] to be included in our next survey, being sent out December 20.

PAGE 38 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 OUR MEMBERS

Our Members

Name: Telly Karadimos Membership: Individual member

How long have you been in real estate? I started in 2003. What does REIQ Membership mean to you? What I love about my Being a member of the REIQ gives us access to a great team of experts profession is that it who can assist us with any issues on the spot. Ray Milton and Karen allows us to work the Woodworth are prime examples of great support. hours we want and What do you consider your I really value being able to say to greatest achievement? create a lifestyle potential clients in a listing presentation, My greatest achievement was “Please make sure, whoever you choose, reaching the last 32 in The FFC that suits us. that they are an REIQ member, because CUP on 27th July 2016 where our we adhere to a Code of Ethics”. team travelled to Canberra to play Canberra Olympic and just losing 1-0. Can you name a person who has A few weeks later this same team got had tremendous impact on you up and won The Gold Coast Premier in your career? League Grand Final. So 2016 has been Trudi McDine, my fiancée and business the most successful year for my little partner, has had a tremendous impact local Soccer Club. in my career as she has allowed me to do what I do best – list and sell. Editor’s note: Congratulations Telly, Favourite song? this is magnificent achievement! What is one characteristic that you My favourite song is Frank Sinatra – believe every leader should possess? What do you love most about My Way. A leader should be able to lead his the profession? Favourite food? team and guide them in the right What I love about my profession is My favourite food is Trudi’s direction. The more money the that it allows us to work the hours homemade lasagne and my team makes the more money the we want and create a lifestyle that Mum’s baklava. office makes. Leadership is the most suits us. Living in the best part of the important tool in the business. If you world, the Gold Coast, it allows me to Pets name? don’t get it right your business will fail. enjoy myself even while I am working My dog’s name is Max.

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 39 Real Estate Jobs SALES PEOPLE ENTHUSIASTIC AND MOTIVATED PROPERTY MANAGER

First National is not a Franchise, it’s the 3rd largest real estate group in

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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LOOKING FOR STAFF?

Administration - Commercial Property Management Are you looking for a new team member? Advertise where your potential candidate is already reading, Your duty will be assisting the principal and accounts manager. on this page in the next REIQ Journal. Administrative skills such as professional To secure your spot today email Jordan phone manner, attention to detail and Microsoft Office use will be required. at [email protected]. Experience in property industry is valued. Opportunity for company progression. Please email [email protected] Your logo here your resume and/or queries.

Advertise your position vacancies directly to members of the REIQ. Contact Jordan at [email protected] to place an ad.

PAGE 40 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 New smoke alarm rules – what you need to know LEGAL UPDATE LEGAL

WORDS BY REIQ GENERAL COUNSEL, NITI PRAKASH

New laws have been introduced in Queensland requiring all smoke alarms now be interconnected photoelectric alarms, replacing the currently mandated ionization sensors.

The Fire and Emergency Services (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Amendment Act 2016 legislation specifies that over a 10-year phase-in period, all domestic dwellings are to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, in hallways that connect bedrooms with the rest of the dwelling and on every level of From 1 January 2022 a multi-level dwelling. 1. If the dwelling is being sold, leased or an existing lease is being The 10-year phase-in period is split renewed, the smoke alarms must: into three different time frames for compliance as follows: a. Be photoelectric; b. not contain an ionization sensor; From 1 January 2017 c. be less than 10 years old; 1. Any new smoke alarms being d. operate when tested; installed or an existing smoke alarm being replaced in a dwelling e. be hardwired (or powered by a (whether it is owner occupied or non-removable 10 year battery) leased), must be a photoelectric to the mains power supply with smoke alarm which complies with a secondary power source; and Australian Standard 3786-2014. f. be interconnected with every Prescribed locations for installation of smoke alarms 2. If the smoke alarm is more than 10 other smoke alarm in the years old, it must be replaced with dwelling so that they all activate A new part 5A of the Building Fire a photoelectric smoke alarm. if one activates. Safety Regulation 2008 will be 3. For new dwellings and dwellings From 1 January 2027 inserted which sets out, amongst being substantially renovated, the other things, the prescribed locations 1. Smoke alarms in all existing development approval process will for the installation of smoke alarms. dwellings must: require compliance with the new In essence, smoke alarms need to be smoke alarm laws. In essence the a. be photoelectric; installed on each storey of a dwelling smoke alarms would need to be: b. not contain an ionization sensor; (on the ceiling or nearby) and: a. photoelectric; c. be less than 10 years old; 1. in each bedroom; b. without an ionization sensor; d. operate when tested; 2. in hallways that connect bedrooms c. hardwired (or powered by a e. be hardwired (or powered by a to the rest of the dwelling; non-removable 10 year battery) non-removable 10-year battery) 3. if there is no hallway, between the to the mains power supply with to the mains power supply with bedrooms and other parts of the a secondary power source; and a secondary power source; and relevant storey of the dwelling; and d. interconnected with every f. be interconnected with every 4. if there are no bedrooms on a other smoke alarm in the other smoke alarm in the relevant storey, at least one smoke dwelling so that they all dwelling so that they all activate alarm in the most likely path of activate if one activates. if one activates. travel to exit the dwelling.

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 41 I have very firm views on legislation with licencing and most other issues but I would love to see the industry more respected within the community and the standards being must higher than they currently are.

Zone chair profiles

Name: Peter McFarlane Zone: Gold Coast Agency: Professionals Surfers Paradise

How long have you been in real estate? I started before the days of mobile phone and computers in February 1984. How did you get your start? I was a qualified electrician and the worksite I was at had a very serious accident with several fatalities. My father in-law offered me the choice of being set up in my own electrical business or I could join his real estate office. Needless to say, I joined the real estate industry, with all the ups and downs over many years. Occasionally I wonder if I would like to be doing something else but each What are your hobbies? time I have always found real estate I’ve now finished competitive sport ticks almost all of the boxes. This has due to bad knees, from earlier days, happened over the 34 years I’ve been but I do enjoy fishing, and odd jobs in the industry. around the house and getting away What professional organisations for the quiet weekend. do you belong to? Tell us about your family: Currently only the REIQ but I have I live with my partner Shirley, who is previously been president of the a partner in our real estate business, Mackay Hockey associated and and have two children both now in involved with other sporting codes their 30s and one beautiful three- Why did you choose to nominate year-old granddaughter who lives for a zone chair role? around the corner. I’ve seen a lot a change in the industry Do you have any pets and if so, what and have always been able to speak type and what are their names? my mind with the good and the Shirley’s 18 year old poodle passed bad. I feel I now have had enough away earlier this year so we are home experience to be about to help existing alone, at present, except for some fish and new practitioners to the industry. in our front pond. I have very firm views on legislation with licencing and most other issues If you could host a dinner party but I would love to see the industry with four famous – dead – more respected within the community celebrities, who would you invite? and the standards being must higher Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, than they currently are. Robin Williams and Mrs Brown

PAGE 42 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 I also have a goal of being

part of the REIQ board one day CHAIR ZONE and thought this would be a good stepping stone for that role.

Name: Jason Bond Zone: Northern Suburbs Agency: Elever Property Group

Why did you choose to nominate for a zone chair role? I have been in the sales chapter for the REIQ and decided I wanted to be a little more involved not just with the sales side but with the entire property side. I also have a goal of How long have you been in real estate? being part of the REIQ board one day I have been in the industry since and thought this would be a good 2003, so nearly 14 years. stepping stone for that role. How did you get your start? What are your hobbies? I bought my first property when I Hobbies haha I am married with was 20 and decided to flip it when three children and the fourth due in I was 21 and buy a bigger/better May next year and I have my own property. I interviewed four agents business. WHEN I have extra time I to find the best. I eventually I listed am sports mad, any type of football with an agent who I thought had a AFL, NRL, rugby, soccer anything. pretty low skill-set but the best agent I interviewed listed my property. He Tell us about your family: sold it in three days for the full list My wife is Ann-Mare and we have price. I paid this guy around $8000 been married for over 10 years now. in commission and I started my REIQ We have three children Milla, 9, sales course two weeks later. Gianni, 4, and Henry, 2, with our fourth due in May next year. Crazy! I bit the bullet and went straight into Who has four kids in this day and a commission-only sales role and age? Hopefully, the real estate market have not looked back since. I have kicks on for the next 20 years! always done a mix of pre-owned homes and off-the-plan. When my Do you have any pets and if so, what wife was pregnant with our third type and what are their names? child I decided, I didn’t want to work Yes on top of four kids we have two Saturdays anymore so now I pretty dogs - one is called Picalino and the much do off-the-plan and brand new other is Sofia (I have an Italian wife!). properties only. If you could host a dinner party What professional organisations with four famous – dead – do you belong to? celebrities, who would you invite? REIQ, Chamber of Commerce and the John F Kennedy, Walt Disney, Elvis mighty Essendon Football Club. Presley and Audrey Hepburn

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 43 Christmas stories from the REIQ

Christmas is almost upon us and as we all prepare to close the office and take a well-earned break with family and friends, we wanted to remind you that while we all place a lot or pressure on ourselves to create the perfect Christmas event, not every Christmas goes according to plan. And if yours doesn’t go the way you hoped, take comfort in some of the stories from the REIQ senior managers, who have kindly shared some of their Christmas disaster stories here, to cheer you up. Merry Christmas to all and for all, best wishes for a successful and prosperous 2017!

Antonia Mercorella, CEO: Felicity Moore, Media and Niti Prakash, General Counsel Communications Manager: With a surname like mine, it’s no Christmas when I was growing up surprise that Christmas in the Mercorella A favourite Christmas memory dates was all about going on a family household was all about food! back to my teenage years in Mackay. holiday. I can vividly remember one We had just had an in-ground pool trip when we were in Kenya, back I grew up in Adelaide so Christmas installed, in time for Christmas. And in the ‘80s. My parents decided a was nearly always a stinking hot I mean “just in time” for Christmas driving trip was in order and so we affair. We would eat greasy but – it only got filled with water on packed up our 4WD and off we went delicious zeppole (deep fried Italian Christmas eve. My aunt and uncle and driving around Kenya, admiring doughnuts) and sip Sambuca despite two cousins were driving down from its natural beauty and culture. On not being of drinking age. Townsville to spend the holidays with Christmas Day, while I was probably Lunch was a six-course feast and in an us and, unbeknown to my sister and arguing with my younger brother Italian home, ‘No thanks, I’m full’ were me, they were charged with bringing in the back seat, I suddenly lurched words no wise person dared utter. all the pool toys that we were to be forward as Dad slammed on the The first time my non-Italian husband given as gifts on Christmas day (as brakes. He then threw the car into spent Christmas with my family he a surprise). This included bean bags, reverse, hitting the accelerator and made that mistake. Needless to say, he blow-up rafts, water polo nets and going backwards at break-neck speed. only made that mistake once. ball – a ton of stuff. My parents and Bewildered, I looked up to see a my grandparents had pooled their large group of men, all with machine One year my cousins and I got into funds (pun intended!) and ordered a guns raised, running like madmen a ridiculous argument playing a ton of stuff. My aunt and uncle drove towards our car! It turns out Dad hypothetical game – how would we down from Townsville the night before had accidentally crossed the border spend $10m if we won Lotto? While Christmas, arriving at around 8pm. into Uganda during a time of tribal most of us promised to be generous My parents came out to the driveway warfare and unrest. Dad morphed with the hypothetical millions, one to welcome them, hugs and kisses all into an expert reverse driver, cousin said he would need well- around. Then they asked where all the speeding backwards all the way until researched business cases before any pool stuff was and my uncle pointed we reached the Kenyan border and money changed hands. Of course, to the empty roof rack. It had all blown then transformed into a Formula after a long morning of rich food, off on the drive down! To this day we 1 race car driver when he did a Sambuca and hot weather, this sent still laugh thinking about the bean 180-degree turn so that we could race us all into a rage. Who did he think bags scattered along the highway far, far away in the forward direction he was, the Godfather? Making and other pool paraphernalia on the from the gun-wielding men. Needless us line-up and beg for cash! 400km stretch between Townsville to say I do not ever “take the road less Fortunately, just as we all and Mackay! travelled” anymore! were stating to throw things at him, another course of food was served and we all rushed back to the table to eat. Food saves the day yet again!

PAGE 44 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 Anna MacMaster, Training and Brad Hay, Sponsorship Manager Rod Facey, Chief Financial Officer: Professional Development Manager: It was the last Christmas that my I get really excited about Christmas – I A few years ago I decided it was time to brother and I were spending at home start preparations in June usually and go construct my first gingerbread house, with my parents before we moved out. way over the top. In 2011 I was making ending the years of disgrace of being Dad decided to go out and get a real fruit cakes and had been fermenting of Dutch heritage (a culture where Christmas tree instead of using the the fruit in liquor, sugar and syrup for Christmas and spiced anything go artificial one. I’m not sure where he got three months. It was an amazing recipe hand in hand – speculaas anyone?) and this tree but I think it might have been and I was looking forward to Christmas never having made this spiced treat. from some sort of arachnid farm because day when we got to taste the fruits of it was FULL of spiders. Nothing harmful, my labour – literally! After the fruit

Upon stumbling across the iconic Ikea CHRISTMASMERRY just those little black jumping ones had fermented for three months, in flatpack 'Assemble Your Own Festive that kind of freak you out that, when December I set aside a day to make the Gingerbread House Kit' (allan key you get too close, they jump at you. So puddings – and promptly dropped all included), I thought that it would be a the ceiling above the tree was literally 2kgs of fruit mince on my pug, Paris! perfect way to incorporate some training black with spiders when we woke up wheels into my first house construction That put us both in a very sticky Christmas morning and the presents while introducing some Swedish situation. I couldn’t decide whether had spiders on them and inside the expertise and efficiency into the exercise. to the throw the whole lot – dog and wrapping. We were all kind of spooked fruit mince – into the pot to make Christmas eve arrived and I was applying every time someone reached for a gift. It the cake, or to rinse off the fruit and the finishing flourishes - royal icing took forever to get all those spiders out de-hair it as best I could. I didn’t want was applied, walls and roof were secure, of the house. The following Christmas to waste the 1 litre of expensive rum colour scheme was sorted. No mis- they used the artificial tree. and 2kg of plump fruit mince that I matched Smarties for my gingerbread Sheila Andrews, Membership had been ever so gently mothering for house. This thing had a planned colour and Marketing Manager: three months! Needless to say, I went palette, chocolate bullets as shingles and with option 2 and rinsed the fruit off careful placement of Freckles. For me, Christmas is really all about as best I could before pushing on to Christmas Eve and Boxing Day more It looked very smart. It was duly make my elaborate fruit puddings. than the actual day itself. Christmas Eve wrapped in clear cellophane and is spent with my family, which includes That was also the year that I wanted given pride of place in the centre of my partner and my daughter, my mum to take my little Aussie family on a the dining room table. I tootled off to and her partner, and my friend Mel virtual European Christmas tour. I taped bed feeling festive and just a smidgen and her husband. We have champagne, aluminium foil over every window in the 'domestic-goddessy'. seafood, turkey, and trifle. Yes, food living room, removed all the furniture Christmas morning, I smugly sauntered features prominently in our Christmas and three weeks before Christmas Day in to the dining room to admire my celebrations! We exchange joke gifts I turned the air conditioner on to the masterpiece - only to find a rather and sing lots of carols. Then Boxing Day coldest setting to create a Brisbane dramatic pile of rubble in its place! is shared with my partner’s extended winter wonderland! I decorated the family. It’s always a huge event because room with hand-made gift baskets and The morning sun had been beaming basically everyone they’ve ever met Christmas decorations (Martha Stewart directly into the dining room, the knows they’re welcome to stop by – and would have been impressed), fairy cellophane had created a 'greenhouse they do! Backyard cricket is played very lighting, fake snow and shiny baubles. effect', and the entire structure had competitively, and the game lasts from It was very impressive! So that was collapsed under its own weight! mid-morning until well into December Christmas 2011. It was very successful The moral of the story: Gingerbread 27. They even put a net around the in parts and not much fur got into the houses are a very tasty, irrespective of playing field to prevent innocent puddings so I count that as a win too! colour scheme and structural integrity. bystanders from copping a high-speed taped-up tennis ball to the head.

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 45 DONE DEAL

Done Deal

15 Tantula Road East, Alexandra Headland

Agency Amber Werchon Property The property was purchased in 1984 for Sale price only $88,000, how times have changed! $680,000 The owner stayed and enjoyed living Sale type here since that day, and typical of most Auction Alex owners, they never want to leave. Where is the house? The home features: 15 Tantula Road East, The house features four bedrooms, We were allowed to advertise that Alexandra Headland three bathrooms and north-facing the proceeds of the sale were going to ocean views. benefit a not-for-profit organisation. It Tell us about the property was a nice legacy from the late owner. The property was in serious disrepair How did you secure the listing? and sections had to be roped off for The executor approached me after Print media proved very effective in fear of collapse. Old houses in Alex two separate recommendations from this campaign as it attracted a lot of Heads are quite rare. both of her daughters. people that weren’t actively looking but understood the opportunity of This building sits perched on 607sqm What were the marketing this ideal location on offer. We ran a of elevated land, where you can strategies used? three-week full-page campaign and capture ocean views and north-facing We took the property to auction sold the property above reserve. mountain views. Desperately in need following a four-week campaign of some serious TLC, or most likely, attracting more than 100 inspections To see a video: www.youtube.com/ a total rebuild. and 12 registered bidders on the day. watch?v=eZJUdelRgn4

PAGE 46 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 Supplier Directory

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REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 47 GET ORGANISED! Order your 2017 REIQ Diary now!

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PAGE 48 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 Who’s Who at the REIQ? Zone Chairs

Zone Contact Office Email

BUNDABERG Le-Anne Allan Richardson & Wrench Bargara Beach [email protected] WHO’S WHO CABOOLTURE James Brown Ray White Caboolture & Burpengary [email protected] CAIRNS Thomas Quaid Quaid Real Estate Pty Ltd [email protected] EASTERN SUBURBS Peter Barrett Pat Barrett Realty [email protected] FRASER COAST Damian Raxach One Agency Damian Raxach [email protected] GLADSTONE Vicki Brown LJ Hooker Boyne Island [email protected] GOLD COAST John Newlands Professionals Surfers Paradise [email protected] IPSWICH Darren Boettcher Boettcher Realty [email protected] MACKAY Peter McFarlane Mackay Property & Management Services [email protected] NORTHERN SUBURBS Jason Bond Elever Property Group [email protected] REDCLIFFE Joshua Kindred Kindred Property Group [email protected] ROCKHAMPTON Noel Livingston Professionals Livingston & Molloy R/E [email protected] SOUTHERN/LOGAN Stanley Crook Qld Rent Roll Brokers [email protected] SUNSHINE COAST Amber Werchon Amber Werchon Property [email protected] TWB/DARLING DOWNS David Snow Peter Snow & Co [email protected] TOWNSVILLE Damien Keyes Keyes & Co [email protected] WESTERN SUBURBS Colin Hawkins Elders [email protected]

Chapter Chairs Board Directors Senior Management

Residential Sales Chairman CEO Daniel Argent Robert Honeycombe Antonia Mercorella [email protected] Commercial & Industrial Director Doug Smith Linda Bland CFO Rod Facey Property Management Director [email protected] Clint Dowdell-Smith Jonathan Blocksidge Training Services Manager Buyer’s Agents Director Anna MacMaster Meighan Hetherington Peter Brewer [email protected] Auctioneers Director Business Development and Peter Burgin Mark Brimble Sponsorship Manager Business Brokers Director Brad Hay Ron Frank Deborah Duffy [email protected] Non-Member Director Media and Communications Manager Julie Boyd Felicity Moore Area Managers [email protected] Non-Member Director Anita Brown Membership and Marketing Manager Karen Woodworth - South East of SEQ Sheila Andrews 0400 722 183 Non-Member Director [email protected] [email protected] Eddie Chung John McSpedden - North East of SEQ 0411 606 999 [email protected] Les Freeman – Far North Queensland 0488 168 052 [email protected] Kate Cross – Central Queensland 0488 246 588 [email protected]

REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017 PAGE 49 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Subscribe to the REIQ QMM: a quarterly report on the Qld real estate market

September QMM out Dec 12 Subscribe at REIQ.com today

PAGE 50 REIQ JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2016 / JANUARY 2017