News Room

If you have any news for the Real Estate industry - whether you are a professional or a supplier to the industry, please email us: newsroom@eliteagent.com
  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    First National Real Estate Appoints National Performance Manager

    First National Real Estate, Australia’s largest independent real estate network, has announced the appointment of Mr Ted Piteo as National Performance Manager. Mr Piteo’s role at First National will be to provide professional development support, business mentoring, network development, and he will contribute to overall performance enhancement across the network. As former chief executive of The Professionals South Australia (since…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWS

    CoreLogic launches video for agents

    Real estate agents can now quickly and easily create compelling video and social posts to share with customers with the launch of HomePrezzo through CoreLogic. HomePrezzo is a digital real estate marketing platform that promises to revolutionise the way agents engage with vendors and buyers. It delivers engaging templates that draw upon CoreLogic data so agents can easily create their…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty welcomes leading auction advisor

    Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty is delighted to welcome award-winning auctioneer Gavin Croft to the team. Mr Croft has accumulated 17 years of real estate experience, conducting more than 7000 auctions across Australia and New Zealand as both a licensed sales agent and/or auctioneer. Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty CEO Paul Arthur said Mr Croft will strengthen the synergy between the company’s…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Century 21 Australasian operations announces local rebrand

    The announcement follows the global parent unveiling an international rebranding campaign at its recent Masters event in Orlando, Florida. Global President and CEO Nick Bailey was on hand to welcome the significant change of the logo, which features a refreshed color palette that stays true to its iconic gold and black scheme, while also embracing a new modern look and…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWSelite agent news room

    US’s National Association of Realtors® backs ActivePipe and is handpicked for NAR REach® 2018 Accelerator Class

    ActivePipe, a Melbourne-based automated communications platform for the real estate industry, announced that the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) is taking a minor stake in the company and has been chosen as one of only eight companies into the exclusive National Association of Realtors®’ Second Century Ventures 2018 REach® accelerator program. The REach® program is focused on providing early-to-mid-stage companies…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWSelite agent news room

    Victorian Budget 2018-19: An opportunity lost says REIV

    The Real Estate Institute of Victoria is disappointed that the Andrews Labor Government has not provided any property tax relief in its Budget handed down this week. “While the Premier says his government is getting things done, it has failed to get one of the most important things done,” REIV President Richard Simpson said. “We believe that a reduction in…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWSelite agent news room

    Budget needs to deliver a plan for Australia’s growing cities, says Property Council

    Amid the debate about how Australia manages its growing population, tomorrow’s Federal Budget is a critical opportunity for the Turnbull Government to articulate its’ plan to shape Australia’s cities for a successful future. ‘The Government’s enthusiasm for ‘congestion-busting infrastructure’ is welcome, and no doubt we’ll see more of these projects supported in the last Budget before the next election,’ said…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Belle Property bolsters its Buyer Advisory service with key appointment

    Brady Yoshia, an established buyer advisor, has joined Belle Property Pymble as the Director of Buyers Agency, as Principal Michael Doran launches Buyer Advisory to his market on Sydney’s North Shore. CEO of Belle Property, Peter Hanscomb welcomed Brady to the network, recognising the skillset she brings. “With Brady joining our network, this is a critical step in the direction…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Ray White Lower North Shore enters Crows Nest

    Directors David Gillan and Richard Harding are at the helm of a team based in one of Sydney’s most liveable suburbs. “We’re bringing with us the experience and strengths of the Ray White Lower North Shore Group to Ray White Crows Nest,” Mr Gillan said. “We have access to the biggest buyer pool in the Lower North Shore, which includes…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Max Martinucci joins OBrien Real Estate

    Max Martinucci, award-winning agent in Oakleigh South, has joined OBrien Real Estate with the intentions of opening his own agency within the fast growing network. Corporate Director Darren Hutchins said Max Martinucci is passionate about the Oakleigh and Monash area, its people, the community and getting premium real estate results. “Max is a highly valued addition to our team and…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Di Jones appoints Michelle Light

    Di Jones Real Estate is continuing the successful roll out of Branch Managers across the network with the appointment of Michelle Light as Branch Manager for its North Shore Operations. Ms Light has almost 20 years’ experience across the real estate profession and most recently was NSW Regional Manager for LJ Hooker. Di Jones CEO Rob Ward said Michelle’s energy…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Belle Property announces key appointment within the Corporate team

    With a strong focus on growth and people development, Belle Property has appointed Nick Boyd as Head of Sales and Business Development, starting next month. Since 2012 Nick has been working in educational roles within the real estate industry as well as others. “We are extremely excited to welcome Nick back to Belle Property. He has always been very involved…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWSelite agent news room

    OBrien Real Estate extends network into Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs

    Victorian Boutique franchise group OBrien Real Estate established its first franchise office in February  2013 and now has just opened its 25th office located in the growth belt of the outer northern suburbs. OBrien Real Estate originated from the south east corridor some 42 km’s from Melbourne’s CBD and until recently had all its offices situated on the east side…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Top Hinterland sales team now in two locations

    The well-established Maleny team, which has been selling Hinterland homes for more than five years, is now in Montville, with experienced agent Susan Brant heading the RE/MAX Hinterland Montville office. “I’ve very excited to be investing my time more intensely in the clients and communities of Montville, Mapleton and Flaxton,” said Mrs Brant who has been with RE/MAX Hinterland since…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWSelite agent news room

    Starr Partners rolls out virtual reality

    Boutique real estate group, Starr Partners, has begun to roll out virtual reality and other interactive tools across its agency network, giving buyers the ability to step inside a property from anywhere in the world. Starr Partners has equipped 12 of its offices with virtual reality headsets, with plans for an extensive rollout over the coming months. Douglas Driscoll, CEO…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWS

    May 2018: Interest rates on hold, Industry reaction

    At its meeting yesterday (1st May 2018), the RBA Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 1.50 per cent for it’s 19th consecutive meeting.   REA GROUP “More indicators are pointing to improving economic conditions and given how fast the US is growing, this will support our economy,” said REA Group’s Chief Economist, Nerida Conisbee. “The main thing…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Laing+Simmons Hornsby finds new faces and focus

    And with the change in ownership comes a renewed focus on the local community that will see two local charities in particular benefit. Ms Hardy, who has lived in the Hornsby area for 17 years and been at the forefront of the local property market for the past five years, will donate $250 for every property the office sells to…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWSelite agent news room

    Di Jones appoints Hornsby market specialist Adam Noakes

    Di Jones Real Estate has appointed Hornsby Shire market specialist Adam Noakes to join the team at its Wahroonga office. Di Jones CEO Rob Ward said Adam has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity and always going the extra mile to achieve the best results for his clients. “Friendly, energetic and with a strong customer focus, Adam offers a level…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    The Austar Group joins Ray White New Zealand

    The eight residential and one commercial Ray White Austar offices officially open this week, bringing the total number of Ray White New Zealand offices to 166, with 71 of those based in Auckland. Ray White Austar directors Craig Smith, Len Day and Amy Anderson lead a team driven by the ambition to be West Auckland’s market leaders. “Our driving goal…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWSelite agent news room

    CoreLogic April Home Value Index: values record their first annual decline since November 2012 while regional dwelling values continue to edge higher

    CoreLogic released its April home value index results which, at a national level, revealed a fall of 0.1% for the month, the seventh consecutive month-on-month fall since values started retreating in October last year. Similar to previous months, CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless found that the declines were concentrated within the largest capitals, while regional dwelling values edged 0.4%…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWS

    REA Group Limited to acquire Hometrack Australia

    REA Group Limited (ASX:REA) has announced that realestate.com.au Pty Ltd has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Hometrack Australia Pty Ltd (“Hometrack Australia”) subject to ACCC approval. Hometrack Australia is a residential property data company and subsidiary of Hometrack Data Systems, which is owned by UK listed ZPG Plc (LSE:ZPG). Hometrack Australia is a provider of property data…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWSelite agent news room

    Negative Gearing Supports Renters and Housing Affordability: HIA

    “Reports in The Australian on ATO data show that almost two thirds of investors are on an average income of less than $80,000,” said HIA’s Principal Economist, Tim Reardon. Independent research undertaken for HIA by The CIE concluded that increasing the tax on investing in residential homes will force up rental prices, worsen housing affordability and reduce economic activity. The…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWS

    RE/MAX Revolution opens in New Zealand

    Recently in New Zealand, RE/MAX Revolution showed its star calibre at its official opening, an event described by RE/MAX New Zealand and RE/MAX Australia Managing Director Michael Davoren as the ‘greatest attendance at any office opening in his real estate career of more than 35 years’. Around 250 attended, comprising clients and suppliers whom RE/MAX Revolution broker owner Don Ha…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    First National Real Estate returns to Grafton

    First National Real Estate has announced the opening of a new office in Grafton. First National Real Estate Grafton joins more than 400 successful members throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and offers the most progressive property services currently available. “Leveraging the success of First National Real Estate Yamba, our new Grafton office will offer clients a range…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWS

    rent.com.au acquires RentPay from MYOB

    Rental property website rent.com.au has announced that it is expanding its service offering to rental payments by acquiring RentPay, a rental payments system from a subsidiary of MYOB Group Limited. Rent.com.au has entered into an agreement with MYOB, leading provider of business solutions to 1.2m businesses across Australia and New Zealand, to acquire the RentPay system and customer base. RentPay…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWSelite agent news room

    First National Real Estate Leadership Awards recognise young change-makers

    Some young up-and-comers have been recognised with First National Real Estate Leadership Awards. Grant Milbourne, 28, of Lenah Valley was the winner at the 2018 Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards and was presented with his title by Ray Ellis, Chief Executive of First National. Mr Milbourne founded ‘I’ME’ or Insight Mindfulness Education, a not-for-profit organisation that supports youth wellbeing and mental health.…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Ray White Myrtleford’s new owners are familiar faces

    Sandra Dondio is continuing her swift rise up the real estate industry ranks as she takes over ownership of Ray White Myrtleford, with the support of her husband Dean Johnson. Ms Dondio was born and raised in the attractive northeast Victorian town of Myrtleford, which is on the scenic Great Alpine Road between Wangaratta and Bright. Almost three years after…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWSelite agent news room

    Vendors look to social media for faster results

    New data shows vendors can potentially sell their home faster by choosing to list their home through @realty’s new Home Booster social media platform. Home Booster, which is used by @realty agents Australia-wide, has generated a total of more than 21,000 leads for the 50 vendors who have listed their home on the platform in recent months. @realty agents list…

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  • INDUSTRY NEWSelite agent news room

    APRA throws property investors a lifeline with benchmark removal

    An announcement from APRA to remove the investor loan growth benchmark will see some banks cut investor rates to lure back more investors into the lucrative sector. Banks introduced higher rates for investor loans following the introduction of the cap on investor lending, announced in December 2014. Today, RateCity.com.au data shows the gap between owner-occupiers paying principal and interest and…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Starr Partners expands further into south-west Sydney

    Starr Partners is expanding further into the growing south-west Sydney region, with a new office due to open in Narellan on 1 May. The Narellan office will be the sixth addition to the string of successful offices already operating in the south-western suburbs, including Campbelltown, Liverpool, Miller, Bankstown and Minto. Starr Partners CEO Douglas Driscoll said, “We are focused on…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Ray White welcomes Aaron McDonald back to the agency

    Melbourne auctioneer and agent Aaron McDonald has been welcomed back to one of Victoria’s leading agencies, Ray White, with open arms. Mr McDonald said he was excited be back at Ray White after running his own business and working with a local agency, where he was awarded the number one sales agent from 2014 to 2017. He has successfully helped…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Agent Katheryn Purdy joins Di Jones Wahroonga

    Di Jones Real Estate continues a string of appointments with sales agent Katheryn Purdy joining its Wahroonga team. “A specialist in the St Ives area, Katheryn is a strong negotiator with a passion for providing exceptional client service,” Di Jones CEO Rob Ward said. “Katheryn is highly skilled at creating strategic sales and marketing campaigns to suit the specific needs…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    NGU Real Estate opens Greater Springfield office

    NGU Real Estate is proud to announce the opening of its Greater Springfield office. NGU Real Estate Greater Springfield is the innovative real estate agency’s sixth office to launch since the Queensland-based company opened its doors two years ago. NGU Real Estate CEO Emil Juresic is thrilled to have NGU Real Estate Greater Springfield director Kurt Cockburn on board. “Kurt…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Century 21 agents to get some inspirational island time at the start of winter

    Century 21 agents will experience an endless summer this year with the network’s Australasian Convention to be held on Hamilton Island in early June. Hundreds of agents from across Australia and New Zealand will be treated to internationally renowned speakers, cutting-edge training and exciting new company announcements – all planned around special events that will exploit the breathtaking views of…

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  • FRANCHISE NEWS

    Top Ray White principal advises The Mentor

    Matt Lancashire, the number one selling principal in Ray White’s Queensland network, was humbled to be chosen by businessman Mark Bouris for his new hit reality TV show, The Mentor. The first of Seven’s new seven-part reality makeover series The Mentor, which aired last night, centred on a family real estate agency in Moreton Bay. “I felt humbled that Mark…

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