Spring 2014
ROBERTS REAL ESTATE
Sapphire
DILIGENCE • EMPATHY • LOYALTY • INITIATIVE • PROFESSIONALISM
‘A ‘A COUNTRY COUNTRY PRACTICE’ PRACTICE’
‘Sapphire’Provides Providesan an ‘Sapphire’ ExclusiveInsight Insightinto into Exclusive RobertsReal RealEstate Estate Roberts Sheffield Sheffiekd
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‘A Country Practice’ Show Me the Money! Bring on the Bling Walking the Walk Talking the Talk AREC Casey Pearson – ‘Plaudit’
Mission Statement
To be recognised by both industry and market place as the premier real estate agency in Tasmania. Diligence • Empathy • Loyalty Initiative • Professionalism
robertsre.com.au
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elcome to the latest edition of ‘Sapphire’ – Roberts Real Estate’s exciting and vibrant in-house magazine. Spring has arrived at long last and as we emerge from another Tasmanian winter we look forward to a hectic and rewarding ‘campaign’ season as local market places shake of the winter doldrums and embark on what promises to be a busy sales period. Our expert Property Management will be no less industrious as they prepare for the ensuing ‘migratory’ period as Tasmanians all around the state relocate for both work and study, joined by hundreds of interstate and international visitors coming to our beautiful island for long term stays either in pursuit of vocational interests or as students. Although the remainder of 2014 will no doubt be busy, at Roberts Real Estate we are also preparing to celebrate the year that was and in October we host our annual ‘Sapphire Awards’ in Launceston. It is an excellent occasion to showcase both business and team and have a whole lot of fun as we applaud the best performances from our business for financial year 2013/2014. In this issue we again provide an eclectic mix from across our statewide network as we meet the dynamic duo from our Sheffield office – Gerald Davies and Dennis King – and learn a little more about the energetic Carolyn Dutton, based just up the road at our Devonport office. In preparation for the ‘Sapphire Awards’ this year we provide an explanatory on the various types of awards and medallions available to our business whilst Peter Blackwell from Roberts Home Finance also features and provides an insight into his very successful profit centre. Tony Bacic – Southern Region Sales Manager – reports on this year’s inspirational AREC conference in Surfers Paradise and in addition we have the latest news from amongst our 120-strong team statewide. It is a bumper issue and you are sure to find something of interest.
contents 04 ‘A Country Practice’ 12 Show Me the Money!
07 AREC
14 Casey Pearson – ‘Plaudit’
08 Bring on the Bling 10 Walking the Walk Talking the Talk
15 Network News 20 Notice Board
WIN
a Beer and Wine Pack for Your Office!!
Win a Beer and Wine Pack for Your Office!! “Do you have a story to tell about your office and what it is doing as part of our network? The best articles received will be selected for publication and one lucky winner will receive a beer and wine pack for their office … the perfect way to cap off a busy week on the tools. Send all typed submissions with any supporting photos to khandick@robertsre.com.au.”
Please enjoy your copy of ‘Sapphire’ and thank you again for all your efforts. Enjoy Ed.
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A COUNTRY PRACTICE
‘A COUNTRY PRACTICE’ Nestled beneath the stunning backdrop of Mount Roland and surrounded by intricate murals depicting country and historical scenes, you will find the vibrant town of Sheffield. Along the main street surrounded by other businesses, you will find the local Roberts Real Estate office. Covering a ‘market area’ that stretches from Elizabeth Town to Cradle Mountain, the Sheffield office is a hive of activity, satisfying the real estate needs of a diverse clientele.
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apphire’ recently paid this office a visit to learn more about the two country gentlemen manning this office and who proudly service the local area whether it be rain, hail or shine. Meet Gerald Davies and Dennis King. Both have a shared love of the Kentish municipality and its local people. In a town of 1,500 inhabitants they are local identities and there would not be many who do not recognise them as they literally travel over hill and dale going about their business in an unassuming and professional manner. When not treading paddocks or clambering through the bush with compass and map they will take every opportunity to patrol up and down the main street to have a chat or a good-natured jibe with the locals. It’s this sense of community and belonging that spurs them on to provide the very best in way of service and advice. Indeed, when it comes to sound real estate advice in the Kentish area you needn’t look any further. The ‘bush telegraph’
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GERALD DAVIES:
goes a long way in a small country town and with a reputation for being hard working, reliable and honest, both Gerald and Dennis have established many valued relationships. It is the key to their success and they have proven fantastic ambassadors for Tasmania’s premier real estate agency.
Born and bred in Sheffield, Gerald runs a small herd of cattle and sheep in the local area, plus a collection of pigs, ducks, dogs and cats. He is well known and respected within the community and has a long association with the Sheffield Cricket Club, of which he is a life member and also Vice President. Originally a diesel fitter by trade, Gerald has worked for Roberts Ltd. in various facets over the last 25 years, including livestock and Tasmanian Rural Properties and he is also a qualified auctioneer. Since commencing with Roberts Real Estate some six years ago, he has attained many awards and
A COUNTRY PRACTICE 05
accolades including; ‘Rookie of the Year’, a finalist for ‘North West Salesperson of the Year’ and is a proud ‘Gold Centurion’ and ‘Silver Centurion’ recipient. What is your favourite hobby or pastime? Gerald is a proud and passionate Essendon supporter, so much so that he has the “Bombers” flag flying outside his house at all times, win or lose. He loves travelling to Melbourne for a few games during the AFL season and has had his name engraved on the footpath outside of Windy Hill!
Strangest story you have to tell about being in Real Estate? Gerald has attended the weddings of two separate clients to whom he has never actually sold or assisted with the purchase of a property. They obviously took a shine to the friendly and chatty Gerald and one of the clients feels that Gerald is like a ‘second dad’ to her. They are all still close friends to this day.
DENNIS KING: Dennis is something of a “jack of all trades” having worked in insurance and banking and also as a business manager of a car yard.
Having worked at our Sheffield office for over four years, he says he loves his job because every day presents him with something new. He loves the highs and lows of real estate, the opportunity to work both in the office and out in the field and the fact that there’s never a dull moment. When asked what he loves about Sheffield, he mentions the natural attractiveness and location of the town, the honesty and sincerity of the townsfolk. What are your hidden talents? Dennis says he is a multi-talented tinkerer and he likes to “put life back into old things”. His latest investment
What are your hidden talents? Gerald has a secret talent that very few would be aware of – he can SING! Apparently music and singing is in his family but Gerald is very reluctant to share his voice in front of an audience – maybe with some encouragement we can get him to perform at this year’s ‘Sapphire Awards’?
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A COUNTRY PRACTICE
is a restoration of a 1958 Franklin caravan, a project that he is passionate about. He paid $450 for it when he discovered it. The interior will be fitted out with a selection of beautiful Tasmanian timbers and when it is finished, Dennis and his wife intend to take it on the road for some camping adventures both locally and on the mainland. Adding to his Jack of all trades skills, he also built his own home – now that’s an impressive accomplishment!
or more of his favourite pastimes. He loves to cook and having a pot of aromatic soup on the stove, a movie on the TV and a cold beer close by, is his idea of a perfect day. On a more energetic note, he can be found restoring his beloved caravan, cutting wood, mowing his 2.5 acres of lawns, washing the cars or undertaking a painting project in and around the house – he loves to get the paintbrush out and is always looking for something to paint!
What was your scariest moment working in real estate?
What most people don’t know about you? Dennis has been involved in a long-standing bet with Gerald over the eventual sale of a multi-million dollar property. The loser will be required to ride an alpaca naked down the main street of Sheffield. Dennis insists that the parameters of the bet have changed somewhat over the last few years! Such is country life – plenty of hard work countered by plenty of fun.
Dennis and Gerald were out bush looking at a 50 acre block which had a shack on it to which the key had been lost. Whilst walking around the outside of the shack a snake slithered out of the spouting at head height and gave Dennis a real fright. Whilst not normally scared of snakes – that was a little too close for comfort.
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What are your hobbies and interests? Apart from spending time with his family, Dennis loves nothing more than taking advantage of a rainy day at home where he can enjoy one
AREC 07
- AREC -
Take the time to enjoy a few days of white sand, clear water & great seafood on the glorious Gold Coast while you’re getting smarter? Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? Networking & meeting other great agents from around the world has got to be a good thing too and the Australian Real Estate Conference (AREC) is one of the most inspiring activities you can undertake to help you shift gears in real estate – and it is a whole lot of fun to boot.
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he value of education was beautifully summed up by Harvard President Derek Bok when he said “If you think education is expensive try ignorance.” Still by far the largest real estate conference in Australasia, AREC is certainly the place to go to be educated both in terms of industry and life and it is clear that people are making most of the opportunity. Now in its 17th year, AREC attracts over 3,000 industry people annually from around the country and provides them with the opportunity to meet some of the best business minds on the planet. In June this year Roberts Real Estate sent three representatives to attend the conference: Mathew Chugg (State Sales Manager), Tony Bacic (Southern Region Sales Manager) and Todd Stevenson (Senior Property Sales Consultant - HRE). They were joined by Shane Walker (North and North West Regional Manager Roberts Ltd). Together they embarked on their adventure keen to refine their talents and gather new ideas from this
of his real-life experience on stage. Aron was in a canyoneering accident in 2003 in south eastern Utah where a rock pinned his arm and he could not get it free. He was eventually forced to amputate his own arm in order to save his life. The message What did you like most about he shared was that you can either AREC? “There were some amazing speakers focus on the negatives in life or you can focus on the positives and move delivering some important forward.” messages over the three days we were in attendance. We were lucky enough to be able to attend and see Did you do anything exciting for R&R whilst at AREC? how the industry is shifting and familiarise ourselves with these “Having a fantastic meal at ‘Mario’s’ changes. The clear message was to along Broad Beach was especially do the “basics” exceptionally well. memorable. A few wines helped It was interesting to note that the loosen us up for the dance floor really successful agents all have one later that night - I must say I couldn’t thing in common – they prospect believe that Mathew and Todd could every day and proactively build their ‘bust a move’ as well as they did! database. They also understand the Also one of us, who shall remain value of employing a Personal unidentified, managed to lock their Assistant to grow their business and keys in their room and was forced they always make sure that they to sleep on the couch and woke up under promise and over deliver.” feeling very average the following morning. The ocean was great and What ‘life’ message did you take still warm as we went for a body surf away? which saw some spectacular wipe outs. We warmed up afterwards “All of these agents were writing with a few shuttle runs along the over $1,000,000 in commission per beach. We arrived back in Hobart at annum and more importantly had a 10.30pm on the last day, balanced life and that they appreciative for having been part of understood the importance of this. We also had the opportunity to watch a great conference. It reminded us a movie by Aron Ralston called ‘127 all of exactly what we need to do to ensure Roberts Real Estate remains Hours’ and then listen to this the premier agency in Tasmania.” incredibly determined man tell us truly inspirational event. Tony Bacic agreed to an interview with ‘Sapphire’ to share his thoughts on AREC and the value it provided to him and his business:
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08 BRING ON THE BLING
BRING ON THE BLING I t will shortly be time for our statewide team to descend on Launceston for our annual awards dinner – ‘The Sapphire Awards’. Now in its third year, this very special event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that we stand for in the market place and also to provide recognition to those amongst us who have achieved performance milestones.
We thought it timely that we provide everyone with a refresher on the different types of awards/ medallions and their respective categories available to Property Sales, Property Management and Administration. We all acknowledge the importance of recognising service and achievement and it is equally important that we provide awards and medallions that carry a real sense of value.
Please note that all new style Centurion Awards are retrospective and if you are requiring an updated award/medallion please email Khan Dick (khandick@robertsre.com.au) with a scanned copy of your certificate/certificates awarded. Medallions will be issued upon receipt of supporting documentation.
Gold Sapphire Award for Excellence
Award Type: Pursuit of Excellence Eligibility: All Staff Qualification: Awarded to the team member who during the previous financial year proves the most exceptional performer for our business. They will have demonstrated an unrivalled loyalty and work ethic. They will have continuously displayed the type of initiative and drive required to take our business from good to great and in the process respected their colleagues and the diversity of the workplace. They will have demonstrated both forbearance and fortitude and added real value to both clients and customers on a daily basis. They will have contributed to the growth and success of their cost-centre and will have constantly improved upon systems and processes. They will have abided by company policy and guidelines and demonstrated safety in the work place. The business is stronger as a result of this individual’s exemplary performance.
Sapphire Award for Excellence
Award Type: Pursuit of Excellence Eligibility: All Staff Qualification: Only three of these awards are granted each year and are presented annually at the Roberts Real Estate ‘Sapphire Awards’. They are presented to the best property sales consultant, property portfolio manager and administrator from amongst our statewide team during the course of the previous financial year. The recipients will have demonstrated excellence within their relative business stream and profit centre through their work ethic and overall professionalism and have provided genuine value to both clients and customers. The award winners will have also abided by company policy and guidelines and demonstrated safety in the work place.
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Gold Centurion
Award Type: Financial & Growth Performance Eligibility: All Property Sales Consultants and Property Portfolio Managers Qualification: • Total Written Sales for Ruralco Financial Year exceeding $250,000 • Total Portfolio Growth for Ruralco Financial Year exceeding 36 properties
Silver Centurion
Award Type: Financial & Growth Performance Eligibility: All Property Sales Consultants and Property Portfolio Managers Qualification: • Total Written Sales for Ruralco Financial Year exceeding $200,000 • Total Portfolio Growth for Ruralco Financial Year exceeding 24 properties
Bronze Centurion:
Award Type: Financial & Growth Performance Eligibility: All Property Sales Consultants and Property Portfolio Managers Qualification: • Total Written Sales for Ruralco Financial Year exceeding $150,000 • Total Portfolio Growth for Ruralco Financial Year exceeding 12 properties
Plaudit
Award Type: Conscientious Performance Eligibility: All Staff Qualification: The award is presented to those team members who have exceeded the expectations of their normal duties as a result of a specific act or, over a period time, have performed several acts that have benefited the business and their colleagues in some way. As opposed to other annual meritious service awards this award is available to all team members throughout the year at senior managerial discretion.
2013 Laurel
Award Type: Group Approbation Eligibility: All staff members in employ of Roberts Real Estate (or with direct affiliation) for the period extending 1 October 2012 to 30 September 2013 based on business performance for that particular year and the awarding of Ruralco Business Unit of the Year for 2013.
Stream Badges
Award Type: Business Stream Recognition Eligibility: All Staff Members Qualification: Issued upon successful completion of probationary period in chosen business stream
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WALKING THE WALK, TALKING THE TALK
WALKING THE WALK
TALKING THE TALK
For some people reputation is important. For Carolyn Dutton reputation is everything. ‘Sapphire’ recently caught up with this dynamic real estate professional in her North-West market place – a place she is proud to call home - to share some of her thoughts on what appeals most to her about her chosen profession and about being part of Tasmania’s premier real estate agency.
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which set her in good stead for her arolyn‘s career background return to Tasmania in 2009. Carolyn spans many challenging and has been based at our Devonport rewarding roles. Although she grew office since September 2013. up in Tasmania, she has spent There is no denying Carolyn’s work most of her adult life in Queensland ethic and her continued real estate and this provided her with several success boils down to a few key exciting opportunities. In fact it was points; clever marketing, dedication, on the sunny Gold Coast that her hard work and innovation. “I am initial love of property and real estate passionate about marketing my began, firstly as a banquet and properties and always thinking convention co-ordinator for several of new and different ways to stay international hotels as well as ahead of the competition. My managing a number of luxury resorts husband and I introduced the with her husband Nigel. With her property video concept to the region interest in property and real in 2009, something that has since estate taking hold, she then went taken off.” on to study after hours and over the course of 12 months, to become a Being a strong advocate of digital ‘Real Estate Agent’ in Queensland marketing and social media, Carolyn
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leaves no stone unturned in her goal of promoting her vendor’s properties to the widest possible market. This approach has certainly paid dividends but it’s more than just a smart video that has enabled Carolyn to be recognised as one of the most effective property sales consultants on the North-West Coast. “The hardest thing for me was to break into the Tasmanian market, as I wasn’t just simply returning home. I was relocating back to Tasmanian with practically nothing in terms of business generation platforms. I had no contacts, no leads and certainly no ‘hand-outs’. All I could count on was old
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fashioned fashionedhard hardwork. work.I Ipractically practically walked walkedevery everystreet streetininDevonport Devonportinin search searchofofbusiness.” business.” Carolyn Carolyncertainly certainlydid didthe the‘hard-yards’ ‘hard-yards’ ininorder ordertotoestablish establishherself herselfininher her lolocal marketplace. place.She Shehas hasno noregrets cal market regrets at all and is of proud what at all and is proud whatofshe has she has managed to achieve with managed to achieve with a simple abut simple but effective effective mantra: mantra: “You just“You have just haveworking to keep on working it and to keep it and on continually continually reinventingreinventing yourself to yourself stay onetostep stay one step ahead.” ahead.” What Whatdo doyou youlike likebest bestabout about Roberts RobertsReal RealEstate? Estate? “The “Thegreat greatbunch bunchofofpeople peoplewe wehave have ininthe theDevonport Devonportoffice” office”
Do you have a favourite real estate story? “Too many to talk about - I could write a book! Very recently I took a call on my mobile from a lady called Carol who sounded very familiar and was asking me to help her sell her property. I had another previous client with the same name and same street address who had her house on the market with another local agent and I mistakenly thought the caller was her. Anyway we had a lovely long chat, I asked if she was still on the market and she said yes, but not happy and wanted to sell through Roberts Real Estate. I asked how her dog was and referred
to to her her dog dog as as “she” “she” -- and and she she again again responded well. I asked how responded well. I asked how Carol’s Carol’s health health was was after after her her operation operation and and she she said said she she was was feeling feeling much much better. better. As As II was was driving driving to to the the property I realised that I property I realised that I had had written written another another street street number number down down and, and, pulling pulling up up out out front front the the home home of of the the person person II thought thought II was was meeting meeting suddenly suddenly realised realised the the number number was was incorrect. So I kept driving incorrect. So I kept driving up up the the street street to to find find the the correct correct address address and and finally introduced myself finally introduced myself to to aa person person II had had never never met met before before in in my my life, life, in in aa house I knew nothing about house I knew nothing about and and itit was was all all pure pure coincidence coincidence -- II listed listed itit and sold it within a few weeks!” and sold it within a few weeks!”
What Whatisisimportant importantto toyou youabout about customer customerservice? service? “That’s “That’ssimple simple––treat treatpeople peoplehow how you youyourself yourselfwould wouldwant wanttotobe be treated. treated.Communicate, Communicate,be beopen openand and honest, honest,provide provideno nofalse falsehopes hopesand and be besure suretotokeep keepititpositive positiveand andfun” fun” What Whatdo doyou youlove lovemost mostabout aboutreal real estate? estate? “That “Thatevery everyday dayisisdifferent, different,the the flexibility, flexibility,helping helpingpeople peoplemove moveon on with withthe thenext nextstage stageinintheir theirlives livesand and the thethrill thrillofofthe thechase chasenever neverwears wears off” off” What Whatinterests interestsdo doyou youhave have outoutside real estate? side of of real estate? “I“Ilove lovetototravel traveland andhave havebeen been fortunate fortunatetotosee seemany manycountries countriesover over the theyears yearsincluding includingthe theUnited United States, States,Mexico, Mexico,Bahamas Bahamasand andparts parts ofofEurope, Europe,Asia Asiaand andthe theSouth South Pacific. Pacific.I Ihave havealso alsobeen beenprivileged privileged totosee seequite quiteaabit bitofofAustralia. Australia.I Ialso also love lovecars carsand andatatlast lastcount countI Ithink thinkI I have haveowned ownedsixteen sixteenmotor motorvehicles! vehicles! ‘Down ‘Downtime’ time’isisvery veryimportant importanttotome me so sothat thatI Ican canenjoy enjoythe thecompany companyofof my mywonderful wonderfulhusband husbandNigel Nigeland andour our two twoLabradors Labradors––Benny Bennyand and SamSammy. do love living by sea the sea my. I do Ilove living by the and and currently reside in Shearwater currently reside in Shearwater on the on the North West Coast.” North West Coast.”
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SHOW ME THE MONEY!
SHOW ME THE MONEY!
Peter Blackwell probably has the most impressive looking trophy shelf in Roberts Real Estate. A casual glance across the myriad of awards and accolades he has received over the years are testament to his expertise in home finance lending. Peter belongs to Roberts Home Finance (RHF) a specialist cell located within our business and based at our Launceston office together with his administration support. Peter has over 27-years’ experience in lending and this knowledge and know-how has seen him instrumental in bringing many finance deals together when other institutions have found the going too tough. This reputation for leaving no stone unturned for his clients has ensured a steady trail of repeat and referral business. ‘Sapphire’ recently took the opportunity to delve into the world of Roberts Home Finance and learn a little more about this award-winning team.
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ell us a little more about Roberts Home Finance: “Well everyone is aware of Roberts Real Estate and the many offices we have located around the state. However some people may not be aware of Roberts Home Finance which is a mortgage broking entity that was created in 1998 to assist Roberts Ltd. clients finance their residential property purchases. However, I might add that we are also more than happy to assist with other clients who may not necessarily be dealing directly with Roberts Real Estate. We provide friendly advice and service and do our level best to make sure the process remains straight-forward. As a result we enjoy a very high approval rate.”
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SHOW ME THE MONEY! 13
So you don’t necessarily have to be purchasing property through Roberts Real Estate to utilise the Roberts Home Finance service? “No. Anyone looking to purchase residential property, whether through another real estate agent or privately, can take advantage of our services. Roberts Home Finance is also able to help people with their refinancing needs.” I suppose with interest rates so low there would be people considering their current mortgage position? “That is correct. Interest rates have been at historical lows for some time but the question remains, as it always does, when will the rates start to rise? Banks are currently marketing their fixed rate products with some very attractive 1 to 5 year fixed interest rates on offer. Whenever this occurs, borrowers are often tempted to lock in. All of this adds to a degree of uncertainty for borrowers as to what to do!”
should consider Roberts Home Finance. Firstly, as a mortgage broking business, we act in the best interests of our clients – not the banks. The service we provide is absolutely free with the only costs incurred by the client being those charged by the lender. We also have a good spread of lenders on our books, enabling us to cover most lending scenarios. However, I would like to think that people who utilise our service gain most from the level of finance experience within the team, together with our high service levels. This experience, together with easy access to our services (including after hours) provides us with a key point of difference.
Well Peter, it sounds to me like Roberts Home Finance should be high on everyone’s list when considering their mortgage requirements. “We certainly appreciate the opportunity to assist whenever and wherever we are given the chance. We also have a mobile statewide service to make the whole process as easy as we can for our customers and clients. If any of the readers out there are taking on a new mortgage or would like to review their current position, I’d like to invite them to contact me through their local Roberts office and I would be only too pleased to be of assistance.”
So what should people be doing? “That is a good question. Everyone’s circumstances are different and therefore a blanket approach to the issue is not appropriate. Whilst people could be considering refinancing or locking in to a fixed rate, these options can have pitfalls and may not necessarily be the best option for the individuals concerned. This is why I would recommend that before taking any action, borrowers speak with their mortgage broker to discuss their particular circumstances.’ Why Roberts Home Finance? There are a number of reasons why anyone with a current mortgage or seeking a new mortgage facility
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CASEY PEARSON – ‘PLAUDIT’
CASEY PEARSON – ‘PLAUDIT’
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asey Pearson (Senior Portfolio Manager) from North West Property Management (NWPM) recently received official recognition from management and her colleagues for the dedication she has demonstrated over the past 6 months. At a recent meeting held at Ulverstone Office to welcome our new Department Manager Nicole Pearson, who commenced with us in early August, Casey was presented a ‘Conscientious Performance Certificate’, together with the accompanying ‘Plaudit’ medallion. The award was namely for: “Assistance and work ethic demonstrated during an operational restructure within North West Property Management throughout which time, when assigned to a senior property portfolio manager position, Casey continued to assiduously fulfil her previous role pending the appointment of a replacement. During this time she maintained a cheerful disposition and inspired both her peers and colleagues with a positive attitude that is in the best traditions of Roberts Real Estate.” Casey has been with Roberts Real Estate for approximately 7 years and is classified as a Tier 1 Property Portfolio Manager within our business. She is currently based out of Devonport Office and acts as site manager for that location also. Casey’s return to Portfolio Management will be a real boon for Roberts Rentals along the north-west coast. In addition to fulfilling the role of Property Portfolio Manager, Casey will also act as mentor to both Nicole and her colleagues and will also act as the regional ‘fire brigade’ to cover leave periods. Well done Casey!
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NETWORK NEWS 15
NETWORK NEWS
ONYA JILL... JOHN MAKES It is with regret that we announce the retirement of Jill Patermann from our Southern Property Management team. Jill has been with our business 6 years and most recently fulfilled the role of ‘Letting Clerk’ for SPM based at our Hobart City office. A farewell afternoon tea was arranged and she was presented a gift by her colleagues. Jill was a proud recipient of a ‘Sapphire Award for Excellence’ in 2012 and we wish her all the very best in retirement.
A FRIEND!
John Roddick (Property Sales Consultant - LRE) has won himself a new fan in the shape of Ella Young proudly showing off the “Sold” sign on her families’ new home at St Leonards. Ella couldn’t wait to place the ‘Sold’ sticker as soon as the purchase went unconditional – we bet John couldn’t either!
REIT TRAINING
The second of our ‘Continuing Education’ training modules was held in Campbell Town in August and was well attended by Roberts Real Estate representatives from around the state. The Social Media training session was very beneficial and there was a lot of interest amongst the group. Kaleb McKay facilitated the training and from all reports, participants benefited from his knowledge of how best to utilise social media within their respective market places. It is anticipated that we may run similar training sessions in the near future for those people who were unable to attend this time round.
DOG BISCUIT
ANYONE? Mathew Chugg (State Sales Manager) is a self-confessed ‘foodie’ and avails himself of every opportunity for a cup of tea
and a biscuit whilst doing his rounds of the state inspiring our sales team. However, his eagerness to partake in a local morning tea backfired badly in our Launceston Office recently when, unbeknownst to Mathew, the biscuits he spotted and helped himself to were in fact dog treats that had been brought in as a fund raiser for the RSPCA’s ‘Million Paws Walk’. A sign was promptly put in place to avoid a repeat amidst much hysterical laughter.
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16 NETWORK NEWS
SAPPHIRE GOES GLOBE TROTTING! It appears that ‘Sapphire’ has begun appearing on foreign shores and has ended up in the most unexpected locations! Anne Ackroyd (State Operations Manager – Property Management) was recently seen relaxing with her copy of ‘Sapphire’ in Bali whilst Sharon McCall (State Contracts Administrator/Payroll – REA) was spotted trekking around Europe with her copy making sure she was keeping up to date with the latest from around our network. If you have a photo of you reading our awesome magazine in a strange or exotic location feel free to send to our Business Development Manager at khandick@robertsre,com.au.
BRAND NEW
ST HELENS OFFICE It was a team effort for all involved when relocating our St Helens office to new premises in July. From all accounts it was a huge task packing, sorting, discarding, recycling, transporting, un-packing, organising and finally opening the doors. The St Helens branch is located at the brand new Morty’s on the Bay and has an impressive street appeal and a welcoming interior. Well done to everyone who contributed to this successful relocation. Pictured outside the new office are: Sharon McCall (Real Estate Administration), Amanda Jordan (Property Officer), Kerri Kennewell (Branch Manager), Anne Ackroyd (State Operations Manager – Property Manager) and Leanne Bell (Property Portfolio Manager).
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POP THE
KETTLE ON
Another fundraising event was held earlier this year by our team at the Wynyard office who participated in ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’ which is a charitable event
supporting the Cancer Council of Australia. This is something Wynyard office has participated in over the past 5 years with everyone looking forward to inviting family and friends and past and present clients to participate in raising funds whilst enjoying a delicious morning tea. Together with public donations there was a raffle which raised a total of $150 for the day. Pictured are Keryn Swinden (Property Sales Consultant), Maria Zarb (Property Portfolio Manager), Dennis Wragg (Property Sales Consultant) and Dionne Hunt (Property Sales Consultant)
GLUTTONS FOR
PUNISHMENT Stephen Sutton (Property Sales Consultant – New Norfolk Office) and Pam Priest (Property Sales Consultant – Sorell Office) were recently awarded their Ruralco Service Awards in appreciation for 5 years and 1 year’s valuable service respectively. Steve is pictured receiving his award from Mathew Chugg (State Sales Manager) and Pam is pictured receiving her award from Shane Walker (North and North West Regional Manager – Roberts Ltd.)
PLAYING FOR CATTLE STATIONS Anne Ackroyd (State Operations Manager – Property Management) recently conducted a training and teambuilding exercise for all Property Portfolio Managers from North West Property Management. The expressions of the participants tell us who were the ‘winners and grinners’ from a problem-solving exercise that involved building a ‘self-supporting marshmallow and spaghetti house’. Looks like Casey, Sharon and Hayley just couldn’t quite master their build! However, Alicia, Molly, Maria and Debbie created an architectural masterpiece and are justifiably proud of their efforts.
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18 NETWORK NEWS
MILLION PAWS WALK The annual ‘Million Paws Walk’ took place at Launceston Show Grounds in May to help raise much-needed funding for the RSPCA. Although the weather on the day was poor, four very loyal souls from our Launceston Office braved the elements to give their four legged friends some exercise and donate money to the RSPCA. Pictured above are Robyn Midgley (Sales Secretary – Launceston Real Estate) with ‘Oscar’, Sue Brunnaci (Property Trust – REA) with ‘Angus’, ‘Rose’ and ‘Gloria’, Danielle Jackson (Property Portfolio Assistant – Launceston Property Management) with ‘Bella’ and Sari Young (Customer Service Officer) with her daughter Ella and ‘Charlie’ and ‘Tessie’.
‘A’ IS FOR AWESOME!
Another productive and informative training session was achieved during the annual State Administration Assembly in May this year at Zeps’ Café, Campbell Town. Sales Secretaries, Property Management Receptionists and Property Officers were in attendance from across our 20 offices statewide together with members of Real Estate Administration (REA). The day is designed to bring everyone up to date with office procedures, contracts, accounting, archiving, marketing, and training. It was a great opportunity for staff to seek clarification and assistance but to also touch base with other administrators from across our statewide network and share ideas.
COMMUNICATION AND
SALES SKILLS TRAINING On June 23 at the Country Club Villas a large group from our Property Management and REA teams from around the state attended a communication and sales training course with Sue Crawford from CKI Training. The day was a mixture of workbook exercises and group activities with plenty of laughs in between. The focus for the day was on business generation and customer service. Pictured we see some of the attendees undertaking an exercise in teamwork.
Sapphire
NETWORK NEWS 19
MORE ‘MOTORS’ FOR THE ROBERTS REAL ESTATE FLEET Our Shearwater office recently received its new vehicle freshly ‘wrapped’ by the ‘Sign Guys’ and is apparently turning quite a few heads in the local area. Sorell Office also has recently taken receipt of its new Property Management vehicle, behind the wheel of which will be Kim Norris who is our new Sorell area Property Portfolio Manager for Southern Property Management.
WENDY TAKE A BOW
Wendy van Balen (Property Sales Consultant) recently received a bouquet of flowers from another happy client who was clearly impressed by the service provided via our Queenstown office on Tasmania’s West Coast – and we even got our sign back! It is all in a day’s work for our Wendy.
DENNIS KING 2013 LAUREL During the last round of statewide regional tours, Mathew Chugg (State Sales Manager) was delighted to present a belated ‘2013 Laurel’ to Dennis King (Property Sales Consultant – Sheffield). This medallion is awarded to all team members who were in the employ of Roberts Real Estate for the period extending 1 October 2012 to 30 September 2013 as group recognition for being awarded Ruralco Business Unit of the Year for 2013.
Sapphire
“We were in a pretty unique position, it wasn’t the regular home finance that most people would go through. The situation we were in with our existing properties wasn’t going to allow us to buy the house that we wanted.” “We went to see another broker and we were pretty much told that it couldn’t be done.” “So we went to see Peter at Roberts Home Finance and he was amazing. He helped us straight away and actually made a complicated situation quite easy.” - Joanne Hebblethwaite,
SET YOURSELF FREE MEET PETER BLACKWELL...
Hi, my name is Peter Blackwell and I manage Roberts Home Finance. As you can see from the above testimonial, Jo and her partner were very pleased with how I was able to make a complicated situation very easy. Roberts Home Finance offers a full range of mortgage services including the following:
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Home Loans Residential Investment Loans SMSF Loans Debt Consolidation Loans Commercial Loans Please give me a call to discuss any of the above services on 1300 704 784
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