The Estate Agent - November 2022

Staffing shortages have seen increasing pressure on completing the required qualifications sooner and at lower costs

Contents

President’s report Pages 4-5 CeO’s report Page 7 advocacy

REIV calls for necessary property sector reforms Page 9 awards Pages 10-15 Resources

REIV Information Officer Jim Lourandos Page 19 Work with confidence Page 25 The agent of the future Pages 31-32 Best practice

Frequently asked questions Pages 20-21 Data insights

Property value in metropolitan Melbourne Pages 22-23 Training Train the right way Page 26 Bulletin Page 28 governance

The REIV Board Pages 34-35

Members

Member milestones Page 37 New members Page 38

Andrew Meehan REIV President

As I start my 12-month tenure as the new reIv President, I first want to thank the outgoing President richard Simpson and vice President Leah Calnan for all the hard work, time and effort they’ve put into their roles at the reIv. I welcome the new Directors Sam Hatzistamatis, Hayley mitchell, Darren Pearce, Wendy Steel and Independent Director Agata Jarbin, who will be working alongside existing Directors Jacob Caine, Leah Calnan, megan mander, renee reynolds and richard Simpson over the coming year. I’m confident the reIv is in great hands to guide the future of the sector.

I congratulate Jake on his appointment as Senior vice President and megan as vice President and look forward to their support over the next 12 months.

I thank our outgoing Directors robyn Waters, noel Dyett and Sophie Lyon for their significant and extensive contributions and time on the board. I’ve learnt a lot from their insights and knowledge, and thoroughly enjoyed my time working with them. It gives me confidence knowing they will be available to share their advice and mentoring with me during the year ahead.

real estate professionals provide a crucial service in the real estate transaction to buyers, sellers, renters and property owners. our role is intrinsic to the real estate asset both in terms of revenue generation and capital growth. The property management and maintenance role played by real estate professionals is essential for an efficient rental market servicing rental providers, landlords and renters across all property types.

The sector contributes more than 40% of the state revenue but our contribution is often overlooked or undervalued. one of my focus areas will be helping ensure that legislators, regulators and the wider community understand and recognise our role in the community and economy.

The past few years have thrown up significant challenges to our industry. These came in many forms, CovID, rTA, new oC legislation, changes to training, government-initiated property market review and more. At each stage, the reIv has actively represented the voice of the sector and been instrumental in steering attention to the issues that matter to the sector and the wider property market in victoria.

Advocating for the sector is at the top of

the agenda for the reIv team and the board. our advocacy role matters not just to our members but to the wider community as it is their homes and assets we work with.

I encourage all members to read the reIv election priorities document ahead of the upcoming State election and contact their local candidates to understand their position on these important matters.

The reIv is only as strong as its membership. I very much look forward to engaging with as many members, offices and franchise groups as I possibly can over the coming year and encourage members to reach out to me to discuss their ideas, expectations and involvement with the reIv

Like most membership organisations, we face the challenge of maintaining

I’m very humbled and honoured to represent the real estate Industry at the highest level in victoria and look forward to working with all stakeholders.

Shadow Treasurer David Davis at the Melbourne Press Club lunch hosted with the REIV. Photo credit Emily Kulich

REIV hosts the CEO of Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents

I encourage members to reach out to me to discuss their ideas, expectations and involvement with the REIV.

President’s report

Left: Social event with REIV Buyers Agents.

Right: REIV CEO Quentin Kilian at Melbourne Press Club.

high engagement with members, always adding value and remaining relevant to our stakeholders. These are not insignificant challenges, but I believe that all are achievable. The board and I will work towards achieving these outcomes.

I encourage all members to get involved in the reIv, in any way that suits you. respond to surveys, provide feedback or ideas to myself or other Directors, serve on one of our Chapter Committees or by any other means.

Following the announcement of the 2022 reIv Awards for excellence, I congratulate all of the finalists and winners. I understand the effort required to make your submissions and uphold the standards of excellence around your business. You represent the best of our industry and provide the inspiration for others to aspire to.

I would like to also acknowledge the dedicated staff of the reIv, led by our Ceo Quentin Kilian who work

tirelessly to provide remote or in person member services. I have been overwhelmed by the support provided by staff to make my transition to the role smooth and enjoyable. I am proud to be part of this team.

We will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf to support you and the real estate Industry in this state.

Andrew Meehan REIV President

Quentin Kilian REIV CEO

We’ve been doing quite a lot on the advocacy front over the past few months, particularly with the State election looming.

The reIv has released its election Priorities document which was sent to all political leaders in victoria, along with their Party machinery, and we’ve made sure that all sitting mPs have been provided with a copy of the document. It has also been sent, in electronic form, to reIv members and we encourage you to share it with your local member of Parliament and your clients.

The election Priorities document is built around four main pillars: the Property market review, which has still not been released by Government but has already spurned the creation of the $4 million Underquoting Taskforce; a much-needed conversation on Property Tax; an even more important review of the residential Tenancies Act; and roadblocks to new talent in the industry, in particular the introduction of an Interim Certificate.

on the subject of the Interim Certificate, earlier in the year we made real headway with the minister – or at least we thought we had. After getting a great response and a promise of fast-tracking the work on this, the minister referred it to the Department who have pushed this discussion out until at least after the election.

The moment a government is installed we will pick up the case again with the Department to get this into the legislative agenda. In the meantime, we’ve requested detailed guidance on the tasks that could be undertaken by a trainee. To assist with this, we have provided CAv information of the work performed in various sectors of the industry. The Director has undertaken to provide us with ‘Guidance notes’ expanding the tasks that a trainee could perform while doing their traineeship.

This may assist businesses in bringing new talent into the sector.

on the rTA review the news is less promising at this stage. We’ve spoken with the minister on numerous occasions over the past six months about the need to sit down and review the Act, and to adjust what is not working. So far there has been no progress on those requests. The opposition have committed to a review if elected but are non-committal on changes. Getting politicians to understand the importance of supporting both supply and demand for rental property has never been simple, and it seems the challenge continues.

Several other issues are being addressed from an advocacy and representation perspective including addressing some non-sensical rules surrounding commercial signage imposed by the melbourne City Council, a review of the retail Leases Act proposed post the state election, and addressing the Government’s uncalled for acts against the sector like the introduction of the $4 million Underquoting Taskforce.

The reIv reAL campaign was launched in mid-August and we are very pleased with the feedback received.

Please continue to support the message by wearing your lapel pin, sharing the ads and importantly using the reIv reAL branding on your marketing material. It is important that we all help consumers understand the edge that reIv membership gives to a real estate professional.

I’m working on the possible structure of an reIv Accreditation Program as well. I have some good source material to work with. more on that in the near future.

We are nearing the Christmas and new Year break so I would like to take this opportunity to thank you as members for your ongoing support of the reIv and to encourage you to participate in its growth and innovation. I would like to publicly thank my amazing team at the reIv who put in so much every day. And I would like to thank our President Andrew meehan and the fabulous reIv board for their guidance and vision.

2022 has been a year of mixed fortunes and one where a lot of time has been spent rebuilding from CovID. It has seen some of the quickest and largest interest rate rises for the past couple of decades – albeit they are still below the averages – and it’s seen issues such as stock shortages, recruitment shortages and falling prices. but for the most part, our industry has survived and continued what it does best – helping people find homes and workplaces to build their lives.

There are many things on our agenda for 2023, including the reinvigoration of the reIv IGnITe Conference and pushing for regulatory and legislative review.

I wish you a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to continuing to build on the value that the reIv provides you.

Quentin

REIV CEO

Kilian

Greetings from the frontline. I say this because of late it really has felt a bit like being on the frontline of a battle.

REIV President Andrew Meehan, left, and REIV CEO Quentin Kilian record a video update.

REIV calls for necessary property sector reforms across four key areas in lead-up to State Election

As we approach the State Election on Saturday, November 26, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) is calling on state political leaders and advisers across the property sector to support reforms that will ensure a prosperous future for all participants in Australia’s property sector, one of the largest contributors to Victoria’s state economy.

As the peak representative body for Victoria’s real estate industry, the REIV has established four priority areas it is engaging state political leaders on, for the benefit of aspiring and current homeowners, investors, renters, real estate employees and sector suppliers.

These four key areas are:

1. Addressing systemic industry governance issues: Including a review of the Statement of Information (SOI) and Material Facts guidelines, as well as the introduction of mandatory Continuing Professional Development for all real estate professionals.

2. Initiating a review into property taxation: A genuine review of all property taxes, including stamp duty, to address housing affordability, mobility and to attract greater investment into Victoria.

3. Initiating a review into the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA): To simplify complex regulatory requirements, eliminate conflicting legislation and remove high costs for managing rental properties, all of which will help address the exodus of investors which is contributing to rising rents and falling vacancy rates.

4. Strengthening the pipeline of new real estate talent: Reforms that

improve the transition from tertiary education to performing real estate work, helping address staff shortages impacting the sector.

REIV CEO Quentin Kilian said the REIV is seeking meaningful engagement with all sides of Victorian politics to ensure the State’s $76 billion property sector remains well-supported.

“Property ownership captivates Victorians,” Mr Kilian said.

“One-fifth of our total economic output relates to property and it forms almost half of state taxation revenue. Sadly, recent years have seen an imbalance in the way residential property is regulated, taxed and transacted, which has led

to poorer affordability, statewide supply issues, and a shortfall in emerging real estate talent.

“On behalf of our members and all sector participants, the REIV welcomes a discussion with Victorian political leaders of all parties to ensure these sector issues are well-understood and proposed solutions prioritised, in order to drive the necessary reforms that create a stronger and healthier sector in years to come.”

The REIV has published a document titled Safeguarding property sector prosperity for the good of all Victorians, which outlines its recommendations for major reforms across Victoria’s real estate sector in the lead-up to the State Election on Saturday, November 26.

REIV CEO joined a panel for property market experts at the Melbourne Press Club. Photo credit Emily Kulich

REIV is seeking meaningful engagement with all sides of Victorian politics to ensure the State’s $76 billion property sector remains wellsupported.

REIV recognises excellence in Victoria’s real estate industry

obrien real estate Carrum Downs & Chelsea has been crowned winner of The real estate Institute of victoria’s (reIv) Large residential Agency of the Year award at its 2022 Awards for excellence.

At a ceremony held at Palladium at Crown, obrien real estate Carrum Downs & Chelsea narrowly topped finalists Harcourts rata & Co and Woodards real estate blackburn, securing one of 36

awards celebrating excellence in victoria’s real estate profession.

Woodards manningham took out medium Agency of the Year, while

Keyhole Property Investments won the award for Small Agency of the Year.

The hotly contested residential Salesperson of the Year went to Alec Stefanoski of Woodards manningham. Luke banitsiotis of Woodards real estate blackburn took home the award for Senior Auctioneer of the Year.

In commercial real estate, Cbre was awarded Commercial Agency of the Year for a sixth year, defending the title from Cushman & Wakefield and LINK business melbourne.

The 2022 reIv President’s Award went to Norman mermelstein, one of victoria’s most respected authorities on property law and owners corporations.

our industry’s success is only thanks to the talent, professionalism and dedication of members. All entrants demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

The team from Woodards celebrate after claiming several awards at the ceremony held at Palladium at Crown.

Our industry’s success is only thanks to the talent, professionalism and dedication of members.

Ashley Maikousis of Woodards (South Yarra) won the award for Novice Auctioneer of the Year.

wInnERs And FInAlIsts – 2022 REIV AwARds FoR ExcEllEncE

AgEncy AwARds

InnoVAtIon AwARd wInnER listsocial FInAlIsts Coronis victoria LINK business melbourne

MARkEtIng And coMMunIcAtIons AwARd wInnER Woodards: 101 Years of remarkable FInAlIsts marshall White obrien real estate Frankston

PRojEct MARkEtIng AwARd wInnER Lowe Living for Hampton Hill FInAlIsts Kr Peters real estate for mount Pleasant Pakenham

BEst wEBsItE AwARd wInnER Cbre FInAlIsts listsocial Tiga Commercial

coRPoRAtE PRoMotIon AwARd wInnER Woodards FInAlIsts Coronis victoria

REsIdEntIAl

MARkEtIng AwARd (BudgEt undER $10k) wInnER rT edgar Peninsula for 7a Glen Shian Crescent, mount eliza

FInAlIsts

Warlimont & Nutt for 20 Dominion road, mount martha

Compton Green for 30 Albion St, Kingsville

REsIdEntIAl

MARkEtIng AwARd (BudgEt oVER $10k) wInnER

Woodards Camberwell for “rotherwood” 1-9/570 riversdale road, Camberwell

coMMunIty sERVIcE AwARd wInnER rT edgar Peninsula FInAlIsts Facey Property Charities mcKean mcGregor real estate

c&I gold AwARd FoR oVERAll MARkEtIng ExcEllEncE wInnER Fitzroys for 88 & 100 Cooper Street, epping FInAlIsts

Stonebridge Property Group for 58 Tope Street, South melbourne

Jones Lang Lasalle (vic) for Hotel Lindrum - 26 Flinders Street, melbourne

PRoPERty dAtA sAlEs AgEncy oF thE yEAR (MEtRo) wInnER marshall White & Co brighton FInAlIsts Harcourts manningham W b Simpson & Son

PRoPERty dAtA sAlEs AgEncy oF thE yEAR (REgIonAl) wInnER bartrop real estate ballarat FInAlIsts buxton ballarat ray White ballarat

REsIdEntIAl sAlEs tEAM oF thE yEAR wInnER rT edgar Peninsula FInAlIsts blackbird & Wren real estate Sunbury ray White mildura

coMMERcIAl AgEncy oF thE yEAR wInnER Cbre

FInAlIsts Cushman & Wakefield LINK business melbourne

REsIdEntIAl PRoPERty MAnAgEMEnt tEAM oF thE yEAR wInnER Harcourts rata & CoProperty management Team FInAlIsts besser+Co. estate Agents Compton Green

sMAll REsIdEntIAl AgEncy oF thE yEAR wInnER Keyhole Property Investments

FInAlIsts blackbird & Wren real estate Sunbury Noel Jones Wantirna

MEdIuM REsIdEntIAl AgEncy oF thE yEAR wInnER Woodards manningham FInAlIsts Noel Jones mitcham reliance real estate

lARgE REsIdEntIAl AgEncy oF thE yEAR wInnER obrien real estate Carrum Downs/Chelsea FInAlIsts Harcourts rata & Co Woodards real estateblackburn office

IndIVIduAl AwARds

BusInEss BRokER oF thE yEAR wInnER Steven mostafa | LINK business melbourne / Consolidated realty Group FInAlIsts John Kasapi | benchmark business Sales

BusInEss dEVEloPMEnt MAnAgER oF thE yEAR wInnER

Tamara Abbott | obrien real estate Carrum Downs/ Chelsea FInAlIsts

Damien Sienkiewicz | obrien real estate mentone Gary Liew | Philip Webb rentals

MARkEtER oF thE yEAR wInnER rav Sri | Harcourts Asap FInAlIsts benjamin roberts | blackbird & Wren real estate Sunbury Claire Spring | Nicholson real estate

PRoPERty VAluER oF thE yEAR wInnER Jason vlahos | Cbre FInAlIsts Josh Phegan | Cushman & Wakefield

PREsIdEnt’s AwARd wInnER Norman mermelstein

sEnIoR AuctIonEER oF thE yEAR wInnER Luke banitsiotis

noVIcE AuctIonEER oF thE yEAR wInnER

Ashley maikousis | Woodards (South Yarra) RunnER uP Andrew Solomon | bell Property (Sandringham) FInAlIsts brian Te | Jellis Craig (Northcote)

Dylan Jansma | ray White (Cheltenham)

Lewis Harry | Jellis Craig (Northcote)

Scott Latham | brad Teal Woodards (essendon)

coMMERcIAl sAlEsPERson oF thE yEAR wInnER benson Zhou | Savills (vic) FInAlIsts Jimmy Tat | Cbre Nathan mufale | Cbre

AchIEVEMEnt AwARd wInnER Damian Portaro | ray White mildura

FInAlIsts max ruttner | rT edgar Toorak

BuyERs’ AgEnt oF thE yEAR wInnER

Tonya Davidson | Davidson Property Advocates FInAlIsts mark errichiello | master Advocates - real estate Services

melissa opie | Keyhole Property Investments

oPERAtIon lEAdERshIP AwARd wInnER

Kaan ristic | ristic real estate

FInAlIsts bronwyn Payne | obrien real estate Carrum Downs/ Chelsea

Greg brydon | obrien real estate – mentone

oPERAtIonAl suPPoRt AwARd wInnER

Amy blackburn | Stockdale & Leggo, Corporate FInAlIsts

Claire Lafferty | Cbre Sarah baker | Cushman & Wakefield

ownERs coRPoRAtIon MAnAgER oF thE yEAR wInnER

Scott Devereux | Highrise Strata management FInAlIsts Stephen briffa | Network Pacific

coMMERcIAl PRoPERty

MAnAgER oF thE yEAR wInnER Silvana Di Camillo | Network Pacific real estate FInAlIsts Gabriela Ammendola | GA Industrial & Commercial

REsIdEntIAl PRoPERty

MAnAgER oF thE yEAR wInnER ryan King | Philip Webb rentals FInAlIsts Ivy mao | Noel Jones mitcham Wendy Steel | max brown real estate

REsIdEntIAl sAlEsPERson oF thE yEAR (ExEcutIVE) wInnER vicki Sayers | rT edgar Peninsula FInAlIsts michelle Stephens | obrien real estate - Carrum Downs mike muncey | Noel Jones mitcham

REsIdEntIAl PRoPERty MAnAgER oF thE yEAR (ExEcutIVE) wInnER Jamie Lampard | ballarat real estate FInAlIsts melissa Hickson | Prime residential Property management Shae Lawrie | exclusive Property management

outstAndIng nEw AgEnt oF thE yEAR wInnER Antoinette Nido | rT edgar FInAlIsts Jake Patterson | Cushman & Wakefield Lucas Gentile | real Properties Australia

REsIdEntIAl sAlEsPERson FoR thE yEAR wInnER Alec Stefanoski | Woodards manningham FInAlIsts Antoinette Nido | rT edgar bailey White | Nicholas Lynch real estate

The 2022 President’s Award was presented to Norman mermelstein, an active reIv member for 24 years and a Fellow of the real estate Institute of Australia.

Norman is a licensed estate agent and a lawyer, specialising in owners corporation law, property law, commercial leases and wills and estates.

In addition to being an reIv member, he is a member of the Law Institute of victoria, a member of various LIv committees and regular contributor to the LIv Journal and co-authored the owners Corporation Chapter of the Law Handbook.

Past President richard Simpson said: “He is the perfect example of an individual committed to their profession, someone who actively and consistently contributes their skills, time and energy to the betterment of the sector.

“Whether it’s through their articles and commentary in the eA magazine, contributions to reIv’s advocacy work, helping build the reIv professional development content or through their contribution on reIv’s owners Corporation Chapter Committee. At each step, they have made thoughtful and balanced contributions that make the reIv Difference.”

comments by the REIV AFE judges: “The submission was very passionate and detailed. An enormous amount of effort was made by this agency over the past year to improve their business to achieve the results that they have.”

The 2022 winner of the reIv Large residential Agency of the Year attributes their success largely to a focus on their team and an intensive review of their business strategy, processes and systems in a changing market.

The investment in ongoing training for staff has shown great results as the agency won one of the coveted reIv awards. Congratulations Stavros Ambatzidis and team!

comments by the REIV AFE judges: “This is a very strong submission for this category. PMs copped the full brunt of COVID and tenant/landlord stresses and to do so with a sense of fairness and level mindedness is exceptional.”

building trust and credibility with clients paid off for ryan. rTA Amendments and CovID meant that residential rental Providers had extensive changes to understand and implement in their properties. ryan took the initiative and went above and beyond to help renters and rental providers while also mentoring and supporting the team at Phillip Webb.

“Transparency, upfront communication, and quick action in relation to the new residential Tenancy regulations illustrated my outstanding service and commitment to all of my clients,” he said.

ryan places great emphasis on building relationships and supporting people, evident through his focus on the Webb team.

Past REIV President Richard Simpson (left) with President’s Award recipient Norman Mermelstein.

President’s Award: norman Mermelstein

Residential Property Manager of the year: Ryan

king

of Philip webb Rentals

oBrien Real Estate carrum downs/chelsea announced large Residential Agency of the year

Norman Mermelstein is the perfect example of an individual committed to their profession, someone who actively and consistently contributes their skills, time and energy to the betterment of the sector.

Rt Edgar Peninsula takes home four wins

1. residential Salesperson of the Year (executive) – vicki Sayers

2. residential Sales Team of the Year

3. residential marketing Award (budget under $10k) – 7a Glen Shian Crescent, mount eliza

4. Community Service Award

comments by the REIV AFE judges: Community Service Award –“What an amazing effort from a small but big-hearted group”

March into Winter Campaign supporting

‘2 Pairs each’ recognising the strength our voice has within the community, we felt it was important to champion ‘2 Pairs Each’ this winter to do our part in helping the homeless across victoria. 2 Pairs each is the initiative of Josh berry, a 16-yearold boy from the mornington Peninsula on a mission to help the homeless. His goal of raising 50,000 pairs of socks for the homeless is a tireless exercise he has been dedicated to since the age of nine.

2 Pairs each offers countless ways to donate, and with our central village position, we pledged our support by operating as a collection point, driving donations of new socks to our office. We

Awards Partners

pledged to match ‘pair for pair’ for every pair of socks we collected through march, which we sourced from local business. Due to our commitment, our social media push and continual contact, bonds/Hanes stepped up and donated pairs as well. As at August 2022, 2 Pairs each had donated more than 32,000 pairs of socks and 3,900 additional items since July, 2015.

To help increase this number as much as possible, the rT edgar Peninsula team

set a task to succeed. Some of their efforts included a collection box in the office, positioned next to the daily paper the locals collected, advertising in the local paper and monthly market stalls at the mount eliza Farmer’s market. each of the rT edgar Peninsula team spent time at the stall raising awareness of the cause and collecting socks. All this was supported by their social media channels and more.

The RT Edgar Peninsula team won the Community Service Award for their efforts championing 2 Pairs Each.

Awards

Celebrating the best in commercial and industrial real estate

The industry’s best and brightest gathered for a gala dinner as the REIV Commercial & Industrial Marketing Awards were handed out.

Left: The CBRE team won awards in three categories. Below: JLL won three awards for their Hotel Lindrum campaign.

Stonebridge Property Group was a standout, winning awards in five categories.

Awards

WinnerS AnD FinAliStS – 2022 CommerCiAl & inDuStriAl mArKeting AWArDS

SAleS CAmpAignS

Development Site (BuDget unDer $20K)

Winner

Melbourne Acquisitions | 14-22 Gaffney Street, Coburg FinAliStS

McKean McGregor | Willowbank Kangaroo Flat Nichols Crowder (Moorabbin) | 5-11 George Street, Sandringham

Development Site (BuDget over $20K)

Winner

Jones Lang Lasalle (Vic) | Hotel Lindrum - 26 Flinders Street, Melbourne

FinAliStS

CBRE with Knight Frank | 85 Spring Street, Melbourne Savills (Vic) | 525 Graham Street, Port Melbourne

SpeCiAliSeD property Winner

Jones Lang Lasalle (Vic) | Hotel Lindrum - 26 Flinders Street, Melbourne

FinAliStS

CBRE | Australian Healthcare Properties

Stonebridge Property Group | 44-46 Templeton Street, Wantirna

inDuStriAl BuDget (unDer $15K)

Winner

Stonebridge Property Group | 22 Chingford Street, Fairfield FinAliStS

Facey Property | 33 Marni Street, Dandenong South Gorman Allard Shelton | 505 Warrigal Road, Moorabbin

inDuStriAl (BuDget BetWeen $15K-$30K)

Winner

Stonebridge Property Group | AMX Keilor Park

FinAliStS

Gross Waddell ICR | 669 Blackburn Road, Clayton Nichols Crowder (Carrum Downs) | 106 Dandenong Road West & 2-8 Tooyal Street, Frankston

oFFiCe (BuDget unDer $15K)

Winner

Stonebridge Property Group | 58 Tope Street, South Melbourne

FinAliStS

Fitzroys | 146-154 Elgin Street, Carlton Nichols Crowder (Moorabbin) | Level 2, 201 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

oFFiCe (BuDget BetWeen $15K-$30K)

Winner Fitzroys | 313-317 Burwood Road, Hawthorn FinAliStS CBRE | 142 Johnston Street, Fitzroy Emmetts Real Estate | Level 2, 72 River Street, South Yarra Fitzroys | 1 Tripovich Street, Brunswick Fitzroys | 163-171 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

oFFiCe (BuDget over $30K) Winner

CBRE with Knight Frank | 85 Spring Street, Melbourne

retAil (BuDget unDer $15K) Winner

Stonebridge Property Group | 260-262 Maroondah Highway, Healesville FinAliStS

Fitzroys | 125 Main Street, Mornington

Nichols Crowder (Moorabbin) | 10 Bay Road, Sandringham

retAil (BuDget BetWeen $15K-$30K)

Winner

Fitzroys | 88 & 100 Cooper Street, Epping FinAliStS

Fitzroys | 399 Belmore Road, Balwyn

Fitzroys | 587-593 Chapel Street, South Yarra

Ryder Commercial with Savills (Vic) | Target Bendigo, 31-33 King Street, Bendigo Stonebridge Property Group | 172 & 174 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento

retAil (BuDget over $30K) Winner Fitzroys | Melbourne Retail Portfolio Auction (Oviss Portfolio) FinAliStS

Emmetts Real Estate | 180182 Glenferrie Road, Malvern Stonebridge Property Group | Aldi Mordialloc

leASing CAmpAignS

BeSt leASing CAmpAign (BuDget unDer $10K) Winner

Emmetts Real Estate | 288 Russell Street, Melbourne FinAliStS

Facey Property | 58-60 Quantum Close, Dandenong South

Gross Waddell ICR | 767 Hawthorn Road, Brighton East

BeSt leASing CAmpAign (BuDget over $10K) Winner CBRE | Childcare Centres FinAliStS Colliers with JLL | 101 Collins Street

BeSt CAmpAignS overAll

BeSt CAmpAign By A SmAll AgenCy Winner

Stonebridge Property Group | 58 Tope Street, South Melbourne FinAliStS

Stonebridge Property Group | 172 & 174 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento

Stonebridge Property Group | AMX Keilor Park

BeSt CAmpAign By A meDium AgenCy Winner

Nichols Crowder (Moorabbin) | Level 2, 201 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda FinAliStS

Nichols Crowder (Moorabbin) | 5-11 George Street, Sandringham

Nichols Crowder (Carrum Downs) | 106 Dandenong Road West & 2-8 Tooyal Street, Frankston

Nichols Crowder (Moorabbin) | 10 Bay Road, Sandringham

BeSt CAmpAign By A lArge AgenCy Winner

Jones Lang Lasalle (Vic) | Hotel Lindrum - 26 Flinders Street, Melbourne FinAliStS

Fitzroys | 88 & 100 Cooper Street, Epping Savills (Vic) | 525 Graham Street, Port Melbourne

Awards partners

Sorry

One day in the working week of an REIV Information Officer.

By Jim Lourandos

From time to time, I receive calls from our Members who seek advice on real estate matters which may have the potential to escalate to a dispute in court, or a claim being made on our Member’s professional indemnity insurance policy.

Your initial statutory obligation under the Estate Agents Professional Conduct Regulation 2018 requires your agency to establish an estate agency complaint handling and dispute resolution policy to address complaints or grievances received.

When drafting an email or responding to a communication received in writing, and you have a hunch that the matter at hand may end up in a dispute where a claim may ensue, consider your response carefully. In particular, statements or assertions which may be construed as an admission of liability, for example saying “I’m sorry”. Do not cut a deal by offering a discount or concession for the problem to go away.

It is common for professional indemnity insurance policies to contain provisions relating to the defence and settlement of claims, which provide that insured agree not to settle claims, make admissions, offer payments or assume contractual obligations without their insurer’s

prior consent. Therefore, an admission of liability may result in a breach of the claims conditions of a professional indemnity insurance policy.

You may consider an alternative approach:

• “I’m sorry for the way you feel”, or

• “We regret you feel this way”

It is important you read your insurance policy and comply with its provisions accordingly. If unsure, contact your insurer or your broker.

In the event that a claim is made against you, or you become aware of circumstances which may give rise to a claim, please notify your insurer and your broker immediately. Further, you should avoid:

• Discussing the matter with, or providing documents to other parties

• Making any admissions or concessions

• Revealing that you have insurance which may respond to the claim or potential claim

• Agreeing to respond by any particular timeframe (if a response is required)

For those of you who are insured under the Aon Real Estate Professional Indemnity Scheme, you can notify any claims or potential claims by:

• Calling the Carter Newell Lawyers Real Estate Hotline on 1800 624 264;

• Emailing cpm@carternewell.com; or

• Completing an online claim notification form at www.carternewell.com

If you become aware of circumstances which may give rise to a claim or a claim has been made against you, it is essential that you preserve your file. This includes:

• Printing off all electronic diary notes and photos

• Printing off all emails, file notes, correspondence

• Drafting a chronology of events

• Taking signed statements from key staff

• Do not make any admissions of liability

• Do not hand over any documents without seeking advice

With regards to the applicable excesses, the insured would need to be aware of whether the excess is ‘cost inclusive’ or ‘cost exclusive’. The definitions are below:

“Costs Exclusive Excess”: This means that you will not pay any excess towards the legal and defense costs, but will only pay the amount of the excess towards the settlement of any claim.

“Costs Inclusive Excess”: This means that the excess is applied immediately to the legal, defense costs, and settlement of any claim.

It is recommended that you check your policy with your broker or insurance provider.

Do not cut a deal by offering a discount or concession for the problem to go away.

What are we talking about?

Jim Lourandos & David Dundas REIV Information Officers

reIv Information officers David Dundas and Jim Lourandos address some of the current common questions from members.

evidence-based pricing

realist pricing is important to achieving sales in a declining market, and in the case of a rising market it becomes an important compliance issue.

In the absence of any price guidance from the vendor the indicative price on a residential property is based on the agent’s estimate. Due to changing market conditions the estimate, which may have been based on the sale of comparable properties some time before the listing, may no longer be justifiable.

Section 47Ae specifies that if the estimate on the sale authority ceases to be reasonable the agent must notify the vendor in writing, stating –a) that the estimate on the authority has ceased to be reasonable; and b) why they believe the estimate is no longer reasonable; and

c) that they propose to revise the estimate on the authority; and d) the amount of the new estimate.

As soon as practicable after notifying the vendor both copies of the authority need to be amended, with amendment initialled and dated. The statement of information can also be updated including with more relevant sales of comparable properties. evidence supporting the new estimate should be held on the file in case of an audit.

an occasion of non-payment of rent

Section 91Zm refers to an occasion of non-payment of rent and defines it as “an occasion where the renter owes at least 14 days rent within a 12 month period of the residential rental agreement, but does not include any amount owing under a payment plan ordered by the Tribunal”.

Hence, it might be assumed that once the termination date in a notice to vacate (nTv) has passed, another nTv may be given once the renter is again in arrears by at least 14 days. This assumption was overturned in a recent vCAT case, Jackson v Field (Residental Tenancies)[2022] VCAT 859, in which the member stated: “For an entitlement to arise to give a subsequent notice to vacate, each occasion must also be a new occasion of non-payment of rent. That is, rent owed under the first occasion, cannot be caught up, or included in, a subsequent “occasion”. There must be a new period of time, a new occasion, where a renter has fallen into arrears of at least 14 days rent. In practical terms, this subsequent occasion cannot commence any earlier than the date that a prior valid notice to vacate was given to a renter.”

only the arrears accumulating for the period after the termination date in the first nTv could be considered, and the earliest possible date for another occasion of non-payment of rent would be 15 days after that date. This would be the earliest date for the issue of the next valid nTv

Reasons in notices to vacate

A notice to vacate (nTv) must be given on the prescribed form and include the reason/s. The form states that in addition to including the “relevant reason, section number and the minimum notice required under the Act” the rental provider “must also explain why the notice has been given” and that “it is not enough to quote just from the Act or from the reasons on the information sheet; this must be accompanied

by specific details”. In some cases, prescribed documentary evidence must also be attached.

It is strange that there must be such an explanation when it seems to be contained within the heading for the section of the Act which is being used.

The reason may be that vCAT, in addition to determining if the nTv is valid, must also decide whether it is reasonable and proportionate to make a possession order.

[sections 330 and 330A]

It is impossible to say what reasons might be acceptable, except that they must not be discriminatory [sections 30 and 30A] and cannot be in response to the renter exercising their rights under the Act. In writing the reasons attempt to demonstrate the reasonableness and proportionality of the request for vacant possession of the property.

Don’t overstate rent owed

The Supreme Court in the Liu v Tang [2022] vSC 243 stated that “…it is implicit in the legislation that a notice to vacate based on the non-payment of rent must not overstate (at least in any significant way) the rent that is actually owing and that if it does it is invalid and cannot form the basis of an order by vCAT for possession for non-payment of rent.”

This is not usually a problem, however

the residential Tenancies Legislation which applied for the CovID emergency Period 29 march, 2020 to 28 march, 2021 has supplied property managers with another trap. It deems that non-payment of rent for a CovID reason during that period is not a breach and therefore cannot be used as a basis for eviction. To include that amount would render the notice invalid because it should only refer to the breach, and a possession order would not be granted.

To avoid this situation notices to vacate should not include arrears which accrued during the period 29 march, 2020 to 28 march, 2021, even though those amounts remain owing.

Please note: This is general information and should not be treated as a substitute for reading legislation, regulations and official guidelines, or for seeking legal advice where necessary.

It is strange that there must be such an explanation when it seems to be contained within the heading for the section of the Act which is being used.

Property value in metropolitan Melbourne has doubled in 10 years

It has long been said that property is a long-term investment and the Victorian market has proved it again.

REIV latest data shows that median house value in metropolitan area has more than doubled in the past 10 years. Our annual median figures show that the median house price in 12 months ending September 2022 for metro Melbourne is $1,009,000 – the second year it has stayed above the $1 million mark. This is a 109.6 per cent increase compared to same period in 2012, where the median house price was only $520,000.

Over the past decade, the median house price has more than doubled in 261 suburbs or towns in Victoria. Of those 261 suburbs, 11 tripled in house value. Mornington Peninsula is the major winner dominating with six suburbs on that list, all above $1 million in 2022. One suburb on this list remains affordable despite tripling its median house price as Myrtleford grew to $670,000 since 2012.

Looking at the annual growth rate each year, there are eight suburbs that have performed remarkably as they have not recorded any annual price fall for the last decade. Balnarring led the group with a 168.9 per cent increase to $1,426,500. Another million-dollar suburb in the list is Gisborne with a median house price of $1,102,500 and 111 per cent growth. Truganina is still an affordable option with a median house price of $651,000.

150 Victorian suburbs recorded growth in at least nine out of 10 years to 2022. Casey and Kingston dominate the list with 11 and 10 suburbs respectively. Greater Geelong has the greatest number of suburbs among regional municipalities with eight suburbs on the list. In terms of performance, Mornington Peninsula leads the charge as Blairgowrie has tripled its house value over the last 10 years – joined by Rye and Mount Eliza recording a price hike in 10 consecutive years.

CHART 1

median houSe price 2012-2022 – metropolitan melbourne

$1,200,000 $1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 $400,000 $200,000 $0 2012 201820162014 20202013 201920172015 20212022

median house price

Table 1

SuburbS where median houSe price haS tripled

Suburb 20222012 LGA Price Change

Somers $2,325,000$646,000 mornington peninsula259.9% Flinders $3,500,000$980,000 mornington peninsula257.1% red hill $2,650,000$775,000 mornington peninsula241.9%

portsea $3,695,000$1,100,000 mornington peninsula235.9% trentham$995,000$300,000 hepburn 231.7% wallington$2,375,000$740,000Greater Geelong220.9%

Sorrento $2,600,000$837,500 mornington peninsula210.4% myrtleford$670,000$216,000 alpine 210.2% anglesea$1,730,000$567,500Surf coast 204.8%

hepburn Springs$925,000$304,500 hepburn 203.8% blairgowrie$1,855,000$612,500 mornington peninsula202.9%

Over the past decade, the median house price has more than doubled in 261 suburbs or towns in Victoria. Of those 261 suburbs, 11 tripled in house value.

CHART 2

annual Growth rate between 2013 and 2022 – annual price chanGe (houSe) 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% -5% -10% 201820162014 20202013 201920172015 2021 2022 herne hillcowesbalnarringGisborne Grovedale Strathfieldsaye truganina hamlyn heights

Table 2 top 10 SuburbS where houSe valueS have more than doubled

Suburb 2022 2012 LGA Price Change

dimboola $292,500 $99,500 hindmarsh 194.0% moe $425,000 $145,000 latrobe 193.1% barwon heads$1,830,000 $643,750 Greater Geelong184.3% east melbourne$3,770,000 $1,334,500 melbourne 182.5% mount martha$1,806,900 $641,250 mornington peninsula181.8%

Soldiers hill $720,000 $256,000 ballarat 181.3% beaufort $435,000 $155,000 pyrenees 180.6% tootgarook $1,035,500 $373,500 mornington peninsula177.2% rochester $421,000 $155,000 campaspe 171.6% Scarsdale $680,000 $252,500 Golden plains 169.3%

Table 3

top 10 SuburbS or townS that have recorded Growth in 9 out oF 10 yearS

Suburb Annual Median House Price LGA 10 Years Price Change

blairgowrie $1,855,000 mornington peninsula202.9% buninyong $885,000 ballarat 164.2% rye $1,197,500 mornington peninsula163.2% ocean Grove$1,205,000 Greater Geelong 159.1% Geelong west $1,011,000 Greater Geelong 152.1% ballarat central$737,500 ballarat 150.0% norlane $500,000 Greater Geelong 150.0% mount eliza $1,825,000 mornington peninsula146.6% belgrave $847,500 yarra ranges 134.6% South yarra $2,530,000 Stonnington 134.3%

Work with confidence

Following recent issues with cybersecurity we share a report from the VicForms web-hosting services.

VicForms (including data stores) is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and adheres with modern cloud security practices. All resources are isolated with standard security controls in place to protect against unrestricted access to data.

All application services are monitored in real-time to mitigate against attacks.

some tips to help keep your data and account more secure:

Passwords

• Use passwords with a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols

• Do not use passwords that other people may also be using for other applications

• Keep your password safe and do not

send any passwords via email

• Store your passwords in a dedicated password manager

Logout when you finish

• Be sure to log out of your VicForms session when using a shared or public computer

Scams and Phishing

• All VicForms correspondence is only sent from the three (3) domain names listed below. If you receive any requests for personal information or messages from domain names other than the 3 below, please contact us to verify if it is authentic.

- vicforms.com.au

- reiv.com.au

- hutly.com

Avoid any challenges to your commission with compliant forms and contracts

Always use an active VicForms subscription to generate a contract. The VicForms subscription warranty clause is included when a contract is generated, securing your commission payment. Currency of the form or authority is an important element to ensure validity.

Valid Vicforms contracts can also be generated through authorised integration partners to ensure foolproof contracts. Authorised partners include Anywhere Agent, Real Time Agent, VaultRE and Realtair.

REIV Office Members with a VicForms subscription have less to worry about, especially when it comes to commission payments.

For more information or to book an obligation-free demonstration, please contact vicforms@reiv.com.au

REIV Office Members with a VicForms subscription have less to worry about, especially when it comes to commission payments.

training

train the right way

Staffing shortages across sectors have seen increasing pressure on completing the required qualifications sooner and at lower costs.

While it is important to make entry into the sector easier, it is critical that new hires are well-informed and ready to deal with clients in a compliant manner.

When hiring a new employee, check their qualifications and the training provider. The new Agent’s Representative qualification is an 18-unit course that should be completed with adequate time and effort.

It is important to ensure that individuals undertaking training have access to current, relevant content and are supported by well-qualified trainers who actively guide their learning.

The REIV training program has always emphasised live trainer interaction and access to learning support. A range of delivery options are now available to suit varying requirements.

Please talk to the REIV training team for any queries or assistance.

CPP41419 CeRTIFICaTe IV

In ReaL esTaTe PRaCTICe

New to Real estate

• Delivered over 6 months, suitable for individuals who have not completed the Agent’s Representative course.

• Designed to ensure that students have opportunity to interact with the trainer, ask questions and become a well-informed real estate professional.

• Blended delivery on our dedicated e-learning platform.

• Choose from online or in-person training sessions.

oNlINe Classes: Students are required to attend live webinars, held 5.30pm to 7.30pm, twice a week, for approximately 6 months.

IN-PeRsoN Classes: Students are required to attend in-person. Sessions are held from 9am to 4.30pm every Wednesday at the REIV, for approximately 6 months. Classes commence February 2023.

The course can also be completed through a workplace traineeship.

ageNts RePReseNtatIves wIth the suPeRseded qualIfICatIoN

• Delivered over 3 months.

• Designed to ensure that students can use their practical experience to fasttrack their qualification while also having trainer support to expand and update their knowledge.

• Blended delivery on our dedicated e-learning platform.

• To be eligible for fast track delivery you must:

– Have successfully completed CPP4007A,CPP4008A & CPP4080A.

– Have worked in the Real Estate industry for a minimum of 12 months

– Have been registered on the Business Licensing Authority (BLA) in the past 5 years Or provide appropriate evidence of employment

Please note: REIV accredited training is approved for government funding. To understand your eligibility for government funding support please contact the REIV training team –training@reiv.com.au Government funding support can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costs of training.

It is important to ensure that individuals undertaking training have access to current, relevant content and are supported by well-qualified trainers who actively guide their learning.

Attitude and commitment makes an REIV Real – Real Estate Professional

members make a commitment to continuous learning, improvement, and development not just for themselves but also towards the wider real estate sector.

Some of the most popular online short courses over the past few months are listed here.

With more than 36 short courses and webinars available online, many free for members, updating and expanding your knowledge has never been easier. reiv.com.au/propel

Boost your REIV CPD points by adding any external training and development completed. It’s simple, just login and upload.

Starting a Real Estate Agency

opening your own real estate Agency is an exciting decision that needs to be very well considered and thought out. This guide is designed to provide basic guidance and links to the key areas for consideration.

Free for reIv members

Essential Safety Measures

This short course will assist in understanding what an eSm is, when it is relevant, and who is ultimately liable for associated costs.

Free for reIv members.

Conduct Auctions

This self-paced online course helps understand and prepare for conducting auctions. The course covers skills required for accessing, interpreting and applying written instructions for the auction, calling an auction and completing the auction process, including when a property is sold and when a property is passed in.

Introduction to Owners Corporation Management

The purpose of this course is to provide participants with some of the key skills and knowledge that are required to be successful in owners Corporation management.

Pre-Auction Processes

Material Fact Guidelines

As part of the Sale of Land Amendment Act 2019 – material Fact Guidelines, a vendor or their agent must disclose all known material facts, as soon as a prospective buyer indicates they are considering buying the property. This module unpacks the guidelines, provides examples of material facts and walks members through the penalties for nondisclosure.

Free for reIv members.

Learn the skills and knowledge required for the pre-auction processes. A short course suitable for new auctioneers that includes developing the auction strategy, managing liaison with the vendor or sales agent, confirming contract and property details.

With more than 36 short courses and webinars available online, many free for Members, updating and expanding your knowledge has never been easier.

While all agents must be appropriately qualified and licensed to work in the sector, reIv members go beyond the basics.

Share your expertise

Looking for the next challenge in your real estate career with the opportunity to share your extensive industry knowledge? The ReIV has an opportunity for an experienced agent to join the Membership services team as an Information Officer.

If you have extensive practical experience in the sector and sound legislative knowledge, this could be an ideal and rewarding role for you. A great opportunity for a licensed real estate agent.

Flexible working arrangements available for the right candidate. For more information or to submit your CV, please contact Matt Griffin, REIV Membership Services Manager on 9205 6632 or mgriffin@reiv.com.au

The agent of the future

As the real estate industry evolves, some skills and capabilities will be highly valued in real estate professionals of the future. Technology, changing customer expectations, an overall uncertain economic climate and increasingly stringent regulations mean professionals will need to adapt their skills and attributes in these areas. Such new capabilities can bring with them their own risks and complexities.

Below, we take a closer look at some of the traits real estate agents will be expected to possess as the industry undergoes further change, and analyse what they may mean for an agency’s risk profile.

service and empathy

With information easily available at their fingertips, today’s consumers have different expectations from real estate agents. Empathy, the ability to listen, and having true expertise are some of the traits valued. An agent should not only be well informed of the real estate market, but also other factors that may impact a buyer’s or tenant’s decision.

By demonstrating the above characteristics, there lies a degree of exposure for agents when performing

Technology, changing customer expectations, an overall uncertain economic climate and increasingly stringent regulations mean professionals will need to adapt their skills and attributes.

their service. It is possible that in being a well-rounded expert, an agent oversteps the line in providing their services, and inadvertently offers advice that is outside the realm of their qualifications. This can not only lead to costly claims of professional negligence but also regulatory actions which can have significant financial consequences for real estate agents. It is therefore important that real estate agents, in adapting to suit customer expectations, exercise due diligence in providing their service, and ensure they are meeting customer expectations within the boundaries of their qualifications and expertise.

Comfortable with technology

Although the real estate industry was initially slower to adopt technology, this has been accelerated by the impact of COVID-19. Although it’s natural to fear the implications technology will

have on jobs in the industry, it is also worth highlighting how technology has enabled agents to service their clients more efficiently.

The modern-day agent will therefore need to be comfortable to learn and adopt new technologies and use it to their advantage. This also highlights the need for increased vigilance and awareness of cyber crime. With real estate agents being an appealing target for cyber criminals, this is particularly important to keep in mind – successful hacking attempts can start with human error such as an employee clicking a malware link.

So in addition to being tech-savvy, the future real estate agent must also be aware of and educated in cyber risks, and feel confident in protecting their online presence.

We take a look at the skills required by the modern-day real estate agent and what it means for risk.

Knowledge of legislation

Another important characteristic of real estate agents is a thorough knowledge of legislation and the latest developments in the regulatory space.

In the real estate industry, having a detailed understanding of the legislation naturally leads to the best levels of service. Your clients rely on you for the most up to date information on legislation that impacts them, and you can only advise them of their rights and responsibilities if you are aware of the legalities.

Key to understanding legislation also means going to the right sources for information. Interpreting laws isn’t easy, so it’s important to get your information from accredited institutes or legal professionals.

If your knowledge of legislation isn’t up to date, it could lead to you or your employees providing incorrect advice. This may not only lead to claims of professional negligence from your clients, but also penalties from regulators if you were found to be non-compliant with certain laws.

safeguarding your agency into the future

Although it is inevitable that the changing industry will require agents to adapt their skills, it is important to be mindful of the emerging risks that come with it. In addition to due diligence in carrying out all tasks, having appropriate insurance in place is also important to consider to reduce the chances of your financial livelihood being thrown into jeopardy if you do experience an unfortunate event in the course of running your business.

Get in touch: The Aon real estate team are experts in risk and insurance with a deep understanding of the real estate industry. If you do not currently have your insurance arranged through Aon, feel free to chat to a member of their team and see what they can do for you. Call 1300 734 274 or visit aon.com.au/reiv

About Aon

Aon is proud to be a Platinum Partner of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. Access a range of competitively priced insurance options arranged by Aon today. We’ll work through your industry’s risk and insurance needs – complex or simple, and scan the market to offer you a solution aimed at offering a superior combination of cover, price and service. Get a quote online or speak to an experienced insurance adviser today. Learn more at aon.com.au/reiv © 2022 Aon Risk Services Australia Limited Abn 17 000 434 720 AFSL no. 241141 (Aon)

Please note: The information contained in this article is general in nature and should not be relied on as advice (personal or otherwise) because your personal needs, objectives and financial situation have not been considered. Before deciding whether a particular product is right for you, please consider your personal circumstances, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (if applicable) and full policy terms and conditions available from Aon on request. All representations on this website in relation to the insurance products we arrange are subject to the full terms and conditions of the relevant policy.

Aon has taken care in the production of this document and the information contained in it has been obtained from sources that Aon believes to be reliable. Aon does not make any representation as to the accuracy of the information received from third parties and is unable to accept liability for any loss incurred by anyone who relies on it. The recipient of this document is responsible for their use of it.

Governance

The REIV Board

The REIV Board began its current term on 1 October 2022 with three new Directors – Darren Pearce, Hayley Mitchell and Wendy Steel. In addition, in August the Board appointed Sam Hatzistamatis to fill a casual vacancy and Agata Jarbin as an additional Director.

Andrew MeehAn President

Andrew Meehan is the Director, CEO and co-founder of the Nicholas Lynch Real Estate Group. He is also a licensed real estate agent, a qualified surveyor, an MBA holder and a member of the FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation.

Under Andrew’s leadership, his business was awarded the REIV Medium Residential Agency of the Year in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 as well as the REIV Property Management Team of the Year 2019.

Andrew has been actively involved with the REIV for several years, serving on several REIV committees, chapters, and divisions. Andrew brings with him strategic expertise and strong industry knowledge of the issues affecting agents and agencies. Andrew was elected to the Board in 2020 and elected as President from October 2022.

JAcob cAine senior Vice President

Jacob Caine is a licensed real estate agent, holding an honours degree in music, an MBA and studying for a Master of International Relations with Harvard University. Currently Group Chief Executive Officer, Dingle Partners/ Caine Real Estate, prior to which he was the CEO of Caine Real Estate for 10 years. He was also appointed by the REIV

Board as a Nominated Director on the Board of Realestateview.com.au Ltd from 2017 to 2020.

Jacob has been an active Member of the REIV as a member of the former Young Agents Chapter Committee, Members’ Council Delegate and Chair of the former REIV Melbourne Central Division Committee. Jacob is keen for membership growth from new agents and emerging agencies, creating an inclusive culture and continuing the journey to deliver a reinvigorated, modern and vital Institute. Jacob was elected to the Board in 2020 and elected as Senior Vice President from October 2022.

MegAn MAnder V ice President

Megan Mander’s extensive real estate experience covers Victoria and South Australia, over a period of more than 20 years. Her experience includes commercial property management, leasing and sales. In 2016 Megan opened her own real estate agency Urbane Commercial Pty Ltd, specialising in commercial property and facilities management.

In addition to being a licensed real estate agent, Megan also holds a Diploma of Management, a Diploma in Operations and Facilities Management and has undertaken mediation training through Dispute Settlement Victoria.

Megan has been an active REIV Member for some years, including as a member of the Commercial and Industrial Chapter Committee and as a regular speaker and contributor to REIV and external events. Megan was elected to the Board

in 2021 and elected as Vice President from October 2022.

richArd siMP son director

Richard Simpson was elected to the Board in 2015 and served as President in 2017/18 and again in 2022 and he is the REIV’s representative on the REIA Board.

Richard Simpson is a partner in W.B. Simpson & Son, a family real estate business situated in North Melbourne with more than 140 years of history. As a Principal in a business that sells and leases both residential and commercial property, Richard has developed an excellent understanding of the major issues facing the real estate industry. Richard provides extensive input into the REIV and has previously served as Chair of the REIV Commercial & Industrial Chapter Committee.

Before joining the family business, Richard was a Chartered Accountant with a major firm where he worked in the banking and finance and property development sectors.

LeAh cALnAn director

Leah Calnan served as REIV President for two terms (2019/20 and 2020/21), having been elected to the Board in 2014. Leah has a long history of involvement with the REIV including

Andrew Meehan

Richard Simpson

Jacob Caine

Leah Calnan

Megan Mander

as Chair of the Property Management Chapter Committee, as a training facilitator in Property Management and the industry representative on the Andrews Government Taskforce for Family Violence.

Leah’s experience encompasses more than 28 years in the property industry, commencing as an Assistant Property Manager. Leah is currently proprietor and Director of Metro Property Management.

renee reynoLds director

Seven years after entering real estate, Renee Reynolds established Release Property Management in Geelong. Renee has been an active REIV Member throughout her career, having been both the Chair and Secretary of the former Geelong Division and the recipient of numerous business awards.

Before transitioning to a career in real estate, Renee had been an Australian and International ballroom dancing champion and ran her own ballroom dancing school.

Renee is a licensed real estate agent, studied accounting and is committed to continuing professional development. Renee was elected to the Board from the Regional Zone in 2021.

sAM hAt zistAMAtis director

Sam Hatzistamatis is a licensed real estate agent and holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Currently State Operations Manager

(Property Management) for Harcourts Australia, Sam is a specialist in property management. Sam has previously held senior property management roles with Harcourts Rata and Co and Philip Webb Real Estate.

He entered real estate as part of a family business setting up the property management division. He also has significant experience in corporate marketing in the automotive, banking and energy sectors. Sam was appointed by the Board to fill a casual vacancy from 8 August, 2022.

dArren PeArce director

Darren Pearce is a licensed real estate agent and auctioneer. He holds a Diploma of Business and a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment.

Darren is currently Head of Property Management at RT Edgar Toorak and previously, owner and Director of Ray White Heidelberg.

Darren is involved as a volunteer and in the management of several charitable organisations.

Darren was elected to the Board from the Metropolitan Zone from 1 October, 2022.

wendy steeL director

Wendy Steel is a licensed real estate agent specialising in property management. Head of Property Management for Max Brown Real Estate, having previously held Senior Property Manager roles with Barry Plant Croydon/Ringwood and Appleby Real Estate Croydon/Boronia. Wendy

was elected to the Board from the Metropolitan Zone from 1 October, 2022.

hAyLey MitcheLL director

Hayley Mitchell is a licensed real estate agent specialising in property management. Previously a Director of Mitchell Property Management and Geelong Property Managers and currently a Director of BnB Property Managers and MitchellPT, which is a training and events company delivering sessions throughout Victoria.

Hayley was elected to the Board from the Regional Zone from 1 October, 2022.

AgAtA JArbin director

Agata Jarbin is an experienced CEO, Non-Executive Director and Board Chair with a background in law both as a Partner in an international law firm, King & Wood Mallesons, and as General Counsel and Company Secretary at State Trustees.

Agata is CEO of healthAbility, providing health and disability services and Chair of ERMHA a not for profit supporting people throughout Victoria and the Northern Territory with mental illness or disability.

Agata is a member of the Law Institute of Victoria and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Appointed as an Additional Director by the Board from 8 August, 2022.

Renee Reynolds

Sam Hatzistamatis

Darren Pearce

Wendy Steel

Hayley Mitchell

Agata Jarbin

Milestones

We congratulate the Members who completed important milestone Membership Anniversaries during September-December, 2022.

50 years

Peter Gordon

Graham Homes

Bruce smith

Alan stephens

40 years

John Chartres

Bernard Corser

Linda Linmeiers

William Mackintosh Barry Novy OAM Graeme Oldmeadow Damien shiel George stewart

30 years

Mark Dayman

Joseph Merola Maxwell Waller Brian Wood

20 years

Nathan Baker

Stephen Briffa

Nicholas Carter

Matthew Cheung

Robert Findlay

Joseph Galati

Kostadina Gatsios

Kathleen Geisler

Malcolm James James Keep Rudolph Kelemen

Richard Kurz

George Mashayekhi

Salvatore Messina

Robert Namour

Ronald Phillips

Roderick richardson

Peter rogozik

Judith simpson Robert sinni

James Templeton

Alan Wilson Benjamin Wilson

10 years

Orcun altun

James Brougham

Peter Burke

Shane Donovan Philip Dunn

Danielle Hastings Mark Holland David Howard Saruhan Inan Nathan Jones Lesley Kenna

Raed Khoder

Steven Lusi Andrew Meehan

Jacquelyn Mosdall

Conan Ong

Alex Puglia

Joshua rutman

Miriam sandkuhler

Sarita sherwal

Natalie sirianni Matt spring

Dalibor Trkulja

Joel Wan

Jodie-Maree Wilson

ralph was a significant contributor to the reIv and the multiple Listing bureau over many years through his active participation in various committees and forums.

He joined reIv in 1963, a member for almost 60 years. ralph was managing Director of Collins Simms, a significant estate agency practice in Hawthorn with offices in Clifton Hill and Kew. ralph passed away in September 2022.

Alan Stephens

Graham Homes

Peter Gordon

Bruce Smith

farewells

Vale ralph Dalton

New members

From July 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022 we welcomed 151 members to the reIv community. building new relationships through networking is an important aspect of reIv membership. Please find the time to reach out to the new members.

Anastasia Adam

Scott Allison

Reza Amiri

Max Anderson

Frank Antonello

Necati Basak

Darren Barlow Catherine Beecroft

Melissa Bell

Jason Bell-Davey Kapil Bhatia Kristian Bonnici Peco Bozinoski

Darren Brimacombe Michelle Brown Janna BrownGreaves Angela Button

Nicholas Carter Christopher Carvalho Edgar Chan Yiu Chan Emma Cheney Rajesh Chhabra James Chronis Jeremy Cleaver Robert Clements Jason Cook Jack Cooper Christian Cortese Andrew Cowan

Lauren Dimitriou

Sonya Doljanin

Samuel Eaton Steven Evans Bruce Falk Jessica Feng Benjamin Ferrett Sally Fletcher Andrew Foley Mitchell Foon Vittorio Galli Lucas Gentile Jessica Giampetrone Jaideep Gill Christopher Gladman Peter Grant Sonal Grover Lewis Harry James Hickey Lilian Hoo Damian Horne Alexander Ilyin Elisha Iuculano Dylan Jansma Rahul Jitla Jason Johnson Sylwia Kapera Peter Kelly Danielle Kennedy Samantha Keyse

Ryan King Eleni Kontos Alexander Kostoglou Chrisoula Kouvaras Nan Li Wei Li Zheng Liang Lin Michael Loutakis Min Lu Matthew Lynch Khatira Maqsoodi Sarah Martini Marriner Fawad Mastoi Lachlan Maynes Jonathan McCormack Dominic McGrath Chantelle Meggs Karandeep Mehar Juan Merchan Elizabeth Minogue Harrison Mosley Nathan Mufale Nicole Murphy Arvin Nagra Daniel Nardella John O’Brien Shane O’Brien Sherife Olmez Lay Ooi

Patrizia Orrico

Ajay Pal Frank Palermo Tiffany Pan Ravindra

Panditharathne Samuel Parsons Maninder Pathania Jake Patterson

Arthur Phegan Charlotte Quarmby Colleen Reeves Jonathan Resic Belinda Ridley Thomas Robertson Catherine Rogers Carol Rossi Georgia Ryan Syed Sarwari Harleen Sawhney Paul Sayers Laura Schomburgk Mark Scordia Rohit Sharma Stephanie Shepherdson Jun Shi

Damien Sienkiewicz Jade Silcock Vincent Silvestro Inderpreet Singh Karanveer Singh

Kawalpreet Singh

Ranjit Singh Sukhwinder Singh Radek Skorupski Andrew Solomon Sandra Speakman Richard Spratt Claire Spring Ian Susic

Harry Tanimena Brian Te Matthew Treacy Brett Tweed

Theo Tzimas Inderbir Vasu Giuseppe Vero John Virgona Jacinda Visser Jason Vlahos Shayne Wallis Kirby Watsford Andrea Wigg Guy Williamson Leanne Witcombe Haydren Yoon Eleanor Young Matthew Zagami Xinran Zhang Tingting Zhang Yue Zhang Yue Zhao Wenxu Zhou