View: Edition 1-16 by RE/MAX Australia

VIEW The RE/MAX Australia Magazine

Edition 1-16 | remax.com.au

“Don’t be a spectator. Be a part of it.”

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Contents

RE/MAX Australia Regional Team P. +61 7 3007 9000 E. remax@remax.com.au

16 cover photo The RE/MAX balloon being prepped to rise at the Illuminations Festival in Wynnum, Queensland. feature 04 The science of vendor management 05

Adrian Lane-Mullins appointed as chairman

Momentum empowers business owners

events 10 Unstoppable RE/MAX: the July rally 12

Platinum Plus: Better than the best!

14 RE/MAX – proudly supporting Make-A-Wish® Australia

Page 13 Chris runs, rides and swims in the windy city

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network news 17 Queensland RE/MAX office showcases to southern property buyers 19

APF creates financial adviser role

Welcome to RE/MAX

feature 22 How to win with Chinese buyers 23

Getting to know you… Niki Bell

24 Losers in real estate cloud perception 26

RE/MAX partners

27 RE/MAX calendar highlights

Managing Director: Michael Davoren, mdavoren@remax.com.au Executive Assistant to Managing Director: Tanya Bull, tbull@remax.com.au Finance Director: Chris Chapman, cchapman@remax.co.nz Franchise Director: Joel Davoren, jdavoren@remax.com.au Australian Property Finance CEO: Nathan Swain, nathan@apfbroker.com.au APF Administrator: Kirsty Cummings, kirsty.cummings@apfbroker.com.au APF Wealth Finance Advisor: Jason Fung, Jason.fung@apfwealth.com.au Franchise Development: Haley Curtis, hcurtis@remax.com.au RE/MAXnet Support Manager: Niki Bell, nbell@remax.com.au Professional Development Manager: Melanie Marsh, mmarsh@remax.com.au Manager, Regional Operations: Kathy Boot, kathyb@remax.com.au Business Development Administrator: Melissa Kennedy, mkennedy@remax.com.au Office Administrator: Chantal Nix, cnix@remax.com.au Marketing & Communications Manager: Aimee Doherty, adoherty@remax.com.au Public Relations: Lyn Cox, lcox@remax.com.au Submissions for RE/MAX Australia VIEW can be sent to Lyn Cox on lcox@remax.com.au or Aimee Doherty on adoherty@remax.com.au. Deadline for submissions – 1st June 2016 VIEW editor: Lyn Cox E. lcox@remax.com.au M. 0061 418 793 096 VIEW design: Honor Lock E. honorstewart@gmail.com

Copyright © 2016 RE/MAX Australia/New Zealand. All rights reserved. The materials herein may not be duplicated, copied or reproduced – in whole or in part – in any way without written permission. VIEW magazine is provided to RE/MAX Affiliates as one of many benefits. The opinions of guest contributors and interviewed guests are their own and not necessarily those of RE/MAX Australia/New Zealand, or its affiliates, or any of its owners, officers, employees or agents. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information it contains, neither the publishers, authors nor their employees, can be held liable for inaccuracies, errors or omission. Readers should not rely on this newsletter as a substitute for professional advice.

Message from the Managing Director

From the Managing Director Are you on the podium or merely a spectator? Here we are in another Olympics year, the XXXI Olympiad. While you may not be a Games spectator in Rio or on a podium collecting a medal in August, 2016 is a good year to reflect on your personal performance. Make this a year where you are breaking records, a year of personal bests. What or where is your podium? It may be the RE/MAX Australia or New Zealand awards stage, RE/MAX monthly rankings, real estate industry awards, a conference or convention, your market share, office performance ranking or your own personal measure of success. It may be at the RE/MAX global awards, a podium only the best get access to, and a truly memorable event that’s part of the mega RE/MAX R4 Convention in Las Vegas. You have many stages to choose from. The Olympic Games is about personal performances. Make these your priority focus for this year too. Like any fine-tuned athlete or top sportsperson, peak performance comes well before the stadium or sporting arena. It begins with putting in the hard yards, and taking all those individual steps that can lead to supreme ability. And in real estate, it’s our focus on the next sale, the next listing, or the next offer and so on that takes us along a path to success. The best in our business are constantly moving forward, continually bettering themselves. With each New Year, with each new quarter, each month, the real estate industry evolves a little further. The future is a strong real estate industry, and only people not prepared to evolve with it may be disrupted. Consider how science has turned sport on its ear through evolution in

everything from swimming costumes, to starting blocks and putters. There are changed rules. There are balls that give more distance, racquets to give more accuracy and fins to give more power. There are better coaches, trainers and mentors; as well as illegal means through which performance may be improved for those who want to take things too far! The real estate industry has its own parallels and our best people are seizing all positive changes as opportunities. Back in the Seventies, the real estate industry underwent a big upheaval and the word was out that franchising was going to ‘wipe out the independents’. It didn’t occur but a rise of the independents around the turn of the century did give most franchise groups a wake-up call. Today, the successful franchisors create extra value beyond just the brand, which includes access to international marketing platforms and networks, extra income streams, call centres, centralized administration and different business systems. In these ranks are the managers, coaches, mentors and trainers of the real estate world who set the scene so the ‘competitors’, or participants, can do their best. They know their future lies in relationships and the consumer experience. Our industry embraced digital technology a long time ago and continues to accept it at an everincreasing pace. The future is not ‘how many apps’ but digital diversity, where ‘improvements’ truly benefit the consumer. We’ve watched Australia and New Zealand evolve as nations on all kinds of fronts including sport and real estate, and, as one outcome example, Asian participation in our property markets is important to our economies and will continue as such for coming decades.

some markets like Sydney and Auckland are easing, heading into 2016, the outlook is generally good. Many of the markets devastated through the GFC are bouncing back, especially those regions attracting tourism dollars. We are recruiting more and more ‘newto-the-industry’ people because they see levels of professionalism within the real estate industry that match where they are at, or where they want to be. While RE/MAX is well known for having and attracting successful experienced agents, ‘new’ is not necessarily young and inexperienced. To conclude, RE/MAX Australia is breaking records this year with the biggest crowd ever set to take on the RE/MAX R4 global conference in Las Vegas, and aiming for a company best in events with the Broker Owner Forum in Thailand just prior to the RE/MAX Asia Pacific Conference. Yet, even with all the positive vibes, it comes down to who puts in the hard yards. Don’t be the ‘spectator’; be a part of it all!

I wish you all a very productive and rewarding 2016 personally and professionally. Make the most of the enormous quantity of RE/MAX resources available and stay up-to-date on offerings through your monthly Regional Update. I’ll leave you with my regular message: ‘Happy selling, happy managing, happy administering….’

The past 12 months have delivered very good markets, for the most, in Australia and New Zealand. While

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Feature

Tony Williamson and the science of vendor management In 1969, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a University of Chicago medical school instructor, wrote ‘On Death and Dying’, which was inspired by her work with terminally ill patients. She hypothesised the ‘five stages of grief’. Drawing on those of Kübler-Ross, here is how I see the five stages of acceptance in the business of real estate based on the hypothesis that when something bad happens, people go through a process before accepting the new reality. Stage 1: Denial This, for example, is the seller in denial about the current market he or she is selling in and wanting to achieve an inconceivable sale price. So… you put the seller in the picture about current market conditions, provide all the evidence you possibly can but they are still in denial and even appear to be directing their anger at you. Stage 2: Anger Here is something new to consider! SO… when seller is yelling at you, it is actually a positive sign that they are going through the next phase, which is… Stage 3: Bargaining Here is where the seller says, for example, “Yes we do appreciate it is worth $500K but can’t we just leave it at $650K for a couple of weeks…” And it is time for you to roll out the hard evidence. Stage 4: Depression Oh dear! Here is where you are likely to hear from your seller, something akin to “We are not going to give it away. But if we go along with what you are saying, we might as well just give it away!” In the Kübler-Ross model, this is an important time for grief processing; and feeling emotions like sorrow, regret, fear and uncertainty indicates a person has begun to accept their situation. At this stage, the seller begins to understand the certainty of

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Tony Williamson’s business, RE/MAX Real Estate Services, enjoys the largest market share in Cairns.

the market and what needs to happen to move toward a successful sale outcome as they move closer to … Stage 5: Acceptance At our regular sales meetings, we plot where each one of our sellers is sitting in this active process of moving through the stages. This is the science of vendor management. To understand and interpret it means accepting the processing that takes place in a vendor’s head. It tells good real estate agents they must be great at having those very crucial conversations even though they may feel uncomfortable doing so, because they know it is putting the seller on the path to a happier result. Apply the ‘doctor mentality’. The good doctor is the one who asks you the best questions, and gives the best ideas that moves things forward and makes you feel better. When agents adopt that mentality, we consult, ask

“To understand

and interpret it means accepting the processing that takes place in a vendor’s head.

”

loads of the right questions and really extract all the information possible so that we can devise a series of events that leads the seller to the healthiest possible outcome. I take consultation very seriously, which led me to turn the traditional listing-marketing process on its head. It is the alliance between the agent and the vendor. My approach is:

•

• •

Make the first meeting with a vendor in the real estate office, because that puts the focus firmly on the vendor-agent relationship rather than the ‘bricks and mortar’. Consult, like a doctor, rather than deliver the traditional familiar mode of listing presentation. FIRST list the property, THEN go and visit the property to establish the pricing strategy, marketing strategy and all the other matters around the sale.

Real estate is a wonderful career that gives me a wonderful lifestyle with wonderful choices; but even with all the years and the experience I have, it can still give me a good kick now and again. And a career in real estate is not about how good you are, but how quickly you can get up again after you are kicked.

RE/MAX Feature

RE/MAX appoints Adrian Lane-Mullins as chairman Adrian Lane-Mullins replaced Phil Kirby as chairman of the RE/MAX Australia and New Zealand Board of Directors in July last year. Phil had stepped down due to health concerns and sadly passed away later in 2015. Adrian’s business pedigree is an extensive history of academic and commercial achievements. He has held senior management roles at local, regional and international levels. His expertise spans organizational and strategic leadership, financial management, business planning and development, risk management and corporate governance, change management and mentoring. He is managing director of Customercorp P/L Business

Consultancy, a company he began 16 years ago and whose major client list includes RACQ-GIO Insurance Ltd and QBE Insurance Ltd. A company director since the age of 26, he has had vast experience with boards. RE/MAX managing director Michael Davoren said the Board intentionally chose an independent chairman from outside the real estate industry, a move Adrian deems intelligent and brave. Michael explained,” We look to the chairman in matters such as use of capital, acquisition and mergers, for example. That’s the guidance we require so we can get on with the operational side of our business.”

“

Adrian’s business pedigree is an extensive history of academic and commercial achievements.

” Adrian described an external chair as a forward-thinking move by Michael and the other directors, especially for a private company. “I am a businessperson not a real estate agent or a marketer, and looking from outside-in means I can provide a different perspective, which will often be a clearer perspective. “My particular interest is in distribution. That is, how RE/MAX can develop to its greatest potential through the distribution of its knowledge, skill levels, intellectual property and technology to its franchise business owners.” Adrian pays homage to a quote from Michelangelo: The great danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it. “Have aims but no end point, and always mini-goals. The best business plan becomes self-fulfilling.” As someone who wants to play in the game not watch from the stands, Adrian is most interested in the dynamics of business. He found there was a lot to learn quickly in the complexities of real estate franchising. He is putting his stamp on RE/MAX through strategic leadership, governance, business acumen and relationships with all directors. “I understand I am dealing with a lot of intelligence around the table so I have to be an astute listener to sift out the irrelevant from the reasonable, and respect the different personalities and skills I have in the room.”

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Marketing Matters

We sell every home as if it was our own RE/MAX Australia’s 2015 brand awareness campaign ran from late June to early October and saw exposure across Pay TV, digital and social media. At the heart of the campaign was an unwavering core message:

We sell every home as if it was our own. The message was portrayed through some fantastic creative in the way of our TV commercial, digital banner ads, DLs, brochures and press ads.

“

The campaign sought to drive brand awareness and traffic to the remax.com.au website through the following initiatives: • • •

The campaign sought to drive brand awareness and traffic to the remax.com.au website...

”

Increased brand exposure amongst target market via Pay TV; Increased brand exposure and reinforcement of TVC via local area marketing; and Increased brand exposure and reinforcement of TVC via online advertising.

2015 CAMPAIGN SUMMARY

Pay TV Results

Our campaign infographic highlights how these objectives were met and where they were exceeded!

Spots

Impacts

ONLINE CAMPAIGN SUMMARY 6TH JULY TO 27TH SEPTEMBER 2015 TheRE/MAX RE/MAX TV commercial Projected 1,636 11,758,700 appeared 3,502 times on Actual 3,502 12,338,149 Foxtel providing over key objective RE/MAX online campaign 12 to million impacts; was drive brand awareness and RE/MAX Australia’s billboard on an over of 5% from This was trafficdelivery to www.remax.com.au. Lifestyle – Selling Houses Australia achieved an our projected figures. achieved via 4 core channels:

Discover a new level of luxury in real estate

additional 98 spots and 1,120,563 impacts. 1. Google Display 2. Google Search Network

Network

RE/MAX ONLINE CAMPAIGN SUMMARY 6TH JULY TO 27TH SEPTEMBER 2015

MOST ENGAGING CREATIVE 2016 will see the unveiling of a new style guide for The ACROSS THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD RE/MAX online campaign key objective RE/MAX Collection in Australia. The style guide provides a new CAMPAIGN SUMMARY RE/MAX ONLINE was to drive brand awareness and Online Marketing Results contemporary look which also brings our region in line with traffic to www.remax.com.au. This was RE/MAX online campaign key objective achieved via 4 core channels: ONLINE SUMMARY The RE/MAX online campaign key objective was to drive brand awareness while International standards. wasRE/MAX to drive brand awarenessCAMPAIGN and

0.41%

6TH JULY TO 27TH SEPTEMBER 2015 RE/MAX Property Experts People with a better understanding of the local property market. www.remax.com.au (industry avg. 0.12% CTR)

3. YouTube/ AdWords for video

6TH JULY TO 27TH SEPTEMBER 2015

4. Facebook

1. Google Display Network

0.31%

2. Google Search Network

reinforcing the TV commercial. This was achieved via 4 core channels:

traffic to www.remax.com.au. This was achieved via online 4 core campaign channels: key objective RE/MAX was to drive brand awareness and traffic to www.remax.com.au. This was MOST ENGAGING CREATIVE achieved via 4 core channels: ACROSS THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD

MOST ENGAGING CREATIVE ACROSS THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD 1. Google Display 2. Google(industry Search avg. 0.12% CTR)

DISPLAY NETWORK DELIVERED;

While this high-end brand remains exclusive to properties of 9,599 4,693,905 RE/MAX ONLINE CAMPAIGN SUMMARY a luxury standard, RE/MAX Australia has relaxed the criteria RE/MAX homepage received the HIGHEST VIEWS for the period 47,689campaign . Google Display, Search & Facebook RE/MAX online key objective RE/MAX ONLINE CAMPAIGN SUMMARY around the use of this brand allowing it to be more MOST accessible. delivered 12,971 new website sessions & 11,309 new users. ENGAGING CREATIVE was drive brand awareness Toto measure effectiveness weand looked at impressions (or the number of times our ads ACROSS THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD 1,422 traffic toappeared) www.remax.com.au. This was Associates will now be able to offer this prestige brand to any and the number of times our audience clicked through to the RE/MAX online campaign key objective 457,581 achieved via 4 core channels: RE/MAX Australia website. TOP SEARCHES were related to ‘buying house’ related was to drive brand awareness and property that is equal to or above the top ten percent market terms & general Real-estate; - real estate, real estate, 9,599 traffic to www.remax.com.au. This was homes, for sell house, buy 4,693,905 achieved via 4 core channels: value in the area or suburb. RE/MAX ONLINE CAMPAIGN SUMMARY RE/MAX Property Experts People with a better understanding of the local property market. www.remax.com.au

Network

0.41% 0.41% 0.31%

(industry avg. 0.12% CTR)

0.31%

MOST ENGAGING CREATIVE ACROSS THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD

The style guide outlines press templates, propertyRE/MAX signboards, homepage received the HIGHEST VIEWS for the period 47,689. Google Display, Search & Facebook delivered 12,971 new website sessions & 11,309 new users. brochures and DLs. Another exciting new addition to the style RE/MAX homepage received the HIGHEST VIEWS for guide is office signage which will be available to offices catering the period 47,689. Google Display, Search & Facebook TOP SEARCHES were related to ‘buying related delivered 12,971 new website sessionshouse’ & 11,309 new users. terms & general Real-estate; - real estate, real estate, exclusively to the prestige property market. homes, for sell house, buy

0.41%

(industry avg. 0.12% CTR)

Network

6TH JULY TO 27TH SEPTEMBER 2015

0.31%

3. YouTube/ AdWords for video

RE/MAX ONLINE CLICKS/VIEWS BY MONTH

0.41%

Peopleofwith a better understanding CTR% 0.20% DISPLAY NETWORK DELIVERED; of the local property market.

Awww.remax.com.au low CPC of $0.93 RE/MAX ONLINE CAMPAIGN 9,599 website clicks FACEBOOK

(industry avg. 0.12% CTR)

SEARCH DELIVERED; TOP SEARCHES were related to ‘buying house’ related 4,693,905 Impressions terms Real-estate; - real estate, real estate, TVC & general 3. YouTube/ CTR% of 0.20% 4. Facebook RE/MAX online key objective homes, forcampaign sell house, buy AdWords for video 1,422 website clicks

0.31%

A low CPC of $0.93

was to drive brand awareness and 457,581 impressions (industry avg. 0.12% CTR) DISPLAY CTR of 0.31% SEARCH DELIVERED; traffic to www.remax.com.au. This was A low CPCONLINE of $5.99CLICKS/VIEWS BY MONTH RE/MAX CTR (ClICk ThROUGh RATE)channels: = ClICkS/ IMPRESSIONS achieved via 4 core

July August September (industry avg. 2.09%) A low CPC of $0.93 ADWORDS FOR VIDEO/YOUTUBE SEARCH 530 467 425 Cost per view consistently RE/MAX Property Experts low at $0.28

DELIVERED; DISPLAY 3,465 2,927 PeopleSEARCH with3,207 a better understanding

32,243

TOTAL

Metric

1,422

Click

9,599

Click

SEARCHES were related to ‘buying house’ relatedSEARCH terms & general Real-estate; - real estate, real estate, homes, for sell house, buy

TVC

4000

8000

10000

12000

(industry avg. 0.12% CTR) CTR ofADWORDS 0.67% FOR VIDEO/YOUTUBE

4000

6000

8000

10000

August

September

TOTAL

Metric

530

467

425

1,422

Click

DISPLAY

3,207 0 TVC

3,465 2000

40002,927 6000

9,599 8000

Click 10000

12,155

11,259

8,829

32,243

View

12000

August3080

7,835 September

Click TOTAL

Metric

467

425

1,422

Click

3,207

3,465

2,927

9,599

Click

TVC

12,155

11,259

8,829

32,243

View

1846

2909

3080

7,835

Click

2000

4000

6000

8000

0.41%

18,856 6,313,9650.31% 1,162,479 1,422 website clicks 7,835 website clicks 457,581 impressions

18,856 4,693,905 6,313,965

DISPLAY NETWORK DELIVERED;

Impressions SA

CTR% of 0.20% 6% FACEBOOK DELIVERED; A low CPC of $0.93

10000

Reached; 316,822 ppl aged 25-54 1,422 website clicks NSW CTR of 0.67% 457,581 36% impressions CTR of 0.31% RE/MAX ONLINE CLICKS/VIEWS BY MONTH VIC TOTAL RESULTS A low CPC CAMPAIGN of $5.99

TOP SEARCHES were related to ‘buying house’ related impressions terms & general Real-estate; - real estate, page real estate, Reached; 316,822 ppl aged 25-54 homes, for sell6000 house,impressions buy 0 2000 4000 8000 10000 (ads) 12000

12000

August

September

TOTAL

Metric

530

467

425

1,422

Click

DISPLAY

3,207

3,465

2,927

9,599

Click

TVC

12,155

11,259

8,829

32,243

View

FACEBOOK

1846

2909

3080

7,835

Click

TVC

TOTAL CAMPAIGN RESULTS

18,856 6,313,965

FACEBOOK FACEBOOK

TVC

1846

2909

3080

7,835

TVC

Click

page impressions (ads)

A low CPC at $1.62 per click

FACEBOOK DELIVERED;

7,835 website clicks

July

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

7,835 website clicks

1,162,479 impressions Reached; 316,822 ppl age CTR of 0.67%

1,162,479 impressions 0 2000 4000 6000 Reached; 316,822 ppl aged 25-54 CTR of 0.67% 0

FACEBOOK DELIVERED;

search volume in each state and thus influenced significantly by population.

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ADWORDS FOR VIDEO/YO

32,243 video views High view rate of 9.54% (industry avg. 2.09%) Cost per view consistently

website clicks (search /display/Facebook)

video views page impressions (ads) High view rate of 9.54% (industry avg.clicks 2.09%)and views dependent on Online A low CPC at $1.62 click Cost per view consistently lowper at $0.28

DISPLAY

ADWORDS FOR VIDEO/YOUTUBE

530 467 425 1,422 Click RE/MAX ONLINE CLICKS/VIEWS BY MONTH 3,207 3,465 2,927 clicks 9,599 website (search Click /display/Facebook) 12,155 11,259 8,829 32,243 View

DISPLAY July

CTR of 0.31% A low CPC of $5.99 QLD NSW

18,856 32,243 6,313,965

FACEBOOK

1,422 website clicks 457,581 impressions

VIC

30%

CTR of 0.67%

SEARCH DELIVERED;

page impressions (ads)

TOP SEARCHES related per to ‘buying house’ related Qld A7,835 low CPC were at $1.62 click website clicks terms & general Real-estate; - real28% estate, real estate, SEARCH DELIVERED; 1,162,479homes, impressions for sell house, buy

impressions (ads) website clicks (search website clicks /display/Facebook)

Metric

9,599 website clicks

4,693,905 Impressio CTR% of 0.20% A low CPC of $0.93

High view rate of 9.54% RE/MAX homepage received HIGHEST VIEWS for website the clicks (search avg. 2.09%) the(industry period 47,689 . Google Display, Search & Facebook /display/Facebook) 9,599 website clicks delivered 12,971 new websitelow sessions & 11,309 new users. Cost per view consistently at $0.28

Click

A low CPC at $1.62 per TOTAL click July August September

DISPLAY NETWORK DELIV

TOTAL 32,243 video views Online CAMPAIGN Clicks (Search RESULTS and display) by State

FACEBOOK DELIVERED;

page impressions (ads)

ADWORDS FOR VIDEO/YOUTUBE

High view rate of 9.54% Reached; 316,822 ppl2,927 aged 25-54 3,207 3,465 9,599 Click (industry avg. 2.09%) website clicks (search CTR of 0.67% 12,155 11,259 received 8,829 the HIGHEST 32,243 View RE/MAX /display/Facebook) Costhomepage per view consistently low at $0.28 VIEWS for

DISPLAY

3. YouTube/ AdWords for video

CTR of 0.31% impressions 3. YouTube/ 4. Facebook A low CPC $5.99 AdWords forofvideo Reached; ppl aged avg. 0.12% CTR) A 316,822 low CPC at 25-54 $1.62 (industry per click CTR of 0.67%

47,689 Display, Search & Facebook 2909. Google 3080 7,835 Click delivered 12,971 new website sessions page & 11,309 new users.

DISPLAY

FACEBOOK

2909

32,243 video views CTR of 0.67%

the 1846 period FACEBOOK

DISPLAY 530 SEARCH

July

Metric

1. Google Display Network

4,693,905 High view rate ofImpressions 9.54% 1. Google Display 2. Google Search CTR% ofavg. 0.20% Network Network (industry 2.09%) RE/MAX Property Experts A low CPC $0.93 TOTAL CAMPAIGN RESULTS People with a of better understanding Cost per view consistently low at $0.28 of the local property market. www.remax.com.au TO ClICk ThROUGh website RATE (industry (CTR) clicks (search SEARCH DELIVERED; avg. 0.12% CTR) FACEBOOK DELIVERED; /display/Facebook)

18,856 TOTAL CAMPAIGN RESULTS 6,313,965 7,835 A low CPC at $1.62 per click 18,856 1,162,479 6,313,965

DISPLAY

TVC TVC

FACEBOOK SEARCH July

1846

12000

A low CPC of $5.99

7,835 website clicks DISPLAY NETWORK DELIVERED; ADWORDS FOR VIDEO/YOUTUBE

1,162,479 impressions MOST ENGAGING CREATIVE Reached; 316,822 aged 25-54 ACROSS THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD 9,599 website clicks ppl

Click

0.31%

6000

FACEBOOK

RE/MAX ONLINE CLICKS/VIEWS BY MONTH 2000

FACEBOOK

2000

7,835 website clicks July August September TOTAL 32,243 video views 1,162,479 530 467 impressions 425 1,422 TOTAL CAMPAIGN RESULTS

TVC

6TH JULY T

A low CPC of $0.93 32,243 video views

SEARCH DELIVERED; High view ratecampaign of 9.54% RE/MAX online key objective (industry avg. 2.09%) was to drive brand awareness and 3. YouTube/ 1,422 website clicks Cost per 6TH view consistently at $0.28 2015 4. Facebook SUMMARY JULY TO 27TH low SEPTEMBER AdWords for video traffic to www.remax.com.au. This was 457,581 impressions CTR ofFACEBOOK 0.31% achieved via 4 DELIVERED; core channels:

0.41%

for sell house, 1846 homes,2909 3080 buy 7,835 (industry avg. 2.09%) 457,581 impressions 7,835 website clicks Cost per view consistently low at $0.28 CTR of 0.31% 1,162,479 impressions A low CPC of $5.99 RE/MAX ONLINE CLICKS/VIEWS BY MONTH FACEBOOK DELIVERED; Reached; 316,822 ppl aged 25-54

2. Google Search Network

Impressions CTR% ADWORDS of 0.20% FOR VIDEO/YOUTUBE

video views were related to ‘buying house’ related ofTOP the SEARCHES local property market. 8,829 32,243 real estate,View www.remax.com.au High viewwebsite rate of clicks 9.54% - real estate, (industry avg. 0.12% CTR) 1,422

TVC 12,155 11,259 DISPLAY FACEBOOK terms & general Real-estate; DELIVERED;

FACEBOOK TOP

DISPLAY 0

CTR of 0.31% 1. Google Display Network website A low CPC clicks of $5.99

1,422 clicks DISPLAYwebsite NETWORK DELIVERED; ADWORDS FOR VIDEO/YOUTUBE 457,581 impressions 9,599 websitereceived clicks the HIGHEST VIEWS for homepage FACEBOOK RE/MAX CTR of 0.31% 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 the period 47,689 . Google Display, Search & Facebook MOST ENGAGING CREATIVE 32,243 video views Impressions A4,693,905 low CPC new of $5.99 MOST ENGAGING CREATIVE ACCORdING delivered 12,971 website sessions & 11,309 new users. ACROSS THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD High view rate 9.54% CTR% ofof 0.20% SEARCH

FACEBOOK

DISPLAY

DISPLAY NETWORK DELIVERED; impressions

4. Facebook

MOST ENGAGING DISPLAY NETWORKCREATIVE DELIVERED; 1. Google Display ACROSS THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD 2. Google Search Network RE/MAX homepage received the HIGHESTNetwork VIEWS for 9,599 websiteONLINE clicks CLICKS/VIEWS BY MONTH RE/MAX

RE/MAX homepage received the HIGHEST VIEWS for the period 47,689. Google Display, Search & Facebook delivered 12,971 new website sessions & 11,309 new users.

TVC

website clicks

4. Facebook

(industry avg. 0.12% CTR)

TVC

FACEBOOK

SEARCH DELIVERED;

0.31%

3. YouTube/ AdWords for video

(industry avg. 0.12% CTR)

TOP SEARCHES were related to ‘buying house’ related terms & generalCLICKS/VIEWS Real-estate; - real real estate, RE/MAX ONLINE BYestate, MONTH homes, for sell house, buy

Impressions 6TH JULY TO 27TH SEPTEMBER 2015 CTR% of 0.20% 3. YouTube/ 4. Facebook A low CPC of $0.93 AdWords for video

2. Google Search (industry avg. 0.12% CTR) Network

the period 47,689. Google Display, Search & Facebook 4,693,905 delivered 12,971 newImpressions website RE/MAX Property Experts sessions & 11,309 new users.

(industry avg. 0.12% CTR)

RE/MAX Property Experts People with a better understanding of the local property market. www.remax.com.au

website clicks

0.41%

RE/MAX Property Experts People with a better understanding of the local property market. 1. Google Display www.remax.com.au

(industry avg. 0.12% CTR)

RE/MAX Property Experts People with a better understanding of the local property market. www.remax.com.au

Network

12000

July

August

September

TOTAL

Metric

530

467

425

1,422

Click

DISPLAY

3,207

3,465

2,927

9,599

Click

August

8000

September

10000

TOTAL

TOTAL CAMPAIGN RESULTS

530

467

425

DISPLAY

3,207

3,465

2,927

TVC

12,155

website8,829 clicks 11,259

18,856 6,313,965

FACEBOOK

1846

12000

Metric

1,422

Click

9,599

Click

(search 32,243

2909/display/Facebook) 3080 7,835

View Click

page impressions (ads)

TOTAL CAMPAIG

18,856 6,313,96

web /dis

A low CPC at $1.6

RE/MAX Feature

2015 Employee of the Year recipient, Aimee Doherty with Michael Davoren

Standout employees recognised Three special employees were recognised through the second half of 2015 when Managing Director, Michael Davoren, announced two Employee of the Quarter recipients and the 2015 Employee of the Year for RE/MAX Australia/ New Zealand. Auckland-based Jasmine Rimmer, Member Services Coordinator for RE/MAX New Zealand, was Employee of the Quarter for July to September 2015. Brisbane-based RE/MAX Professional Development Manager, Melanie Marsh, was Employee of the Quarter for October to December 2015. And off to the RE/MAX R4 Convention in Las Vegas in March is the 2015 Employee of the Year recipient, Marketing & Communications Manager Aimee Doherty, who is also based in the Brisbane corporate office. Earlier in 2015, RE/MAX Australia’s Regional Operations Manager, Kathy Boots, had been awarded for the June quarter.

Employee of the Quarter (October to December 2015), Melanie Marsh with Michael Davoren

Employee of the Quarter (July to September 2015), Jasmine Rimmer.

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Off to the RE/MAX R4 Convention in Las Vegas in March is the 2015 Employee of the Year recipient, Marketing & Communications Manager Aimee Doherty.

”

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Feature

My day as a walking zombie Townsville sales agent’s Halloween effort works a treat. When RE/MAX Excellence agent Rob Levy set up for his first Open For Inspection on Saturday 31st October 2015, he went a little earlier and was transformed into a walking zombie by property owner and professional make-up artist, Tammy Holland, who was very happy to add a touch of Halloween to the open home experience.

“There were only a couple of people who didn’t appreciate my appearance, suggesting it was un-Australian. “I explained that I was American and Halloween was still my favourite time of year! Each year when I was in the States, my uncle, who is a full-time magician, and I would take over a gym or suchlike, design a haunted house and raise funds for charity.”

Rob’s make-over impressed one visitor to the Mount Low Queenslander so much that he put in an offer. It was the first open for that property in its auction marketing campaign but the vendor was happy with the offer and the property sold.

Rob also had a listing presentation lined up for 3pm that day and checked with the vendor to see if he could leave on the make-up. The property owner happily talked with a ‘walking zombie’ for one and a half hours and signed him up as the sales agent.

Rob said his ‘walking zombie’ transformation began with liquid latex to create a couple of gashes to his head.

Rob grew up in Los Angeles and has been in Australia for nine years. He and his wife moved to Townsville because of her studies at James Cook University where she now works.

“Next thing I had ‘blood’ dripping on to my shirt, which had been destined for tossing so that was okay. “The vendor had also baked a ‘brain cake’, which we were able to use in social media photos and so forth, and that created a lot of attention.”

He had three other OFI’s that day and fortunately all vendors were happy to have him in Halloween-mode. He had positive reactions from the majority of the 20-plus buyer parties he spoke to that day.

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He says one of his most exciting and proudest moments was becoming an Australian citizen last year. This is Rob’s fourth year in real estate, and he chose RE/MAX because of the opportunities it offers.

In 2014, Rob hosted around 300 trickor- treaters at his home but he was too busy with work to do so in 2015 so he went out instead. From OFI to ghoulish costume party… all in a day’s work for the Halloween-loving agent, who certainly achieved being front-of-mind!

RE/MAX Feature

RE/MAX Momentum empowers business owners

(left to right) Joel Davoren, Corinna Mansell, Melanie Marsh, Garry Malcolm, Leanne Kroes, Karl Rademeyer, Matthew Thomson, Wes McGregor, Murray Carter, Hugh Tonakis and Jim Tonakis attend the first Momentum in Australia.

RE/MAX Australia has a program for its franchise owners that is designed for business mastery and growing thriving businesses. Championing Momentum are RE/MAX Australia director Joel Davoren and RE/MAX Australia professional development manager Melanie Marsh. The two facilitate the program over an initial two training days with constant follow-up occurring as individual business profiles are developed over a three-month period. There is a third training day and again, follow up. “Momentum is a 12-month program of commitment rather than three days in a training room and participants have access to online course material,” Joel explains, “and because Momentum is a ‘train the trainer’ program skilling business owners, this includes access to a 12-module complete agent development program. “Skill training around leadership is very often neglected in our industry and this program is designed to address this. I am pleased to be helping both current business owners looking to get to the next level and new business owners who want to develop the leadership skills required to grow a thriving business.” Momentum is comprehensive. Its three key modules of planning, value and recruitment are broken down into clearly defined and manageable practices – a turnkey operating system for offices. “Systems drive businesses and people drive systems. Momentum shows our business owners how to develop these systems,” says Joel. “The planning module explores establishing each participant’s personal office culture, mission and vision to promote office growth. The value phase guides them to discover their office’s unique value and learn

how to communicate that to their people. Through the recruiting module, they develop a definitive plan for successful recruiting.”

Karl says Momentum differs vastly from past business training he has experienced because of the long-term commitment to and from participants.

He says that it’s really only a small percentage of real estate businesses that are truly thriving.

“Momentum is an amazing program through its focus on structure and the development and mentoring of agents. It is a very comprehensive program and participants are continually monitored when back in their businesses. This is very different to most lecture-based courses.”

“Momentum drives business owners to identify where they are at in their business and what they need to do to either remain as a thriving business or to transform their business from merely surviving to thriving. A successful business owner, he says, is someone who can walk away from their business and come back to a better business than it was before. “That’s what systemization delivers.” He accepts that the program may challenge some as they are forced to take an honest look at their own business as well as their business-life plan. Business owners Karl Rademeyer and Murray Carter attended the first session on offer last year. Murray describes Momentum as revolutionary for the real estate franchise industry. “Often franchise brands are concerned with the number of offices rather than the profitability of offices. “RE/MAX delivers Momentum to equip franchise owners to look within to see whether they are profitable and to take their business to the next level. The degree of detail is enormous. The dedicated follow-up makes you totally accountable.”

The RE/MAX mission statement is direct and to the point: to be the worldwide real estate leader, achieving its goals by helping others to achieve theirs. RE/MAX Australia is the right place for real estate entrepreneurs who want a combination of independence, support and unmatched competitive advantages. The Momentum program is proving one of these advantages. As a franchise group, RE/MAX Australia is constantly trying to add value. Momentum is unique in the way its three elements come together. Firstly, it is delivered through a consultative process with business owners. Secondly, it provides the tools and resources including financial, organizational and operational business planning templates. Thirdly, there is a serious process to keep program participants on course. Momentum, which is exclusive to RE/MAX, empowers offices to increase profitability by adding value for their existing and new agents, and it is a different and exciting way to spread the positive impact RE/MAX can have on agents’ careers.

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Events

July rally showed RE/MAX is unstoppable It was a frosty winter morning on the St Lucia Golf Course in Brisbane when the RE/MAX Australia team began setting up for the July Rally. By pack-up time after drinks and canapés on the Hillstone terrace, around 300, including RE/MAX partners with their well-populated information booths, had participated in a resoundingly successful event that was up 20 per cent in numbers on previous rallies. The theme was ‘We are RE/MAX’ and the words this represented: me, strong, extraordinary, motivated, productive, energized, inspiring, dedicated, global and as managing director Michael Davoren pointed out, with those nine, ‘unstoppable’. Mark Bouris, executive chairman of Yellow Brick Road, was the Rally’s first key speaker, proving an entertaining presenter with a great story involving, amongst other things, his interesting times with Kerry Packer. Mark was awarded the Order of Australia this year for services to the finance industry, particularly the home loan mortgage sector, to education and to charitable organisations. He is also a familiar face through television, including the Nine Network’s The Celebrity Apprentice Australia. Through the day, property managers had a valuable session with Stacy Holt on compliance, privacy matters and legislative change, and the Rally’s ten theme words inspired a clever and innovative ‘We are RE/MAX’ panel session, which had panelist Leanne Kroes from RE/MAX Platinum, Wes McGregor from RE/MAX Northern Realty, Ros Waters from RE/MAX Gold and Juana Bernado from RE/MAX Profile Real Estate relating the words to business and personal stories. Three of RE/MAX’s best took to the stage for the 2015 Auctioneer of the Year competition where each competitor in turn auctioned a Queenslander through a number of ‘challenges’ and some tricky mental arithmetic before the fall of the

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RE/MAX members about Cam almost

The theme was sent social media into melt-down after ‘We are RE/MAX’ the Rally! and the words this After presentation of RE/MAX represented: me, strong, Australia’s half yearly awards, director extraordinary, motivated, Joel Davoren summed up the Rally productive, energized, saying, ‘You are the reason these days inspiring, dedicated, are great’ global... unstoppable!

”

hammer. Two of the competitors had never performed an auction before and one of these, Greg Parker from RE/MAX Regency, would go on to claim victory from his Robina colleague (and first time auctioneer) Justin Miller and Lance Richards from RE/MAX Real Estate Services. All three performances made it tough work for the judges Adrian Lane-Mullins, Nathan Swain and Michael Davoren. Greg won the title and $2500. When the most remarkable, memorable, ‘awesome!’ Cam Calkoen took the Rally stage, he had a room that had swelled to standing room only spellbound. Cam is a young man who has not let Cerebral Palsy hold him back. He has represented New Zealand internationally in athletics and is a gold medalist. He is a charitable fundraiser, social entrepreneur and inspirational speaker. His message is… Dream big, achieve more. Posts by

RE/MAX Events

Melanie Marsh presents Professional Development 2016.

“

Greatest show on earth

One of the greatest benefits of the flip book is its numerous links to video, which is access that can’t be incorporated in hard copy.

Professional Development Manager, Melanie Marsh, has produced a powerful research tool that gives RE/MAX members access to every event and training offering from RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX LLC (global headquarters) available to them in 2016.

Content is broken up into sections covering member roles, areas of specialization such as commercial, project marketing and auction; a great many webinars to access from your desk; and resources available to RE/MAX including Australian Property Finance, events management and public relations.

One of the greatest benefits of the flip book is Simply named Professional its numerous links to video, Development 2016, the flip book is a which is access that can’t living electronic document. While its be incorporated in hard content is constantly being updated, a copy. live link takes RE/MAX members to the

”

With the PDF flip book, it’s always show time!

most up-to-date version.

Preceding the July Rally, APF held a very successful Professional Development Day that included guest speakers Steve Wormald from VOW and Glen Williams from Outward Looking.

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Events

Success of Singapore convention paves way for annual event The inaugural RE/MAX Asia Pacific Convention was held in Singapore in July 2015. Its purpose was to create an Asia-Pacific region real estate platform that brought industry people together to build relationships, forge links, collaborate with each other and support cross-territorial real estate transactions. RE/MAX Australia/New Zealand managing director Michael Davoren attended, along with Australian and New Zealand RE/MAX colleagues. The event attracted huge attention from the Singapore media, resulting in major newspaper and television coverage. Singapore’s main newspaper, The Straits Times, described the event as ‘the convention that agency owners, real estate agents, associates and property developers were waiting for’. Certainly the 1000-plus who walked through the Raffles City Convention Centre over the three days indicated this. Thirteen countries make up the RE/MAX Asia Pacific region – Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Guam, Korea, China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka and Mongolia. Add in delegates from the USA and Hong Kong and 15 countries were represented.

One of the many questions put to guest-of-honour, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law, K. Shanmugam, in relation to a forthcoming election’s impact on declining house prices. He said, “I don’t know why people link it (house prices) to the elections. An election by itself is not a factor… what is, is the state of the economy, the state of supply and demand, the process and the linkage to wages”, which reminded Michael of his own response to questions about Australian elections and the real estate market. The three-day program featured a lineup of more than 40 speakers who addressed diverse topics including evaluating market potential globally and fostering lasting business collaborations. Michael facilitated a panel on international referrals with panelists from the Philippines, Japan and India. Joining them was Cairns -based RE/MAX business owner Tony Williamson, who also sat with

Platinum Plus: Better than the best! Last year’s inaugural RE/MAX Platinum + Forum was two full days of speakers, panels and interactive sessions at the five star Sheraton Fiji resort. The ‘by invitation’ event was the first in the new format annual event for the highest of RE/MAX’s achievers from Australia and New Zealand. Keynote speakers were Nikki Heald, managing director of Corptraining, and one of Australia’s leading real estate agents, Melbourne-based Marcus Chiminello The Platinum + Forum is provided exclusively for RE/MAX high achievers, and those that attend agree that it is something to strive toward and get to each year. “No excuses, put in your diaries,” is how one high achiever puts it!

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Australians Geoff Baldwin, Mark Stevenson, John Buckley, Ros Waters, Michele Hyde and Angela Broche on panels addressing investment in rural and regional, metropolitan and tourism markets. Across the convention, formal and informal activities encouraged professional discourse and interaction. RE/MAX Singapore signed memorandums of understanding (MOU) with Australia/New Zealand, Korea and Japan, which will drive cross border training and include, amongst other initiatives, the establishment of an international internship program and ambassadors. Its success has secured it as a future annual event and it will be held in Bangkok this year, from 31 August to 2 September. In September 2017, RE/MAX Australia/New Zealand will host the Asia Pacific Convention on the Gold Coast.

RE/MAX Events

Hunter Valley retreat inspires real estate principals Franchise owners gathered in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, in September for the RE/MAX Australia and New Zealand Broker Forum 2015. Two days of speakers and panel sessions generated information and practices that business owners could immediately apply to the benefit of their business and its team and their customers, and the general consensus was that the quality of the professional development and network events for RE/MAX members was getting better and better. The Forum’s theme was ‘Would you buy your business?’, which was reflected in day-one key speaker Paul Brooks’ presentation focusing on the lifecycle of a real estate principal, adding value and preparing a business for sale, and day-two key speaker Daniel Spencer, whose company, Activate, specialises in business growth.

Net the result - when you have RE/MAXnet on your side! RE/MAXnet Support Manager Niki Bell took around 30 RE/MAX members through the RE/MAXnet system’s features in a training session at Kawana Waters on the Sunshine Coast in September. Participants were keen to hear what they could do to get the most out of the custom-built software system that is designed to help their bottom line, through its advanced technology - Touchpoints Manager ™, which is a simple, seamless way to win extra business and stay in touch with clients and customers. Since taking on the role of support manager in July, Niki has been busy delivering six tailored in-office training sessions a month. These are handson interactive sessions designed to make sure people are getting the most out of RE/MAXnet. The Sunshine Coast event coincided with the region’s quarterly training so Niki devised a presentation based on those aspects of the system she knew those attending were least familiar with, such as the open home feature. All RE/MAX Australia members are also invited to attend quarterly RE/MAXnet training sessions at the network’s head office in Milton, Brisbane.

He says just getting to Chicago was a great reward, as are his improvements since he began training semi seriously.

Sustainable profit and growth in each and every RE/MAX office is directly related to the quality and quantity of agents that work in the team, the quality and quantity of listings, and the overall experience the customer has.

“The great thing about triathlon age group racing is that it is never too late to start. For me the races are fun and provide a goal, but I enjoy the training and the health benefits.

The RE/MAX model supports entrepreneurs to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves because they have a powerful underpinning force of knowledge, experience, resources and futures planning. It is imperative that owners create a self-motivating environment within each business.

Chris runs, rides and swims in the windy city

How much the real estate industry has changed! What incredible changes are still to come? One certainly is that being average is no longer enough because excellence is the only acceptable benchmark in service.

RE/MAX Australia and New Zealand Finance Director Chris Chapman ran a good race in September 2015 when he completed an Olympic distance triathlon in Chicago, on the stunning Lake Michigan. The World Age Group Championships, involves a 1500 metre swim, a 40 kilometre bike ride and a 10 kilometre run. Chris qualified after making the top ten in the NZ National Championships.

“The benefits of planning, consistency, and execution apply not just to sport, but business and home life too,” said Chris. “Training takes time and effort. I usually train early in the morning throughout the week and on weekends, and I often squeeze a second workout in at lunchtime or in the evening. “This does affect other things in life so you have to be sensible, keep things in perspective and be prepared to compromise.” Chris says that he will continue to train and compete in local races but plans to focus on some other projects at home and at work before setting his next big triathlon goal.

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Events

Events to grant wishes RE/MAX proudly supporting Make-A-Wish® Australia

Number and variety of events keeps growing It has been a big six months or so for RE/MAX Australia and its fund-raising initiatives. RE/MAX Australia entered its fourth contract year with Make-A-Wish® Australia on 1st August 2015 and by the end of November fund-raising had reached $26,000. At the RE/MAX Rally in July, Make-A-Wish Ambassador, 19-yearold Jacqui Cowen, accepted RE/MAX Australia’s $41,970.23 cheque.

The images pictured below are from RE/MAX Profile Real Estate’s ‘Wish Upon a Star’ ball.

Here are some more of the past few months’ fund-raiser highlights… In an awesome effort, one office alone, RE/MAX Advantage, raised more than $5,000 in one hour of an August charity auction and raffle. The Friday lunchtime event was a stand-alone charity function with the sole aim of raising money for Make-A-Wish, which began as an annual event in 2014. Fifteen auction items were donated by local businesses and the RE/MAX Advantage team, and included a three-night Sunshine Coast getaway, a deluxe hair care package and a Craig Lowndes-signed model car. A raffle, run in conjunction with the auction, had an additional 22 prizes from a huge gift hamper to vouchers from fashion boutiques and restaurants. In August, RE/MAX Platinum attracted pirates and fairies from naught to 16 years of age to locate more than 200

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Pictured above (L-R): Julie Vincent and Narelle Gill at a RE/MAX Advantage fundraiser; RE/MAX Advantage’s Tandi Gill; Cheque presentation at the RE/MAX Australia Rally; RE/MAX fundraisers are special events.

hidden scrolls, each representing a hidden treasure, in its inaugural Fairies and Pirates’ Treasure Hunt fund-raiser. The event played out broker-owner Leanne Kroes’ promise to Make-AWish® Australia that she would help to grant a wish in her office’s first year of business. In October, more than 60 dressed for the occasion and headed to the Brisbane Jazz Club for a 2015 Spring Fashion Show fund-raiser with fashion from LeeLouAnne, and a chance to win more than $2,500 in prizes in the RE/MAX balloon raffle. The event raised hemlines, heels and a few eyebrows, and Nicola Perry from RE/MAX Property Sales on the

RE/MAX Events

Grandson has a ball RE/MAX Australia’s Kathy Boot was one of a number from the RE/MAX regional team to ‘glam up’ for Wish Upon a Star. “It was a wonderful evening and a credit to Christina Penrose,” said Kathy who was accompanied by her 21-year-old grandson, Beau van der Werf, no stranger to RE/MAX special events having gone along with grandma as a four-year-old to RE/MAX Australia first annual awards. “Beau had a ball and thanked me for inviting him again!” she said.

Sunshine Coast had the wow-factor to win ‘best-dressed’ on the night. Many wishes were begun through generosity seen at RE/MAX Profile Real Estate’s inaugural ‘Wish Upon a Star’ charity ball held at Brisbane’s Marriott Hotel in September, which raised almost $8000 and is now planned as an annual event. Prizes on the night included a Lutèce Bistro & Wine Bar tasting menu with matching wines for six, an hour long RE/MAX Australia hot air balloon ride for two adults and a RICOH Printer. A perfect spring day greeted the bargain hunters in Bellvista streets at a charity garage sale organised by RE/MAX First agents, Ken and Juliet Van Rooyen, from Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. Participating households pay a registration fee to be part of the event, then relish the opportunity to declutter, sell items they no longer need and make some money for themselves. The event involved 20 garage sales across six streets.

“

Network generosity was evident right through 2015 and many offices and agents have their own fund-raisers planned for this year as well as supporting corporate initiated events.

Treasure Hunt

In October, RE/MAX Australia held its second annual Charity Golf Day on the Gold Coast, Queensland. In November, the RE/MAX Advantage team got creative with a ‘Daggy food day’ fund-raiser with food inspired by days gone by and retro fads. At Christmas the previous year, RE/MAX Australia had replaced its practice of sending gifts to its broker-

”

owners and teams with a donation of $50 to Make-A-Wish on behalf of every RE/MAX office, a decision that had proved very popular. The same occurred over Christmas 2015. Network generosity was evident right through 2015 and many offices and agents have their own fundraisers planned for this year as well as supporting corporate initiated events.

Jazz Night

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Events

Winning team left to right - George Lewis, RE/MAX Regency Robina; Darren Rix, RE/MAX Realty Excellence Buderim; Daryn Trowbridge, RE/MAX Regency Robina; Darren Lewis, RE/MAX Regency Robina

Golf day brings out the charity champions RE/MAX Australia held its second annual Charity Golf Day on Wednesday, 7th October at Gainsborough Greens Golf Club on the Gold Coast, Queensland. RE/MAX Australia is passionate about supporting Make-A-Wish® Australia and invited RE/MAX members and clients to join in the day of fun, fund-raising and networking. A field of more than 100 began with a pre-game lunch before tee-off with a shotgun start. Presentations, canapés and drinks followed the 18 holes. All golfers had the chance to win an Audi on the day but that hole-in-one just wasn’t for the taking! Sponsors, who were secured by Australian Property Finance, included ANZ, CBA, First Mac, Pepper, Allianz, APF&APF Wealth and Audi. The golf day charity auction proved to be a big hit, and successful bidders were Hayley Van Den Ven, RE/MAX Australia (Kingston Parkway Voucher); Murray Carter, RE/MAX Regency (iRealty Start-Up Pack);

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Damien Lacey (Audi for the Weekend); and Rieka Ruse, News Corp (RE/MAX Balloon flight). In addition to funds raised from the Charity Auction, another $500 was donated by golfers on the day bringing the total raised throughout the day to $2,592.20. And the players making up the winning team on the day were Darren Lewis, Daryn Trowbridge, Darren Rix and George Lewis. Gainsborough Greens has been open since 1990, and hosted the Queensland PGA in 1991, 1992 and 1993; but while it’s considered a premier course, it is

very popular with social golfers. Its charm is also in the 230 hectares of natural bushland surrounding it, which includes a fauna and flora sanctuary that is home to dozens of Eastern Grey kangaroos. A date and course venue for the 2016 RE/MAX Australia charity golf gate is soon to be announced.

RE/MAX Network News

Queensland RE/MAX office showcases its market down south Wynnum-Manly highlighted as one of the best in southern property buyer event The RE/MAX Advantage project marketing team travelled to Homebush Olympic Park for the Sydney Property Buyer Expo in October to showcase real estate opportunities through its current and up-and–coming developments primarily in the Wynnum-Manly area as well as the greater Brisbane region. Broker-owner Tandi Gill described the team’s attendance over the three days as a ‘qualified success’ and had noticeable increased interest in the market from southern buyers following the event.

well overdue for a capital gain increase over the next three years.”

in the Courier Mail, Australian Financial Review and other publications.

Approximately 5000 people attended the Expo. Tandi estimates that the RE/MAX Advantage team would have spoken with, or provided information to, approximately 750 of these attendees. Wynnum-Manly also received good airplay over the loud speaker system, directing interest to the RE/MAX booth.

“I found our presence at the Expo was of great benefit for RE/MAX as a group,” said Tandi, ”with many exhibitors and developers pleased to discover that RE/MAX has project marketing. It seemed they were unaware of this.

The team was also successful in its efforts to engage the media in the lead up to the Expo, with articles appearing

“We also held live auctions at the event which drew large crowds. The RE/MAX balloon was flying high!!”

She said, “In essence, we were one of approximately 45 exhibitors at the Expo, and one of the few representatives for South East Queensland property. “There were a series of expert speakers at the Expo, providing their insight into the next ‘hot spot’ in real estate. Without fail, every speaker focused their attention on South East Queensland, which supported our presence very well and made it clear that both Sydney and Melbourne have had their ‘run’ from a growth aspect, and that many Brisbane suburbs are

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Network News

Academy is new brokers’ stage Australian Property Finance CEO, Nathan Swain, formally added mentor to his role last year after instigating the APF Academy to attract and retain the next generation of brokers “Our industry needs good new people to sustain itself but attracting new brokers is only part of the solution. We have to focus on keeping them. “But again, that’s only part of the story. We must facilitate their growth in a profession they will view as attractive and having long-term business opportunity. Australian Property Finance wants brokers in business growth mode not business maintenance mode throughout their professional career,” explained Nathan. He said the industry already requires brokers with less than two years of experience to be mentored. The APF Academy is effectively an in-house service to brokers to take them through the two-year ‘apprenticeship’ period. Ian Cook, who was one of APF’s founding brokers, is the other half of the mentoring team. He has a teaching background, and found a way to bring together his two loves of teaching and finance by becoming a MFAA Certified Mentor. Generally, around a dozen brokers come together every second Thursday

for a formal 1.5 hour mentoring session, which is quite structured, includes presentations and role plays, and sets up ‘champions’ in finance areas. The Academy has led to ‘champions’ in SMSF’s, foreign loans and ‘green’ loans from responsible lenders. It is a forum for learning and, through the role plays in particular, offers experience in negotiating and managing the tricky situations that can occur during that first two-year period. The feedback from participants is that it improves their knowledge and confidence, and significantly helps their bottom-line business. They are getting to where they want to be faster. The forum is open to all APF brokers not just the sub-two year brokers. They come to share, refresh and learn. The benefits in having people new and not-so-new to finance broking together and working as one are evident. The sharing of experiences and ideas, and the support, is ongoing. The APF Academy plays an important role in integrating brokers into the APF culture and is also a platform to promote the industry as dynamic, fastpaced and rewarding.

Inspiring others works better than sitting by the phone When APF finance specialist Michael Garland wanted to see an improvement in the volume of referrals he was receiving through RE/MAX sales agents, he did more than just wish it would happen. Michael chose to be proactive and capture the agents’ attention with an incentive. He decided rewarding agents for their referrals was the key to success. From August through to the end of November, he ramped up his encouragement of agents. He created an environment of engagement and fun in the RE/MAX Real Estate Services office in Cairns, and acknowledged the highest referring agents of approved unconditional finance. There was almost 100 per cent involvement from the sales agents, and to Michael’s delight, the referrals he received through RE/MAX business tripled the volume of the previous similar time period.

“

Michael chose to be proactive and capture the agents’ attention with an incentive.

”

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RE/MAX Network News

APF creates financial adviser role

long term goals through achievable financial plans and objectives, and play an important financial role through the changing stages in their lives.”

Jason Fung joined Australian Property Finance (APF) in June 2015 to head APF Wealth Management, a specialised wealth management and financial planning service to assist people plan and implement goals relating to insurances, superannuation, cash flow budgeting, investments, planning for tax or retirement and other finance matters. “APF Wealth Management is an expansion of our core activity and a diversified income stream,” explained APF’s CEO Nathan Swain, “but its intrinsic value is in delivering compliance.” “With Jason’s risk insurance focus, our customers can have total confidence that brokers are committed to responsible lending,” he said. Brisbane-born and raised, Jason’s exposure to business and finance

He said after working in small boutique and large corporate entities, he was looking for the ‘just right’, which is how APF presented.

began at a very early age through family businesses across two states. He gained a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Planning and Investments and added to his skill-base through mortgage broking, geared investments and SMSF accreditations. He is also a Commissioner for Declarations (Cdec). “My goal is to educate my clients so they can establish a solid financial foundation. I assist them build wealth for meeting their short, medium and

“I believe the APF model of teaming up with the business of real estate as well as accountants, mortgage brokers and legal entities is a better approach because it all-encompassing and allows for a client’s every and ongoing financial need to be addressed. “I’m also in favour of the RE/MAX and APF business culture, which cultivates entrepreneurship,” said Jason. For more information on APF and APF Wealth Management services, visit australianpropertyfinance.com.au

APF finance specialist starred at Vow awards Caitlin Troman, an Australian Property Finance (APF) broker who works on Brisbane’s northside won a Vow Financial inaugural Rising Star award. She accepted with the award at the Vow Financial 2015 national conference held in Sun City, South Africa, in October. The Rising Star award is based on Vow Financial’s recognition of a finance broker’s potential rather than actual figures over a period of time. There are approximately 900 Vow brokers in Australia. Tim Brown CEO of Vow said: “I’m very proud to have Caitlin as a leader in the Vow network. Ms Troman is passionate about helping hard working Australians achieve their dreams. Her enthusiasm for achieving this outcome is evident in everything she does. We are very proud to have recognised her

amongst her peers for her outstanding work, drive and dedication in the past financial year.” Caitlin joined APF approximately 12 months ago after serving with Queensland Police. The majority of business she writes is through RE/MAX referrals, and she attributes her success mostly to the RE/MAX real estate teams through Sandgate, Strathpine and Narangba, through the relationships she has with these sales specialists as well as approximately 35 lenders she accesses. It was an exciting time for APF, with finance specialist Anish Prasad, who works with RE/MAX agents based in Caboolture, Bribie Island and Burpengary markets, also nominated for the inaugural Rising Star award. APF and its brokers were nominated for six awards in total, with finance specialist Amanda Fletcher as a contender, as was APF itself. Caitlin Troman with Nathan Swain.

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Network News

RE/MAX behind Baffle Creek’s great raft race RE/MAX Coastal Lifestyle sponsors the Baffle Creek Boat Club’s big ticket event each year. The annual raft race is held mid-year at the Flat Rock Picnic Area on Baffle Creek and is a fund raising event for the boat club. The Baffle Creek Raft Race is one of the standout community events of the year in the region. The Baffle Creek Boat Club is a community sailing group run by local volunteers and friends. It meets every Sunday at the Flat Rock Picnic Ground, which is approximately 10 kilometres from Baffle Creek.

And if you are wondering where Baffle Creek is, it’s on the Queensland coast, approximately one hour from both Gladstone and Bundaberg. It’s a well-known location for great fishing, crabbing and prawning. It is crocodile and box jellyfish free, and has been a holiday mecca for people who love camping, fishing and the water in general. The ‘creek’ is actually a

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...RE/MAX balloon roamed the crowds handing out lollies and receiving plenty of hugs and smiles.

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whopping 120 kilometre-long river with a tidal reach of 35km! Sue Robertson says she’s lucky enough to live in Baffle Creek, sell real estate there and own RE/MAX Coastal Lifestyle, which she opened in May 2015. If you want to know more, visit www.remax-coastal-lifestyle.com.au

RE/MAX proves a crowd favourite RE/MAX Solutions put on a great show at Pine Rivers Park, Strathpine late November when seven from the team joined the annual Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Christmas in the Park. It was RE/MAX Solutions’ first time as an event sponsor and more than 1000 attended the event where Santa reigned supreme amidst fireworks and plenty of live entertainment. The RE/MAX Solutions stand featured a framed photo booth and competition. Delightful elves and a remarkable larger-than-life dancing RE/MAX balloon roamed the crowds handing out lollies and receiving plenty of hugs and smiles. Having a photo taken at the RE/MAX Solutions stand put you in draw for three prizes of toy baskets and a colour-in cubby. The competition was a winner! The Council – and the local crowd – is keen to have RE/MAX Solutions in next year’s fun-filled line-up.

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RE/MAX Welcome to RE/MAX

Welcome to RE/MAX RE/MAX is proud to introduce and welcome the newest offices and broker owners to the RE/MAX Australia network.

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In August 2015, RE/MAX First Residential opened in Coorparoo, QLD, with broker owners Craig Bullen, David Moore, Daniel Prosser and Paul Turner.

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In October, RE/MAX welcomed Ros Waters and Craig Leyden as broker owners of the newly established RE/MAX Energy at Boyne Island, QLD.

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In October, RE/MAX welcomed Chris Ryan as broker owner of RE/MAX Realty Excellence in Buderim, QLD.

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In February 2016, RE/MAX One opened in Minchinbury, NSW, with broker owner Levent Ince.

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In February, broker owners Matt & Lainie Towner opened RE/MAX Coastal in Byron Bay, NSW.

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remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Feature

How to win with Chinese buyers It may all come down to the position of the bed!

squiiz.com.au: an update In November 2015, SQUIIZ, the industry owned portal, launched its ‘Property Finds You’ App [Beta], which is available in the App store and Google Play. SQUIIZ also revamped its portal and reset its IT Development, moving it from an internal to external development house. The result was a significantly upgraded website that had more than 200,000 listings, Australia wide, at the end of November last year. CEO Nick Christian says SQUIIZ now has more than 50 per cent of national listings and is attracting an increasing number of independents. Plans are in place to acquire 100 per cent of all listings by the end of 2016. RE/MAX Australia managing director Michael Davoren confidently expects the portal to become competitive with realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, though not overnight. “This is a strategy for the long term, and it is more about content than market share. The purpose of SQUIIZ is to protect the real estate industry and the data it collects. “We’ll see SQUIIZ build on its initial momentum and increase pressure on the third party portals and the excessive fees that some of them are currently charging. “Most agents feel a lot more comfortable sharing data with SQUIIZ, something in which their industry has a vested interest and level of control, rather than only putting it in the hands of a non-industry player at a price,” he said.

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By Andrew Taylor, co-Founder of Juwai.com When Liang Mei wanted to buy a Melbourne apartment for her aging father, it had to be in the suburb of Box Hill, which already had many Chinese-speaking residents, services and clubs. That would make it easier for him to develop a network of friends and it was not too far from Mrs Liang’s home in Richmond. Best of all, the area has good feng shui. Being about halfway up a hill, the suburb has especially good feng shui. If your home is at the bottom of a slope, some say you stay at the bottom in life and don’t progress. If your home is on the peak, then there is no room for further progress. Feng shui is not important to all offshore and local buyers of Chinese background, but for many it can break a deal. One survey found that feng shui makes a difference to 83 per cent of ethnicChinese homebuyers. More than three-quarters are willing to offer an average of 16 per cent more for good feng shui. Some houses and apartments can’t be fixed. For example, if the stairs face out the front door, the consequence is that all luck will flow right through the door and out of the house. It’s not easy to rearrange a staircase. Homes at the end of a dead-end street

or with the front and rear doors aligned have little appeal. Often, feng shui problems can be corrected and a house or apartment can be made more desirable. The feng shui goal is to create a calm, harmonious environment that improves the flow of positive energy and outcomes. This occurs through layout, furniture placement, plants and other decor elements. Simple ways to improve the feng shui of any home include cleaning up clutter, carefully placing mirrors (for example, not opposite a bed) and painting in complementary colours. If a bed is in the ‘death position’, with its foot pointing at the door, you can usually just relocate it. This seemingly minor change can have major impact on sales prospects. Forty-one per cent of surveyed ethnic Chinese buyers indicated a badly-oriented bed would discourage them from buying a home. Other improvements vendors might make include repainting kitchens in complementary colours, adding live plants and a full-length mirror to the bathroom, and rearranging furniture. If you don’t believe in your own capability to advise your vendor about feng shui, there are many consultants who can help. Consider including the cost of feng shui consulting in your marketing plan, and ensure the consultant works with your stager or stylist towards the same goal.

RE/MAX Feature

Getting to know you… Niki Bell, RE/MAXnet Support Manager, RE/MAX Australia and New Zealand Niki began her real estate career in 1999 and joined RE/MAX the year after. In July last year, she was appointed to RE/MAXnet Support Manager and is the person RE/MAX members turn to when they want to get the most out of the custom-built software system that is designed to help business bottom line. How and when did you discover your interest in real estate? I was lucky enough to be offered a job right out of high school with a real estate agency. After four years with them, I was offered a role with RE/MAX Bayside Properties and have been in varied administration roles with RE/MAX ever since. I joined the Head Office team, which was always my end goal, in October 2010. What have been some of your most memorable moments since becoming part of RE/MAX? I have always enjoyed being part of the annual awards. When in an office, it meant the world to me to watch my agents getting up on stage being

recognised for their efforts, knowing that I had something to do with their success! Joining the corporate team brings a whole new meaning to the annual awards, but I still love it and have NEVER missed one since I joined RE/MAX in 2002. What would be involved in an average working week? I take many calls each day from our members looking for support with the RE/MAXnet system. I get to go out regularly to visit our offices and do onsite training with our Broker Owners and their staff. Also, each month I handle the franchise returns. What aspects of your role give you greatest pleasure? I love being able to interact with our wonderful members, either over the phone, via Skype or in-person in their own office. It’s the weekend. Work does not beckon. How would you be most likely to spend your time? My family are water people so we

would be out on the boat fishing or we would be over at our favourite place, our boat club on South Stradbroke Island. Why did you choose this photograph? ‘My Family’ - It’s who I am. This was the morning my beautiful family surprised me for Mother’s Day and took me horse riding. It was a magical day that I will never forget. Something people may not know about you unless we tell them… Most people that are close to me know that I live with Multiple Sclerosis. I believe that I am an extremely strongwilled person and although I have Multiple Sclerosis, it does not have me! I try to never let it get me down so I can enjoy every precious minute that I have with my family.

“I love being able

to interact with our wonderful members.

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remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Feature

Losers in real estate will cloud perception Pleasing both buyers and sellers can be a tough gig in real estate. Managing Director, Michael Davoren, explores how those who lose out in a real estate transaction can blur perceptions of agents and why agents may poll poorly as a result. This article featured in ‘Real Estate Business’, 18 November 2015. Market research company, Roy Morgan, has been polling Australians about the trustworthiness of different professions since 1975. In the first year that real estate agents were included, the profession had just an 11 per cent rating of ‘very high’ or ‘high’ for ethics and honesty. Real estate agents have always polled poorly. In the 2015 poll, nurses, doctors and pharmacists were #1, #2 and #3. School teachers were fourth. At the tail end – 28th, 29th and 30th – were real estate agents, advertising people and car salesmen. In this year’s poll, real estate agents had a nine per cent rating, after having peaked with 12 per cent in 2012. The only professions to have fared worse than real estate agents on some occasions were newspaper journalists, especially pre 2000; union leaders, especially through the late 90s; and to a lesser extent, insurance brokers. This year CoreLogic conducted its Consumer Perceptions of Real Estate survey, wanting to test the stereotype by going directly to people with experience of agents and their performance. Almost 300 recent sellers responded, rating their experiences and ranking the behaviours and skills that they thought their agents had excelled, or done poorly, in. On one hand, the results threw up a pleasant surprise.

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The survey identified that the untrustworthy, smooth-talking, selfinterested agent-stereotype was not as bad as we may have thought. The majority of vendors reported positive experiences with their agents. Thirty-one per cent rated the experience as ‘excellent’ and 35 per cent rated it as ‘good’. Sixty-eight per cent of respondents said they would recommend their agent to friends or family. There is a side to the real estate industry that often goes unrecognised. That is the millions of dollars raised for charity, across Australia and across the world. Since 1992, the RE/MAX brand alone has invested in the wellbeing of local communities to the tune of well over $150 million, and most real estate groups have their charities of choice. If real estate people are committed to community engagement and helping others; if 66 per cent in CoreLogic’s survey rated their overall experience when selling their home as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’; and if, for example, the majority of the 980 customers interviewed by a major real estate brand this year responded that ‘real estate agents do add value’, then why are real estate agents so unpopular or at least generally perceived to be? Could it be because there are always losers in real estate transactions, and the agents are usually held responsible? A percentage of real estate consumers will feel they have lost - including the buyer who missed out on a property, the person who thinks they paid too much or sold for less than they want,

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It is easy for anyone to deliver good news. Often the real estate agent needs to deliver the ‘bad’ but deliver it they must, because only then is there honesty and trust.

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and the landlord sitting with an empty investment property. Property managers feel the ire as much as sales agents. Who do tenants turned down for a rental, or asked to vacate a property, generally blame? A gap between the buyer and seller is always likely, with the seller wanting more and the buyer wanting to spend less. The skill of the real estate agent is in closing that gap and bringing these parties together. Today, a significant percentage of investment properties are being sold by marketers, a group typified by people with big campaigns, generally selling projects, and offering low deposits and attractive repayment plans. In the end, the prices they ask are way over what the local real estate agents may determine those prices should be. The simple way investors can avoid the price trap is to ring a local real estate agent and check a similar property/price range before buying. We find that the marketers are often talking 20 to 30 per cent over the mark and this is tarnishing the reputation of the real estate agent. Third-party marketers are not ‘real’ real estate agents. And while everyone generally points the finger at the agent, it is predominantly the market itself that drives the outcome. Consumers can easily have a false perception of the market through misinformation and wrongly believing that every headline relates to their own micro-market, for example. In a red hot market such as Sydney has experienced, you have satisfied sellers and frustrated buyers. In many cases, auctions attracted huge numbers of registered bidders. For every 10 registered bidders, nine will miss out. In markets that have been damaged by the mining and minerals downturn, you have sellers with properties worth far less than what they paid for them. It is the real estate agent that usually has the job of breaking that news. In the CoreLogic survey, 34 per cent said their real estate agent’s service had either underwhelmed or angered them.

Not all agents have the ability to make everyone feel good but the really good agents stand the best chance. That’s because the best agents can make even the ‘losers’ feel good. This is not a trick but a matter of being honest and delivering a better service, which generally occurs because the agent accesses regular, quality, professional development. So what are the 30-odd per cent of agents doing wrong? Whatever it is they must address it and lift their game. They must be 100 per cent committed to their professional development, seek out the best and be engaged. Like every industry, real estate has its bad eggs – but this is a very small percentage because the industry is extremely regulated at all levels and the bad eggs get caught out. So they should; and depending on the severity of their wrong doing, possibly removed! The Core Logic survey identified that agents needed to demonstrate honesty from the get-go to build customer trust, which comes through regular communication, and dependable and accountable behavior. It is easy for anyone to deliver good news. Often the real estate agent needs to deliver the ‘bad’ but deliver it they must, because only then is there honesty and trust. The good news is that I personally see and hear ample stories where consumers applaud agents for good service and good results; and strangely, a lot who say they don’t trust real estate agents will also say that they are very happy with their own agent. Perhaps it is the perceived but unknown ‘untrustworthy smoothtalking self-interested agent’ who they wouldn’t recommend! Overall, we are an industry of skilled professionals who give to our communities, deliver to our clients and customers and receive good support from our peers and the industry itself. We should be unequivocally associated with trust. I’d like to see any future survey reflect that.

RE/MAX congratulates media Two real estate industry publications that regularly feature RE/MAX Australia articles won prestigious awards for their efforts in 2015. Samantha Maclean, managing editor of Elite Agent magazine, was judged Editor of the Year (Business) by more than 50 publishing industry judges in the Publishers Australia Annual Awards. Sterling Publishing, publisher of Real Estate Business, Residential Property Manager and other titles, took out the coveted Business Publishing Company of the Year award for the second year running. The awards were presented in October at a gala dinner attended by more than 300 publishing industry professionals were in attendance, representing the very best across both business and consumer titles in Australia. The event is the longest-running award ceremony for the print and digital publishing industry. Business Publishing Company of the Year Winner: Sterling Publishing Runner up: Key Media

Editor of the Year (Business) Winner: Samantha McLean Elite Agent Runner up: Yelena Fairfax Beauty Directory

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

RE/MAX Feature

RE/MAX would like to thank its partners for their continued support:

Connecting with RE/MAX is valued by platinum partner

New energy found in RE/MAX branded stock Red Energy Promotions is a new partner for 2016. Its first Australian business opened on the Sunshine Coast 12 years ago and Red Energy Promotions, a one-stopshop for business branding, is now also in Noosa, Cairns, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Chief Wordman, Justin Veivers, says becoming a Bronze Partner was an opportunity to take Red Energy Promotions to a higher business level. “It means we are committed to RE/MAX business branding and helping RE/MAX offices and members make the most of their brand. “We are stepping up to provide custom products rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach; and with a focus on local area marketing, RE/MAX members can personalise marketing collateral for their local communities and to their specific communication needs.” Noosa-based Justin says Red Energy Promotions has a pro-active relationship with clients. “An exciting example is the web portal we’ve developed: shopremax.com.au, which is a hub for RE/MAX members – where they can make purchases, read product news and totally engage with Red Energy, all for the purpose of driving RE/MAX business,” Justin explained. RE/MAX Australia members gave a new merchandise range launched for the February RE/MAX Rally a very big tick of approval. “It is very exciting to not be ‘offthe-shelf’ when it comes to our promotional material,” said RE/MAX Australia’s Tanya Bull.

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The Platinum Partner mantle is offered to just one company at any given time, and now in its fourth year of partnership is Direct Connect. A Platinum Partner has a range of opportunities to build its profile within RE/MAX Australia and the industry by establishing a strong presence at all RE/MAX Australia events and through speaking opportunities at elite events. Direct Connect is Australia’s leading utilities connection provider. It has been moving Australians – home owners and tenants - for more than ten years and organises services including electricity, gas, phone and internet, pay TV, insurance, conveyancing, removalists, truck hire and cleaning. General Manager, Shaun Mahony, said the real estate industry was the lifeblood of Direct Connect’s business, attributing 90 to 95 per cent. “We believe partnering with the top names in real estate is paramount to the success of Direct Connect. “It means we are able to network at events, and have some fun too. “A Direct Connect team tees off on RE/MAX Australia’s annual charity golf day, for example, and I was chatting with Katie Knight from Toowoomba at a rally when other RE/MAX people joined in. Thanks to Katie’s affirmation of our service, they now refer customers to us. Shaun said Direct Connect makes an effort to have someone from the company attend every RE/MAX event but he’s ticked one event for himself this year. “I hear that the Broker Owner Retreat is in Thailand in August, and I’ll be there,” he confirmed.

RE/MAX Highlights

RALIA ENT: T S U MAX A DEVELOPM HTS / E R 2016 GHLIG ONAL I I S H S R E ENDA PROF L A C TS EVEN RE/MAX Professional Development: another great reason to be part of RE/MAX. RE/MAX Australia is committed to the professional and personal development of its members and provides many options throughout the year. It teams up with Imagine Experiences, a professional creative team of event management specialists, to deliver its very special events. Whether you are a broker owner, a sales associate, a property manager or an administrator, as a RE/MAX member you have access to courses, events and workshops to help you grow as a professional. 2016 is full of training and events options. The complete Events Calendar is in the RE/MAX Professional Development brochure, which is available from the RE/MAX Australia corporate office and on Global Training. Meanwhile, here are some highlights:

property managers The AIM Chapter is a welcoming and inclusive environment for property management professionals. Two sessions are scheduled for the first half of the year: 11th February at Sheraton Mirage, Gold Coast and 31st May at RE/MAX Regional Office, Milton, QLD.

february

gold coast The RE/MAX Rally & Annual Awards is RE/MAX Australia’s biggest event of the year! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network and listen to top speakers at the Sheraton Mirage, Gold Coast on the 10th and 11th February. The annual awards and gala dinner kicks off at 6.30pm on Thursday evening in the Grand Ballroom.

2016’s first Auction Lock-in is at Sheraton Mirage, Gold Coast on 10th February. The topic is ‘Let’s talk about price!’ and the presenter, REIQ Auctioneer of the Year, Justin Nickerson. RE/MAX members are invited join the Auction Chapter and attend Auction Lock-in events, where sales associates get together to discuss the best marketing and campaign strategies for running auctions and hear from top speakers in the business.

june Chosen high achievers from Australia and New Zealand are invited guests at the Platinum Plus Forum on Hamilton Island, QLD, 13th to 16th June.

elite The Elite Performers Group, comprising 10 to 15 RE/MAX members, meets regularly through the year with mentor Jason Andrew. The first for 2016 is Thursday 28th April.

broker owners Momentum is a three- day course to assist broker owners in building a thriving office. The first round is Day 1 Monday 18th January, Day 2: Tuesday 19th January; and Day 3: Thursday 19th May. Venue: RE/MAX Regional Office, Milton, QLD.

vegas

Welcome to the 2016 R4, from February 29th to March 3rd at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Packed with energy and plenty of surprises, the convention is a mix of information, motivation and stellar entertainment. Plus, you never know who is likely to drop by as a special guest. An event NOT to be missed!

Broker Management Training assists both new and experienced broker owners in running a highly successful and profitable business. Industry trainer Cindy Tate facilitates the two-day event – on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th February; then Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th May. Venue: RE/MAX Regional Office, Milton, QLD.

So, there’s something for everyone. Experience RE/MAX to the MAX! View the full calendar at remax.com.au/events

remax.com.au | Issue 1-16

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