Free Fuel For a Year

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First National Real Estate has launched a competition throughout Victoria where homeowners can win a free year’s supply of fuel from Caltex.

‘Can anyone explain why the cost of fuel has gone through the roof yet the Australian dollar has never been stronger’ Jee Chin from First National JM Chase asked.

With interest rates expected to gradually rise throughout 2011, the cost of home ownership will increase. However, the winner of First National’s competition will certainly enjoy a considerable weight being lifted from their budget by not having to pay for fuel for a year.

‘We’re certain this will be a great boost to some lucky family’s or an individual’s budget this year’ said Jee Chin.

To enter the competition, participants need to visit www.freefuelforayear.com.au and follow the prompts.

The ‘Free Fuel For A Year’ competition is simple to enter and runs between 1 March and 31 May, 2011.

FIRST NATIONAL SAYS STAMP DUTY TOO TAXING

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A reform of state taxes is being called for by First National, particularly inefficient ones like stamp duty which is proving too taxing for working families to pay.

Stamp duty is nothing more than governments gouging money from those who can least afford to pay – working Australian families.

We are already proven to be one of the most expensive property markets in the world and excessive property taxes, like stamp duty, is making it incredibly difficult for new entrants to gain access to the market or for existing home owners to upgrade.”

The situation with the Australian property market is becoming untenable and needs to be addressed at a national level.

At a time when rents are soaring, vacancy rates are tight and there is a shortage of supply, there is a real potential that more Australian families will be forced onto the streets – increasing homeless rates and welfare payments and further adding economic stress to the Australian economy.

Serious consideration needs to be given to addressing the problems with the Australian property market if there is going to be hope for future Australians to realise home ownership dreams.

“Plus, as the Henry Review points out, transaction taxes such as stamp duties reduce economic efficiency, either by discouraging turnover or being embedded in the cost of production, which just increases the problem.

TWO OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST JOIN FORCES

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Australian Finance Group (AFG), the largest independent mortgage broking group in Australia and First National Real Estate, the largest independent real estate network, have joined forces to deliver a new alternative in finance and home lending.

The partnership means First National Real Estate agents will be able to offer customers the support of experienced, accredited local mortgage brokers in a way that will make the buying process as smooth as possible.

‘Access to a professional mortgage aggregation service is crucial for all property investors, first home buyers and families’ said First National JM Chase principal, Jee Chin.

‘The complexity of mortgage products and their ever changing nature means that only brokers with a broad panel of lending options can provide balanced advice. Even the most seasoned property investor would find it difficult to stay on top of the ever-changing range of products available.

‘Our goal is to ensure that buyers dealing with First National agents are given prompt access to comprehensive advice and are able to quickly gain approval so they can purchase with a minimum of delay and fuss’ said Jee Chin.

Each month, Australian Finance Group (AFG) helps thousands of families move into homes using its network of 2300 brokers around Australia. With access to more than 800 home loans from 34 of Australia’s lenders, AFG offers the largest range of mortgage products.

DELAY REACTION AFTER A DISASTER

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First National says victims of Australia’s recent spate of natural disasters should delay making major decisions until they have had time to recover both emotionally and physically.

According to First National, home owners should start by talking to their local real estate agent who may have some helpful tips on where to go for assistance, how to renegotiate loan arrangements or other options they may not have considered. 

These tips may include things such as:

·         Finding out if there is a council buy back scheme for properties in ‘disaster’ zones, and if so, whether you are, or may be eligible now or some time in the near future

·         Banks and other mortgage providers may be prepared to provide interest holidays or other financial relief

·         Tenants and landlords should review their rights by visiting the respective residential tenancy authorities in each state

·         Recent home buyers who entered an unconditional sale contract may also have options depending on the definition of  ‘habitable’ or ‘not habitable’ in their contract

·         Wait for the market to recover - based on past experiences, there is often an initial reduction in home prices following a natural disaster event, but prices have been found to mostly recover within 12 months.

·         Review and update insurance cover to ensure the property is protected from similar disastrous events in the future

·         Look for discounted services and goods, which can generate significant savings for today and the future such as non-profit building and construction companies like Architecture for Humanity, www.flooddiscounts.com.au or bargain-priced wood, steel, aluminium and tradespeople.

2011 - Looking Good

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First National surveyed its 450+ offices in Australia and

New Zealand to find that 2011 is expected to be a turnaround year for real estate.

The 2011 Property Market Outlook outlines actual market conditions experienced by First National members on the ground, so you know exactly what is going on.

While the market has slowed and is flattening out, great opportunities remain and investors will play a much bigger role – taking advantage of low vacancy rates, strong returns and reduced competition from first home buyers.

There are plenty of reasons to have confidence in Australian property. Get the low-down by visiting www.firstnational.com.au

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Welcome to the blog of the brand spanking new First National Real Estate agency, JM Chase, where We Put You First. Have a look at our most recent property lisitngs, or our website. Thinking of selling or buying? Give us a call!