The Blog

Oct 24, 2023

Unlock Peace of Mind: Why Our Property Management Services Are a Must for Brisbane Landlords

If you're a local landlord or property investor, you understand the importance of effective property management. Owning a rental property can be rewarding for investors, but it can also be demanding and time-consuming if you manage it yourself. That’s where our property management services come into play, offering you the peace of mind you deserve. Responsive Tenant Care One of the hallmarks of our property management services is our commitment to responsive tenant care. We understand that happy tenants are more likely to stay, pay rent on time, and take better care of your property. Our property managers are always just a phone call or email away, ensuring that tenant issues are addressed promptly and effectively. Whether it's a maintenance request or a general inquiry, we've got it covered, providing a smooth experience for your tenants and safeguarding your property's value. Informed Landlords Communication is key in successful property management, and we take this seriously. Our property managers keep you informed every step of the way. You’ll receive regular updates on the status of your property, including rental income, maintenance reports, and financial statements. With us, you’re never left in the dark about your investment. We believe that well-informed landlords make better decisions and have greater peace of mind. Swift Tenant Placements When it comes to finding new tenants, we excel. Our local expertise and extensive network allow us to quickly fill vacancies with qualified renters. We conduct thorough tenant screenings, including credit checks and reference verifications, to ensure that your property is in safe hands. Minimising vacancy periods means maximising your rental income, and that’s exactly what we aim for. Property Maintenance and Inspections Regular property inspections are crucial for identifying maintenance needs and ensuring that your investment remains in top condition. Our property managers schedule and carry out routine inspections, addressing any issues proactively. From minor repairs to more significant renovations, we have a network of trusted local contractors to maintain and enhance your property's value. Tailored Services We understand that every property is unique, and so are your needs as a landlord. Our property management services are tailored to fit your specific requirements. Whether you have a single property or a portfolio, we have the expertise and flexibility to meet your expectations. When it comes to property management, local knowledge and personalised service makes all the difference. Trust our experienced team to safeguard your investment, keep your tenants satisfied, and maximise your returns. Get in contact today to ask for a competitive quote for our property management services and experience the benefits of stress-free rental property ownership. We put you first.

Oct 13, 2023

Brisbane CoreLogic RP Data Market Update October 2023

Oct 10, 2023

Catching the Aussie Dream: Who Truly Owns a Home Down Under?

As Australia's housing market continues to be a hot topic, recent census data reveals fascinating insights into the winners and losers of the home-owning game. Who actually owns Australia's homes? The answer provides an engaging narrative on the country's social fabric and paints a vivid picture of modern Australia. Age & Homeownership One of the key indicators of homeownership is age. The longer someone has been in Australia, the more likely they are to own a home. It's not surprising given that skilled immigrants usually arrive in their late 20s or 30s. Data shows that around half of this group reports owning a home within a decade of arriving. This percentage shoots up to more than 80% by the time they reach their sixth and seventh decades in the country. The Working Life Occupation plays an interesting role. In industries like agribusiness and alumina production, the rate of homeownership is notably higher. The logic might lie in the possibility of extra earnings from overtime. On the flip side, those working in pubs, cafes, and call centres are less likely to own a home. Even among younger workers, like baristas and bar attendants, only 40% manage to buy a property. Regional Variations Location also matters. In suburbs like Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, and Camden Haven, over 80% of primary reference persons own their homes. Contrast that with areas like Port Hedland and Karratha, where the figure dips to as low as 27%. Such variations reflect the core values of Australians and immigrants alike. The Australian dream of homeownership spans decades, and most people achieve it by the time they retire. The Quintessential Homeowner So, who is the quintessential Australian homeowner? Census evidence suggests it's likely a woman in her late 60s or 70s, a Christian, possibly a former secretary, who arrived from Malta in the 1960s. Today, she lives on an acreage in Gisborne on Melbourne's outskirts. A Question of Cohesion But here lies the twist: what happens when the younger generation feels locked out of the housing market? The Australian dream remains a core aspiration, and much of our social cohesion relies on the belief that it's attainable at different stages of life. The data isn't just numbers; it's a narrative of a nation willing to strive for a home of their own. And while the picture may differ from one suburb to the next or one profession to another, the dream persists. What remains to be seen is how this dream adapts to new challenges and whether it remains attainable for all, irrespective of age, job, or origin. First National Real Estate wants everybody to find the right, most affordable home. That’s why we put Your Patch on our website. Using the latest Census data, we can help you discover the suburbs of Australia that offer the types of housing you’re looking for, to buy or rent, and we share valuable information with you on the average mortgage or rental costs of living in those areas. Find Your Patch here… We put you first.

Sep 11, 2023

Brisbane CoreLogic RP Data Market Update September 2023

Brisbane CoreLogic RP Data Market Update September 2023

Sep 11, 2023

First National Property Guide September 2023

First National Property Guide eMagazine for the Greater Brisbane, Ipswich and Moreton areas for September 2023. Click the link here  -  First National Magazine September 2023 This monthly eMagazine will exclusively feature the listings, profiles, and locations of First National offices in these incredible regions. Whether you’re seeking a cozy apartment, a family home, or an investment opportunity, the First National Property Guide has got you covered! Are you looking to sell now or just looking for a up-to-date market assessment of your home, you can locate a First National office near you. The First National Property Guide offers a comprehensive collection of properties from one of the most trusted brands in the industry.

Sep 4, 2023

Discover Your Perfect Suburb with ‘Your Patch’

Searching for an affordable rental property, the ideal suburb to call home, or the best place in Australia to invest in can be a daunting task. With countless options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure about where to start. However, with First National Real Estate's interactive dashboard, Your Patch, your search for the perfect suburb becomes effortless. Your Patch is designed to assist homebuyers, investors, and renters in finding their ideal neighbourhood based on their unique preferences and financial capabilities. Here's what you'll find in Your Patch: 1.      Personalised Suburb Recommendations: Your Patch understands that everyone has different priorities when it comes to choosing a suburb. Our interactive dashboard allows you to input your preferences, such as proximity to schools, transport links, amenities, safety, and lifestyle options. By analysing these inputs, Your Patch generates personalised recommendations tailored to your needs, saving you time and effort in your search for the perfect suburb. 2.      Financial Considerations: Finding a suburb that fits within your financial capabilities is crucial. Your Patch takes this into account by providing you with real-time information on property prices, rental rates, and market trends. This data empowers you to make informed decisions based on your budget, ensuring you find a suburb that aligns with your financial goals. 3.      Comprehensive Suburb Insights: Your Patch goes beyond basic information by providing detailed insights about each suburb. You can access data on demographics, crime rates, school rankings, transportation options, and local amenities. These comprehensive insights enable you to assess the suitability of a suburb and make an informed decision about your future neighbourhood. 4.      User-Friendly Interface: The Your Patch dashboard is designed with simplicity and user-friendliness in mind. The intuitive interface allows you to navigate effortlessly through the various features and access the information you need. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or a renter, Your Patch ensures a seamless user experience. 5.      Investors' capital gains paradise When you're trying to identify the right place to buy an investment property, knowing the trajectory of capital gains in recent years certainly helps. While past performance is no guarantee of future performance, Your Patch clearly shows levels of demand, how many people are moving to particular suburbs, and how much prices have changed over time. Are you ready to find your perfect suburb? Visit Your Patch today and unlock a world of possibilities! With its interactive dashboard and personalised recommendations, Your Patch will help you discover the ideal neighbourhood for you, your family, or your investment. Don't waste time sifting through endless options or settling for less than what you deserve. Embrace the power of data-driven decision-making and let Your Patch guide you to your dream location. Remember, finding the right suburb is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about finding a place that feels like home. Your Patch is here to simplify your search and make the process enjoyable. Start your journey towards finding your perfect patch today! https://www.firstnational.com.au/your-patch

Sep 4, 2023

10 Tips to Turbo Charge Saving a Deposit

Buying your first home is a big dream for many people, but it can also be a daunting task. The saving of a deposit is your first major obstacle, but there are a number of things you can do to turbo charge your savings and make your dream a reality. Here are our top 10 tips to help you save for your first home deposit: Set up an automatic savings plan. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save money. Once you set up a regular transfer from your bank account to your savings account, you won't even miss the money. Reconsider recurring payments. Take a look at your monthly expenses and see if there are any recurring payments that you can cut back on or cancel altogether. For example, you might be able to save money by cancelling a streaming service subscription, eating out less, or switching to a cheaper cell phone plan. Consider investing in blue chip shares. If you have some money to invest, you could consider investing in blue chip shares. These are shares in well-established companies that are likely to provide a steady return on your investment. Take advantage of government grants and stamp duty waivers. There are a number of government grants and stamp duty waivers available to first home buyers. These can help you save a significant amount of money on your purchase. Check out First National Real Estate’s First Home Buyer Financial Assistance Guide. Do smarter grocery shopping. There are a number of ways to save money on groceries. For example, you could buy items like detergent and coffee in bulk when they're on sale. You could also cook more meals at home and avoid eating out as much. Sell household items you no longer use. You could also raise some extra cash by selling household items you no longer use. You could hold a garage sale, sell items online, or donate them to charity. Get a roommate. If you're able to, getting a roommate can help you save money on your rent. This is a great option if you're living in a major city where rent prices are high. Get a part-time job. If you're already working full-time, you could get a part-time job to boost your savings. This is a great way to make extra money without having to sacrifice your social life or hobbies. Live below your means. This is probably the most important tip of all. If you want to save for your first home, you need to learn to live below your means. This means cutting back on unnecessary expenses and making sure that your spending is in line with your income. Be patient. Saving for a first home deposit takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep at it and eventually you'll reach your goal. Following these tips can help you turbo charge your savings and reach your goal of buying your first home sooner rather than later. Just remember to be patient and persistent, and you'll eventually be able to achieve your dream. If you're serious about buying your first home, we encourage you to start saving today. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll reach your goal. And remember, there are a number of resources available to help you along the way. So don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Our agents are always happy to talk to you about the local market and, if you tell us your budget and what you hope to find, we’ll be sure to let you know the moment the right property comes up for sale.

Aug 17, 2023

First National Property Guide August 2023

First National Property Guide eMagazine for the Greater Brisbane, Ipswich and Moreton areas for August 2023. Click the link here  -  First National Magazine August 2023 This monthly eMagazine will exclusively feature the listings, profiles, and locations of First National offices in these incredible regions. Whether you’re seeking a cozy apartment, a family home, or an investment opportunity, the First National Property Guide has got you covered! Are you looking to sell now or just looking for a up-to-date market assessment of your home, you can locate a First National office near you. The First National Property Guide offers a comprehensive collection of properties from one of the most trusted brands in the industry.