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02/07/09 14:33 Filed in: Training
Hi Everyone,
If you are feeling the winter cold (and I am, I’m sorry to say), I have a solution!
Every July, savvy Property Managers and Principals head north to the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort on the Gold Coast for the PPM Groups TCE National Property Management Conference.
This is one of my favourite events of the year. The Marriott at Surfers Paradise is one of the best hotels I have stayed in (their staff can never do enough for you), its a beautiful resort hotel (which is child friendly) and just that bit warmer there than it is here in Sydney.
The other reason I really love this event is the atmosphere. Firstly, its a great learning environment, with some really high calibre speakers (this year Pat Mesiti, Fiona Blayney, Malcolm Riley, Kirsty Dunphey, Jo-Anne Oliveri and many more). The organised social events get everyone talking and networking really quickly; in the past couple of years I have made some great friends and contacts. In most cases you can approach the speakers who usually stay for the whole event so you can really take advantage of their expertise on chosen topics.
Three information packed, idea filled days is what you can look forward to. I’ve had a look through the program and there are some fantastic sessions. One that really interests me this year is on day three where Debbie Palmer will be presenting the results of their annual Property Management Survey. So if you want to get an idea on how your PM department compares to others across Australia, then this is not to be missed. I don’t know of anyone else who collects this type of detailed benchmarking information on the property management industry and it will definitely give you an insight as to how you operate vs. your competitors.
As always there will be some fantastic prizes on offer one being an overseas holiday. (We are giving away a WII and WII-fit!)
As long time friends of the PPM Group, Corum Real Estate Services are platinum sponsors of the event, and this year we have been offered a special promo code for our friends/customers who would like to attend. We have been given the opportunity to provide a discount $200 on the whole 3 days.
Click here for a full conference brochure. You can also register online on the PPM website by clicking here. The important thing to get your $200 discount on all three days is to quote the promo code CORUM9 when registering.
Now is not the time to hibernate. Re-energise your department, and come to Queensland. Remember, when the going gets tough... the tough keep marketing!!
Until next week!
If you are feeling the winter cold (and I am, I’m sorry to say), I have a solution!
Every July, savvy Property Managers and Principals head north to the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort on the Gold Coast for the PPM Groups TCE National Property Management Conference.
This is one of my favourite events of the year. The Marriott at Surfers Paradise is one of the best hotels I have stayed in (their staff can never do enough for you), its a beautiful resort hotel (which is child friendly) and just that bit warmer there than it is here in Sydney.
The other reason I really love this event is the atmosphere. Firstly, its a great learning environment, with some really high calibre speakers (this year Pat Mesiti, Fiona Blayney, Malcolm Riley, Kirsty Dunphey, Jo-Anne Oliveri and many more). The organised social events get everyone talking and networking really quickly; in the past couple of years I have made some great friends and contacts. In most cases you can approach the speakers who usually stay for the whole event so you can really take advantage of their expertise on chosen topics.
Three information packed, idea filled days is what you can look forward to. I’ve had a look through the program and there are some fantastic sessions. One that really interests me this year is on day three where Debbie Palmer will be presenting the results of their annual Property Management Survey. So if you want to get an idea on how your PM department compares to others across Australia, then this is not to be missed. I don’t know of anyone else who collects this type of detailed benchmarking information on the property management industry and it will definitely give you an insight as to how you operate vs. your competitors.
As always there will be some fantastic prizes on offer one being an overseas holiday. (We are giving away a WII and WII-fit!)
As long time friends of the PPM Group, Corum Real Estate Services are platinum sponsors of the event, and this year we have been offered a special promo code for our friends/customers who would like to attend. We have been given the opportunity to provide a discount $200 on the whole 3 days.
Click here for a full conference brochure. You can also register online on the PPM website by clicking here. The important thing to get your $200 discount on all three days is to quote the promo code CORUM9 when registering.
Now is not the time to hibernate. Re-energise your department, and come to Queensland. Remember, when the going gets tough... the tough keep marketing!!
Until next week!
|
General News Update
16/06/09 14:48 Filed in: updates
Hi Everyone,
Its been exactly 45 days since my last update. (That felt a bit like confession!) Must do better, like one every two weeks....(which is my new goal!)
Its been a busy six weeks here at Corum Real Estate Services, we’ve been out on the road attending quite a few conferences - the Laing + Simmons Annual Conference, the Century 21 Annual Conference, and of course AREC 09!
This year Corum had two stands at AREC, one dedicated to Corum Real Estate Services, the other dedicated to Corum Training. I’m really proud of both stands this year. Real Estate Services theme was “Don’t blow your money on transaction fees” and we had a money blowing machine on the stand, with lucky winners at the end of every session trying to grab some great cash prizes. It was heaps of fun and definitely attracted a lot of attention. The theme for training was about getting FIT for your job, and we had a masseuse and a WII Fit on the stand which seemed to release the “competitive” side of a lot of the attendees. My marketing team were certainly busy for a couple of weeks leading up to this, but I must say, they did a fabulous job!
I’ve put together some photos of both stands that can be viewed on the web site.
Historical Reports for Agents now available on the web!
We are also about to release another product enhancement to the Agent Websites which will hopefully be a great time saver. As you know we email agent reports daily, and at the same time, they are made available on the website under your client account number. This has not changed, but now historical reports will be available for you to download at anytime. (Previously these were sent manually by customer care.
So if you need to “step back in time” for any reason you can now do so simply by logging into the agent portal. This enchancement goes live on the same day that iPhone 3.0 goes live - the 18th of June.
Congratulations Deborah Wallace
For the past two years, Deborah Wallace has worked very closely with me in developing business and providing some great customer service in the QLD and NT regions. Many of our QLD customers will know Deb well, as she has travelled extensively up and down the coast during this time -- not to mention all the events that she has attended. As I have taken on some additional responsibilities at Corum I am pleased to announce that Deb has, for her wonderful efforts, been promoted to National Sales Manager for Corum Real Estate Services. We are now keenly looking for an Account Manager in QLD to work with our BDM in Brisbane, Shaun Hosking. Please join me in congratulating Deborah.
That’s about it for this post, have a great week!
Its been exactly 45 days since my last update. (That felt a bit like confession!) Must do better, like one every two weeks....(which is my new goal!)
Its been a busy six weeks here at Corum Real Estate Services, we’ve been out on the road attending quite a few conferences - the Laing + Simmons Annual Conference, the Century 21 Annual Conference, and of course AREC 09!
This year Corum had two stands at AREC, one dedicated to Corum Real Estate Services, the other dedicated to Corum Training. I’m really proud of both stands this year. Real Estate Services theme was “Don’t blow your money on transaction fees” and we had a money blowing machine on the stand, with lucky winners at the end of every session trying to grab some great cash prizes. It was heaps of fun and definitely attracted a lot of attention. The theme for training was about getting FIT for your job, and we had a masseuse and a WII Fit on the stand which seemed to release the “competitive” side of a lot of the attendees. My marketing team were certainly busy for a couple of weeks leading up to this, but I must say, they did a fabulous job!
I’ve put together some photos of both stands that can be viewed on the web site.
Corum Team AREC 2009 from Samantha McLean on Vimeo.
Historical Reports for Agents now available on the web!
We are also about to release another product enhancement to the Agent Websites which will hopefully be a great time saver. As you know we email agent reports daily, and at the same time, they are made available on the website under your client account number. This has not changed, but now historical reports will be available for you to download at anytime. (Previously these were sent manually by customer care.
So if you need to “step back in time” for any reason you can now do so simply by logging into the agent portal. This enchancement goes live on the same day that iPhone 3.0 goes live - the 18th of June.
Congratulations Deborah Wallace
For the past two years, Deborah Wallace has worked very closely with me in developing business and providing some great customer service in the QLD and NT regions. Many of our QLD customers will know Deb well, as she has travelled extensively up and down the coast during this time -- not to mention all the events that she has attended. As I have taken on some additional responsibilities at Corum I am pleased to announce that Deb has, for her wonderful efforts, been promoted to National Sales Manager for Corum Real Estate Services. We are now keenly looking for an Account Manager in QLD to work with our BDM in Brisbane, Shaun Hosking. Please join me in congratulating Deborah.
That’s about it for this post, have a great week!
Introducing Utility Payments!
27/04/09 11:25 Filed in: updates
Hi Everyone,
Today we officially announce the update to the functionality of all of our rent card products in the area of payment options available to tenants. From today, Monday 27th of April if your tenants are required to pay utilities such as, water, gas or electricity to you, they can now do so by logging onto through the tenant payment websites.
Agent Reporting will now include any utility payments made by your tenants. Please click here to download the official notification for more details.
Marketing in a minute?
People that know me well know that I read a lot of junk mail (email and snail mail!). Sometimes the best ideas come from random emails I get from my Inbox and I thought as this is a “blog” I thought I might start sharing some of the better ones that I get.
One of my favourite newsletters that I’ve subscribed to of late is called “The Marketing Minute” by Marcia Yudkin. It’s called the marketing minute because each week she offers something short and snappy so that time poor people will actually read what she sends out. Topics cover all sorts of things like postcard marketing, customer satisfaction, writing for the web and other interesting things. You can find the marketing minute here.
Have a great week.
Today we officially announce the update to the functionality of all of our rent card products in the area of payment options available to tenants. From today, Monday 27th of April if your tenants are required to pay utilities such as, water, gas or electricity to you, they can now do so by logging onto through the tenant payment websites.
Agent Reporting will now include any utility payments made by your tenants. Please click here to download the official notification for more details.
Marketing in a minute?
People that know me well know that I read a lot of junk mail (email and snail mail!). Sometimes the best ideas come from random emails I get from my Inbox and I thought as this is a “blog” I thought I might start sharing some of the better ones that I get.
One of my favourite newsletters that I’ve subscribed to of late is called “The Marketing Minute” by Marcia Yudkin. It’s called the marketing minute because each week she offers something short and snappy so that time poor people will actually read what she sends out. Topics cover all sorts of things like postcard marketing, customer satisfaction, writing for the web and other interesting things. You can find the marketing minute here.
Have a great week.
How to Succeed at the Tribunal.....
20/04/09 15:35 Filed in: Training
Hi Everyone,
I thought things were supposed to slow down over Easter, but there is lots happening here at the moment!
Success at the Tribunal?
Have you ever wanted to get the “edge” at the Tribunal? Had a heap of questions but been afraid to ask?
Our own RTO Corum Training has joined forces with Think Real Estate to present an opportunity to spend time with Kathy Thane - a former full-time member of the NSW Consumer Trader & Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT). For more than 14 years Kathy has heard & determined cases across all 9 divisions of the CTTT. In these sessions, Kathy will give you some insight on how it is from the "other" side.
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity! Places have been limited to 1 person per office, and there are only three seminars across Sydney on the 5 May (Carlton), 14 May (Parramatta) and 20 May (Killara). 12 CPD points are available from these 4 hour sessions.
Click here to download a registration form and improve your chances of success when you next face the tribunal!
Product Update: Accepting Payments other than Rent
There will be some changes this week that will allow tenants to make payments other than rent through our web payment pages and via our customer care centre. This means that Tenants can pay other bills via their rent card - like rates, water or other charges. Your daily .PDF reports will change to include this information, but there will be no changes to .PAY file auto-receipting. Only rent payments will be automatically receipted as per usual, other payments will need to be receipted manually.
These changes will be implemented late on Sunday this week (ready to go live on Monday morning 27th April). There will be some detailed information distributed regarding these changes closer to the end of this week.
Win a Ticket to AREC 09!
In case you missed it, both Corum Training and Corum Real Estate Services are offering a chance to WIN A Free Ticket to AREC 09 worth $1190!
To enter the competiton for Corum Real Estate Services you need to be an existing client and tell us in 50 words or less what you like most about using our rent card services. Click here to enter.
To enter the competition for Corum Training Services you just need to refer a friend to Corum Training for Licence, Registration or CPD to go into the draw. Click here to enter.
Winners for both competitions will be announced on the 8 May.
Have a great week!
Cheers,
Sam
I thought things were supposed to slow down over Easter, but there is lots happening here at the moment!
Success at the Tribunal?
Have you ever wanted to get the “edge” at the Tribunal? Had a heap of questions but been afraid to ask?
Our own RTO Corum Training has joined forces with Think Real Estate to present an opportunity to spend time with Kathy Thane - a former full-time member of the NSW Consumer Trader & Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT). For more than 14 years Kathy has heard & determined cases across all 9 divisions of the CTTT. In these sessions, Kathy will give you some insight on how it is from the "other" side.
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity! Places have been limited to 1 person per office, and there are only three seminars across Sydney on the 5 May (Carlton), 14 May (Parramatta) and 20 May (Killara). 12 CPD points are available from these 4 hour sessions.
Click here to download a registration form and improve your chances of success when you next face the tribunal!
Product Update: Accepting Payments other than Rent
There will be some changes this week that will allow tenants to make payments other than rent through our web payment pages and via our customer care centre. This means that Tenants can pay other bills via their rent card - like rates, water or other charges. Your daily .PDF reports will change to include this information, but there will be no changes to .PAY file auto-receipting. Only rent payments will be automatically receipted as per usual, other payments will need to be receipted manually.
These changes will be implemented late on Sunday this week (ready to go live on Monday morning 27th April). There will be some detailed information distributed regarding these changes closer to the end of this week.
Win a Ticket to AREC 09!
In case you missed it, both Corum Training and Corum Real Estate Services are offering a chance to WIN A Free Ticket to AREC 09 worth $1190!
To enter the competiton for Corum Real Estate Services you need to be an existing client and tell us in 50 words or less what you like most about using our rent card services. Click here to enter.
To enter the competition for Corum Training Services you just need to refer a friend to Corum Training for Licence, Registration or CPD to go into the draw. Click here to enter.
Winners for both competitions will be announced on the 8 May.
Have a great week!
Cheers,
Sam
WIN a Ticket to AREC '09 worth $1190!!
09/04/09 10:23 Filed in: News
Hi Everyone,
We at Corum Real Estate Services have just returned from two absolutely fantastic events in March.
The first event we attended was the Leading Property Managers of Australia conference at Twin Waters, the second, the Annual LJ Hooker Property Management Conference in Canberra. We very much enjoyed meeting new people, seeing old friends and continuing to learn more and more about Property Management.
I’m sure that everyone who attended both conferences have come back enthused and ready to implement some of the fantastic things that they have learnt.
Now we are gearing up for AREC/ARPM 09 which is one of the major events of the year on our calendar.
Both Corum Real Estate Services and Corum Training have a free ticket each to give away, so to generate some excitement amongst you all we thought we might run a couple of competitions and give them away!!
For Corum Real Estate Services, we are asking you to tell us in 50 words or less, “what you like most about using our rent card services”. To enter, please click here. The best answer will be chosen and the winner announced on the 8th May, 2009.
For Corum Training, you will need to “Spread the Word”, and refer a friend for license, CPD or certificate training courses. In addition to being entered into the draw for a the ticket to AREC, you will also receive a promo code to get 10% off your next training course if booked online. To enter the Corum Training Contest, click here. The winner will be drawn randomly and also announced on the 8th of May, 2009.
One more piece of news - for the first time, our call centre will be open on Easter Monday if you need assistance we will be here!
To all of our clients, a very happy and safe Easter - good luck in entering the competitions, and hope to see you at AREC ’09!
We at Corum Real Estate Services have just returned from two absolutely fantastic events in March.
The first event we attended was the Leading Property Managers of Australia conference at Twin Waters, the second, the Annual LJ Hooker Property Management Conference in Canberra. We very much enjoyed meeting new people, seeing old friends and continuing to learn more and more about Property Management.
I’m sure that everyone who attended both conferences have come back enthused and ready to implement some of the fantastic things that they have learnt.
Now we are gearing up for AREC/ARPM 09 which is one of the major events of the year on our calendar.
Both Corum Real Estate Services and Corum Training have a free ticket each to give away, so to generate some excitement amongst you all we thought we might run a couple of competitions and give them away!!
For Corum Real Estate Services, we are asking you to tell us in 50 words or less, “what you like most about using our rent card services”. To enter, please click here. The best answer will be chosen and the winner announced on the 8th May, 2009.
For Corum Training, you will need to “Spread the Word”, and refer a friend for license, CPD or certificate training courses. In addition to being entered into the draw for a the ticket to AREC, you will also receive a promo code to get 10% off your next training course if booked online. To enter the Corum Training Contest, click here. The winner will be drawn randomly and also announced on the 8th of May, 2009.
One more piece of news - for the first time, our call centre will be open on Easter Monday if you need assistance we will be here!
To all of our clients, a very happy and safe Easter - good luck in entering the competitions, and hope to see you at AREC ’09!
Confusion over RE Connect Pricing
I recently heard reports of some confusion regarding the fees charged by RE Connect oneCard. The story was that one tenant – who may not have fully understood his options - thought he had no choice other than to pay around $288 per annum to pay his rent through RE Connect oneCard.
So this week I thought I would use this post to clear up some confusion about RE Connect oneCard, it’s uses, and the fees charged.
RE Connect one Card is and always has been an optional way of paying rent. Tenants must not be forced to use this service and must be given alternatives. The fact that this tenant felt like he didn’t have alternatives is not something which is approved or condoned by Corum.
As to the costs of using the service there are several different options which can be used by tenants to pay their rent:
a) Direct Debit from Bank Account $3.20 per month
b) Pay by BPay $3.20 per month, plus $0.75 per payment
c) Pay at Australia Post $3.20 per month, plus $1.90 per payment
d) Pay by MasterCard/Visa Card 1.32% per payment
So, if a tenant wishes to pay rent using Direct Debit, they can make unlimited payments from their bank account per month for their $3.20. This is actually cheaper than a lot of other payment methods used today (see my last post on the cost of cash!). If a tenant were to pay their rent fortnightly, then taking cash out of ATM’s could cost $4.00 per month in fees, followed by the time and effort it would take to walk it down to the Real Estate Agents office.
Credit cards, are of course, the most expensive method of paying rent due to the surcharge involved. For the record, most of this surcharge is paid to the banks, the card schemes and the government (GST). Part of the profit the banks and card schemes make on this goes towards funding their reward schemes, like frequent flyers etc. So if a tenant were to go down the route of paying rent by credit card to earn frequent flyer points or other rewards points, hopefully they have done some sort of a personal cost/benefit analysis to make sure that its worth it in the long run.
Recently, most people are aware, we added Ambassador Card rewards to RE Connect oneCard to make the card more attractive to tenants. Ambassador Card can actually help tenants save money on basic items like fuel and groceries and other little “luxuries” like dining and accommodation. (See one of my earlier posts on how Ambassador Card beats the tips from Money Magazine!)
With RE Connect oneCard and Ambassador Card together, paying rent can actually end up in the tenants favour! Take this example:
What it all comes down to is that it’s a matter of choice for the tenant. Under RE Connect oneCard there are three options that are cheaper than using credit card to pay rent.
As an agent you need to make sure that you are offering genuine payment choices to your tenants and that these choices, including any fees, are understood by the tenant prior to them entering any agreements with regard to their rent payment methodology. That way everyone benefits.
So this week I thought I would use this post to clear up some confusion about RE Connect oneCard, it’s uses, and the fees charged.
RE Connect one Card is and always has been an optional way of paying rent. Tenants must not be forced to use this service and must be given alternatives. The fact that this tenant felt like he didn’t have alternatives is not something which is approved or condoned by Corum.
As to the costs of using the service there are several different options which can be used by tenants to pay their rent:
a) Direct Debit from Bank Account $3.20 per month
b) Pay by BPay $3.20 per month, plus $0.75 per payment
c) Pay at Australia Post $3.20 per month, plus $1.90 per payment
d) Pay by MasterCard/Visa Card 1.32% per payment
So, if a tenant wishes to pay rent using Direct Debit, they can make unlimited payments from their bank account per month for their $3.20. This is actually cheaper than a lot of other payment methods used today (see my last post on the cost of cash!). If a tenant were to pay their rent fortnightly, then taking cash out of ATM’s could cost $4.00 per month in fees, followed by the time and effort it would take to walk it down to the Real Estate Agents office.
Credit cards, are of course, the most expensive method of paying rent due to the surcharge involved. For the record, most of this surcharge is paid to the banks, the card schemes and the government (GST). Part of the profit the banks and card schemes make on this goes towards funding their reward schemes, like frequent flyers etc. So if a tenant were to go down the route of paying rent by credit card to earn frequent flyer points or other rewards points, hopefully they have done some sort of a personal cost/benefit analysis to make sure that its worth it in the long run.
Recently, most people are aware, we added Ambassador Card rewards to RE Connect oneCard to make the card more attractive to tenants. Ambassador Card can actually help tenants save money on basic items like fuel and groceries and other little “luxuries” like dining and accommodation. (See one of my earlier posts on how Ambassador Card beats the tips from Money Magazine!)
With RE Connect oneCard and Ambassador Card together, paying rent can actually end up in the tenants favour! Take this example:
What it all comes down to is that it’s a matter of choice for the tenant. Under RE Connect oneCard there are three options that are cheaper than using credit card to pay rent.
As an agent you need to make sure that you are offering genuine payment choices to your tenants and that these choices, including any fees, are understood by the tenant prior to them entering any agreements with regard to their rent payment methodology. That way everyone benefits.
Using Cash to pay rent... now even more expensive!
05/03/09 11:54 Filed in: News
There has always been some debate that using cash to pay rent is free of “fees”. I have always said “not necessarily so”, fees can be incurred along the way - account keeping fees, transaction fees, ATM fees, and fees if you fall below a certain account balance. As of Monday 2 March, reforms to the banking code of conduct mean that ATM fees now need to be disclosed by the operators of the ATM before cash is dispensed. Consumers can then have the choice of whether to proceed with the transaction or not.
If consumers use an ATM which belongs to another financial institution or company and is not in a networked arrangement with their bank, then the customer WILL pay a fee charged directly by the ATM operator. This fee can be around $2 or more per transaction.
David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA said on Monday “It is very important under this new regime that bank customers know how to locate an ATM that won’t charge them directly for transactions.” “If you do use an ATM which does not belong to your bank or is not in a networked arrangement, then the ATM operator must disclose on the screen the amount it will cost the customer to use the machine. If the customer decides it is too high, the customer can cancel the transaction at no cost.”
The ABA have also released the following tips for consumers to minimise fees under new ATM direct charging rules:
Keep an eye out for my next post, some exciting changes to the agent/tenant websites are coming!
Have a great week!
Sam
If consumers use an ATM which belongs to another financial institution or company and is not in a networked arrangement with their bank, then the customer WILL pay a fee charged directly by the ATM operator. This fee can be around $2 or more per transaction.
David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA said on Monday “It is very important under this new regime that bank customers know how to locate an ATM that won’t charge them directly for transactions.” “If you do use an ATM which does not belong to your bank or is not in a networked arrangement, then the ATM operator must disclose on the screen the amount it will cost the customer to use the machine. If the customer decides it is too high, the customer can cancel the transaction at no cost.”
The ABA have also released the following tips for consumers to minimise fees under new ATM direct charging rules:
- Consumers should use their own banks’ ATMs or a fee-free networked ATM;
- Where possible, make your payments online or over the phone to help limit your cash withdrawals. At the same time, you can check your account balance
- If consumers want to avoid/minimise ATM operator fees, consider using EFTPOS and getting cash out with a purchase. Additional cash from supermarket purchases are popular
Keep an eye out for my next post, some exciting changes to the agent/tenant websites are coming!
Have a great week!
Sam
Corum Training announces online CPD!!
23/02/09 21:04 Filed in: News
Many of you may not be aware that Corum Real Estate Services has a “sibling” that is a specialist provider of Training to the Real Estate Industry. Corum Training has been providing high quality license, registration and CPD training now for about 2 years.
We are excited to announce that our CPD training is available on-line! As an opening special we are offering 12 CPD points for $155 with our online CPD modules.
As you all know, the NSW Office of Fair Trading (OFT) requires a minimum level of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for all personal Licence and Certificate of Registration holders each year. As a Licence or Certificate of Registration holder you must complete 12 CPD points in the 12 months following the granting or renewal of your Licence or Certificate.
There are currently 5 topics for you to choose from at the moment (more on the way). You only need to complete one (1) to gain your 12 points:
• Ethical Behaviour
• Effective Communication
• Accurate Appraisals
• Auction Practices
• Negotiations skills
Complete your CPD with the convenience of never needing to leave your desk!
To find out more about our courses click here. To book a course online click here,
For further information call Tony Rowe on 1300 793 723.
Have a great week!
We are excited to announce that our CPD training is available on-line! As an opening special we are offering 12 CPD points for $155 with our online CPD modules.
As you all know, the NSW Office of Fair Trading (OFT) requires a minimum level of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for all personal Licence and Certificate of Registration holders each year. As a Licence or Certificate of Registration holder you must complete 12 CPD points in the 12 months following the granting or renewal of your Licence or Certificate.
There are currently 5 topics for you to choose from at the moment (more on the way). You only need to complete one (1) to gain your 12 points:
• Ethical Behaviour
• Effective Communication
• Accurate Appraisals
• Auction Practices
• Negotiations skills
Complete your CPD with the convenience of never needing to leave your desk!
To find out more about our courses click here. To book a course online click here,
For further information call Tony Rowe on 1300 793 723.
Have a great week!
Upcoming Events
04/02/09 15:34 Filed in: Training
Hi Everyone,
If you are looking for ways to improve your skills and brush up on all the latest and greatest in the industry in February and March, look no further!
South Australia’s First Ever Real Estate Expo!!!
We are really delighted to have been chosen to be part of the Inaugural Real Estate Best Supplier Expo in South Australia on Thursday the 19th of Feb. To be held at the Festival Function Centre in Findon, over 20 suppliers have been chosen to participate in this event. There will be some nationally renown speakers, an REISA legislation and industry update session, and conclude with an industry Networking Event. This event is FREE to all industry practitioners. For more information, click here.
LPMA - Shine in ‘09
The annual Leading Property Managers of Australia “Shine in 09” Agency Principals Forum and Property Managers Forum is being held on 20 -21 March 2009 at The Novotel Twin Waters on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The Leading Property Managers of Australia (LPMA) is an association that was formed to promote, recognise and support likeminded property managers and principals striving to achieve excellence within this important part of the real estate sector. This will be our first year sponsoring this event and we are very excited (look for the RE Connect oneCard logo!)
The LPMA Agency Principals Forum is targeted directly to Principals and Department Managers. Running concurrently will be the LPMA Property Managers Forum focused towards “coal face” property management staff. These events occur on 20 March.
Both groups then come together for the LPMA Combined Agency Principals and Property Managers Forum on 21 March.
In LPMA’s tradition of integrity and best practice in property management, business processes, technology, leadership and business development across Australia, we believe this event will be unequalled in 2009. To find out more on this event go to www.lpma.com.au
PPM Group - Annual Property Management Survey
The PPM Group are once again in the process of undertaking a National Property Management Survey to benchmark key areas of the department. You need to participate in the survey to get a copy of the results! To my knowledge this is the most comprehensive survey in Australia of it’s kind, and can perhaps answer a lot of the questions about how your business is doing versus everyone else.
The survey will cover a wide range of areas, including: how many properties can a property manager manage, hours worked, average age, salary averages, commission paid, over-time worked, are lunch breaks taken, vacancy and arrears rates, properties gained and lost, structure of PM Depts and much more
The PPM Group are conducting two individual Property Management surveys:
(Click on the below links to participate in the survey)
Each survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete on-line
1) National Property Management Department Survey
To be completed by the Principal, Dept. Manager or appointed person.
2) National Property Management Staff Survey.
To be completed by all Property Management staff.
Please forward the Staff Survey to all staff within your office to complete.
All survey results are automatically managed by an on-line survey system that compiles the results into easy to read graphs , which will be forwarded to all participants.
One of my favourite events of the year is always the National TCE Conference by the PPM Group which will be held in June 12, 13 and 14 at the Gold Coast Marriott. This year its caled “Accelerate your performance into Top Gear”.
More about this event next post!
If you are looking for ways to improve your skills and brush up on all the latest and greatest in the industry in February and March, look no further!
South Australia’s First Ever Real Estate Expo!!!
We are really delighted to have been chosen to be part of the Inaugural Real Estate Best Supplier Expo in South Australia on Thursday the 19th of Feb. To be held at the Festival Function Centre in Findon, over 20 suppliers have been chosen to participate in this event. There will be some nationally renown speakers, an REISA legislation and industry update session, and conclude with an industry Networking Event. This event is FREE to all industry practitioners. For more information, click here.
LPMA - Shine in ‘09
The annual Leading Property Managers of Australia “Shine in 09” Agency Principals Forum and Property Managers Forum is being held on 20 -21 March 2009 at The Novotel Twin Waters on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The Leading Property Managers of Australia (LPMA) is an association that was formed to promote, recognise and support likeminded property managers and principals striving to achieve excellence within this important part of the real estate sector. This will be our first year sponsoring this event and we are very excited (look for the RE Connect oneCard logo!)
The LPMA Agency Principals Forum is targeted directly to Principals and Department Managers. Running concurrently will be the LPMA Property Managers Forum focused towards “coal face” property management staff. These events occur on 20 March.
Both groups then come together for the LPMA Combined Agency Principals and Property Managers Forum on 21 March.
In LPMA’s tradition of integrity and best practice in property management, business processes, technology, leadership and business development across Australia, we believe this event will be unequalled in 2009. To find out more on this event go to www.lpma.com.au
PPM Group - Annual Property Management Survey
The PPM Group are once again in the process of undertaking a National Property Management Survey to benchmark key areas of the department. You need to participate in the survey to get a copy of the results! To my knowledge this is the most comprehensive survey in Australia of it’s kind, and can perhaps answer a lot of the questions about how your business is doing versus everyone else.
The survey will cover a wide range of areas, including: how many properties can a property manager manage, hours worked, average age, salary averages, commission paid, over-time worked, are lunch breaks taken, vacancy and arrears rates, properties gained and lost, structure of PM Depts and much more
The PPM Group are conducting two individual Property Management surveys:
(Click on the below links to participate in the survey)
Each survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete on-line
1) National Property Management Department Survey
To be completed by the Principal, Dept. Manager or appointed person.
2) National Property Management Staff Survey.
To be completed by all Property Management staff.
Please forward the Staff Survey to all staff within your office to complete.
All survey results are automatically managed by an on-line survey system that compiles the results into easy to read graphs , which will be forwarded to all participants.
One of my favourite events of the year is always the National TCE Conference by the PPM Group which will be held in June 12, 13 and 14 at the Gold Coast Marriott. This year its caled “Accelerate your performance into Top Gear”.
More about this event next post!
Linking Multiple Tenant Cards
There has been an update to our rent card products this month, in the area of automatic receipting, and linking tenant cards together.
Why would you want to link tenant cards? If you have properties where there are multiple tenants paying rent but you want the funds receipted against only one property, you will want to link the cards together so that the fun
ds are all receipted against the correct property.
Within all of our rent card products you could previously only link two subsidiary cards to one “master card” number which was placed in the bank details of your property management system.
Now, we have expanded the system capabilities to allow an unlimited number of cards to be linked to a “master card” number. We have also upgraded the functionality to make it a bit more “user-friendly”.
If you are an existing client, you can check out the new features by logging into the agents only portal, and clicking on “Link Multiple Cards”.
Why would you want to link tenant cards? If you have properties where there are multiple tenants paying rent but you want the funds receipted against only one property, you will want to link the cards together so that the fun
Within all of our rent card products you could previously only link two subsidiary cards to one “master card” number which was placed in the bank details of your property management system.
Now, we have expanded the system capabilities to allow an unlimited number of cards to be linked to a “master card” number. We have also upgraded the functionality to make it a bit more “user-friendly”.
If you are an existing client, you can check out the new features by logging into the agents only portal, and clicking on “Link Multiple Cards”.
Corum Real Estate Services registers its 100,000th tenant!
09/12/08 11:22 Filed in: News
Hi Everyone,
This week Corum Real Estate Services hit a very significant milestone in that we registered our 100,000th tenant. It’s a fantastic Christmas present for all of us and a really great achievement for our dedicated Sales and Customer Care Teams.
Corum Real Estate Services now processes rental payments worth about $1Billion per annum. In the 10 or so years that we have been providing these services to the major franchise groups we have probably processed around $8Billion in rent payments (which is quite a lot of rent!). I think I can quietly say that this means that we are definitely the most experienced of the various rent payment service providers out there.
So whilst we are still working hard to bring you more new and exciting enhancements for next year (I will reveal more in the coming weeks), this week we are definitely celebrating!
Thank you so much to all of our many and valued clients who continue to support our service.
All the best,
Samantha
This week Corum Real Estate Services hit a very significant milestone in that we registered our 100,000th tenant. It’s a fantastic Christmas present for all of us and a really great achievement for our dedicated Sales and Customer Care Teams.
Corum Real Estate Services now processes rental payments worth about $1Billion per annum. In the 10 or so years that we have been providing these services to the major franchise groups we have probably processed around $8Billion in rent payments (which is quite a lot of rent!). I think I can quietly say that this means that we are definitely the most experienced of the various rent payment service providers out there.
So whilst we are still working hard to bring you more new and exciting enhancements for next year (I will reveal more in the coming weeks), this week we are definitely celebrating!
Thank you so much to all of our many and valued clients who continue to support our service.
All the best,
Samantha
Ambassador Card Update and the end of "Movember"
02/12/08 20:20 Filed in: News
Hi Everyone,
The Ambassador Card Rewards program continues to gain popularity among both Agents and Tenants, and we are delighted to report that Ambassador Card have released some specials, just in time for Christmas!
There are some great new discounts from:
For full details see the Ambassador Card Newsletter!
As always, for detailed instructions on how to use the Ambassador Card rewards program, please review the “Rewards” tab of your Agents only website. (Tenants can view the same information from the Tenants only website).
It’s really simple to get some great discounts using Ambassador Card, but it’s important for users to view the instructions for using Ambassador Card at the particular benefit providers. Just a reminder - WISH and Coles gift cards at 5% discount need to be purchased from Ambassador Card by calling 1300 724 477. Ambassador Card will send you your gift card which can then be used at particpating group outlets. Some tenants have been confused and have been taking their cards into Coles or Woolworths and expecting a 5% discount, but unfortunately thats not how it works! So when you are talking to them about Ambassador Card make sure they are clear on where to go to get the instructions for using the card!
Another Movember has now come and gone, and our “Branded Mo’s team” happily raised $919 which goes towards some important men’s health issues. I did promise an “after” photo and here it is:
Raghu in IT support (on the far left) was judged the winner of the ‘mo contest (he did it without any performance enhancers!). Happily our men are all clean shaven again - and I hear their wives are much happier for it!
All the best,
Sam
The Ambassador Card Rewards program continues to gain popularity among both Agents and Tenants, and we are delighted to report that Ambassador Card have released some specials, just in time for Christmas!
There are some great new discounts from:
- Amante Jewelley (save 25% off gold and silver jewelry)
- Wine Lovers Club (exclusive mixed dozen at only $99 per dozen
- South Australian Whale Centre (one complimentary admission with the payment of an equal or greater value)
- The Vines Golf Club of Reynella (25% off Green Fees)
- Baby Buds (specials on a great range of Christmas baby gifts)
- New Member discounts on Dreamworld and White Water World in beautiful sunny Queensland (Dreamworld has the new “Mummy” inspired attraction!)
For full details see the Ambassador Card Newsletter!
As always, for detailed instructions on how to use the Ambassador Card rewards program, please review the “Rewards” tab of your Agents only website. (Tenants can view the same information from the Tenants only website).
It’s really simple to get some great discounts using Ambassador Card, but it’s important for users to view the instructions for using Ambassador Card at the particular benefit providers. Just a reminder - WISH and Coles gift cards at 5% discount need to be purchased from Ambassador Card by calling 1300 724 477. Ambassador Card will send you your gift card which can then be used at particpating group outlets. Some tenants have been confused and have been taking their cards into Coles or Woolworths and expecting a 5% discount, but unfortunately thats not how it works! So when you are talking to them about Ambassador Card make sure they are clear on where to go to get the instructions for using the card!
Another Movember has now come and gone, and our “Branded Mo’s team” happily raised $919 which goes towards some important men’s health issues. I did promise an “after” photo and here it is:
Raghu in IT support (on the far left) was judged the winner of the ‘mo contest (he did it without any performance enhancers!). Happily our men are all clean shaven again - and I hear their wives are much happier for it!
All the best,
Sam
In Sydney, is renting a home cheaper than buying?
04/11/08 09:45 Filed in: News
Hi Everyone!
At Corum Real Estate Services I am constantly telling anyone and everyone (who will listen, of course!) that we are passionate about property management. While everyone’s sales departments seem to get all the attention (and the glory), we are continually pointing out how important and valuable property management is. After all, most property managers are responsible for managing multiple millions of dollars in property assets - and are responsible for the health and well being of the most tangible asset in the real estate office - the rent roll.
But is property management about to take a a real “front seat” due to the fact that in some areas (eg Sydney), renting a home for most of us is cheaper than buying one? There was a short article this week in the Sunday Telegraph on October 26 by John Edwards - who is also CEO of Residex. Its clear that the “great Australian dream” of owing and living in your own home may have changed. Part of his article reads:
“......There is no doubt that renting is cheaper - a typical Sydney home will cost around $385 per week less to rent than to pay off with a 20% deposit and an 8% mortgage rate. Most people eligible for first home buyer’s grants could not afford the typical Sydney property as it would take about 48% of their income to service the loan. The best families could probably hope for is a home purchase of $350,000. On the other hand, the best rental property they could afford would be the typical Sydney home. It is clear in the sort term the decision is about quality of life. The longer term perspective is about the future. Rents are actually at historically low rates, less than half what they have been in the past, and rents rose by around 10% in the last year.....”
I’d be interested in your comments which you enter underneath this post on the website!
I think this also highlights another important point for property managers - your tenants could also become future clients or maybe even one of your best referral sources for growing your rent roll. These days a lot of tenants are landlords/ landlords are tenants under the assumption that people are buying investment properties where they can afford to and then renting somewhere they actually want to live. So the message is - provide your tenants with better customer service than your competitors. You never know when one of them, or one of their associates might be shopping for someone to manage their investment property!
This bunch of handsome fella’s in the photo above are the marvelous men of Corum, who are all supporting “Movember”. We have entered a team called “Branded ‘Mo’s” to raise money in support of this charity.
For those of you that aren’t aware, “Movember” is now an annual event held in support of Men’s Health issues. It’s primary beneficiaries are the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Beyond Blue.
Meanwhile, the ladies in the office will have the very difficult task of judging the best ‘mo at the end of the month.
Our guys would love your support -- for a very worthwhile cause. All donations are of course tax deductible and accepted directly by Movember by clicking button below:
Some our guys are so keen to do a good job of ‘mo growing for charity (not talking about you of course, Joey) - that there has been some talk about using “performance enhancing” substances to grow a ‘mo in a shorter space of time. Apparently if you put “Rogaine” on your top lip, it can have a similar effect to where you should normally put it. I’m not too sure about this as a strategy, but it is all in the name of charity I guess!
And yes... I will be publishing an “after” shot, with the result of our total fundraising efforts in about 4 weeks time. By then all our blokes will probably look like various versions of John Newcombe in the ‘70’s. A frightening thought when you count that there are 14 of them in total participating! This month is certainly going to be hairier than usual.....
Have a great week!
Sam
At Corum Real Estate Services I am constantly telling anyone and everyone (who will listen, of course!) that we are passionate about property management. While everyone’s sales departments seem to get all the attention (and the glory), we are continually pointing out how important and valuable property management is. After all, most property managers are responsible for managing multiple millions of dollars in property assets - and are responsible for the health and well being of the most tangible asset in the real estate office - the rent roll.
But is property management about to take a a real “front seat” due to the fact that in some areas (eg Sydney), renting a home for most of us is cheaper than buying one? There was a short article this week in the Sunday Telegraph on October 26 by John Edwards - who is also CEO of Residex. Its clear that the “great Australian dream” of owing and living in your own home may have changed. Part of his article reads:
“......There is no doubt that renting is cheaper - a typical Sydney home will cost around $385 per week less to rent than to pay off with a 20% deposit and an 8% mortgage rate. Most people eligible for first home buyer’s grants could not afford the typical Sydney property as it would take about 48% of their income to service the loan. The best families could probably hope for is a home purchase of $350,000. On the other hand, the best rental property they could afford would be the typical Sydney home. It is clear in the sort term the decision is about quality of life. The longer term perspective is about the future. Rents are actually at historically low rates, less than half what they have been in the past, and rents rose by around 10% in the last year.....”
I’d be interested in your comments which you enter underneath this post on the website!
I think this also highlights another important point for property managers - your tenants could also become future clients or maybe even one of your best referral sources for growing your rent roll. These days a lot of tenants are landlords/ landlords are tenants under the assumption that people are buying investment properties where they can afford to and then renting somewhere they actually want to live. So the message is - provide your tenants with better customer service than your competitors. You never know when one of them, or one of their associates might be shopping for someone to manage their investment property!
This bunch of handsome fella’s in the photo above are the marvelous men of Corum, who are all supporting “Movember”. We have entered a team called “Branded ‘Mo’s” to raise money in support of this charity.
For those of you that aren’t aware, “Movember” is now an annual event held in support of Men’s Health issues. It’s primary beneficiaries are the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Beyond Blue.
Meanwhile, the ladies in the office will have the very difficult task of judging the best ‘mo at the end of the month.
Our guys would love your support -- for a very worthwhile cause. All donations are of course tax deductible and accepted directly by Movember by clicking button below:
Some our guys are so keen to do a good job of ‘mo growing for charity (not talking about you of course, Joey) - that there has been some talk about using “performance enhancing” substances to grow a ‘mo in a shorter space of time. Apparently if you put “Rogaine” on your top lip, it can have a similar effect to where you should normally put it. I’m not too sure about this as a strategy, but it is all in the name of charity I guess!
And yes... I will be publishing an “after” shot, with the result of our total fundraising efforts in about 4 weeks time. By then all our blokes will probably look like various versions of John Newcombe in the ‘70’s. A frightening thought when you count that there are 14 of them in total participating! This month is certainly going to be hairier than usual.....
Have a great week!
Sam
Best practice - Tenant mailouts and the importance of choice
Hi Everyone!
It’s rapidly approaching Christmas - in fact I think at last count there is only about 7 weeks between now and the festive season. Time to start making that list and checking it twice... or more than twice given the state of the economy at the moment....
There are lots of you starting to think about taking breaks over Christmas (and if you’re not thinking about it and want a break, now might be a good time to start thinking about it!). Please don’t hate me, reminders are a good thing, really!
Quite a few of the account managers here at CRES have been recommending to our clients that doing a tenant mailout before Christmas is a great idea for a couple of reasons:
1. The more tenants using your chosen rent card system, the more automated your rent collection processes, the less manual work you need to do - AND the more time and money you can save by automating manual processes.
2. Give your tenants an early Christmas gift of the Ambassador Card - think of all the savings that they could get on Christmas goodies and shopping - and they would have you - their real estate agent - to thank for it!
So I thought I’d dedicate this post to “Best Practice” in doing tenant mailouts. I have seen a lot of letters go out to tenants in my time at Corum, some of them have been really great, others not so great, but there are some general guidelines you should follow if you are going to do a mailout.
When people mail their tenants to use rent cards there is often a temptation to presumptively “close” them and I have seen a lot of agents try to tell tenants that “this is the way its going to be from now on” and basically not giving them a choice in rent payment methods.
This approach is a little problematic for a couple of reasons:
1. If an existing tenants lease agreement specifies a method of rent payment that is not the rent card, then the legislation in all states says that you cannot force them to change payment methods, both the tenant and the agent must agree to the change.
2. The issue of third line forcing in the Trade Practices Act also comes into play. Although at times hard to prove this basically means that there needs to be a choice for the tenants in rent payment methods. If you make the rent card a “condition” or “pre-requisite” to the commencement of a lease with your office, it could be considered to be third line forcing.
I recently read a book called “Flip” by Peter Sheahan which talks about “how counter-intuitive thinking is changing everything - from branding and strategy to technology and talent”. If you’re interested in modern marketing I think its its well worth reading. My point here is that a bit of counter-intuitive thought can get a much better result for you in the long run. And here is how:
Firstly, no-one likes to feel “forced” into anything and you need to make sure you turn the feeling around. If you can explain to tenants why you feel the change is necessary (eg improved security, not accepting cash in the office, streamlining your processes, eliminating unidentified payments) you will get a much better response than telling them they “must” to do something. If you try to force tenants to change without explaining why, you may even get complaints - which is completely counter-productive to what you are trying to achieve!
Secondly, its important to sell the benefits of the service. If you are with us, you have the ultimate advantage in selling to tenants the benefits of our cards, as there are no other rent card providers that give your tenants the ultimate choices in payment options, with an honest-to-goodness instant rewards program that members of the public pay $199 per annum for.
So, here are my best tips for mailing tenants:
1. Your letter should say that your new rent payment card is your “preferred” method of payment available and that you are phasing out other payment methods.
2. Explain why you are making the change.
3. Explain the benefits to the tenant of making the changes - i.e. what’s in it for them.
4. State in the letter an explicit choice - for eg “Should you choose to change to “rent” card, we are sure you will enjoy the benefits.”
I think you are much better off taking the counter-intuitive approach and getting your tenants steadily onto the card and the benefits for all will be obvious over time. Whilst you are in the process of changing your old tenants over you can always sign new leases up to the card and as your old tenants gradually vacate, the total number of managements using the card will gradually go up.
Your goal should be around 80-90% of managements using the card to get the most benefits and your other payment methods offered should try to eliminate as much human error as possible - eg Bank Cheques and Money Orders. Some of our clients who have been particularly engaged have achieved very close to 100% which is an absolute credit to them and their staff.
If you would like some help completing a mailout to your tenants, please drop us a line and let us know. One of the many services we provide is completing mailouts on your behalf at no charge. Alternately we can give you the tools and advice to successfully complete a mailout on your own.
All the best,
Sam
PS - the BEST letter I have seen recently was written by Ben (his real name) who is the Business Manager of one of our new agents in QLD. Thats as far as the public ID goes, but if you are reading this Ben - it was a really great approach! I’d definitely sign up!
It’s rapidly approaching Christmas - in fact I think at last count there is only about 7 weeks between now and the festive season. Time to start making that list and checking it twice... or more than twice given the state of the economy at the moment....
There are lots of you starting to think about taking breaks over Christmas (and if you’re not thinking about it and want a break, now might be a good time to start thinking about it!). Please don’t hate me, reminders are a good thing, really!
Quite a few of the account managers here at CRES have been recommending to our clients that doing a tenant mailout before Christmas is a great idea for a couple of reasons:
1. The more tenants using your chosen rent card system, the more automated your rent collection processes, the less manual work you need to do - AND the more time and money you can save by automating manual processes.
2. Give your tenants an early Christmas gift of the Ambassador Card - think of all the savings that they could get on Christmas goodies and shopping - and they would have you - their real estate agent - to thank for it!
So I thought I’d dedicate this post to “Best Practice” in doing tenant mailouts. I have seen a lot of letters go out to tenants in my time at Corum, some of them have been really great, others not so great, but there are some general guidelines you should follow if you are going to do a mailout.
When people mail their tenants to use rent cards there is often a temptation to presumptively “close” them and I have seen a lot of agents try to tell tenants that “this is the way its going to be from now on” and basically not giving them a choice in rent payment methods.
This approach is a little problematic for a couple of reasons:
1. If an existing tenants lease agreement specifies a method of rent payment that is not the rent card, then the legislation in all states says that you cannot force them to change payment methods, both the tenant and the agent must agree to the change.
2. The issue of third line forcing in the Trade Practices Act also comes into play. Although at times hard to prove this basically means that there needs to be a choice for the tenants in rent payment methods. If you make the rent card a “condition” or “pre-requisite” to the commencement of a lease with your office, it could be considered to be third line forcing.
I recently read a book called “Flip” by Peter Sheahan which talks about “how counter-intuitive thinking is changing everything - from branding and strategy to technology and talent”. If you’re interested in modern marketing I think its its well worth reading. My point here is that a bit of counter-intuitive thought can get a much better result for you in the long run. And here is how:
Firstly, no-one likes to feel “forced” into anything and you need to make sure you turn the feeling around. If you can explain to tenants why you feel the change is necessary (eg improved security, not accepting cash in the office, streamlining your processes, eliminating unidentified payments) you will get a much better response than telling them they “must” to do something. If you try to force tenants to change without explaining why, you may even get complaints - which is completely counter-productive to what you are trying to achieve!
Secondly, its important to sell the benefits of the service. If you are with us, you have the ultimate advantage in selling to tenants the benefits of our cards, as there are no other rent card providers that give your tenants the ultimate choices in payment options, with an honest-to-goodness instant rewards program that members of the public pay $199 per annum for.
So, here are my best tips for mailing tenants:
1. Your letter should say that your new rent payment card is your “preferred” method of payment available and that you are phasing out other payment methods.
2. Explain why you are making the change.
3. Explain the benefits to the tenant of making the changes - i.e. what’s in it for them.
4. State in the letter an explicit choice - for eg “Should you choose to change to “rent” card, we are sure you will enjoy the benefits.”
I think you are much better off taking the counter-intuitive approach and getting your tenants steadily onto the card and the benefits for all will be obvious over time. Whilst you are in the process of changing your old tenants over you can always sign new leases up to the card and as your old tenants gradually vacate, the total number of managements using the card will gradually go up.
Your goal should be around 80-90% of managements using the card to get the most benefits and your other payment methods offered should try to eliminate as much human error as possible - eg Bank Cheques and Money Orders. Some of our clients who have been particularly engaged have achieved very close to 100% which is an absolute credit to them and their staff.
If you would like some help completing a mailout to your tenants, please drop us a line and let us know. One of the many services we provide is completing mailouts on your behalf at no charge. Alternately we can give you the tools and advice to successfully complete a mailout on your own.
All the best,
Sam
PS - the BEST letter I have seen recently was written by Ben (his real name) who is the Business Manager of one of our new agents in QLD. Thats as far as the public ID goes, but if you are reading this Ben - it was a really great approach! I’d definitely sign up!
Update to Cleared Funds Processing
On Wednesday the 22nd of October we will be introducing new rules for cleared funds processing for transactions initiated by tenants using Credit Cards, BPay or POSTbillpay.
For POST Billpay and BPAY, if we receive the funds prior to the normal 3pm cut-off time, we will transfer the funds to you the same day.
For Credit Cards (MasterCard and Visa Card) if the transaction is processed prior to the normal 3pm cut-off time, we will transfer the funds to you same day.
Funds received or transactions processed after this time will be transferred on the next business day.
Please click here play a presentation for more information about the change and to find out more about this change and the new reports.
Please note, your speakers must be on, and for security purposes you will be required to enter your name before listening to this message.
Chat to you over coffee again soon!
For POST Billpay and BPAY, if we receive the funds prior to the normal 3pm cut-off time, we will transfer the funds to you the same day.
For Credit Cards (MasterCard and Visa Card) if the transaction is processed prior to the normal 3pm cut-off time, we will transfer the funds to you same day.
Funds received or transactions processed after this time will be transferred on the next business day.
Please click here play a presentation for more information about the change and to find out more about this change and the new reports.
Please note, your speakers must be on, and for security purposes you will be required to enter your name before listening to this message.
Chat to you over coffee again soon!
How Our Ambassador Card Rewards partnership "beats" the tips in Money Magazine
17/10/08 07:55 Filed in: Tips
Recently we Introduced a tenant rewards program to all of our rent payment solutions. Corum Real Estate Services partnered with Ambassador Card in May this year to provide a savings/benefits program to tenants who paid their rent with one of our franchise branded rent cards (or RE Connect oneCard).
Ambassador Card is usually $199 per annum membership, however, through our partnership tenants paying rent through us get access to this rewards program at no charge.
You can view some of the rewards available at www.reconnect.com.au/rewards.
Members of Ambassador Card can save money on fuel, groceries and more by pre-purchasing WISH cards at up to 5% discount which can be used at the participating stores - for e.g Woolworths, Safeway, Woolworths Caltex, Dick Smith, Tandy and more. There are also thousands of other discounts on Accomdation, Dining, Health and Beauty, Gyms and more right across Australia and New Zealand.
I have been doing a lot of travelling this month talking to agents about the benefits of promoting Ambassador Card to their tenants and happened to read an article in “Money Magazine” entitled “Save $100 extra a week, we show you how”. Whilst some of the tips are pretty good -- for example - opting for generics in pharmacies, quitting smoking (!), having car free days once per week and reviewing utilities providers can save a great deal of money.
But some of the tips, I think, are just awful!!! --Especially some like “learn to cut your own hair” (yes!!) and swap to “buying cask wine”, and -- wait for it -- if you mostly toast your bread then “check out your local bakery... who often have day old bread for as little as .60c - 80c per loaf”. Use powdered milk and save $5 per week.....Hmmm...
I know I’d rather take save 5% off my total grocery bill by pre-purchasing a WISH Card, shopping at Woolworths and then buying what I like - including fresh bread and fresh milk!!! Then I’ll join the Ambassador Card wine club and get up to 70% discounts on some decent wine, instead of drinking cask wine. While I’m at it, I’ll drive over to my local Woolworths/Safeway Caltex Service station with my discounted WISH Card and my Woolworths/Safeway grocery receipt and by presenting them both at the same time I’ll get another few cents per litre off my fuel.
Then, I think I’ll also head out for dinner tonight with my partner at a restaurant where I can get two meals for the price of one!
Chat to you over coffee again soon!