Month: December 2009

New EAC corporate website launch

/ David Crombie / Leave a comment
The Estate Agents Co operative is proud to announce the launch of our new and Industry specific website, that has been tailored to showcase all of the Co operatives products and services to potential clients, as well as providing an easy to navigate reference centre to existing EAC Members.
The new site utilises the EAC content management system or CMS, which is also available to Members for the management and maintenance of their own sites.
EAC Members can now log into the site to take advantage of Member only discounts available from the online stationery section and training calendar online booking system. Members also have the luxury of perusing the new Membership benefits section to ensure they are taking advantage of all the Co operatives services and preferred supplier discounts.
Click here to visit the new eac.com.au

EAC comments on the Draft Residential Tenancies Bill

/ David Crombie / Leave a comment
As you may be aware, the NSW Government recently released for community consultation a draft Bill to reform tenancy laws. The Bill is not law at this time and changes may be made to it as a result of this consultation before it is introduced to Parliament early in the new year. The Office of Fair Trading advises that it is unlikely that this new legislation will commence before July 2010.
EAC identified areas of concern and proposed changes that if implemented could create difficulties for agents and create a shortage of rental accommodation by driving investors to other more easily managed investment alternatives.
Matters of concern include the following:
  • Scope of premises to which the Act will apply
  • Abolition of tenant’s contribution to lease preparation cost
  • Condition Reports
  • Rent Receipts
  • Water efficient premises and tenant usage charges
  • Alterations by tenants to premises
  • ‘No grounds’ termination notices
  • Rent arrears evictions
  • Reduction in bond for furnished premises
When Parliament passes the Bill, it will not come into effect immediately. The existing Regulations, including a revised standard lease and condition report, will need to be re-made and this will involve further public consultation. Given the expected changes to some documents, agents should carry lower levels of stock.
Agents will have ample time to implement changes when they become law and should be cautious of any specific advice given before this occurs.
It may well be several months before the exact detail on the new laws is available.
Be assured EAC will participate in the next consultation phase and keep you fully informed.

EAC Makes the Top 100 NSW Co operatives List

/ David Crombie / Leave a comment
The Estate Agents Co operative has been listed in the top 100 NSW Co operatives, Credit unions and Mutuals by annual turnover by the Co operative Federation of NSW.
Publication of the List significantly lifted awareness of this important sector of our
economy, both in NSW and at a national level.
To view the list click here
I have also been asked to present at Co-operative Opportunities Conference at the Sydney University Village in February 2010 and will be talking about “Changing the co-op to meet a competitive environment” where I will detail the changes that I have put in place over the past few years at EAC.

EAC Announces Their Support for an Insurance Alternative for the NSW Real Estate Industry.

/ David Crombie / Leave a comment
Mr David Crombie, Chief Executive Officer of the Estate Agents Co-operative (EAC) today announced a new alliance endorsing OAMPS Insurance Brokers as their preferred suppliers of insurance services, expertise and risk management.
As the largest independent real estate organisation in Australia, the EAC proudly offers its members and the industry a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of today’s real estate and property professional. With a core objective of providing the NSW real estate industry with the best insurance solutions available, the partnership with OAMPS Insurance Brokers was a natural alternative for a number of reasons, including their extensive experience and capabilities.
Mr Crombie said: “OAMPS’ has demonstrated an ability to work hand in hand with clients to truly understand the complexities of their business. With a broker network extending across the country, and a broad range of insurance options that also cover stock and station inclusions which has been neglected by other industry bodies. EAC also have the reach to cater to members of the real estate industry’s needs, no matter where they are, or how their business is structured”.
OAMPS has the experience and capability to provide the industry with a wide range of insurance advice and solutions, including:
Professional indemnity/management liaibility insurance
Property insurance – broadened definitions of buildings, stock and weather perils
Business interruption insurance – with extended indemnity periods and cover extensions
Public and products liability programmes
Stock and Station
Machinery and equipment programmes
Commercial motor vehicle fleets
Mr Bruce McCluskey, OAMPS Branch Manager said: “OAMPS offers an insurance solution that’s a bit different than those available from the rest of the market. We pride ourselves on getting closer to clients through specialising – providing specifically designed protection packages. We’re really excited about the opportunity to assist the members of the EAC and the industry as a whole in ensuring they have the right insurance, at the right price”.
Next time your insurance is up for renewal – let OAMPS Insurance Brokers provide you with an obligation free quote. Contact Bruce McCluskey on 02 4226 8700 or email Bruce on brucem@oamps.com.au.
Media Enquiries can be directed to Damien McDonald – Sales & Marketing Manager – EAC on 0425 257 482 or email – dmcdonald@eac.com.au