Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Metro leases 44 properties in September!


Metro PM is pleased to have leased 44 properties through the month of September.

This month we have noticed a reduced number of enquiries from prospective tenants which has resulted in a quieter month than we have experienced for many many months. Whilst the month was quiet for prospective tenants, it’s pleasing to see a return by investors to the residential market. October is already showing signs of a BIG month!

Metro manages and leases properties here, there and everywhere!

Please feel free to contact Leah Calnan or Cheyenne Delamere to discuss any of your property management needs on (03) 9831 3000.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Fun recipes for kids


Rice Cake Kitties (thanks to Word of Mouth)






4 SunRice 5 Grain Rice Cakes
2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
1 sliced banana for the cheeks
shredded coconut, for whiskers
1/2 carrot thinly sliced, then trimmed into triangles for ears
4 raisins for the nose
8 currants for the eyes

Method

Preparation time: 5 minutes.
Serves: 2

Spread rice cakes with peanut butter.

Arrange remaining ingredients to form the kitty faces.

Note: Rice Cake Kitties are best eaten immediately.

Gingerbread People - Fun for the kids!!


Gingerbread People (Thanks to Word of Mouth)






1/2 cup castor sugar
3 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon bi-carb soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
125g butter
4 tablespoons golden syrup
1 lightly beaten egg
1 cup icing sugar for icing
assortment of smarties, jellybeans etc

Method
Sift dry ingredients into a bowl and rub in butter.
Add sugar and mix well.
Warm the golden syrup slightly and add with the egg to the dry ingredients. You can also do this in a food processor to save time but be careful not to over process!
Knead until smooth and roll out to a thickness of about 3mm.
Cut into gingerbread people shapes or even stars, bells, circles etc.
Bake at 190 degrees for about 10-15 minutes.
Place on a wire rack to cool.

Make a fairly thick paste of icing sugar and water and "glue" the smarties, jelly beans etc on with the icing.
Generally more lollies are eaten than used for decoration!! Leave to set for about an hour then place in an airtight container.
These also make a fantastic gift for your children to make for their friends at Christmas.

Metro Property Management Workshop


Those who had the pleasure of hearing Dr Tony Hayek speak at the Metro Property Management Workshop will know what a great speaker he is. I’m sure everyone who attended went home feeling motivated, well informed and ready to take action!

Tony spoke about trends in the Australian property market, what’s hot, what’s not and touched on how to use your superannuation to start or grow your property portfolio.

Metro put on these Workshops/Seminars to educate clients and hopefully assist in wealth creation. It’s not about selling or making money, it’s all about education.

A great evening all round – feedback from some of our attendees:

MC – Interesting seminar with good advice

AB – Concise and to the point

CR – Informative and easy to understand

SR – If you’re thinking of investing in property, this is a good kick in the bum to get going

JD – Inspiring and empowering

CB – very informative

AW – The event is very entertaining and informative with the right information required for someone looking to invest for the long term

JB – Very engaging! Relevant and data driven. Great substantiated insights!

DG – Very informative and an eye opening seminar

MC – Very motivating and very well spoken

JF – The best education I’ve received in
ages

If you want to start or increase your property portfolio, please contact Metro Property Management. We can put you in touch with the market leaders enabling you to make smart and property investment decisions.

If you would like to attend any upcoming Workshops/Seminars, please email your interest with Carolyn Hall at carolynh@metropm.com.au or phone (03) 9831 3006.

Metro would like to thank Dr Tony Hayek for a very entertaining and informative evening!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Leah's new appointment!


Leah Calnan, Director - Metro Property Management, has been elected Chairperson of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) Property Management Committee.

After 3 successful appointments to the Property Management Committee over the past 10 years, this is Leah's appointment as Chairperson.

Leah's goal as Chairperson is to ensure the industry remains proactive and moves with the times, continues to provide property managers a voice within the industry and work with the Real Estate Institute of Victoria to maintain the profile of property management and the development of new talent coming into our industry.

Leah was elected by her peers and she is looking forward to the many challenges and new experiences this role will provide.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Investment Workshop


With interest rates at their lowest since 1964 and rents rapidly increasing, it has never been more affordable to hold property. The Australian property market currently provides investors with a 'once in a lifetime opportunity'.
But where should you be investing to maximise your return?

You are invited to hear leading property expert, Dr Tony Hayek, discuss the key drivers of Australian property market and explain how to use research to identify growth markets.

At this event you will

Hear the latest property research and market trends
Learn about what drives growth in the Australian property market
Understand property cycles and the importance of investing at the right time
Find out how you can buy property with your superannuation

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 16th September, 2009

Time: 6.30pm - 7.00pm Light Refreshments
7.00pm - 8.30pm Australian Property Workshop
8.30pm - 8.45pm Questions and Answers

Venue:The Sebel - Albert Park
65 Queens Road
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Mel Ref 2L B11

To book your seat - please email carolynh@metropm.com.au
or phone (03) 9831 3006

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Why don't we like change?

Over the past 2 days, I have enjoyed the beautiful sun and atmosphere of Noosa whilst attending a conference.
I believe professional development and education is crucial to not only enhance and develop my own personal skills, but obtain additional information and ideas which provide improvement and strategies to my business.
In 2009, why was there no topic or speaker presenting on social networking? Why are real estate agents so afraid of change? How are we ever going to develop the new talent entering this industry when the training content is the same all the time, out of touch and out dated?

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Competing with the single minded

Why are so many companies frightened of moving forward on the internet? Companies and business owners are barely scratching the surface when it comes to the internet let alone the social networking aspect of it.

We all want the next best new thing, but of course we must ensure we do it in a measured, rational way. Or do we?

A measured, rational way is great, but what if your competition doesn’t agree?

Seth Godin is quoted saying “When you have someone who is willing to accomplish A without worrying about B and C, they will almost always defeat you in accomplishing A. Online, of course, this often leads to doom, since there are many organizations that are willing to get big at the expense of revenue. But in the short run, the single minded have a fantastic advantage. And sometimes, their single minded focus on accomplishing just that one thing (whatever it is) pushes them through the Dip far ahead of you”.

Print media including newspapers, magazines, TV stations, real estate agents, travel agents, bookstores, insurance agents and five hundred plus other industries need to think hard about this before it's too late.

Can you afford to not to think outside the square from time to time…..