“Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.” Anton Kardash, the newly appointed CEO of the REIQ, says that this aptly describes the thinking of the REIQ board in moving the Institute forward in what have been difficult times.
This REIQ’s commitment to improvement has led to my appointment here, and while I am new to Real Estate, I bring experiences from a variety of sectors, which I hope will be an asset to the REIQ and its members. Previously I had been involved in senior roles in the health, community service, job network and recruitment industries.
My most recent role as CEO of the aged and retirement industry association in Queensland has prepared me well as CEO of the Institute. I have a particular interest in the timely development and implementation of successful organisational change as companies struggle to keep up with the increased pace of change in our modern world. While the current environment has been challenging for the industry, it is in these times that the Institute can really provide a value ad for its members.
I have very quickly learned that the Institute provides a wide range of well-respected services to members and I am very keen to ensure that we improve the value proposition for members in the future. Industry associations provide key support for members in lobbying, information and advice giving, support and, of course, training. Over time, I will be reviewing each of these functions to ensure that members are getting the best from our very able and experienced staff.
Two significant developments which I will drive forward are the flagship website reiq.com which will provide more opportunities for the general public to connect with REIQ accredited agencies and their more than 90,000 property listings. The basic listings on this web portal are free to members and represent a real value to members. The growth of reiq.com has been spectacular since its launch on 1 September last year. The website – which is available exclusively to REIQ accredited agencies only – has grown to now feature the second largest number of Queensland property listings in the country. Our listings include residential, commercial, and business properties for sale and lease.
The growth of reiq.com has been spectacular since its launch on 1 September last year.
This growth means that the site is being continually developed to deliver users more options and results than ever before. The expectations for search options are higher than they used to be, thanks to sites like Google, and searchers want to find the latest relevant listings the second they are available. To this end, a new advanced search engine facility has been developed which allows users to search under a variety of keywords by using a mix of postcode, street, or attributes, amongst other search terms. For example the new keyword search feature means you can search for Gold Coast; ocean views or Gladstone; investment.
The REIQ will also be launching a cutting-edge e-learning platform soon, which is set to revolutionise the delivery of real estate training in Queensland, while maintaining the REIQ ’s very high level of educational standards. This online training platform will feature the popular registration course for new real estate professionals in Queensland and we believe will set a new benchmark for educational training in this state.
We will be further developing our presence in the online community with the recently launch of our REIQ Insider blog, which can be found at www.reiqblog.com. On this blog, key REIQ staff will be regularly blogging about industry news, the latest property data and statistics as well as legislation and technology so this is a great new initiative to provide consumers and real estate practitioners with the inside info on everything Queensland property.
I have recently commenced a member’s survey to understand firsthand the issues facing members and will start travelling across Queensland to meet personally with members. The REIQ has been active in lobbying government for reform of the industry and my experiences in the aged and retirement living industry are directly applicable. I have already met with relevant Ministers and department heads with a view to progressing the REIQ’s objectives. With the State Election now set, this is an opportune time to be out there talking with politicians and selling our message.
Indeed, after a tough 2011, there are signs that the Queensland property market is turning a corner and the REIQ intends to be at the forefront of this recovery.
The future is an exciting time with major initiatives planned for the REIQ . Indeed, after a tough 2011, there are signs that the Queensland property market is turning a corner and the REIQ intends to be at the forefront of this recovery. As the new CEO, and with my previous experience, to lead the Institute forward, so members and staff can look forward to a prosperous future.
Anton Kardash is the CEO of the REIQ. For more information, visit reiq.com.au.
