Testimonals

 
As an independent real estate agency I joined irene for the benefit of sharing knowledge, information and networking.

During the period of my company’s association I have utilised the sharing of knowledge several times.  The benefits of being able to access fellow subscribers who have a wealth of experience are invaluable. Areas that I’ve sought advice on are drug-related problems with tenants, court appearances and on-going tenancy dispute resolutions. We ran a questionnaire through subscribers concerning the tenant’s water usage which proved invaluable.

Other areas of shared information have included, which banks offer the best and worst service and conditions.

Networking has also improved our buying power for white goods and computer supplies.

As a principal I am constantly approached by salespeople trying to sell me new products and in an every changing technological world I need to keep abreast of progress.  On several occasions I have referred these salespersons to irene, who have kindly investigated the products thoroughly and offered very sensible practical advice. This alone is a major time saver.

I would highly recommend subscription of irene to independent agencies.  The benefits will prove it to be a worthwhile association.

Tina McCleland ---- Principal
Realty 1 The Gap

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Re: Keep up the good work

Thank you George for your fantastic work.
Keep it up

Regards,
Doug Kirk----E.C.Dean

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After more than two decades in our exciting profession, having traded in two states under a variety of major franchise and marketing banners in April 2002 I switched to independence and have not looked back.

One of my major concerns as one who projects forward constantly was and remains how to compete at the same level as the major franchise operators in regard to buying power and so on, more importantly to have a voice that will be respected by the major media players who have dominated and controlled us through newspapers in the past and the internet now and forever more so in the future.

In my previous life in the swimming pool industry in N.S.W. I faced a similar problem which I resolved by convincing 70% of my competitors to form A.Tech Pool Centres, a non profit co-operative that commanded excellent buying power and respect from the four suppliers at that time which was a far cry from the shabby treatment and poor margins I was able to achieve on my own, sadly after my departure they succumbed to the major suppliers deception and ultimately folded which delivered the power back where it started with the suppliers, (it's worth noting here the importance of strong leadership for any group of independent operators in any industry, the old adage still holds true "united we stand, divided we fall " ).

As an independent real estate agent I was aware that there was no reason why I could not achieve the same result in our industry, given that there are more than ten fold independents in Australia than the largest franchise group which offers outstanding potential buying power and a very powerful voice to deal with the media, imagine my surprise when I was contacted by George Collins early in 2004 with the I.R.E.N.E. concept.

George had the same concept in mind and had evolved it way beyond my embryo stage. I could not fault George's win win concept and signed up immediately, this when I was expecting to pay I.R.E.N.E. around $500/ month once a saving level of $1500/ month had been achieved. To see that revised to $27.50 max, only after the realestate.com.au saving commenced is in my opinion ludicrously low and should be higher. For crying out loud it isn't costing me anything and the more powerful I.R.E.N.E. becomes the better for us all, believe me when I witnessed the changing attitude of big business in the pool industry all those years ago I was amazed at the degree of power us little pool centres all of a sudden had and it was a very pleasant feeling, I must stress though the importance of strong leadership because the powers that be will do whatever they can to regain power and control.

I take my hat off to George Collins for having the courage of his conviction to have invested so heavily in the I.R.E.N.E. concept for so long and for having the strength to withstand all the forces that would have him fold under the pressure.

All of us independent real estate agents need this kind of power behind us to grow and prosper in an ever challenging business environment, I encourage anyone who is not on board to do it and DO IT NOW. I can be reached on 07-3881-0666 bus. hours or 0411-701-396 anytime if anyone is interested in discussing I.R.E.N.E. further."

Best Wisher's

Ken Westmore ----Principal Licensee

Ken Westmore Realty

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Thought you may like this!

True Story

" One of my sales consultants recently secured a listing over two major franchise groups. He did this, 
simply by mentioning the fact that we have access to over 200 Independent Queensland real estate offices
and showed them the benefit of listing their property with such a progressive group. He showed the client
the graph you supplied to us and they signed up immediately. Powerful stuff!"

I like where we're heading George, keep up the great work!

Regards,

Simon Buchan----Principal of Elite Agents - Buchan Realty. Proudly promoting irene

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Thanks for your help George, the support you have given me is outstanding and much appreciated!

Talk soon.

Warm regards,

Kathy----Kathy Meyer Real Estate

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Hi George

Keep up your good work!! I'm sure people like (name withheld) don't realise the power of persistence and what it takes to get a result from large companies. Top marks George for being so patient.

Kind Regards,

Bond Properties Pty Ltd

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FLEMMING ASSET MANAGEMENT

I just received your letter of 12 May regarding the Network.

I was unaware of such a network and simply wish to CONGRATULATE you for developing such a body.

From an independent agency, I thank you for your fore-sight!

I welcome your call and look forward to meeting you in the future.

You have my full support and I look forward to future involvement.

Best regards,

Angie Flemming----Director FLEMMING ASSET MANAGEMENT

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Oxford Property Group

Dear George and the irene team,

I wanted to say thank you for your efforts recently in requesting information from other irene subscribers for me.
I was looking for some words of wisdom in relation to changing banks.

After you sent an email blaster I received 5 emails, 2 phone calls and an email from yourselves that had some
advise from two other agents.

The information that other agents had provided was invaluable. I received some excellent advise on the do’s and
don’ts when changing banks.

I must say the feedback received far outweighs the small subscription fee that we pay as subscribers each month.
Well done and keep up the good work.

Regards,

Dave Paddington ---- Principal Licensee Oxford Property Group

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You know … when I look at you George I see this casual  unpretentious friendly guy

And the more I get to know you I see this warm outside - intelligent and iron on the inside

Know what I mean?

Your ideas are like gold

Thanks as ever

Stephen Harris ---- NewFone

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We saved $1500.00 on this years Professional Indemnity Insurance through using the
irene recommended broker.

We joined to have the support of an Independant Network that saves us money and has
information to improve our business. The savings on realestate.com.au were immediate,
keep up the good work. We can only get stronger over time.

Regards ,                                                

Richard Locke----Noosa RealtyService

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Hi George,

The graph is wonderful, will incorporate it into my rental/sales info to new clients.

 Thank you once again George for having the foresight to give the independents a better shot at the star atop the tree.

Carol-Ann Kennedy----HAWTHORNE QLD 4171

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WOW! Sounds like you are continuing to do a great job for us. We certainly appreciate it and I would love to come along to the session, can’t wait for more details.

Thanks again George, we sincerely appreciate the great things you are providing!!!

Speak to you soon,

Robyn----Springwood DaisyHill Realty

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Hi there George,

I have just heard from Sarah that you have booked a table and will be attending.
Just want to say how proud I am to be associated with you and your operation.
I look forward to seeing you all on the night. It should be good.
Apparently there are some Aussie swimmers who will be in attendance.

Kind Regards,

Tanga Iose----Director Finance W it h Att it ude

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Darling Down Realty

I was at the meeting in Toowoomba this morning and see great benefits from joining.
In 2004 I got seven local indepenedent agents to advertise as a group in the Toowoomba Mail-
a free paper owned by the Chronicle.Unfortunately this did not last, so I applaud your efforts.

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I have attached an updated list of 4 sale agencies for you..
 
Recently  I received a number of phone calls from irene subscribers asking questions on real estate matters.
Interesting to hear from them and the stories they are telling me. In particular how good it is to be a part of a network that will go out of their way to help their subscribers . Wow!!
 
When they call they are VERY quick to introduce themselves as being a subscriber! That in it self says a lot
about their feelings
 
Give yourselves a pat on the back. Its all good news
 
Regards
 
Stan

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Dear George,

With regard to a convention  we would probably prefer more informal gatherings as we will be attending Arec2007 in May and there are other conventions on as well.  However we would like the majority to decide as every office has different requirements.

Wishing you every success ,

Yours sincerely,

Nanette Lilley.

  P.s You are doing a fantastic job.

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We are considering winding down our operations and would therefore like to end our subscription/membership with irene. I believe we currently pay via DD so would appreciate if we could terminate this arrangement as soon as is possible. We think you are doing a great job for the independents!

Much appreciated,

Stephen----SUNCITY REAL ESTATE

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Reid Real Estate

Hi George
Well done, What you are doing is very exciting.
You are doing a superb job.

Kind regards

Tony Reid
Reid Real Estate

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Dear George

I’m writing this Letter to express gratitude as well as my surprise in dealing with yourself and irene.

Having been involved in corporate business for over 20 years I’ve never met an individual or an organization quite like irene.

From demonstrating the fanatical research and time you invest in finding the most advanced and suitable products for your subscribers (who you speak of almost as if they where family members) to unselfishly negotiating the best possible financial result for those subscribers without any mention or demand of personal gain for yourself .

This was no more evident than in our negotiations and final partnership arrangement where once again you took us all by surprise by directing that all the profits of irene’s investment into Arosoftware are to be used to reduce the monthly fee costs for irene subscribers.

This type of commitment, loyalty and unselfish behaviour is almost unheard of let alone in the corporate world but in business itself. Myself and the team now understand why irene is so successful.

Thank you George to you and your team at irene for this incredible opportunity to be part of something truly special, we look forward to many years and hopefully a lifetime of being part of irene.

Yours Sincerely

James Rubulis

Arosoftware

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Noosa Hot Properties

George, I found the meeting at Maroochy very informative and can’t wait for the next update in June. I think there is huge potential for irene to take control of a market that has too long been out of our hands. You should be congratulated for your vision and enthusiasm. Any agent that has not become a subscriber is basically throwing money down the drain.

Regards, Brian.

BRIAN HAYES
PRINCIPAL. 

Mob. 0414840212  / 07 54556666

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Woombye Real Estate

HI GEORGE.
I MUST ADMIT I WAS ALSO ENTHUSED BY THE RESPONSE AT THE MEETING , IT ONLY GOES TO SHOW THERE IS CERTAINLY A CRYING NEED FOR STRENGTHENING THE POSITION OF THE SMALLER OFFICES.
I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY SERVICES TO ASSIST IF YOU SHOULD FEEL A NEED FOR A WELL KNOWN ORGANISER TO ASSIST YOU GETTING THINGS UP AND RUNNING, GIVE ME A CALL. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A PROJECT THAT WILL CHALLENGE ME SINCE TAKING A STEP BACK FROM ALL THE DIFFERENT COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS.

Les Hadlow
Principal
Woombye Real Estate
WOOMBYE QLD 4559

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George

we saved $1500.00 on this years Professional Indemnity Insurance through using the irene recommended broker. We joined to have the support

of an Independant Network that saves us money and has information to improve our business. The savings on realestate.com.au were immediate, keep up the good work. We can only get stronger over time.

Regards                                                 

Richard Locke

Noosa Realty Service

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Primary Real Estate Qld

Hello George.

Thank you for inviting my wife Sanchia and myself to your first irene meeting on the SunShine coast. We understand and agree to support you in your endeavors and look forward to the next meeting and especially to get the advertising question sorted. An issue that I have been planning or initiating my self  for some time. This is because of my own concerns and the general feeling from the other small independant agencies. As was supported at this meeting. 

Some 20 odd years ago I was a delegate in the setting up a Real Estate property paper  in NZ which I am pleased to say is still a very much read and accepted publication today. I am prepared to offer a few suggestions on this experience for consideration in this regard.  I would be available and prepared to discuss these with you prior to the next planned meeting on the 22nd June. Thats if you so wish.

With regards to no prior payments to you or irene. from our company. 

Yes !! We are one of the so called guilty agencies who have not paid any $$$ at this time. Your original emails were perhaps like a lot of other emails received " waiting for the gullible's " We have arranged the direct debit payment of $ 27.50 per month as from June and we are also prepared to forward you a cheque for back payments from February  to May ( 4 months) =  $ 110.00 as a sign of good faith.

Thank you again and looking forward to the next meeting.             

Regards

Ian McEldowney

Principle

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TREVOR HICKS REALTY

Hi George,

Keep up the good work, I appreciate what you are doing.

You help and great work is greatly appreciated

warm regards

T REVOR H ICKS

  Principal/Licensee

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  Marie Apuli Real Estate

Hi George,

Thank you for all your efforts. I recently bought two stoves through Harvey Norman Commercial and they definitely were the best prices around.

Regards and best wishes

Marie Apuli Real Estate

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Hi George ,

Well Just a line to you George to say 'thank you' for all your persistance with the Toowoomba agents .I can assure you I know how hard it is after serving a couple of years on the local REIQ Branch executive .I have tried all the agents that you have mentioned in the last group too ! You've done well so far so why not see what happens when the paper accepts your proposal ? Regards Malcolm Bond .

---------------------------------------
Malcolm Bond | Malcolm Bond Properties Pty Ltd
phone 0418 157 393
fax 07 4637 9577
email malcolm@malcolmbondproperties.com.au
web www.malcolmbondproperties.com.au

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Ken Westmore Realty

Good Morning Gay,

I would like to say thank you to you and your office for hosting the above-mentioned workshop.

Maree and I both commented on how beneficial it was to the both of us. It is also wonderful to know that there are other agents out there that are willing to help further our knowledge. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Best Wishes,

Ellie Harmes

Property Manager
Ken Westmore Realty
404 Gympie Road
Strathpine Qld 4500
Ph: (07) 3881 0666
Mob: 0410 944 605

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Hi George.

It appears that plans for improving the profile over Ipswich way are proceeding along nicely.

Congratulations to all, it shows that having the faith with your idea’s for iean are certainly proof that by standing together and consolidating the strength of so many great minds that we will all benefit, and above all else bring us to an even playing field with “THE BIG BOY”S’.

I am sure I can speak on behalf of us all over here at the Sunshine Coast that we are looking forward to our turn.

Les Hadlow

Principal
Woombye Real Estate
WOOMBYE QLD 4559

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Thanks a lot for your assistance with this George

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George I will be there with bells on, can I throw darts at any who are not financial :-P

You are doing good work, congrats.

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This is fantastic George. Relax over Christmas, we will attack this again in the New Year.

Thank you for your efforts George, they are greatly appreciated.

Regards

George Westgarth

Westgarth Realty
Integrity In Real Estate

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Hi George,

I just wanted to share with you the fabulous month my agency has just experienced and I give a lot of credit for it to the strength of the irene market push in the Ipswich area.  We have just had our best ever month of trading since opening nearly 4 years ago.  Not only did our sales increase but the walk-in trade to our office did as well.  We had this week, 3 walk-in new landlords into our office and I  feel it is from our added exposure in the irene promotion.  As well we placed an ad in our house ads looking for a new sales person and we had a good result and 2 very strong potential new sales staff members, and a experienced property manager reply off the sales person ad.

Only good things can happen from now on with the strength in the network of the irene members.

• Kind regards
• Michelle Heit
• Principal

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Dear George,

You were going to email me membership detaills, on looking through some of the emails I have, it appears that we have had complimentary membership which I did not realize, but I am quite willing to pay the fees.

I thought Friday was excellent and I was impressed by the work already done and the potential, congratulations!

I do not have a great deal of experience in the Real Estate industry, but if there is anything I can do I am very willing to try.

Regards

Wendy Gilson
Principal
Palmwoods Real Estate

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Hi George,

I am really looking forward to seeing the new format. It doesn't sound
like its to far away. I'm extremely impressed with the amount of work
you are doing to support the independents, I hope you receive the same
rewards in return.

I can't wait to see what localhomes will provide to the market. Its a
great time to be one of the little guys. Let me know if you need anything.

Regards,

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Dear George

Thank you For your reply you are doing a great job!!!

Best Wishes

Rachael MClachlan

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Hi George, thanks for the positive feedback, we are pretty happy with the overall result, our page needs a little tweaking. So far so good, we are running another full page this week.

Thanks again for your hard work,

Grant McDonald

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Hi George

Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to send one of my staff to jade’s “Prospecting” course yesterday.  I’ve chatted with Alan who went and he’s has gained plenty from it. …. Much appreciated.

thanks

Tina McCleland
Realty 1, The Gap
t:  3300 0911  m:  0414 909 896
www.realty1thegap.com.au

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Hi George

excellent, I admire the way you make things happen and take control.

Regards

Steven A Fazakerley
Director

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Hey George,

In case no one has told you lately – YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE BLOODY LEGEND!!!

Have a great day.

Regards
Bronwyn Handley
Switch Realty

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