After nine years in a major franchise, Sydney Upper North Shore identities Michael Walter and David Bokor have ‘unfranchised’ themselves to join to First National Real Estate, consolidating their Turramurra and Pymble areas of operation under a unique brand identity via the launch of First National Real Estate Avenue.

“We are excited to have partnered with First National and view it as one of Australia’s emerging leaders in the digital revolution’ says agency director, David Bokor.

“It has embraced the digital revolution sweeping the industry, is driven by Australian innovation, and it demonstrates a willingness to challenge itself and its members to use the leading-edge marketing technologies it offers.’

“NSW Business Growth Manager, Katina Giannos says when she met with David and Michael to discuss their business needs, they were dissatisfied with the lack of marketing options and corporate support available under their previous franchise agreement, despite paying considerable franchise and marketing fees for their website and access to marketing platforms.

“Having outlined First National’s “Out There” strategy with David and Michael, they were impressed by how comprehensive the network’s systems are, how easy they make marketing tasks, and they were surprised at how comparatively inexpensive they are compared to what they’d been used to’ says Ms Giannos.

Other factors influencing their decision to ‘unfranchise’ were First National Real Estate’s not-for-profit administrative status, its sponsorship of Kids Helpline, and the ability to service a wider geographical area, according to David Bokor.

“The not-for-profit economies of scale First National delivers are one of the biggest surprises, from my perspective’ says Mr Bokor.

“Saving substantially on our website costs alone is just one example, but First National’s own exclusive Hyperlocal advertising product, which is bundled with other digital marketing tools, is also less expensive than competing products.’

By combining Michael Walter’s sales, auctioneer and business ownership skills with David Bokor’s youthful tenacity, determination and history of premium property sales, the duo say they’re primed to expand First National Avenue substantially in the years ahead.