Kristen Porter
When “contractor” means employee: What the Fair Work decision means for offshore real estate staff
Many real estate leaders rely on offshore support for admin or client management, assuming contractor agreements keep them outside the scope of employment law. But a recent case, Pascua v Doessel Group, has upended that belief. The Fair Work Commission found that even a worker based overseas can qualify as an employee.
New AI and Privacy guide makes compliance easier for businesses
Australian regulators have released new guidance clarifying how privacy laws apply to AI, offering businesses a practical roadmap…
Underpayment laws you need to know about for 2025
New rules mean underpaying employees – whether it’s forgetting overtime, missing penalty rates, or skipping super – could…
End of Year leave and shutdown periods: what real estate employers and staff need to know
As a real estate agency, the holiday season can be a tricky time to manage.
Navigating the new Privacy Bill: what real estate agents and businesses need to know
Discover the 2024 Privacy Bill changes, penalties, and how agencies can avoid breaches. Stay compliant with new privacy…
Kristen Porter: Fair Work Act changes – do you know if your team member is an employee or a contractor?
Running a real estate business can be a bit like walking a tightrope, especially when it comes to…
Are written contracts key to employee or contractor status?
You’re probably just caught up on all the different factors you need to consider when determining if your…
Commission protection alert: Are your agreements at risk?
We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t forget to dot your I’s and cross your T’s”, but that expression…
Privacy Awareness Week: why your clients’ privacy matters to them – and you
Let’s face it, when it comes to trust, the real estate industry isn’t always viewed very highly, especially…
Starting your own agency? Here’s what you absolutely need to know
Many real estate agents have a long-held dream to start their own agency. But it’s not as simple…
Why buying a rent roll takes a lot longer than buying a house
When it comes to selling a house, it’s common for sellers to lock in their decision, and put…
Privacy laws: things are about to change
Privacy has always been an important issue but never more so than since big businesses like Optus and…
Seven things to consider before going out on your own
The decision to make the move from real estate salesperson to business owner is a big one.
Unpopular opinion: Buying/selling shares is a better option than assets
For many in the real estate industry, buying their own agency is a long-held goal. But for those…
If you don’t plan your exit, you plan to fail
Succession Planning – as the term implies– is planning your succession – what happens once you’re no longer…
The importance of your client’s data – has your agency been breached?
Your client data is important to you, but it’s also important to them. That’s why there are laws…
Kristen Porter: three simple growth strategies (and the legal tips you need to implement them!)
These days, everywhere you turn there’s another growth strategy for you to use in your business. While it’s…
Kristen Porter: how to know you’re legally covered
Despite most real estate agents understanding the importance of legal protection, it’s easy to push it to the…
Kristen Porter: What to expect when buying a rent roll
Purchasing a rent roll can be both exciting and daunting. It’s a unique process, and even the most…
Kristen Porter: how to avoid social media pitfalls
Real estate is highly regulated. But while most talk around regulation centres around trust accounting or licensing, marketing…
Kristen Porter: Changes are coming to privacy laws
A suite of changes is likely coming to privacy laws in the near future, giving consumers greater control…
Kristen Porter: your agency’s legal lifecycle
When it comes to sorting out the legal needs of your real estate business, it’s easy to get…
Intellectual property licence versus franchise – what’s the difference?
Wanting to expand your agency but daunted by the laws, cost and time associated with franchising? Well, maybe…
How to start your own agency, without tripping over
Going solo and starting your own agency can be as daunting as it is exhilarating.
Would your real estate contractor pass the test?
Hiring independent contractors is popular in the real estate industry, with many high performers insisting on this type…
Things to consider when buying or selling a rent roll
The rent roll market is a hot one, with demand far exceeding supply. So, whether you’re looking to…
One simple step to take today to future proof your agency
Principals spend years building their client database, getting their brand out there, and improving their suite of frequent-use…
Is offering ownership in your agency the right call?
O*No Legal founding director Kristen Porter breaks down the key considerations when bringing new stakeholders into your business.
The biggest Privacy Act mistake you need to avoid
Oh, no! You don’t comply with the Privacy Act as you have been told you don’t need to,…