http://www.eac.com.au

Estate Agents Co-operative Ltd (EAC) was established in April 1960 to give members access to services that they would not have been able to afford individually. The services envisaged by the Co operative included purchasing premises in which to conduct public auctions; establish a combined listing bureaux of properties for sale, rent/lease or investment; and provide training for staff and members to raise the standard of service to clients.

"EAC has come along long way since we began in the 60's", says David Crombie, Technology and Development Manager. "Our members benefit from a wide range of services including advisory services on office procedures, property management, and valuation. We also offer a listing management and marketing service that covers residential, rural and commercial property for sale as well as residential, holiday and commercial property for lease."

The Realtor, EAC Publication

The co-op has an impressive range of publications produced in-house including The Realtor and Homebuyer guides covering every major centre from the far North Coast to Sydney and from the Blue Mountains to Canberra.

In 1996 EAC boasted the largest Internet site of its type in Australia. "Our focus is on keeping up with the very latest in electronic and information technology. Last year we were the second organisation in the world to release the latest in real estate technology in conjunction with WyldFyre Technologies from the USA", says David. "Our Red Square software continues to lead the market in the supply of the most accurate and up-to-date sales data available and along with the release of Red Square 6 we introduced Street Maps, the most advanced mapping product available to the real estate industry in Australia."

EAC hosts some 300+ websites for its members including a number of independent real estate groups. It is currently working on a range of new services for its members including a comprehensive property statics reporting service, electronic real estate forms and Pocket PC solutions. A quality assurance program containing best practice procedures, occupational health & safety and risk management will ensure compliance with the requirements of the new Act, hopefully leading to a reduction in insurance premiums for members.

Over the last few years the Board and management of the EAC have recognised the need to diversify from a purely multiple listing bureau to an organisation that provides a diverse range of goods and services to its members. Today the range of goods and services on offer includes state of the art technology services, publishing/printing capabilities, real estate publications, stationary, education, insurance products and a range of other member benefits.

EAC has around 400 members, approximately 80 employees, and has a total turnover in excess of $9.5 million.