Network & Industry
In This Edition…
🏢 Two New Directors Join National Support Office
👩🏻💼 Betty Ninas Appointed Network Growth Manager
🧑🏽💻 Will You Be The Victim of a Cyber Attack This Year? (Agency Practice)
👔 Are You Ready To Shape First National’s Future? (Network & Industry)
📋 REIA Coordinates New Zealand AML Study Tour
📱 Unlock the Power of SMS Video (Agency Practice)
🤖 Does NotebookLM Make The Grade For Real Estate? (AI & Technology)
Two New Directors Join the First National Family
Mark Jansen
Darren Pearce
Mark Jansen
Darren Pearce
First National is delighted to welcome two new Directors to their roles at National Support Office.
Darren Pearce joins us as your network's Membership Director. With extensive experience in real estate leadership and a seat on the REIV Board, Darren has a proven ability to drive growth and foster member engagement. His background in both agency management and community-focused initiatives will be invaluable in supporting our membership's success.
Mark Jansen joins us as Communications & Marketing Director. He brings extensive experience in driving strategic marketing initiatives across multiple industries, and a proven track record of delivering results across global platforms. Mark is eager to meet and add tangible value to our membership, leveraging his expertise to enhance brand visibility.
We offer Darren and Mark a very warm welcome to the First National team!
Betty Ninas Appointed Network Growth Manager
Betty Ninas
Betty Ninas
National Support Office also looks forward to welcoming Betty Ninas as Network Growth Manager on 10 February.
With over two decades of real estate experience across sales, property management, corporate leadership, and franchise development, Betty is poised to drive growth and strengthen our network.
Having previously led a team of 20 offices in Victoria and Tasmania and achieving national recognition for her results, Betty’s expertise and energy will be invaluable as we continue to expand.
Are You Ready To Shape First National’s Future?
At First National Real Estate, you own this network, and your voice matters. Regional Councils are a vital platform where members come together to guide the future of Australia’s largest cooperative real estate network. If you’re passionate about making a difference, now’s the time to think about stepping forward when nominations open next month.
What’s Involved?
As a Regional Councillor, you’ll:
- Represent and advocate for the needs of your colleagues
- Learn managerial skills you can apply in your business
- Contribute to strategic discussions and initiatives that shape the network
- Play a vital role in member recruitment, engagement, and mentorship
- Influence training and collaborative frameworks to ensure consistent success
We Are Better Together
Your energy, insights, and leadership can help propel First National Real Estate to greater heights. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a rising star, fresh voices are key to building a stronger, more vibrant network.
Look out for further announcements in March and speak to your Business Growth Manager if you have questions.
New Zealand Anti Money Laundering Study Tour
The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has coordinated a study tour in New Zealand to better understand the Tranche Two reforms which will affect the industry from July next year.
REIA Board members and State Real Estate Institute CEOs will attend the event hosted by First AML, which will showcase how New Zealand estate agencies made the transition six years ago.
First National Real Estate is assessing and planning for the training and support alternatives its membership will require to meet compliance obligations.
Celebrating the Incredible Achievements of Women
First National Real Estate will be represented by twenty delegates at the upcoming Women in Real Estate (WIRE) Luncheon on International Women’s Day – 7 March.
Coordinated by the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA), women from First National will have the opportunity to connect with other female leaders, rising stars, and inspiring trailblazers from the real estate industry at the beautiful Adelaide Pavilion.
We’ll bring you a full report in an upcoming edition of Our Fabric.
February Rate Cut On The Cards?
Softer than expected inflation data has increased the odds of a pre-election rate cut, and reinforced speculation of the federal election being called in April.
Economists from Westpac, UBS and Citi have all adjusted their predictions to a rate cut on February 18 – The Reserve Bank’s first meeting for 2025. If the RBA doesn’t cut the official cash rate then, its April meeting will provide the last chance for mortgage relief before the election.
With the property market traditionally becoming more cautious from the moment an election is called, First National agents would do well to counsel potential vendors on the timing of their sale.
Should Australia Ban Foreign Investors?
Canada has done it, New Zealand is doing it, Switzerland, Denmark and Singapore also have restrictions. So, should Australia place a ban on foreign investors? The Coalition seems to think so, with Peter Dutton having announced in his Budget reply speech last year that he would introduce a two-year ban on foreign investors.
Unsurprisingly perhaps, Australians struggling with affordability have strongly backed such a plan - according to research released last week, which brought the subject back into the spotlight. Evidently 69 per cent of us think we’d find it easier to buy a home if there was no foreign competition.
However, the reality is Australia depends heavily (and always has done) on foreign investors to get unit developments funded, pre-sold and out of the ground. Without that investment there would be substantially less supply, so affordability would be further eroded.
Fortunately, the Coalition plan does NOT prevent foreign investors buying into new apartment developments and housing developments. That being the case, the impact of any such ban on foreign investors buying existing homes would be limited. FIRB reports indicate less than five per cent of established homes generally sell to foreign investors; a point federal Labor has been quick to highlight.
2025 National Calendar
Bookmark our 2025 National Calendar right now, so you don’t miss a single First National event this year. It covers general training, awards, leadership events and conferences.
Professional Development Opportunities
NSW
What: Property Management Think Tank
When: 6 February 9.30 am to 1.30 pm
Where: Wollongong Golf Club
Register: Click here
What: Sales Training with Aaron Shiner
When: 18 February 9.30 am to 1.30 pm
Where: Rydges Parramatta, Sydney
Register: Click here
What: Sales Training with Aaron Shiner
When: 20 February 9.30 am to 1.30 pm
Where: Sage Hotel Wollongong
Register: Click here
What: Sales Training with Aaron Shiner
When: 25 February 9.30 am to 1.30 pm
Where: Novotel Newcastle Beach
Register: Click here
What: Property Management Think Tank
When: 26 February 9.30 am to 1.30 pm
Where: Ballina RSL Club
Register: Click here
What: Sales Training with Aaron Shiner
When: 27 February 9.30 am to 1.30 pm
Where: Ballina RSL Club
Register: Click here
VIC/TAS
What: Sales Kick-Start Session
When: 26 February 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Crown Melbourne
Register: Click here
What: Property Management Webinar with Michael Furlong
When: 4 March 10am to 11am AEDT
Where: Zoom Webinar - Online
Register: Click here
What: Business Leadership Session
When: 13 March 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Pullman Melbourne On The Park
Register: Click here
QLD
What: QLD Sales Power Up
When: 7 March
Where: Rydges South Bank Brisbane
Register: Click here
WA
What: WA CPD Training
When: 21 February 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
Where: REIWA Headquarters Perth
Register: Click here
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