Episodes

  • REB Business Empowerment Showcase: 'Victoria's rental crackdown is here': Inside Detector Inspector's race to help agencies avoid massive fines
    Nov 20 2025

    In this episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, editor Liam Garman sits down with Detector Inspector's Jordan Kagan Gescheit to unpack the biggest shake-up to Victorian property management in years – the 25 November rental reforms that will force agencies to prove a property meets minimum standards before it's advertised, and how Detector Inspector is helping agents and landlords alike.

    Jordan breaks down why this recent development is a game-changer: Consumer Affairs Victoria's taskforce can now walk into an open home, review a listing, or audit photos on REA and Domain – and issue fines on the spot if a heater, window covering, blind, or any of the 14 minimum standards don't stack up. Owners and agencies are both in the firing line.

    The duo then unpacks Detector Inspector's national expansion amid an increasingly challenging rental compliance market.

    With pressure mounting, Jordan reveals how Detector Inspector built Proply, a purpose-designed solution created with major Victorian brands to help property managers meet the new laws quickly. Using guided video capture workflows, property managers and business development managers can record a full minimum standards assessment, send it to Detector Inspector's specialist reviewers, and receive a formal determination – backed by a guarantee and penalty protection.

    Jordan explains why timing is now everything, why relying on trades to physically access a property is no longer viable, and how Proply provides agencies with the only scalable way to establish a "reasonable belief" before a listing goes live.

    He also lifts the lid on how Detector Inspector's technology flags compliance issues automatically, accelerates relets, and removes risk for property managers navigating the toughest reform environment the state has seen.

    Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

    If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

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    39 mins
  • 'Be remarkable or be forgotten': John McGrath on winning in a changing market
    Nov 19 2025

    In this episode of the REB Podcast, editor Liam Garman sits down with McGrath Estate Agents' founder, managing director, and CEO, John McGrath, for a rare deep dive into what separates good agents from truly remarkable ones – and why the next few years will reshape real estate as we know it.

    McGrath reflects on four decades in the industry, unpacking the leadership philosophies, cultural frameworks, and personal disciplines that have shaped one of Australia's most influential real estate brands.

    He explains why remarkability remains the ultimate differentiator, how leaders can clear and create energy within teams, and why reinvention is no longer optional for agents who want longevity.

    The conversation tackles the sector's biggest trust challenges head-on – from the underquoting culture to the real impact of misinformation – and McGrath makes a compelling case for integrity as a non-negotiable competitive advantage.

    McGrath also explores the rapid evolution of technology, warning that agents who resist artificial intelligence (AI) risk being left behind. He outlines how digital tools, automation, and emerging AI capabilities will supercharge service delivery, elevate client experience, and streamline business operations.

    Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

    If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

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    54 mins
  • REB Business Empowerment Showcase: Streamlining real estate transactions and compliance: How agents can work smarter with Lucas McEntee
    Nov 18 2025

    In this episode of the REB Business Empowerment Showcase, deputy editor Emilie Lauer sits down with Lucas McEntee, CEO and founder of SaleFunder, rebranded as Riverstone Partners, to explore how real estate agents can streamline transactions and navigate upcoming regulatory changes.

    McEntee reflects on the company's evolution, from a direct-to-consumer finance business to a service-focused partner for 6,000 agents across Australia, offering solutions such as vendor paid advertising (VPA) payments, BPAY, credit cards, and loans.

    The discussion highlights the challenges agents face, including administrative inefficiencies, trust account risks, and preparing for the upcoming anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) changes, which are set to take effect on 1 July 2026.

    McEntee explains how Riverstone Partners reduces a 12-step process down to just three, cutting costs, enhancing security, and allowing agents to focus on selling properties. He also emphasises the importance of understanding AML basics, knowing the customer, and integrating workflows seamlessly.

    Looking ahead, McEntee shares his vision for the future of real estate transactions, including secure, efficient alternatives to traditional trust accounts and the continued expansion of services to support agents in a rapidly changing landscape.

    His insights offer a roadmap for agents to operate more efficiently, securely, and profitably while confidently navigating regulatory changes.

    Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

    If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

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    30 mins
  • DAYZERO: The Byron Advantage with Melanie Bosward
    Nov 14 2025

    In this episode of DAYZERO, Gus sits down with Melanie Bosward, Founding Partner and Senior Buyer's Agent at FOUNDIT, to unpack her 25-year journey in real estate.

    From starting her career on Sydney's Northern Beaches to building, flipping, and now buying for clients in the Northern Rivers, Melanie shares her insights on market shifts, micro-communities, and what buyers often overlook in one of Australia's most competitive regions.

    A grounded conversation on strategy, lifestyle, and why great agents never really leave the industry.

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    20 mins
  • Landlord relationships, resilience, and strategic growth: How BDMs can thrive
    Nov 13 2025

    In this episode of the REB Podcast, deputy editor Emilie Lauer sits down with Sarah Cincotta, founder of RISE with Sarah Cincotta, to explore how property managers and business development managers (BDMs) can build sustainable growth through strategic relationship building and personal branding.

    Cincotta reflects on her career journey, from managing a menswear store to overseeing 186 properties in a paper-based era, before transitioning into a BDM role where she set record onboarding results.

    The discussion highlights the pressures BDMs face, including resource constraints and gaps in director understanding, which can leave professionals uncertain about generating new opportunities.

    Cincotta champions a "draw-in" approach over chasing clients, built on four pillars: visibility, energy, clarity, and relatability, to create a magnetic personal brand.

    She stresses effective communication, self-awareness, and resilience as essential for building long-term client relationships.

    Looking ahead, she envisions BDMs taking on a more strategic role, advising clients on wealth creation and asset management rather than just property management.

    Her insights offer a roadmap for BDMs and property management leaders to leverage personal growth, strategic thinking, and relationship-building to thrive in an evolving real estate landscape.

    Cincotta will also be sharing her insights live at the upcoming REB Property Management Excellence Conference (PMX), where she'll guide BDMs and property managers on building magnetic client relationships and future-proofing their businesses for long-term growth.

    Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

    If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

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    35 mins
  • From reactive to proactive: The future of property management
    Nov 6 2025

    In this episode of the REB Podcast, deputy editor Emilie Lauer sits down with Hermione Gardiner, CEO and founder of Sidekick, to explore how property managers can transition from a reactive mindset to a proactive, growth-focused approach.

    Gardiner reflects on her career journey, from an accidental start in property management to leading one of Sydney's most dynamic businesses.

    She shares how systemising processes, freeing up time, and leveraging technology can help managers shift from constant firefighting to strategic growth and stronger client relationships.

    Gardiner will also be sharing her insights live at the upcoming REB Property Management Excellence Conference (PMX), where she'll guide property managers on how to future-proof their businesses for long-term success.

    The conversation dives into the biggest pain points facing property managers today – from tech overwhelm to time pressures – and how to turn these challenges into opportunities for efficiency and innovation.

    Gardiner also discusses the importance of branding and communication, encouraging property managers to take pride in their role as strategic partners in their clients' investment journeys.

    She emphasises that a proactive mindset, supported by the right systems and tools, is key to transforming not just performance but also workplace culture.

    Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

    If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

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    29 mins
  • DAYZERO: 70% get pre-approval, never buy
    Oct 24 2025

    Joel Tomaino and Angus Ferguson, co-founders of FOUNDIT, share the real origin story: how two operators from the school yard have teamed up to fix Australia's broken property system.

    From burnout to pivotal business ideas, this is where it all began.

    This is DAYZERO with FOUNDIT.

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    39 mins
  • The evolution of AI in real estate, with Dr Sarah Bell
    Oct 23 2025

    In this episode of the REB podcast, host Liam Garman sits down with MRI Software's Dr Sarah Bell to unpack the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence (AI) in real estate and how businesses can stay ahead of the innovation curve.

    Dr Bell breaks down the foundations of a successful AI strategy, from building connected data systems to aligning technology choices with an agency's service model, whether high-touch and premium or efficient and low-cost.

    The discussion also covers "AI enfeeblement" – over-reliance on machines leading to the loss of critical thinking – and explains how agents can use AI to amplify rather than replace human creativity and decision-making.

    Drawing on her background in research and data analysis, as well as hands-on experience as a property manager and agent, Dr Bell shares how her work bridges the gap between scientific rigour and real-world real estate practice – and why that blend is key to unlocking AI's potential.

    Finally, the episode delves into the ethical side of AI, with Dr Bell emphasising the importance of data ownership, transparency and trust as the industry grows increasingly data-driven.

    Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

    If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

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    54 mins