From South Africa, with love

‘I grew up in Port Elizabeth, South Africa – a town a bit like Adelaide,’ Arlene shares. ‘It was small, everyone knew everyone. We had a tight-knit community and a very family-oriented life.’

As the eldest of three girls in a warm and lively household, Arlene remembers a home that was always open – with friends and family dropping in at all hours.

Her father, a respected dentist, was a familiar face around town. ‘He worked hard, but he always made time for us.’

Her mother, gentle and endlessly welcoming, stayed home to raise the girls and devoted herself to charity work. ‘She was a great role model,’ Arlene says. ‘She always encouraged us to be the best we could be.’

Life was full – with school, sport and close-knit friendships shaping Arlene’s early years. She captained her school tennis team and was also an accomplished ice skater.

Before long, she was studying education at the University of Cape Town, hoping to become an English teacher. ‘But at that point in South Africa, there were very few opportunities for women in education,’ she explains. ‘So, I pivoted into hotel management – and loved it.’

It was an exciting career that allowed her to meet international dignitaries and diplomats, many of whom stayed at the five-star hotel where she worked. Until, eventually, she swapped Cape Town for Melbourne.

 

 

Starting over in Melbourne

Arlene immigrated to Australia in 1988 with her fiancé, now husband, Brian – without knowing a soul.

In those early days, she stayed home to care for her three children, focusing on family and adjusting to life in a new country.

‘It was hard at first – I didn’t know anyone, and I missed home,’ she shares. ‘But I made friends quickly. The community was welcoming, and our social circle grew. Some of those friends are still my closest today.’

Now, Arlene jokes that she knows half of Melbourne. ‘I love bumping into people at the supermarket or a café – it’s even led to a few listings!’

Her first job in Australia came later. ‘I started working part-time at Bendigo Bank when my youngest was in kinder, and I worked there for 11 years,’ she says. ‘I loved helping people settle in – I wasn’t officially in recruitment, but I’d often coach the newbies.’

Still, her friends kept nudging her towards real estate, knowing she’d be great at it. And eventually, she took the plunge.

From community banker to corporate offices

Arlene’s pivot to real estate began courtside – at her local tennis club, watching her son play alongside Daniel Peer.

And who was often standing nearby? None other than Gary Peer.

‘I’d known Gary and Phillip for years by then,’ Arlene says. ‘They sold my family’s first Melbourne property over 30 years ago.’

But it wasn’t just the sales that stuck. From the moment Arlene gave Gary and Phillip a tour of her home, they saw something in her – and offered her a job. But with Arlene’s young kids, the timing never felt right.

Until one Friday at tennis, when Arlene approached Gary and told him, ‘I’m ready for a career change.’

His response? ‘Finally!’

From there, Gary mentored Arlene personally – encouraging her to grow and celebrating every win. ‘When I started reaching milestones, he was thrilled for me,’ Arlene shares.

That support still means everything.

‘The Gary Peer team feels like family. The directors back me. They champion women. And we sell the majority of homes in the area,’ she says. ‘So, I know I’m with the best.’

 

 

Forging a name and finding a rhythm

Twelve years on, Arlene is now the highest-ranked female agent in Caulfield North – and the only woman in the suburb’s REA top five high-performing agents.

‘I’m what you’d call an old-school, relationship-based agent,’ she says. ‘An “attraction agent”.’

Known for her warmth, energy, enthusiasm and people-first style, Arlene’s passion for the job is clear. But she’s the first to admit it wasn’t always easy.

‘Real estate looks simple from the outside – but it’s hard work. It’s about being resilient, making real connections and building trust,’ she says.

And in a male-dominated industry, Arlene sees her gender as a strength.

‘Women want to deal with women. Especially when they’re selling after a divorce or bereavement. They want someone who listens. Someone who’s walked life with them,’ she explains.

It’s that empathy – and her genuine love of people – that keeps Arlene motivated.

‘I love meeting new people, hearing their stories and helping them into the next chapter of their lives. I think I just have the right personality for it.’

And to balance that vibrant, maternal energy? Arlene has the perfect partner in crime…

 

 

Strength in numbers

Arlene works closely with Daniel Peer – one of Victoria’s top agents under 30, and the same kid she used to watch hit tennis balls back and forth with her son not too long ago.

Together, they play to their strengths.

'Whether we're working with first-time sellers or long-time homeowners, we complement each other and adapt easily. It just flows,’ Arlene says. ‘He’s full of energy and very hard working.’

Arlene is also supported by her industrious Campaign Coordinator and EA, Aimee Sandler, who matches her fast pace.

Younger women in the industry often ask Arlene what the secret is – aside from her fabulous team, of course.

‘I always say to be true to yourself, be natural, be consistent, set goals and have a positive attitude,’ Arlene shares. ‘Have a mentor and be prepared to work hard – the rest will come.’

Because, for Arlene, it all comes down to one thing: ‘People need to get to know you, like you and trust you as a person before they’ll trust you with their biggest asset.’

 

 

Driven by people, grounded by family

Outside of work, Arlene’s joy comes from life’s simple pleasures: family get-togethers, catch-ups with friends and a bit of retail therapy at Chadstone – ideally with her granddaughter, Harper.

‘I have a really special bond with her,’ Arlene says with a smile. ‘And my family keeps me grounded. They mean the world to me.

‘Brian is my rock and sounding board, my kids have grown into supportive and accomplished adults and I have a great relationship with my Mum and sisters.’

As for what’s next? Arlene has her sights set on partnership.

‘I want to keep growing, learning and building – and be known as a true professional in this industry,’ she says.

‘With hard work, dedication and the right mindset, I believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to.’

Want to meet more members of our amazing team? Visit The Peer Blog to get to know them.