Real estate exec also ‘envoy’ for PNG

By YEHIURA HRIEHWAZI
OKUK Rogerson, the Chimbu man who is breaking into the competitive real estate industry in Sydney Australia, is also a great ambassador for Papua New Guinea.
After his recent trip to PNG and meeting with potential clients, he returned to Sydney and now all the staff in the company he works for – First National Real Estate – are wearing PNG caps and discussions are already underway for the opening of its PNG office.
Rogerson and company director Mark Smith travelled to Port Moresby from Dec 8-15, stay at the newly opened five-star  hotel – The Grand Papuan – and conducted business, talked with clients and returned to Sydney convinced that a PNG branch of the company was the sure way to go.
“During the trip they we met with business leaders in both the public and private sectors to explain our goal to represent local investors from PNG who want to enter into the competitive Australian property market,” Rogerson told The National.
“We will act as the buyer’s agent for the team from First National North Sydney.
“We will be able to source prime investment opportunities in the major capital cities,” Rogerson said.
He said local agents had been submitting off-market opportunities to their team and the team was in the process of carrying out the necessary due diligence on behalf of potential buyers.
“This includes inspecting the properties, reviewing the lease documentation and verifying all income and outgoings.
“If a property appears to meet the requirements of a particular investor we will arrange independent valuations and building and structural surveys,” Rogerson said.
He said a major trust had already taken up the opportunity for serious investment in deal in properties in Sydney.
Rogerson said landowner companies from the major resource projects in PNG were also expressing interest and talking to the First National team. 
“PNG investors can contact us on   [email protected] or [email protected],” he said.  
“First National also sells hotels, motels, backpackers and caravan parks.
“Our Price ranges from A$1.5 million to A$20 million.  For anyone interested in these assets just contact Peter Sweet on [email protected],” he said