GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Welcome back! We hope you had a well-deserved break and are ready to tackle this new year with fresh energy and ideas.

Stargazers and number nerds are sure to be happy we’ve entered 2025. According to numerology, the powerful energy of the number 9 (2+0+2+5) will dominate, signalling deep change, growth, and fresh starts. Here’s to a new year of opportunities, insights, and success in real estate.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 34 seconds.

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IN CONVERSATION

Real estate leaders discuss navigating 2025’s challenges and opportunities

Industry leaders Laura Valenti, John Foong, Dr Nicola Powell, Thomas McGlynn, and Rachel Atkin have shared their insights on how agents can thrive in 2025.

From tackling fee pressures and leveraging technology to building long-term relationships and adapting to market shifts, these experts emphasise the importance of resilience, education, and staying ahead of the curve.

Relationships and resilience will lead the way

Building strong relationships remains at the heart of success in real estate, according to Rachel. “Agents who lead with empathy, authenticity, and a true commitment to understanding their clients, whether they are renters or rental providers, will naturally build trust and long-term success.”

Laura also stressed the importance of fostering meaningful connections, particularly during challenging times, as did Thomas. “The agents that have great relationships are the ones that win out because people are looking for experience. They’re looking for a safe set of hands,” he said.

Education and technology are game-changers

Education and technology are two essential tools for agents to stay competitive in 2025 and John urged agents to embrace AI tools that promote efficiency. “In an ever-changing world, the most important tools are the ones that help you constantly learn,” he said. Rachel also emphasised the value of professional development, advising agents to “lean into opportunities for professional development, seek out mentors, and don’t shy away from challenges -they’re where the growth happens.”

Adapting to market shifts

With 2025 expected to bring significant changes, leaders are advising agents to prepare for a dynamic market. “With the federal election on the horizon and housing front and centre on the political agenda, 2025 is bound to bring its fair share of challenges,” said Dr Nicola, citing potential policy shifts, including changes to stamp duty and incentives for first-home buyers.

Thomas also predicted a “tale of two halves,” with a tough first half followed by stronger conditions for sellers if interest rates drop mid-year. “It’s really important for agents to educate their clients and ensure properties are priced fairly, presented well, and marketed creatively.”

Check out more actionable advice for navigating an evolving market, fostering relationships, and staying ahead in an ever-changing landscape right here

ICYMI, last year we unveiled our TOP 50 Influencers, highlighting industry leaders who have made a significant impact in 2024.

TOGETHER WITH RAYWHITE

Ray White’s NurtureCloud platform has become a game-changer for its agents, helping them streamline workflows, strengthen client relationships, and achieve record-breaking results. With over 12 million interactions logged in 2024, including 1.5 million inspection check-ins and nearly a million vendor portal views, the platform has revolutionised how agents work.

Top-performing agents, like Eddy Piddington, Ethan Petrie, and Joshua Cassells, credit NurtureCloud for simplifying prospecting, enhancing customer experiences, and boosting productivity. Features like Smart Calls, transparent vendor reporting, and the Property Portal have helped agents secure high-value deals and maintain strong connections with clients.

Read more about Nurture Cloud here

SMART SNIPPETS

2025’s unexpected property hotspots
Property investors might want to look beyond the usual suspects for their next purchase. New analysis from Hotspotting, predicts Darwin and Melbourne as the top picks for 2025, with Darwin's housing market showing strong recovery and attractive rental yields. The report also highlights regional hotspots like Albury-Wodonga and Tamworth as areas poised for significant growth.

Industry at odds with tenancy reforms
The Sunshine State's rental market is experiencing growing pains as industry leaders call for a review of recent legislative changes. Since 2020, Queensland has introduced multiple tenancy reforms, with key changes like portable bonds still pending implementation. The new Housing Minister suggests the focus will shift to building industry concerns first, while promising a balanced approach to landlord-tenant relations.

Lionel Messi's $373m real estate empire lists on stock exchange
The soccer legend has taken his success off the pitch, listing his $373m real estate portfolio on the Spanish stock exchange. The real estate investment trust includes seven hotels, luxury apartments, and commercial spaces across Europe.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Robert Redford’s waterfront gem sells well over asking price

The celebrated Hollywood star didn’t need a blockbuster to sell his California, waterfront retreat. Listed for $4.15 million ($6.37M AUD), the home sold for $4.65 million ($7.15M AUD) in less than a month, easily surpassing the asking price. The Redfords purchased the 1960s-built, four-bedroom stunner in 2020 for $3.1 million ($4.77M AUD).

SOUND WAVES

Reignite your drive

Today’s curated listen is all about staying motivated in 2025. Small wins, clear goals, and community engagement are key strategies to maintain focus and motivation for the next 12 months.

Dive straight into the listen below or the deeper dive here.

Read the article from Reecreative Here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Real estate agents don’t do 9-to-5; it’s more like 24/7. Welcome back to the office in 2025, where ‘closing time’ is just a suggestion. Obviously we’re kidding, be kind to yourselves this new year.

Seen an Agent On Socialwe should include? Let us know here (email link)

Wishing you a productive day

Elite Agent is crewed by Mark Edwards, Catherine Nikas-Boulos, Rowan Crosby, Giverny Pringle, Charmagne Arrubio and Samantha McLean. We aim to uplift the real estate industry by delivering forward-thinking, hype-free news and education that fosters knowledge and fuels ambition.

Stories marked with * are sponsored, including 'Together With' and the weekday 'Movers & Shakers' sections. Interested in promoting your brand to Elite Agent’s audience? Learn more at eliteagent.com/advertise.

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