🌟 At a certain point, the hustle becomes counterproductive.

GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

TRUE OR FALSE?

In real estate, “encroachment” originally referred to the idea of one property literally “hooking” into another, and is still used today when buildings or structures cross a boundary line.
(Scroll to the bottom for the answer!)

In today’s edition of The Brief

• Why more agents are rejecting hustle culture

• WA mining towns lead national rental yields

• Budget tax changes spark new-build demand

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 30 seconds

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LEADERSHIP

Why hustle culture is failing real estate professionals

Real estate has long rewarded long hours and relentless availability, but Hannah Gill says the industry’s traditional “hustle culture” is no longer sustainable. In a reflection on resilience, burnout and long-term success, the founder of Podium Property Management, argues many professionals have confused resilience with simply pushing harder, even when the personal cost becomes too high.

“Wearing a badge of ‘busy’ is something we need to stop being proud of,” she says. “At a certain point, the hustle becomes counterproductive. It impacts clarity, drains energy and can lead to decisions that are reactive rather than considered.”

Hannah says resilience is not about enduring every challenge indefinitely, but about recognising when change is necessary. “There is a difference between persistence and resilience and understanding that difference is critical,” she says.

“Persistence encourages you to keep going, regardless of the situation. Resilience requires you to assess whether continuing on the same path is the right decision or not.”

What you'll learn in the full article:

• The five questions: The self-awareness prompts that separate reactive decisions from intentional ones

• The support factor: Why resilience isn't an individual trait – and how relationships shape your ability to navigate challenges

• The identity challenge: How to make difficult decisions when they challenge who you think you are

• The quieter confidence: Building stability grounded in experience rather than external validation

The most difficult times shape perspective and strengthen judgment. For those willing to reflect, adjust, and move forward with intention, this becomes one of the most valuable shifts you can make.

Read the full article

ICYMI yesterday: Boring listing posts are killing your reach

TOGETHER WITH @REALTY

How top agents use CRM automation to strengthen referral-based growth

Referrals are widely considered one of the most cost-effective and high-converting sources of new business in real estate, yet many agents still rely on manual follow-up and inconsistent client engagement after settlement. Over time, this lack of structure can reduce visibility with past clients, even after a strong initial experience.

Agents on the @realty network are increasingly using CRM automation to bring consistency to this process. Through tools such as segmented databases, automated action plans, and scheduled communications inside the @realty Cloud CRM, agents can maintain regular, relevant contact with past clients and referral partners.

"The best referral system is one that operates whether you're at a listing presentation, on holiday, or asleep. Build the system once - let it run forever.”

A referral network on autopilot solves this with three things: consistent touchpoints, relevant communication, and zero manual effort after the initial setup.

Read more about @realty CRM automation here.

INVESTOR NEWS

Regional WA and Darwin lead rental yield rankings

Units in Newman, regional WA, are yielding 13% – the highest in the country – while Darwin leads the capitals at 7.7%. Sydney and Melbourne stayed flat over the year as price growth and rent rises cancelled each other out. REA's Angus Moore says investor interest in the NT hit a record high in 2024, though he warns mining-town yields can swing fast when activity shifts.

NEGATIVE GEARING

Investors eye new builds after budget tax shift

Full negative gearing benefits now apply only to new builds, not established properties – and experts say investor conversations have shifted fast. However, properties occupied for less than 12 months by owner-occupiers also count as "new" for tax purposes. Developer and buyers’ agent Lloyd Edge believes investors shouldn’t let tax breaks override fundamentals when it comes to long-term growth.

HOW IT SOLD

The rejected listing that became a $3.9M sale

Instead of pushing when his buyer dismissed the Indooroopilly opportunity, Shane Hiscock arranged five off-market alternatives to test the brief. Each inspection pointed back to 18 Graham Street – secured for $3.9 million one day before its first public open.

This story started with a 10-minute phone call. Imagine boosting this on socials to your farm area. getailsa.com

CELEBRITY HOMES

Ariana Grande's Wicked penthouse lists for $32 million

Ariana Grande’s old London base during filming Wicked has just hit the market, and it’s every bit as extra as you’d expect. The Hampstead Heath penthouse, perched in the ultra-exclusive “Billionaire’s Row” enclave, is asking £16.95 million (AUD $32.5 million). Ariana rented the sprawling 9,677-square-foot residence while filming both Wicked films, drawn to its privacy, security, and A-list-level amenities.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Helen Yan celebrates 10 years at Ray White with new Balwyn office

Victoria's number one principal for eight consecutive years has renewed her franchise agreement and opened new premises in her home market. More here.

Joe Grgic to run the New York Marathon for Barwon Health

The Harcourts North Geelong director secured a spot in the November race and is raising funds for the local hospital. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
Get the latest on top agent and agency moves every Sunday with our weekly roundup in Movers & Shakers. Subscribe now.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

AML compliance is coming in hot, so we asked the client for proof of funds… and got a very enthusiastic response: an envelope of cash and a note saying “trust me.” FYI, the bank’s (and our) favourite word is still “documentation.” 💸📄

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

TRUE OR FALSE:

In real estate, “encroachment” originally referred to the idea of one property literally “hooking” into another, and is still used today when buildings or structures cross a boundary line.

And the answer is …

TRUE. The term encroachment comes from the Old French encrochier, meaning “to catch with a hook.” That origin is surprisingly fitting for modern real estate, where encroachment describes situations where part of a structure, such as a fence, driveway, retaining wall, or shed, extends beyond a legal boundary and “hooks into” a neighbouring property.

Wishing you a productive day!

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