GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Today is International Sock Day, and we celebrate the unsung heroes of our wardrobes (yes, really!). For real estate agents, it’s a reminder that much like a good pair of socks, finding the perfect home for a client means matching them with something that fits just right and stands the test of time. Because in both socks and real estate, mismatches just don’t cut it.

Nominate a mate whose ankles need warming and we’ll send you both a pair of Elite Agent socks. 🧦🧦

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 23 seconds.

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LEGAL

Kristen Porter’s tips for managing holiday leave in real estate

Kristen Porter, founding Director of O*NO Legal and an expert in real estate law, reminds agencies that the holiday season isn’t just about festive cheer, it’s also a critical time for managing employee leave and shutdowns.

With the Real Estate Industry Award 2020 setting clear rules, from 28 days’ notice for closures to facilitating leave in advance, getting the details right can save agencies from legal headaches.

Encouraging staff to take leave now doesn’t just ease financial liabilities; it recharges your team for the new year. “Managing leave now reduces financial liabilities and sets the tone for a refreshed, motivated team in the new year.”

Plan holiday leave to protect finances and team energy

Encouraging staff to take leave during the holiday season not only reduces financial liabilities but also ensures a motivated workforce. “High leave balances create financial strain for businesses, especially when it comes to selling or managing cash flow,” says Kristen. Promoting leave now avoids disruptions later and supports team well-being. “A rested team returns recharged and focused, which benefits everyone.”

Follow award rules to avoid legal penalties

The Real Estate Industry Award 2020 requires strict adherence to rules around shutdowns, including 28 days’ written notice and reasonable directions for leave. She cautions agencies to prioritise compliance: “Mistakes with shutdown leave can lead to penalties, fines, or even legal disputes - things no business wants to deal with.”

Kristen also highlights the flexibility of agreements for annual leave in advance, which can be a win-win for employers and employees. “These agreements help cover shutdown periods while ensuring compliance with Award obligations.”

Balance the right to disconnect with stand-by requirements

During shutdowns, employees have the right to unplug, except when stand-by arrangements apply. “Allowing staff to disconnect fully during the holiday season shows respect for work-life balance and boosts morale,” she says. For employees on stand-by, Kristen advises clear, written agreements that outline compensation and expectations. “The key is transparency. Define stand-by terms in writing to protect both the agency and the employee.”

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed how to spot whether you'll win a listing within the first 15 minutes

TOGETHER WITH @realty

A 12-month marketing strategy is essential for agents in 2025

Real estate agents need a structured annual marketing strategy to maintain visibility, build trust, and adapt to changing trends. This plan would not only ensure consistent outreach, but smarter budgeting, and stronger client relationships.

@realty makes this process easy with its tailored 12-month marketing campaign planner, offering agents custom ads, social media campaigns, email templates, and more.

Read more about @realty’s free 12-month strategy campaign here.

SMART SNIPPETS

Western Sydney's massive housing boost
A 19.4-hectare site in Rydalmere is set to be transformed into a vibrant community with 2,300 new homes. The development, part of NSW's $6.6 billion Building Homes program, will breathe life into land that's been vacant since 2009. Located near Parramatta CBD, the project will include housing, retail spaces, and natural rehabilitation efforts, with construction planned for 2028.

Housing markets wait on RBA
Australia's property market is showing signs of cooling, with monthly gains slowing to just 0.4%. While the national median house price sits at $898,745 (up 7.7% annually), Perth stands out with a 20.9% growth. Markets are now eagerly awaiting two expected interest rate cuts in late 2025 to reignite growth.

London’s £2 Billion luxury development draws 600 buyers … despite £35M starting price
Billionaire John Caudwell’s 1 Mayfair development has set a new benchmark in luxury real estate, with homes starting at an eye-watering £35 million; that’s 70 times the average London property price. The project, featuring 29 ultra-exclusive residences averaging £70 million each, has already attracted astute buyers, including billionaires and centi-millionaires.

SOUND WAVES

The psychology of homebuying

Buying a home isn’t just about numbers, it’s an emotional rollercoaster full of excitement, fear, and hope. Today’s curated listen taps into the emotions that turns houses into dream homes for your buyers.

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

Read the report from The Fear Lab here
_{ICYMI, revisit the McGrath Notebook LM podcast from yesterday here (a few of you mentioned the link didn't work)}

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Dear buyers: It’s almost the end of the year, and let’s be honest, we’re are exhausted from posting, dancing, and hashtagging our way through endless social media content. Just buy a home already! 😩💲

Seen an Agent On Social we 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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