GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Today is an excellent day to espresso yourself - it’s International Coffee Day.

Grab your favourite brew and settle in—we've stirred up a rich blend of real estate insights, trends and tips - even for those of you who say they have bean there and done that.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 23 seconds.

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MARKETING

Long-term success with authentic marketing in real estate

In real estate, marketing shouldn’t be all about short-term wins.

While metrics like leads, listings, sales, and contracts are important, Leanne Pilkington, CEO of Laing+Simmons and President of the REIA said the real key to long-term success is building meaningful connections with clients and the community. It's not just about closing the deal today, it's about becoming the agent people remember and turn to in the future.

“Customers and communities nurtured over an extended period… may not influence ROI in the short term. Nurturing alone may not lead to immediate transactional outcomes. But eventually it will translate in dollar terms as well as in brand value terms.”

Personalised marketing builds deeper connections

A key aspect of Leanne’s approach is the idea that marketing should be personalised and authentic. Small but meaningful gestures, tailored to clients' interests and lifestyles, can go a long way in building trust and creating stronger relationships. She explains that this is not about grand gestures, but rather paying attention to details that show clients they are valued.

For example, a team member from Laing+Simmons Randwick gives buyers Tim Tams and a hand-written card after a sale, including local recommendations for restaurants and activities. These personal touches help buyers feel more connected to their new community and to the agent who helped them.

“The key is to find something that is authentic to you and your team.”

Tailored solutions for first home buyers create long-term loyalty

Leanne recounts how a young agent from the Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie office used her own experience as a first home buyer to create a personalised marketing initiative. After feeling patronised and misunderstood by other agents, she recognised the need for a more supportive approach. In response, she developed a comprehensive first home buyer pack that walks potential buyers through the entire process, from pre-approval to building inspections.

“Her message in giving this to the first home buyers she encounters is clear: it doesn’t matter if you don’t buy from me, but when you sell, think of me.” This thoughtful, customer-centric approach not only helps first home buyers navigate a complex process but also fosters a sense of loyalty, which may lead to future business when those buyers eventually become sellers.

Go beyond traditional marketing

If you can connect with people, whether through personalised gestures or community involvement, you are on way to building a successful career. Leanne said the agents who understand this approach tend to be “the best-known and, crucially, most successful in their markets. It’s no coincidence.” These agents invest time and effort in creating a marketing strategy that reflects their values, which in turn strengthens their brand and sets them apart from competitors.

ICYMI, yesterday we covered some tips on creating business strategies as listing hit record highs

TOGETHER WITH NUTRIEN HARCOURTS

Nutrien Harcourts is all about making real estate work for regional Australia, especially where farming and agriculture thrive. Being part of the global Nutrien Ag Solutions network means their agents are rooted in local farming communities, helping connect sellers from the bush to buyers near and far.

With over 200 locations across the country, they're not just expanding their reach but also bringing on local experts who know their areas inside out. Plus, they’re big on personal touch, offering a variety of training options, and the team regularly hits the road to visit branches, making sure agents have the support they need. It’s real estate with a rural twist, driven by people who genuinely understand the land and the local market.

Find out more about Nutrien Harcourts here*

SMART SNIPPETS

Million-dollar suburbs hit record high
Australia's property market is seeing a surge in million-dollar suburbs, with 29.3 per cent of areas now boasting seven-figure median home values. Sydney continues to dominate, but Brisbane is catching up fast, adding 46 new million-dollar markets. This boom is great news for homeowners, but it's raising eyebrows about affordability.

Property industry warns against rent controls
Queensland's property sector is sounding the alarm over potential rent controls. Industry leaders warn that such measures could deter investors and worsen the housing crisis. They point to the Australian Capital Territory, where rents increased by 14 per cent after introducing rent caps in 2019, compared to the national average of 4.6 per cent. The industry is calling for a focus on boosting housing supply instead.

Home building giant keeps crown
Metricon Homes has retained its title as Australia's largest residential builder for the ninth year running. Despite a market slowdown, the company reported 3,894 new home sales across four states in 2023/24. ABN Group came in a close second with just 13 fewer sales. Experts say market confidence is returning, with home building activity expected to increase in late 2024 and into 2025.

Just like NY, Paris and Barcelona, Noosa could be about to shake things up for short-term rentals
New rules could limit rentals outside the tourism zone to just 60 days a year - and only if the owner lives on-site. This could make things tricky for agents pitching to investors banking on holiday lettings. Noosa’s potential crackdown on short-term holiday rentals could trigger concerns across Australia, particularly in popular tourist towns where property owners rely on short-term lets for income.

SOUND WAVES

Spring Surge: Affordability Pressures Rise as Listings Climb and Market Growth Slows

Pinch and a punch for the first day of the month… this means the usual CoreLogic and Proptrack numbers have landed. Home values have increased, but the surge of listings has offered buyers more choice. And… as usual, there is nothing good to report about affordability.

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

Read the article from the Elite Agent here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Who needs a showroom bed when you can style your way to perfection with six storage containers and an inflatable mattress? This real estate agent’s creativity takes DIY staging to a whole new level. Throw in some chic throws and fluffy pillows, and you’ve got a makeshift bed that screams luxury (well, kind of). Pretty good effort, if you ask us.

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.

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