GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

When President Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt refused to shoot a defenceless bear on 14 November 1902, he probably didn’t imagine the moment would spark one of the world’s most enduring symbols of kindness, the teddy bear. The story of restraint, compassion and doing what’s right when no one would fault you for doing otherwise still resonates more than a century later.

In real estate, those same instincts matter. Every day, agents face choices that test character: the decision to speak honestly rather than over-promise; to protect a client’s privacy rather than fuel gossip; to recommend what’s best for the seller, not what’s quickest for the sale. Like Roosevelt’s refusal, these actions often happen out of view, but they define reputation far more than any headline or award.

Today’s read time: 8 minutes, 04 seconds

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REPUTATION MATTERS

The long game

Building trust that lasts in real estate

Success in real estate is often tallied in listings, sales figures and social media followers. Yet for David Snow, Property Partner at The Agency in Toowoomba, the real measure of success has always been consistency - doing what you say you’ll do, every time. He believes the best results come from a simple philosophy that outlasts any market cycle or marketing trend, and he speaks from experience.

After more than four decades in the business, David was recently recognised by the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) as a Life Member, acknowledging his long service to the profession and his community.

Real service over showmanship

David learned early that contribution isn’t measured by visibility. His father, who co-founded Peter Snow & Co in 1951, set the example through decades of volunteer work and community service. “Dad was a Rotarian, a Scout leader, and he just got involved whenever something worthwhile came up,” he says.

That influence shaped how he views modern real estate’s version of community engagement. “There are those with the photograph of someone handing over a giant cheque with the agency name on it,” he says, “and there are those causes you support because you want to be there, because you want to help someone without payment or recognition.”

Integrity as a business advantage

Despite his easy manner, David is highly competitive, just not in the way the industry sometimes expects. He’s proud of the fact that even his competitors respect his ethics. “A former colleague once told me, ‘When I find out you’re on the list for a listing, I know you’ll fight hard for it, but no one’s reputation will be trashed in the process.’”

It’s a comment that sums up his professional code. “You don’t lower yourself to be part of that kind of conversation,” he says. “If someone tells you they’ve had a bad experience with another agent, you just say, ‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ and move on.” For him, a good name is a competitive edge, and one that can’t be bought

Building people, not just profit

Mentoring and teamwork have also defined David’s legacy. Over the years, he’s guided countless agents who’ve gone on to start their own businesses - and he considers that a success story, not a loss. “Do you employ mediocrity, or do you employ people at the risk of them becoming friendly competitors? I prefer to go for the latter,” he says. It’s an approach that’s kept his professional relationships strong and his leadership grounded. “Seeing people grow and still keeping those friendships alive,” he adds, “that’s one of the real joys of this business.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, we reported on Matt Lancashire’s record-breaking $66M weekend.

TOGETHER WITH REACH

REACH ANZ redefines the proptech accelerator model with tailored growth and real results

REACH Australia and New Zealand has evolved into one of the world’s leading proptech accelerators, supporting nearly 50 companies with a focus on measurable growth and real-world impact. Under Managing Partner Peter Schravemade, the program has moved away from a one-size-fits-all model to create customised pathways for each startup, pairing founders with mentors who understand their sector and challenges.

This approach has helped participating companies secure more than $10 million in capital over the past six months. Beyond funding, REACH ANZ has built a thriving community through its annual Genesis event on the Gold Coast, where founders, mentors, and investors connect to share insights and spark collaboration. Read more about REACH ANZ here.

AWARDS

THE AREAS

Last chance to enter REA Group’s 2025 Excellence Awards

Time is running out for property professionals to submit their entries for REA Group’s 2025 Excellence Awards, with submissions closing tomorrow at 11:59pm. Now in its ninth year, the awards recognise standout performance and innovation across Australia’s residential, commercial, developer, and media sectors. Eight submission-based categories are open, including Residential Agency of the Year, Most Influential Woman in Property, and Rising Star of the Year.

Winners will receive grants of up to $10,000, personalised marketing assets, and media exposure to boost their business or professional profile. A new ‘Top Agent’ category has also been introduced this year, automatically recognising leading sales agents using realestate.com.au’s performance data. Finalists will be announced in late January.

Read more about REA’s Excellence Awards here.

MONEY, MORTGAES AND MAKEOVER

Investors and renovators fuel record housing finance as regulators eye overheating market

The property market spiked again in the September quarter, driven by record investor borrowing and near-record renovation activity. ABS data shows investors accounted for two in every five home loans, with borrowing jumping 17.6% to almost $40 billion. The HIA reported renovation lending is now nearly three times higher than pre-pandemic levels, fuelled by rising home prices, low unemployment, and the high cost of land. Investors were responsible for 43% of new home builds, highlighting their central role in housing supply.

RENTAL MARKET

Queensland rental market stuck in gridlock as vacancy rates hold at 1%

Queensland’s rental market remains paralysed, with the statewide vacancy rate sitting at just 1% for the September quarter, according to the REIQ. Of the 50 regions surveyed, 38 recorded rates of 1% or lower, which is well below the healthy range of 2.6–3.5%. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella likened the situation to a “traffic jam,” saying tenants are renewing leases out of necessity rather than choice. Median tenancies have stretched to more than 21 months for houses, reflecting limited mobility.

GOING GREEN

Sustainable features dominate US home trends

Water conservation is leading the way in American homes, with WaterSense fixtures seeing a 289.6% year-over-year increase in property listings. Biophilic designs that blur indoor-outdoor boundaries ranked second, up 162.6%, while energy efficiency features in homes doubled in mentions. Meanwhile, traditional elements like formal dining rooms and three-car garages are declining as homeowners prioritise technology integration.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Oscar winner's Golden Age mansion hits market

A historic Hollywood Hills residence built for triple-crown actor Melvyn Douglas in 1938 is available for the first time in almost 65 years, priced at US$9M. The 6,748-square-foot home, designed by renowned architect Roland Coate, sits on 2.28 acres with unobstructed views of downtown LA. The property retains its Old Hollywood charm with classic wood panelling, multiple fireplaces, and mature landscaping including avocado trees.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Tom Tuxworth joins Belle Property Commercial Northern Beaches.

The award-winning industry leader with 17+ years of experience takes on the Senior Executive, Investment Sales role at the network's top-performing commercial office.

Highland Gold Coast expands with key appointments.

Alma and Mike Clark join Hanan Cawley's team to strengthen the brand's luxury market presence and continue their growth across prestigious Gold Coast properties.

NAI Harcourts team raises $13,000 in charity ride.

Ryan Chesney and 14 "Team Family" members completed the 100km Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle, becoming the fourth-highest fundraising team for cancer research.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Real estate agents: guilty of going above and beyond. Go on then, bring me the handcuffs. 🔑🤝

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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