GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

As agents, you see it all the time, a buyer pulls up out front, and before they’ve even stepped out of the car, they’re already forming an opinion. That front garden? It’s doing more work than most of us give it credit for. Which brings us to today, National Gardening Day. A timely reminder that a tidy, well-kept garden can shift perception in seconds.

Listings can get a whole new lease on life with nothing more than a mow, some weeding, and a fresh sprinkle of mulch. We know street appeal creates a feeling. And feelings? They tend to move buyers faster, and sometimes, higher. So if you've got a listing going live soon (or one that’s been hanging around a bit too long), have a look at the garden. Might be worth giving it a bit of attention.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 36 seconds

New to The Brief? Join us for free 🤝

OPINION

Putting the “real” back in real estate

In a world of “fancy suits and gold watches,” Nitschke Real Estate CEO, Michael Nitschke, is making a case for what really matters: authenticity.

Forget the trophies and top-agent titles. “Being humans first and real estate agents second” is the mindset he believes the industry needs now more than ever. “Real estate isn’t about who reaches record-high sale prices or who gets the top industry awards,” he says. “It’s about supporting a client through the most intimate, personal transaction of their life.”

Be better, before bigger

He acknowledges that most agents are “good-natured and want to help,” but believes that “sales targets get in the way of giving good service.” His antidote? Prioritising people, not performance metrics.

“I believe there’s another way,” he says. “Being better before bigger, we can achieve all those wins – because we’re genuine, real people, not in spite of it.” His team lives by the mantra: “To be clear is to be kind,” which applies to both client conversations and internal culture.

Real service, not just during the deal

Among the team’s values:

• “Always being there for you, not just during the transaction”

• “Always being real with you and never shying away from tough conversations”

• “Never hiding behind awards. What really matters is how understood and cared for you feel”

• “Letting our results and relationships do the talking”

And when it comes to metrics? Michael prefers “using customer feedback and intangible metrics to determine growth and success, not just financials.”

The people business redefined

“As real estate professionals, we’re really in the people business,” he says. “The more we focus on the client’s goals, not what that sale can do for us, the better our industry will be.”

In Michael’s view, homes aren’t just inventory, they’re the settings for a family’s future. And the most successful agents? They don’t just close deals. They open relationships that last.

Read the full article here.

ICYMI, last week we asked the question: Do trust issues in real estate begin at the appraisal table?

TOGETHER WITH BIZCOVER

BizGiver $5000 competition grant returns for SMEs

The BizGiver grant, run by BizCover, is offering Australian small businesses the chance to win $5000 to help grow or improve their operations. Running from 9 April to 7 May 2025, the competition invites applicants to submit a one-minute video about their business and how they’d use the grant. Since 2014, over $100,000 has been awarded to winners. Finalists also benefit from exposure through BizCover’s promotional channels. Read the full details and entry requirements for the BizGiver grant here.

DEPT OF EMPLOYMENT

More women join real estate in flexible, part-time roles

New analysis from Ray White shows more women are entering real estate, particularly in part-time roles, with 52.1% of part time female agents completing four or fewer transactions annually compared to 43.3% of men. Strategy Analyst Jordan Tormey identified two key groups: early-career agents and experienced professionals choosing reduced workloads. Female representation among new entrants has more than doubled in 2024. The findings also suggest a need for tailored support, including mentorship programs and localised strategies.

DEPT OF SOCIAL MEDIA

US real estate agents face TikTok uncertainty

Real estate agents in the US who rely on TikTok for marketing are facing uncertainty as the platform received a 75-day extension to either sell its US operations or face a ban. With one in six agents using the platform and over half reporting social media drives their best leads, industry experts are urging diversification. Alternative platforms like RedNote (with 3 million US users), Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are gaining traction as agents are advised to build a more holistic marketing strategy.

DEPT OF AI

How agents can use ‘Empathy Mapping’ to improve client conversations

Empathy mapping gives agents a way to step into their clients’ shoes and think about what they might be experiencing during a property transaction. It looks at four key areas - what someone is thinking, feeling, hearing, and saying - which can help shape how we talk to them.

Tools like ChatGPT and Crystal Knows make it easier (and quicker) to build these profiles without needing a whole research team. It’s not just about the number of bedrooms or the size of the garden anymore, it’s about understanding why someone’s moving in the first place. And that can lead to much better conversations.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Iconic 'Full House' home gets a new family

The famous Victorian-style residence featured in the beloved '90s sitcom "Full House" has sold for US$6M in San Francisco's Lower Pacific Heights neighbourhood. Built in 1883, the 3,737-square-foot home features four bedrooms and was used for the establishing shots on the long-running series. The backyard contains a unique piece of television history with concrete slabs featuring handprints and signatures from the original cast, including John Stamos and the late Bob Saget.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Rocking up early to a listing feeling smug - until your client texts they’re running 45 mins late. Now you’re just sitting in your car, staring out the windscreen wondering if this counts as admin time. 🚙👨🏻‍💼

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, 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.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.