GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

Today is World Science Day for Peace and Development, and it’s a reminder that progress starts with evidence, curiosity and collaboration. In real estate, “science” might look less like lab coats and more like data, analytics and informed decision-making. Whether it’s pricing strategy, market forecasting or understanding buyer behaviour, agents who rely on the science behind the numbers build more trust and achieve better outcomes, and peace and development. That’s what happens when buyers, sellers and agents are all working from the same facts.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 58 seconds

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SOCIAL MEDIA MOVES

When negativity gets loud, keep posting

Don’t let a Squidward stop you: why confidence beats criticism

It’s easy to let outside opinions influence how you show up online, but according to The Agency’s Luke Evans, if you’ve ever held back from posting because you’re worried about a colleague’s reaction, you might have a Squidward in your life. (For reference, Squidward is a grumpy, turquoise octopus from the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants.)

Recognise the Squidwards

Every office has one. The colleague who rolls their eyes at auction videos, mocks your content, or drops a sarcastic comment every time you try something new. They’re not the ones building an audience or improving their business, but they’ll always have an opinion on yours. Over time, their negativity can drown out your own confidence if you let it. Luke says most agents start their careers mirroring those around them, but eventually, it’s essential to find your own voice. “After a couple of years, it’s time to step into your own brand,” he says. “That means owning your style, your image and your approach in the marketplace.”

Confidence compounds

When Luke started creating content, he had a Squidward of his own. “Every time I letterbox dropped, posted something, or filmed an auction video, they had something to say - always negative, always deflating,” he says. Ironically, those critics rarely have the business results to back up their advice. For a while, their comments made him post less and question himself; then came the realisation: their opinions didn’t pay the bills. “They weren’t building the life I wanted for my family,” Luke says. “So why was I giving their voice so much power?”

Check your environment

The culture around you either builds confidence or quietly erodes it. Luke says the right leader gives permission to experiment, make mistakes and build visibility without fear of judgment. The wrong one keeps people small through constant criticism or outdated ideas about what marketing should look like. “If you’re in a place that discourages you from putting yourself out there or makes you second-guess every post, it’s worth asking: is this really the environment that’s going to get me where I want to go?”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, last week, Gavin Rubinstein discussed high performers, global moves and the rise of female agents at TRG.

TOGETHER WITH HOWDEN INSURANCE BROKERS

Why real estate agents should reassess their professional indemnity insurance

As real estate transactions grow more complex and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, many agents face dangerous gaps in their Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance. Standard policies often fail to cover contractor agents, sight unseen properties, or retroactive claims, leaving agencies exposed to financial loss and reputational damage.

Common risks, such as misrepresentation, negligence, and failure to disclose, remain ever-present, but newer threats have also emerged alongside increased market volatility. Gary Ward of Howden Insurance Brokers warns agents to challenge assumptions about their cover, urging annual reviews to confirm that all entities, activities, and contractors are properly insured.

“It’s time agents stopped assuming their insurance program is fit for purpose. Review it. Challenge it. Speak to someone who knows your world.” Howden’s PI products offer tailored protection, legal advice, and flexible cover structures, helping agents turn compliance into strategic defence.

Read more about Howden here.

RENTAL RETURNS

Regional areas outshine cities for rental returns

Australia's highest rental yields are now found outside major cities, with Darwin emerging as the nation's high-yield capital. Mining towns and regional centres are delivering exceptional returns due to consistent demand from transient workforces and limited housing supply. Darwin suburbs offer median annual returns between 8.73% and 7.45%, while units are consistently outperforming houses across all capital cities. Dr Nicola Powell says that "Australia's strongest rental yields come down to two key factors, affordability and consistent rental demand."

SYDNEY HOUSING BOOST

Major rezoning to deliver 9,350 new homes in Sydney’s north-west

The Minns Labor Government has announced a major rezoning proposal for Cherrybrook, in Sydney’s north-west, set to deliver 9,350 new homes over the next 36 years. The plan will create a new town centre with cafes, shops, community facilities, and a library, all within walking distance of the Cherrybrook Metro Station. It will include a mix of apartments and terraces, with 5 to 10 per cent of homes designated as affordable housing.

NZ MARKET

Who really benefits from housing intensification?

New Zealand researchers have secured NZD $853,000 to investigate whether housing intensification policies are reducing or worsening social inequality. The study follows Auckland's 2016 reforms that up-zoned three-quarters of residential land, which successfully boosted construction and eased rental pressures. Researchers now aim to determine if these changes have made exclusive neighbourhoods more accessible or simply reinforced existing socioeconomic divides, findings that could influence housing policies worldwide.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Prince's bandmate is selling fairy-tale castle after 40 years

A piece of music history is on the market as Lisa Coleman, former keyboardist for Prince's band the Revolution, lists her castle-like Los Angeles home for nearly US$3M. The French Normandy Revival property, purchased after the Purple Rain Tour in the 1980s, features distinctive turrets and a music studio that has hosted Prince himself. Interestingly, Coleman's pink 1964 Mercury Marauder, which inspired Prince to write "Little Red Corvette," was parked on the property for many years.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Vivien Yap expands top-performing WA office.

Her Ray White Dalkeith | Claremont team welcomes Breanna Ridge-Singh as partner and son Matthew Yap as sales representative amid 81% growth this year. More here.

Belle Property Commercial acquires Axis Property.

The Melbourne expansion brings Axis under the Belle brand, with Charles Carty and Nick Mavrodglos continuing as Principal Directors, while former owner Daniel Liberman stays on as a consultant. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Need a house? Lost your cat? Car won’t start? Don’t worry, your real estate agent’s already got a clipboard, a contact, and a can-do attitude. 🏡🤝

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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