GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

Today, agents, property managers, and office teams across Australia and beyond should be swapping blazers for baubles as they celebrate Christmas Jumper Day. 

Started by Save the Children UK in 2012, the international fun day is all about pulling on your most festive knit, spreading good cheer and raising money for charity.

In an industry that thrives on connection, it’s the perfect excuse to brighten up the office, bring teams together and show that real estate isn’t just about homes - it’s about community spirit too.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 42 seconds

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LISTING

Five direct mail campaigns to make 2026 your best year yet

Five direct mail campaigns to make 2026 your best year yet

While others are winding down, the sharpest agents are using direct mail to tee up 2026 listings, because as Jimmy Mackin puts it, “If your letters aren’t in their mailbox in December, your signs won’t be in their yards come next year.”

Jimmy, Co-Founder of Curaytor and Listing Leads, says agents can skip the 18-month ROI myth. Well-crafted campaigns, targeted, timely, and message-smart, are driving responses in weeks, not months.

Here are five proven campaign ideas to jumpstart conversations and conversions right now:

Not just sold (but still selling)

Got a six-month-old sale that never got the “Just Sold” treatment? This one turns old news into a fresh opportunity. Re-engage neighbours with a data-led update and prompt: “Text me for a free valuation.” It’s simple, relevant, and gets people talking.

Show the sweat

When things don’t go to plan, say so strategically. This postcard starts with: “Not all homes are selling, this one did.” Then explain the hurdles, your hustle, and how you got it done. Authenticity builds trust. Prospects want a pro who sticks the landing when others stumble.

The magic buyer

Got buyers but no listings? Use that tension. Send a personal (not mass-produced) letter: “I have a buyer looking for a home just like yours.” Jimmy’s seen million-dollar dual-sided deals emerge from just 100 well-targeted letters. Mass volume is out, surgical precision is in.

Reasons to sell (now)

For owners frozen by negative headlines, this campaign reframes the narrative. Offer three reasons why it’s still a good time to sell - rising buyer confidence, market stability, or surging local demand. Keep it factual and optimistic. This is reassurance, not a sales pitch.

The silver tsunami blitz

Older homeowners are driving nearly half of all listings. One agent sent seven weekly postcards to downsizers, spending $4,500 and earning six figures. Use real-life language like “This house feels too big,” paired with a soft CTA. It’s empathy that converts.

Start before January

Jimmy’s formula for winning? “Engage your database, convert it, and keep building it.” Direct mail is no longer old-school, it’s part of a modern trust-building machine. Nail your message, hit the right homes, and 2026 momentum starts now, not later.

Ready to step up your direct mail game?

Read the full article here.

ICYMI, yesterday we found out why data, clarity and strategy matters most

TOGETHER WITH ID4ME

Data revolution transforms property prospecting

Top-performing agents are now using verified property and homeowner data to supercharge their prospecting efforts. Rather than making broad, untargeted calls, they're identifying specific opportunities, like contacting owners of three-bedroom homes when listing a four-bedroom property nearby. This strategic approach delivers measurable results, including higher contact rates, more appraisals booked, and increased conversion from conversation to listing. The fundamentals haven't changed, but technology is amplifying them.

Learn how data is transforming prospecting here.

REALITY TV

Property gets its own TV show

Domain is launching "Open for Inspection," a new national property TV series debuting March 7 on Channel Nine. Co-hosted by Domain's National Property Editor Alice Stolz and Drive TV's Jessica Lydka-Morris, the show takes viewers inside on and off-market listings across Australia, from budget-friendly renovations to architectural gems. The series aims to fuel Australia's property obsession while giving agents a premium new way to elevate their campaigns.

Read more about the new show here

RENTAL PRESSURE

Six-figure incomes needed to rent by 2026

Australian renters will soon need to earn over $112,000 annually to afford a typical capital city house without financial stress. This represents a 51% increase since 2019, with Sydney topping the charts at $135,200 required income. With average individual earnings around $80,200, single-income households are effectively priced out of most inner and middle-ring suburbs, as rents continue to rise faster than wages nationwide.

AFFORDABLE BOOM

First-time buyers driving affordable housing boom

Australia's affordable housing market is outpacing premium segments, with prices in the bottom quartile surging 34% since early 2023 compared to just 25% for luxury homes. Recent changes to the five per cent deposit scheme, removing income caps and raising price thresholds, have accelerated this trend, with first-home buyer loan applications reaching their highest level in over two years. Perth leads the nationwide boom with affordable home prices jumping 17.5% over the past year.

GREAT SCOTT!

Property market shows resilience amid slowdown

The Scottish property market is showing remarkable resilience despite a cooling in activity. Prices across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, and the Borders have risen 5.1% year-on-year to £299,050, with East Fife leading the charge with a big 14.4% surge. While new listings dropped 8.9% and sales volumes decreased by 4.9%, experts view this as a sign of a "maturing, more balanced market" rather than cause for concern.

CELEBRITY HOMES

'Simpsons' creative duo list Manhattan haven

The minds behind Springfield's favourite family are selling their real-world sanctuary. Al Jean, who recently ended his 25-year run as "The Simpsons" showrunner, and his wife Stephanie Gillis, a writer for the show, have listed their Upper West Side co-op for US$8.75M. The three-bedroom apartment features Hudson River views, wraparound terraces, and two wood-burning fireplaces—perfect for crafting animated adventures in peaceful luxury.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

McGrath expands with new Cairns office.

Mark Turnbull will lead the team in this growing Far North Queensland market where property values have risen 10% in the past year. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
Get the latest on top agent and agency moves every Sunday with our weekly roundup in Movers & Shakers. Subscribe now.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

When an agent cleans out her car, it’s less a vehicle and more a mobile Bunnings crossed with a homewares store. 🪣🧺

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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