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šŸ’ŖDiscipline Over Hustle: A New Agent’s Elite Mindset

The ā€˜mental game’ most agents overlook, and how to train it

The Brief together with Homely
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GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

It’s National Hamburger Day, and let’s be honest, real estate and burgers have more in common than you think. The perfect listing? Like the perfect burger: all about balance. Solid base (foundation), quality core (that’s your vendor), and the extra styling, marketing, and negotiation skills that seal the deal. And just like burgers, no two sales are ever the same… but when it all comes together? Chef’s kiss.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 11 seconds

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PROFILE

From goalkeeper to goal-setter

Adam Pearce is turning his professional sports mindset into a successful real estate career. Photo: Supplied

What do elite sports and elite real estate have in common?

According to former A-League goalkeeper Adam Pearce, just about everything. From managing high-pressure moments to maintaining unshakeable discipline Adam’s transition from professional football to Harcourts agent reveals a blueprint for mental toughness in the property game.

Discipline > Hustle

While hustle often gets the glory in real estate, Adam believes it’s discipline that wins the match. ā€œWhether you’re stepping onto the pitch or into a listing presentation, the game is the same,ā€ he says.

ā€œYou’ve got to show up prepared, perform under pressure, and back yourself.ā€ His daily structure includes 30 non-negotiable prospecting calls and two hours of focused time with no distractions, and no excuses.

Emotion under pressure

After years as a second-string keeper at Central Coast Mariners, Adam learned how to stay ready, even when benched. That same mindset now helps him rebound from passed-in auctions and quiet weeks.

ā€œIt feels like losing a game,ā€ he admits. But he’s built emotional resilience by staying process-driven and relying on routine. Mornings start with a run, ride or swim, keeping his mindset sharp and grounded.

No substitutes, no shortcuts

If football taught Adam about teamwork, competing in an Ironman taught him about self-leadership. Last year, he juggled 60-hour work weeks while training 22 hours per week to finish the gruelling endurance event: 3.8km swim, 180km ride, 42km run. ā€œWaking up at 3 am to train before work, that’s where confidence comes from,ā€ he says. ā€œYou earn it.ā€

The power of preparation Adam’s success comes down to mastering fundamentals:

  • Routine: Mornings with movement set the tone.

  • Process Ownership: He tracks KPIs over instant wins.

  • Focused Time: Prospecting is treated like game-day prep.

  • Resilience: Setbacks aren’t failures, just part of the path.

  • Self-Belief: Confidence isn’t innate, it’s built through action.

Now working under mentor Joel Soldado, Adam has his sights set on 20 listings for the year and eventually building a team of his own. But he’s in no rush. ā€œIf you don’t acknowledge the small wins, the big ones never come,ā€ he says.

ICYMI, yesterday we brought you all the breaking stories from AREC Day 2.

Besser + Co

TOGETHER WITH HOMELY

Homely's David Webb and Amanda McEniry. Photo: Supplied

An affordable alternative for agents to advertise

Homely is challenging the status quo with its latest ā€˜More’ marketing campaign, offering agents and vendors a cost-effective alternative to expensive property portals. For over a decade, the platform has provided affordable Vendor Paid Advertising solutions while building community features like suburb reviews and local Q&As.

With millions of annual visitors and partnerships with platforms like Gumtree, Homely continues to deliver strong reach and engagement at accessible price points. Read more about Homely’s ā€˜More’ campaign here.

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DEPT OF INCOMES

House prices are growing faster than incomes. Photo: Getty

When your house earns more than you do

Australian homes have been busy making money for their owners, with house prices jumping $46,625 in the year to April 2025, while the median annual income sits at $72,592. Perth emerged as the standout performer, being the only capital city where houses earned more than their owners, with property values surging by $95,022. This marks a major market shift, with growth moving from luxury markets to mid-tier areas in Perth, Gold Coast and Brisbane as buyers seek better value.

DEPT OF HOME SALES

New home sales have jumped. Photo: Getty

New home sales hit a 12-month high after rate cut

Australia's new home sales surged 16.5% in April 2025, reaching their highest level in a year following February's interest rate cut, the first reduction in over four years. Western Australia is leading the recovery with a remarkable 23.7% quarterly increase, while Victoria struggles with a 17.7% decline. With May bringing another rate cut and more reductions expected, industry experts anticipate continued growth in the housing construction sector after years of stagnation.

DEPT OF AI

Here's an AI that can take calls. Photo: Getty

Your AI personal assistant is ready to take calls

Meet Lucy, an Australian-made voice AI that answers your calls when you can't. Created by Curious Thing, this virtual assistant transparently identifies itself as AI while handling incoming calls, providing transcriptions, and even directing callers like a receptionist. Perfect for agents or property managers during open homes or appraisals, Lucy can soon answer specific questions like "When is the auction?" - potentially making missed calls a thing of the past.

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CELEBRITY HOMES

The property is located in the gated community of Hidden Hills in Calabasas. Image: The Beverly Hills Estates

Stevie Wonder’s pad hits the market, with a music room and a harmonica-playing elephant backstory

Stevie Wonder’s longtime Calabasas home, where jam sessions were a family pastime and one party featured a harmonica-playing elephant, is up for grabs. His ex-wife, fashion designer Kai Milla-Morris, just listed the six-bedroom estate for $15 million (approx. A$22.8 million).

The nearly 3-acre property includes a music area, luxe renovations, and a marble kitchen island as grand as a piano solo. Wonder first bought it as a surprise gift … no pressure, right? With a past this colourful, the next owner has big (and musical) shoes to fill.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

The team from Ray White Advantage. Photo: Supplied

Jordan Thams opens Ray White Advantage on the Gold Coast

The 20-year industry veteran has launched the new office alongside his wife Kyra with a team of nine staff members. More here.

Whitney and Sonny Phillis. Photo: Supplied

Whitney Phillis launches Harcourts Phillis in Whyalla

The award-winning agent and husband, Sonny, have established their family-owned business with deep local ties and backing from the international Harcourts network. 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

Riding in a real estate agent’s car is less ā€œpassenger seatā€ and more ā€œmobile storage unit.ā€ Need a 'For Sale' sign, a shoe cover, a pot plant, or three clipboards from 2019? It’s all in there. Just move the brochures and hope the open home snacks haven’t melted.šŸš— šŸŖ§

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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