GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

On May 14, 1859, the Melbourne Football Club was founded, now recognised as the oldest football club in Australia. What began as a group of enthusiasts kicking a ball around has grown into a cornerstone of Australian sporting culture.

In real estate, many agencies start with a simple vision, perhaps just a couple of agents and a shared dream. But with consistent effort and a commitment to excellence, these humble beginnings can lay the foundation for lasting success.

So, whether you're just starting, remember that from little things, big things grow.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 36 seconds

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LISTING WITH STYLE

Styling that sells: how to win over the downsizer market

Downsizers are on the move and they know what they want.

According to Justine Wilson, founder of Vault Interiors, the empty nester segment is becoming increasingly influential and styling is the secret weapon agents are using to capture their attention. These buyers are financially secure, design-savvy, and wanting comfort and convenience without sacrificing style. In other words, they’re trading square footage for sophistication.

So how do you style a property to speak their language?

Comfort first, but keep it classy

Forget sterile minimalism or trendy showpieces. Downsizers are drawn to timeless elegance, warmth, and homes that feel ready to live in, not just look at. Think soft textures, neutral tones, plush seating, and mood lighting. “They want to see themselves living with ease in a space that feels refined,” Wilson says.

Storage is style, too

Don’t underestimate how much ‘stuff’ downsizers bring with them. After decades in larger homes, they’re not parting with everything. That means ample, attractive storage is key. Highlight built-in wardrobes, styled open shelves, and clever cabinetry with baskets or books, not empty spaces.

Every room has a role

Vacant rooms equal missed opportunities. Show what’s possible. It could be a guest room for the grandkids, a home office, or a hobby hideaway. Wilson says, “Flexibility is key, empty nesters still want the option to host, work, or pursue passions.”

Single-level, low-maintenance, lifestyle-driven

This segment of the market is looking to simplify, so help them see how the home supports that. Single-level layouts, low-maintenance finishes like timber floors, and compact gardens all score points. Even small outdoor spaces can shine with a café setting, water feature, or a few potted plants.

And don’t forget the subtle luxuries like crisp white linen, framed art, and layered lighting go a long way in communicating value.

Ultimately, styling for downsizers is about painting a picture of a life well-lived, just in a more manageable footprint. “If you can help them visualise their next chapter, downsized, but not downgraded, you’ll connect with them emotionally,” Wilson says. And that’s what turns a listing into a sale.

Read the full article here

ICYMI, yesterday we found out why leadership builds great agents.

Together with Rentcover

Emergency repairs: why delays can cost landlords more than money

Property managers often get caught between tenants wanting action and landlords watching their budgets, but when it comes to emergency repairs, there’s no room for delay. Legally, urgent issues like leaks, electrical faults, or structural damage must be addressed within set timeframes.

If landlords ignore the rules, they risk breaching tenancy laws, voiding insurance claims, or facing liability payouts. Even property managers could jeopardise their professional indemnity cover by not acting. The solution? Act fast, document everything, and make sure landlords understand the real risks of doing nothing.

Read more from EBM Rentcover about what to do when a landlord won’t act.

DEPT OF LISTINGS

Winter chill freezes property listings

Australia's housing market is set to go into hibernation, with winter listings dropping nearly 2% nationwide compared to warmer months. The effect varies dramatically by region - Regional Tasmania leads the retreat with 20% fewer listings, while Darwin defies the trend with a 17.4% increase during its dry season. For buyers, this winter slowdown creates opportunities with less competition at inspections and potentially stronger negotiating positions.

DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

Farmland prices set for a comeback

Australian agricultural land values are expected to grow by 3% in 2025, following a 6% decline last year. The correction comes after an extraordinary boom that saw median farmland prices surge 79% between 2020 and 2023. While Western Australia and South Australia bucked the trend with double-digit growth in 2024, the outlook for all regions appears positive with promising crop production and expected interest rate cuts ahead.

DEPT OF AI

Gary Vee's AI playbook for real estate

Real estate agents looking to stay ahead should heed Gary Vaynerchuk's advice on AI and marketing. The entrepreneur believes that embracing AI with an open "maybe" mindset rather than fear, predicting AI influencers will become significant revenue sources. He recommends agents start experimenting with AI tools now, particularly for content creation, while focusing on "trading attention" through underpriced digital channels.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Aussie NBA star's $17M Brooklyn pad for sale

NBA All-Star Ben Simmons has listed his luxury Brooklyn apartment for nearly US$17M after signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. The 5,261-square-foot residence in the exclusive Olympia Dumbo building features five bedrooms, a wraparound terrace with 180-degree waterfront views, and a dedicated entertainment wing. Located in Brooklyn's most affluent neighbourhood, the building offers residents access to two pools, a private tennis court, and even a two-lane bowling alley.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Sarah Savio reaches Pinnacle Club for fourth year

The Barry Plant agent has transformed from animal science student to office leader in Yarra Glen, where she was born and raised. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

SOUND ON! 📳🎶

If real estate agents were songs...

• The auction-day adrenaline junkie? “Eye of the Tiger”

• The spreadsheet-obsessed data type? “She Works Hard for the Money”

• The smooth negotiator who always closes? “Smooth Operator”

• The one who’s always on Insta stories? “Vogue”

  

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Wishing you a productive day!

Elite Agent is the definitive platform for ambitious agents and industry players. Thought Leaders is the weekly show where top operators reveal how they’re reinventing real estate. AI-Powered Agents is your playbook for deploying AI that sells homes and scales teams.

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