GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

October 30 marks National Wicked Day, celebrating one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals, and let’s be honest, few people understand “defying gravity” quite like real estate agents trying to lift a deal over the line.

From green lighting open homes to avoiding “Popular” price wars, today’s the perfect day to channel your inner Glinda or Elphaba. After all, whether it’s flying houses or rising auction results, in property it’s all about finding the magic behind the numbers.

Today’s read time: 08 minutes, 05 seconds

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BEST PRACTICE

How to finish the year with focus

Matt Lahood: Seven Saturdays, Zero Panic

With about seven key selling weekends left before Christmas, The Agency’s CEO Matt Lahood says the final stretch of the year should be driven by precision and planning, not panic. His advice to agents: keep clients focused on the calendar, stay visible through genuine contact, and set up for a clean run into 2026 with structure, stamina and smart preparation.

Countdown with clarity

Matt says the calendar itself is an agent’s best leverage right now. Buyers don’t disappear in December, but their attention shifts. Agents should spell that out clearly to vendors: “Tell them there are about seven good Saturdays left before attention turns to Christmas,” he says. That countdown creates urgency and helps everyone stay realistic about timing.

Stay present, not pushy

Prospecting doesn’t stop because the year is winding down. Matt recommends authentic, low-pressure contact, including seasonal check-ins, small gestures, and VIP events for key referrers, past clients and centres of influence. He prefers “VIP night” over “Christmas party”, saying it feels more personal and meaningful. “Everyone gets invited to Christmas parties,” he says. “But a VIP event feels more personal. It’s a way to acknowledge your most important relationships.”

Plan hard, then switch off

For anyone wondering if it’s too late to list, Matt’s message is simple: it’s not. “Get photos done, contracts ready, copy written. You can stay off-market but effectively on-market,” he says. He encourages agents to hold a ‘Set to Sell’ meeting with vendors before the holidays, mapping every step through to early February. Then, switch off properly. “Sprint hard now. Finish strong. Then take a real break,” Matt says. “Your clients, and your business, will be better for it.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, we covered how to make AI recommend you as a local expert.

TOGETHER WITH FLOORSCAPE

FloorScape shifts focus to verified property data and PropTech innovation

After more than a decade delivering premium floor plans to Australia’s top real estate campaigns, FloorScape is evolving into a verified property data and technology company.

Led by Managing Director Michael Cardillo, the company is building a system to capture structured, on-site data that will power marketing, automation, valuation, and future SaaS applications.

With a seven-figure capital raise underway and strategic partnerships on the horizon, this marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the Brisbane-based company — and what Cardillo believes will become one of the country’s next major PropTech success stories.

Find out how FloorScape is building the future of verified property data

VIC HOUSING REFORM

Victoria’s new planning reforms promise fewer delays for housing projects

The Victorian Government has announced its most significant planning overhaul in decades, introducing the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Bill 2025 to speed up housing approvals and boost supply. The reforms will divide applications into three pathways, with stand-alone homes and duplexes approved in as little as 10 days, low-rise projects in 30 days, and larger apartment developments in 60 days. Premier Jacinta Allan said the move would bring Victoria’s “decades-old” planning laws into the 21st century, helping more young people access housing. The changes will also restrict third-party objections, limiting appeals to only those directly affected by high-density projects.

RBA PREVIEW

RBA’s next move could go either way as Kochie warns of ‘nuclear’ rate response

Real estate professionals watching for a Melbourne Cup Day rate cut may be in for disappointment, with Compare the Market’s David Koch warning the Reserve Bank of Australia could still hike rates if inflation flares. Mr Koch said the upcoming September quarter CPI data will be critical. “If underlying inflation comes in at 3% or above, the Reserve Bank may have no choice but to raise rates. That is the nuclear option.”

LUXE BIG MOVE

Douglas Elliman takes luxury global with new French and Monaco offices

Douglas Elliman is officially going international, kicking off its global expansion with 14 offices and more than two dozen agents across Bordeaux, the French Riviera and Monaco. The move, revealed at the firm’s annual Las Vegas event, follows the launch of Elliman International in June and targets growing demand from American buyers in France. Future locations are already on the cards for St Barts, Paris and the French Alps.

The new operations will be led by European luxury veterans Philippe Curutchet, Fredrik Lilloe and Edward de Mallet Morgan. CEO Michael S. Liebowitz said the launch “represents the realisation of our vision for a truly global network,” while the new leaders called it a chance to offer clients “a truly global portfolio of extraordinary properties.”

CELEBRITY HOMES

DWTS’ Kym Johnson lists $19m harbourfront apartment as global property portfolio grows

Celebrity couple Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavec have put their luxury Rose Bay apartment on the market with a $19 million price guide. The Dancing with the Stars professional and Shark Tank investor bought the three-bedroom harbourfront residence for $13.5 million in 2021, with views stretching from Shark Island to the Harbour Bridge.

The pair, who met on the U.S. version of Dancing with the Stars in 2015, also own a $22.8 million Federation mansion in Centennial Park. Their global holdings include a US$26 million estate in Hidden Hills, Los Angeles, and a US$38.5 million New York penthouse in One57 on Billionaires’ Row.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Harcourts launches $20,000 Orange Sky fundraiser

The Solutions team and Harcourts Foundation aim to fund two months of mobile laundry van operations through their second annual donation drive ending December 17. More here.

BresicWhitney unveils renovated Inner West office

The architectural expansion to a full floor accommodates their growing team while maintaining the prime Glebe location that's established their local market leadership. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Only in real estate would you find someone dropping listing brochures in a trick-or-treat bag. Forget the lollies, here’s a flyer for a four-bedroom with a pool. 🏡🎃

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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