GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

OpenAI just dropped a major upgrade to its image generation tech — and it’s seriously impressive. Think virtual renos, digital staging, object removal, and even showing buyers what a space could look like (hello, kitchen turned butler’s pantry).

It's not perfect every time, but the leap forward is huge — and the creative potential for agents is next level. Check out how our resident AI supremo Samantha McLean turned her garage into a home office with treadmill. You’re welcome. We’ve just saved you thousands in virtual staging.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 2 seconds

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MOTIVATION

Why 4% might be the only thing standing between you and a standout career

Think you need a total reset to hit your next big goal? Think smaller.

According to President of REINSW and BresicWhitney CEO, Thomas McGlynn, the gap between good and great isn’t as wide as you think.

Using tennis legend Roger Federer as an example, Thomas highlights how marginal gains can lead to extraordinary outcomes and encourages agents to focus on their mindset, choices, and work ethic to level up in 2025. He outlines five key areas - hard work, embracing discomfort, mindset, choice management, and positive energy - as the foundation for meaningful growth this year.

Progress lies in the margins
Thomas highlights how the difference between good and great is often far smaller than we think. “The most he ever won those games by was 54%,” he says of tennis legend Roger Federer. “That’s 4% between winning and losing. Between winning one singles title and winning 20 grand slams. Between a mediocre career and one that some consider the best ever.”

Lean into discomfort
For those chasing growth, Thomas suggests seeking out the edge, not avoiding it. “One of my all-time favourite sayings is ‘agitation is the edge where learning is beginning’,” he says. “One of the greatest disappointments we can have is the feeling of having ‘permanent potential’. So lean in to what feels difficult or different. Ask for feedback. Take it on graciously and continue to adjust until you unlock the next level.”

Own your choices and energy
Thomas urges agents to be intentional with their time and mindset. “Don’t get to December and wish you’d done things differently,” he writes. “You want to look back on it and reflect on what an absolute bumper season of growth 2025 was for you. Start that season today.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed why great leadership begins with you.

TOGETHER WITH REACH

PropTech takes centre stage: REACH announces 2025 'Top of the Props' pitch battle
REACH Australia and New Zealand will host Top of the Props 2025, a live PropTech pitch competition spotlighting emerging talent from across the region. Set to take place on 23 May in Burleigh Heads, Qld, the event offers two major awards — a $10,000 Judges’ Prize and a People’s Choice Award. Finalists will be announced on 6 May and will pitch live in a fast-paced format followed by Q&A.

The judging panel features industry leaders from REIQ, Proptech Hub WA and Proptech Australia. Attendees can expect a night of bold ideas, networking and a post-pitch Rockaoke party to wrap it all up.

Read more about Top of the Props here.

DEPT OF DATA

Investor loans spike as NSW hits record high
Australia's property investment market is heating up, with investor loans jumping 22% nationwide over the past year, more than triple the growth rate of owner-occupier loans. New South Wales has reached a five-year record with investor loans now accounting for 41.7% of all new loans in the state, while Western Australia led the nation with a 35% year-on-year growth. If current trends continue, investor loans could reach approximately 234,000 nationwide in 2025.

DEPT OF FINANCE

Budget tackles housing crisis, but still falls short
Australia's Federal Budget has made some progress toward addressing the nation's housing crisis, but experts say it's not enough. The government allocated $54 million for prefabricated homes and expanded the Help to Buy scheme, yet Queensland remains well below its housing targets with only 35,800 dwelling approvals against a target of 49,000-50,000 annually.

DEPT OF AI

Build a real estate AI assistant in 10 minutes? Yep, it’s possible
There’s a fast new way to handle client questions, day or night and in multiple languages, thanks to conversational AI. In just 10 minutes, you can train an AI agent to answer FAQs, explain market trends, and support buyers through their property search. These tools can sit on your website, speak in your voice, and take care of repetitive queries so you can focus on the high-value work. Think 24/7 support without you working after hours.

CELEBRITY HOMES

AFL star teams up with Ray White Williamstown to kick property goals
Western Bulldogs captain and AFL superstar Marcus Bontempelli has stepped off the footy field and into the property spotlight, teaming up with Ray White Williamstown to promote the luxury ARCO apartment development in Footscray, Melbourne.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Major ownership shift at Ray White Gold Coast
Andrew Bell has sold his Surfers Paradise, Benowa and Main Beach offices to three new ownership groups in what's being called a "generational reset" after 36 years. More here.

Hardeep Singh on finding the perfect fit with Area Specialist
Top-performing Casey agent Hardeep Singh has sold more than 170 properties in the past year, crediting his results to hard work and the support of Area Specialist. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Disclaimer: Not pregnant, just having intense cravings… for a million dollar listing and a stress-free delivery. Sorry, I meant settlement.🤰🏻🙃

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Wishing you a productive day

Elite Agent is crewed by Mark Edwards, Catherine Nikas-Boulos, Rowan Crosby, Charmagne Arrubio and Samantha McLean. We aim to uplift the real estate industry by delivering forward-thinking, hype-free news and education that fosters knowledge and fuels ambition.

Stories marked with * are sponsored, including 'Together With' and the weekday 'Movers & Shakers' sections. Interested in promoting your brand to Elite Agent’s audience? Learn more at eliteagent.com/advertise.

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