GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Today’s National Drive-Thru Day, because sometimes, you need a cheeseburger, a coffee, and a contract signed, all in under 10 minutes. For real estate agents and PM’s, the drive-thru isn’t just a pit stop, it’s a lifestyle. It’s where open home recaps happen, buyer calls get returned, and vendor texts get answered (all while balancing fries on the dash).

So, here’s to the agents who can negotiate a deal while navigating the Macca’s line. You make multitasking look easy … and your clients never even see the ketchup on your laptop.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 26 seconds

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SALES

Stalled to Sold

How to reset and relist a stalled property listing

In the unpredictable world of real estate, stalled listings are inevitable. But as Buxton Brighton agent Kym Williams shows, a lull in campaign momentum doesn’t have to mean a downward spiral. With a mix of strategy, style, and straight talk, Kym’s approach offers a blueprint for agents navigating quiet campaigns, without defaulting to drastic discounts.

The power of the re-launch

Kym took over a listing that had lingered for five months with no result, and rather than rushing to slash the price, she focused on reimagining the campaign. That meant restyling, reshooting, and repositioning the property with a stronger story.

“We believed in the product,” she said. “It was worth every bit of what we were quoting.”

The results came from working with the contacts who already knew the area’s value, which is a reminder that sometimes, success is about shining a light on what was already there.

Why timing beats panic pricing

Kym explains that she doesn't reflexively reduce prices when a listing stalls; instead, she evaluates market conditions: Is it a quiet seasonal patch? Is buyer traffic just temporarily down? If needed, it’s smart to "rest" the listing by pulling it offline temporarily, then reintroduce it when timing favours renewed interest.

Communication and confidence matter most

Kym calls her vendors daily - no matter the news. That constant feedback loop builds trust, and trust, in her words, “delivers results.”

She also encourages sellers to go to market before spring hits its peak. “Mid-August is ideal,” she advises, “before the flood of listings gives buyers too much choice.”

And if you’re working in a family-focused area, avoid launching during school holidays when foot traffic slows.

As for what today’s buyers want? Turnkey trumps fixer-upper. Rising build costs and long timelines have nudged people toward move-in-ready homes, even if it means paying more.

“People are still happy to do little cosmetic changes… but if everything’s been done, it takes the pressure off.”

Read the full story here

ICYMI, yesterday, we highlighted strategies for transforming new recruits into confident, high-performing sales agents.

TOGETHER WITH AUSSIE

Aussie unveils 'Find. Buy. Own.' campaign and zero-cost listings for agents

Aussie has launched its new ‘Find. Buy. Own.’ brand platform and national campaign, repositioning the 33-year-old business as a one-stop destination to find, buy and own property. The campaign spans TV, radio, digital, and outdoor, using the metaphor of being ‘stuck in quicksand’ to reflect research showing 65% of homeowners feel unsure about buying their next home.

A major focus is Aussie’s Property Search, which already features 100,000+ agent listings and is supported by dedicated 15-second TV ads. Through Aussie for Agents, agents can list properties at zero cost and gain qualified vendor leads, with no VPA required, including for auctions and off-market listings.

Read more about Aussie here.

CAPITAL CITIES HOUSE PRICE GAINS

Property prices back in sync

For the first time in four years, all eight Aussie capital cities have posted house price gains - despite the RBA not dropping rates. Sydney hit a new record at $1.72m, while Melbourne clocked its highest in three years.

Perth’s just $45k shy of the $1 million club, and units are quietly stealing the spotlight in Brisbane, Darwin, and Adelaide. Domain’s Dr Nicola Powell says the market’s “outperforming expectations,” but warns supply shortages are keeping pressure on prices.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

REIQ lifts property standards in the Pacific

The REIQ has delivered tailored property management training in Papua New Guinea, helping local professionals raise the bar in a market with no formal legislation. The sessions covered trust accounting, tenant selection, and earning five-star reviews from attendees.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the initiative reflects PNG’s growing appetite for best practice. With more training planned for 2026, the partnership between REIQ and REIA-PNG is set to keep building a stronger, more professional real estate sector across the Pacific.

NZ SELLERS CASH IN

Sale prices beating asking prices across key regions

New analysis of over 53,000 listings on realestate.co.nz reveals that New Zealand homeowners are, on average, selling for more than they’re asking. Between January 2024 and May 2025, the typical property was listed at NZD$894,915 but sold for $898,845, giving sellers an unexpected bonus of $3,930.

Wellington vendors led the pack, scoring an average of $17,185 above asking, while sellers in Canterbury and Gisborne also pocketed sizeable gains of $13,721 and $11,835, respectively.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Game, set, mansion: Sharapova lists luxe LA estate for US$25 Million

Retired tennis superstar Maria Sharapova is making headlines again, this time not with her backhand, but with a jaw-dropping real estate play. The five-time Grand Slam champion has just listed her striking Manhattan Beach residence for $24.995 million (approx. AUD $37.5 million), offering ocean views, architectural flair, and even two private bowling lanes. The only thing missing? A tennis court.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Steven Kremer joins Ray White Centenary

The leading Jindalee agent with 21 years of experience steps in as co-director alongside Cameron Crouch after running his own agency for five years. More here.

Tom Donnelly to lead NAI Harcourts Commercial

The 20-year industry veteran brings his extensive experience to help establish Harcourts as a commercial market leader. 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

We don’t condone violence... but after landing a $50k offer over asking and the vendor says they want to “wait and see”? … Let’s just say, our self-control deserves its own commission. 😤🤦‍♂️

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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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.

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