GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

On this day in 1976, Bill Gates and Paul Allen officially registered the trade name “Microsoft” with the Secretary of State in New Mexico, formalising what had been a scrappy little partnership called “Micro-soft” and setting the stage for one of the most valuable companies in history.

It’s a reminder that big businesses often start with something small. In real estate, building your brand and backing it with consistent actions is often where the real growth story begins.

Today’s read time: 7 minutes, 11 seconds

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PROSPECTING

Why some agents stay top of mind long before a vendor is ready

How to be first on a vendor’s shopping list

Why do some agents get the call before anyone else even knows a seller is thinking about listing? For Daniel Robinson of Area Specialist, it’s not luck, it’s strategy, consistency, and the kind of personal brand that builds itself into a vendor’s mind long before they ever need an agent.

Here’s how he’s done it.

Own your patch, and don’t stray

Forget stretching across suburbs, Daniel’s advice is to go deep, not wide. “Start with a micro pocket you can own,” he says, “then expand once you’ve earned that trust.” True local expertise builds credibility, and that kind of consistency matters. Switching agencies or areas too often can make vendors question your reliability. They’re handing over their biggest asset, so you need to look like a steady hand.

Invest before you earn

When Daniel started out, he didn’t have a network. But he didn’t wait for one to appear, he built it through aggressive visibility. “Spend money before you have it,” he says. He reinvested 10% of his earnings into marketing, including fortnightly DLs, a branded car, and social media saturation. “It takes 14 or 15 touches before people know who you are,” he notes. So he made sure people saw him, everywhere.

Use your CRM like a weapon

Daniel’s not just collecting data, he’s leveraging it. Every property address goes into the CRM. Everyone gets contacted at least twice a year. “Even if they say, ‘I’m never moving,’ they go in,” he says. The aim is to never be out of sight or mind. Those touches compound, through calls, mailouts, brochures, and boards. It all adds up to a sense of familiarity that pays off.

Lead with kindness, play the long game

One of Daniel’s biggest attributes is being a genuine person. He once won a listing because of a supermarket smile. Another time, it was a helpful DM response with no commission in sight, just a long-term relationship in the making. “People can tell if you’re faking sincerity, so don’t,” he says.

And yes, he rewards referrers, but with care. No impersonal vouchers. Think dinners, surprises, and thoughtful gifts. “They’ve given you income, share a little of it back.”

Ultimately, Daniel’s advice is based on discipline. He does 25 prospecting calls a day, uses kindness as currency, and has a fierce commitment to showing up.

“If you show up long enough and care enough,” he says, “eventually, you’re the one they call first.”

Read the full article with Daniel Robinson here.

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed why centralised platforms are changing real estate.

TOGETHER WITH iD4me

Real estate agents get one-stop data solution

The fragmented world of property data is getting a makeover as iD4me partners with Real Estate Industry Partners (REIP) to integrate live, verified property listings directly into one platform. Agents will now access on-market, sold, and withdrawn properties without jumping between multiple systems. The collaboration aims to transform every client callback into a more informed conversation, with CEO Rahul Grover say that "agents deserve better" than the current data practices currently in place across the industry.

Read more about the iD4me and REIP partnership here.

SMARTER HOMES

Your home could soon pay you back

Homes equipped with energy-generating technology are transforming into mini income sources, potentially driving property values higher. With rooftop solar now on over a third of Australian homes and battery uptake accelerating, homeowners can increasingly earn or save money through their properties. From July 2026, households in several states will even access three hours of free electricity daily under the federal "solar sharer" scheme, creating additional financial benefits for tech-equipped homes.

HOUSING RELIEF

Massive boost for social housing

Australia's housing crisis is getting some relief with the third round of the Housing Australia Future Fund set to deliver over 21,000 new social and affordable homes nationwide. The Property Council of Australia welcomed the funding as a "potent boost" to housing supply for vulnerable populations, following decades of underinvestment. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain in the housing delivery pipeline, with utility companies and local councils causing multi-year delays for approved projects.

PRICES FALLING

Home values dipping, but equity remains strong

More than half of American homes have lost value over the past year, reaching the highest level of declining values since 2012. Despite this cooling trend, homeowners still enjoy substantial equity growth, with the median home value up 67% since purchase. Experts insist this represents "a normalisation, not a crash," with only 4.1% of homes valued lower than their last sale price. Western cities like Denver and Austin are experiencing the most significant adjustments.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Cricket legend lists luxury pad for $20M+

Australian cricket Hall of Famer Michael Clarke has put his Vaucluse mansion on the market with expectations exceeding $20M. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom property features heated limestone floors, multiple living areas, and a Tuscan-style cabana with swimming pool. Clarke has already secured his next property, a larger six-bedroom mansion nearby with a championship tennis court that reportedly "bowled him over."

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Harcourts Premium Group launches in Adelaide.

Sunny Singh brings his "people-first" philosophy from social work to lead this new luxury real estate venture serving prestigious suburbs including Medindie and Walkerville. More here.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Some days in real estate you’re not losing your mind, you’re simply holding a very detailed meeting with yourself.🤝🧠

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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