GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Thought real estate would be a vanilla career choice? From homeowners casually answering the door in the buff to clients taking unexpected dives into pools during showings, the life of an agent is full of surprises. A Reader’s Digest report shares some of the most awkward moments agents worldwide have faced. Turns out listing a house is only half the battle.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 22 seconds.

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SALES

How to keep client engagement consistent year-round 

As the calendar ticks toward the end of the year, many agents find themselves running on fumes, eagerly awaiting a break over the summer holidays.

But in the world of real estate, Bianca Denham, Head of Performance and Recognition at Ray White, said consistency is the key to year-round success.

A common trap agents fall into is the race to clear stock by October, with many neglecting to replenish their listings for the following year. As a result, their sales pipeline dries up, and they may not make their first sale for two months into the new year.

Stay active year-round

Bianca stresses the importance of consistent energy and effort, especially towards the end of the year. She observes that many agents focus on clearing stock to create space for a holiday break, but neglect to restock for the new year. "By the time we get into October, agents have an almost myopic focus on selling stock to clear the decks... but many agents aren’t making their first sale until February,” she explains.

To maintain momentum, it’s crucial to keep up with appraisals and listings even in the lead-up to the holiday season.

Don’t miss the holiday window

While many agents assume that December and January are slow periods for buyers, Bianca highlights that this time is actually ripe for engagement. “Our best agents are using this window to launch property... so keen purchasers can compile their shopping list while they have more time to browse and buy,” she said.

The holidays are a prime opportunity to stay in front of clients by sending holiday greetings or making cheerful phone calls, all while staying top of mind and ensuring continued success.

Balance work and rest

Bianca also addresses the need for agents to recharge during the year. Comparing agents to elite athletes, she emphasises the importance of pacing, pointing out that “elite athletes don’t train at maximum velocity year-round.” Real estate agents should approach their work with similar discipline, allowing time for rest so they can perform at peak efficiency. By scheduling regular breaks and managing their workload strategically, agents can avoid burnout and maintain a sustainable, profitable career.

ICYMI, last week we looked at simple changes that could lead to major profits in real estate

TOGETHER WITH ERIN

Erin is transforming apartment living by integrating essential services like rent payments, digital keys, and maintenance requests into one streamlined app, enhancing the tenant experience. Co-founder Thomas Walkley explains how the platform reduces "app fatigue" by eliminating the need for multiple apps, creating a more seamless and convenient living experience.

Build-to-rent projects like the Smith Collective highlight Erin’s ability to foster community and improve livability through technology. Surveys show that 84% of tenants rate their experience as good or excellent, indicating the platform’s success in improving tenant satisfaction despite economic pressures.

Read more about Erin here

SMART SNIPPETS

Labour market remains strong
Employment growth remains strong and it’s taking the pressure off the RBA to slash rates. September saw a surprising surge of 64,100 new jobs, far above expectations. The unemployment rate stayed at 4.1%, while workforce participation hit a record 67.2%. This solid job market means the RBA is likely to hold off on rate cuts until at least February 2025 according to ANZ.

Regional real estate agents share strategies for success
The Regional Agents Conference brought together over 580 real estate professionals from Australia and New Zealand to share success strategies tailored for regional agents. Key speakers like Matt Lahood and Tahlia Gabrielli offered insights on leadership, client engagement, and securing listings. The event highlighted how regional agents can build high-performance teams, manage luxury properties, and maintain momentum for consistent success.

US builders embrace high-density homes - should we do the same?
As the housing affordability crisis continues, US builders are adapting by constructing more condos and townhouses. In 2023, about 1 million single-family homes were completed, but starts for detached homes fell 9%, while attached homes rose 3%. This shift has allowed builders to overcome land costs and offer more affordable options.

SOUND WAVES

Meet Britain’s most successful agent

Today’s curated listed looks at Gary Hersham, who has been selling houses to the very rich for decades. At first, he says £1m was a big deal. Now he sells for £50m, £100m, even £200m. What does it take to stay on top in this cut-throat business?

Dive straight into the listen below or the deeper dive here.

Read the article from The Guardian here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Making eye contact with a real estate agent is like stepping into quicksand - you’re in before you know it. One second you're casually browsing, the next you’re deep into a conversation about local market trends, interest rates, and whether your house is “auction-ready.” 👀 😊

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

Wishing you a productive day

Elite Agent is crewed by Mark Edwards, Catherine Nikas-Boulos, Rowan Crosby, Giverny Pringle, 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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