GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

We hope you're looking forward to a well-earned break (and maybe a sneaky chocolate egg or two). We're here with your Thursday edition as usual, but just a heads-up: we’ll be taking a short pause over the long weekend and will be back in your inbox from Tuesday, 22 April, refreshed and ready with more real estate news, insights and inspiration.

Until then, enjoy the upcoming long weekend. You’ve earned it.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 59 seconds

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TECH

AI in Property Management: what’s actually working right now

You’re watching your kid’s Saturday footy game when a tenant reports a leaking hot water system.

Instead of stepping out to make urgent calls, you keep watching. The system’s already handled it.

That’s not a future scenario. According to Curtis Thomson, CEO of Our Property, “It’s happening right now in property management businesses across Australia.”

With two decades in tech and a track record scaling platforms like Simpro, Curtis says AI is no longer hype - it's hands-on, solving real workflow issues for property managers today.

The problem AI was built to fix

“Our industry is facing some serious headwinds,” he says, pointing to the National Housing Accord’s target of 1.2 million homes by 2029, with around 400,000 expected to be investment properties.

At the same time, “more than a quarter of property managers are expected to leave the industry within the next five years,” while compliance burdens grow and management fees race to the bottom. “The way we've always done things just isn't going to work anymore. That's not an opinion, that's just maths.”

Real AI tools already at work

1. Arrears automation with empathy

“We've implemented exactly this approach with clients and seen arrears rates drop from 6-7% (sometimes as high as 14-15%) down to under 1% within just 2-3 months.” Instead of static templates, AI analyses a tenant’s communication style and arrears history to craft personalised messages and choose the best channel, be it email, SMS, or phone.

2. Predictive landlord support

“The system monitors those 45 different touchpoints with landlords that you're already managing and transforms them into actionable insights.” Think dashboards that spotlight which landlords need your personal attention based on actual behaviour - like Mrs Jones checking a maintenance request five times without comment.

3. Maintenance, minus the migraine

A burst pipe at 9 pm on Friday? Curtis’ system automatically offers the job to multiple tradies, “with the first to respond getting the job.” Meanwhile, you stay in the loop without being on the hook for every decision. Monday’s report shows exactly what happened, without you sacrificing your weekend.

AI supports the people … not replaces them

“This technology is about putting the person into the workflow at the point that makes sense,” he explains. “It’s about eliminating all that busy work that doesn’t add value.” And perhaps most importantly, “it's actually about getting back to why you started in this business, building relationships, solving real problems, and yes, maybe even getting home in time for dinner more often.” The agencies leaning into AI now? “They’re not just managing more doors - they’re managing better.”

Read the full article here.

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed why the real barrier most agents face isn’t external… it’s psychological.

TOGETHER WITH REALESTATE.COM.AU

Agents’Agency secures partnership with realestate.com.au

realestate.com.au has announced a national enterprise partnership with Agents’Agency, offering its Pro subscription at a best-in-market rate to the network’s 100+ independent agencies. This tailored Pro+ package aims to deliver “better market intelligence, better seller leads and better branding.” Agents’Agency CEO Manos Findikakis called it “a first in the industry,” saying it gives members “a true competitive edge.”

He added, “Access to Pro will mean our members can enhance their agency's visibility, attract more seller leads, and win more listings.” REA’s Kul Singh said Pro customers received 36% more seller leads than flexi users and that the partnership “will bring incredible value.” Read more about the partnership here.

DEPT OF STATISTICS

Adelaide joins million-dollar club, but growth loses steam

Adelaide has officially cracked the million-dollar club, with house prices hitting a record $1,000,202, according to Domain’s March quarter report. It's now the fifth capital to reach seven figures, following Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. While house prices are still rising, growth has slowed to its weakest pace in nearly two years. Unit prices have dipped nationally for the first time since 2022, though Brisbane continues to buck the trend.

DEPT OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Canadian billions in US real estate under pressure from political strains

Since 2015, Canada has led the way as the biggest foreign investor in US commercial real estate, sinking around US$184B into American properties. But that position is starting to wobble. With new tariffs and sharper political rhetoric in the mix, some investors are rethinking their approach. A few of the big pension funds have already started shifting attention towards Europe. That said, many analysts still see the US as a solid option, pointing to the underlying strength of its economy.

DEPT OF AI

5 AI hacks smart agents are using to win more business

If you’re still stuck doing everything the hard way, it might be time to call in some backup - the AI kind. From sorting your leads to writing your emails, smart agents are using AI tools to get ahead without burning out. Here are five AI-powered strategies that’ll help you work smarter, stand out from the crowd, and bring in more business with less effort.

And if you’re looking for some hands-on guidance in a free morning workshop, check out the Leads to Listings events being held in early May to get the edge.

CELEBRITY HOMES

John Stamos’ ex-Calabasas estate hits market with luxe makeover and US$13m price tag

John Stamos’ old Calabasas digs are back - and they’ve had quite the glow-up. Originally built by the Full House star in 1992, the Mediterranean-style estate has hit the market for just under $13 million after a top-to-bottom renovation. It now spans over 8,100 square feet with seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a primary suite that clocks in at a jaw-dropping 2,500 square feet.

Expect marble floors, a 15-foot crystal chandelier, and sweeping Malibu Canyon views. And with more than six acres to play with, there’s even room to add a helipad - because apparently, that’s a thing now.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Catherine Halloran's rapid rise with OASIS

Catherine Halloran launches The Property Agents in just four weeks with OASIS powered by @realty, selling 40+ homes and keeping 93% commission. 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

When you're trying to film a smooth property tour, but your assistant’s doing parkour in the background. Real estate: equal parts sales, cinematography, and chaos management. 🚪🎥

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, 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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