GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

World Television Day is a good reminder that video has always had the power to draw people in. Long before online listings, TV proved that when you can see something brought to life, you pay more attention. For agents, that’s a cue to lean into video with confidence.

A quick suburb clip, a friendly agent intro, or a smooth walk-through can do great things for your online credibility. Think of it this way: TV taught us that personality matters just as much as information.

When sellers and buyers can watch you in action, they get a feel for your style, your energy, and what it might be like to work with you. World Television Day is simply a light nudge to refresh your content and show the real you.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 57 seconds

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LEADERSHIP

Why leaders need to ask more and assume less

Turning curiosity into better leadership

Harcourts NSW CEO Andrew McCulloch argues that the strongest leaders aren’t the ones with the loudest answers, but those who start with the right question. His leadership approach centres on asking genuine questions, listening properly, and shaping support around what people actually need. His favourite go-to - “What do you want?” - sits at the heart of stronger partnerships, and a team that feels involved rather than instructed.

The limits of pretending to know everything

Andrew is clear about the downside of the old directive style. As he notes, this kind of leadership “operates on assumptions, not real-time intelligence,” and it shows. When head office hands out instructions without understanding what’s happening in the field, people feel dismissed. It doesn’t build confidence; it creates distance. Andrew’s view is simple: if you act like you already know everything, you’ll miss the insights sitting right under your nose.

Inquiry over instruction

What sets Andrew apart is how straightforward his method is. No complicated frameworks, just a sense of curiosity strong enough to ask: “What do you want?” He says this shifts the tone immediately. People feel included rather than talked at. They bring up smarter ideas, highlight issues earlier, and help shape solutions that work better because they’re grounded in lived experience.

Technology, talent and the real ‘why’’

Andrew applies the same logic to tech and team development. Launching a new tool without asking how people work, he says, is about as effective as handing someone a gadget they never asked for. His aim is to remove friction, not add clutter. He also reminds leaders that “data tells you the what, but rarely the why,” which is why conversations still matter. Ask people what they want for their careers, back them properly, and you create a team that is capable, confident, and keen to grow.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday Lisa Pennell outlined how AI could fix underquoting for good.

2026 FORECAST

Home values on track for fresh peaks in 2026

Domain forecasts new price peaks across all capitals next year, driven by lower rates, higher incomes and a lift in first-home buyer activity. Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra are expected to move closer to earlier highs, while Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth record steadier rises.

Units are likely to outperform in several cities as buyers seek more attainable options. Investors may see the strongest gains early in the year before new supply takes effect. Rents are set to rise again after a brief pause. Domain’s Dr Nicola Powell says improving supply and slower population growth should help conditions become more stable by late 2026.

BUILD BUZZ

WA takes the crown as Australia’s busiest home building market

Western Australia has officially climbed from the bottom of the ladder to the top step, claiming number one on the HIA Housing Scorecard for the first time in a decade. After years of riding out the mining slump, the state is now building homes at twice its pre-pandemic pace and showing no signs of slowing.

Strong population growth, eager renovators and a revived multi-unit sector have all helped push WA ahead of South Australia and Queensland. The industry says the rise didn’t happen by accident, with planning reform, extra apprentices and faster building methods all playing their part. Michael McGowan from HIA says the state is “back on its feet” and ready for more growth

EUROPEAN MARKET

Property market heats up as rates cool down

Europe's housing market is surging in 2025, with property prices jumping 5.7 per cent across the EU in Q1 alone. The revival comes as interest rates have fallen by about two percentage points since mid-2024, while persistent supply shortages continue to squeeze buyers. Portugal is leading the charge with apartment prices rising 11 per cent in the first half of the year, while Munich remains Europe's priciest city at €8,650 per square meter.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Entertainment legend's oceanfront sanctuary hits the market.

Australian entertainment pioneer Mary Lopez AM is selling her beloved Culburra Beach home after 20 years of ownership. The five-bedroom oceanfront sanctuary, featuring panoramic Pacific views and private beach access, is listed for $3.9M. Lopez, who founded the NSW Schools Spectacular and launched countless Australian music careers, is moving back to Sydney full-time as she prepares to publish a book about her 42-year career in entertainment.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Ellis Schofield thrives at Area Specialist.

The Frankston agent moved his business after a decade in the industry, bringing partner Georgia to form a team focused on growth and market expertise. More here.

Harcourts Foundation partners with six charities for Christmas.

The national donation drive collects food, gifts and hygiene products to support organisations across Australia helping those in need during the holiday season. More here.

First National Foundation partners with RizeUp Australia.

The network will support the charity's work creating safe homes for families fleeing domestic violence through fundraising and volunteer initiatives. 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 someone says “thank goodness it’s Friday,” but you’re a real estate agent and your weekend is just a myth you once heard about from people who don’t work Saturdays. 🏡😅

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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