GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Yes, it’s Scoop again… and yes, it’s worth it.

Okay, we know you’ve seen this a few times now, but hear us out. If you still haven’t shared a story with Scoop, our AI journalist, then your most legendary PM could be missing out on two things:

✅ Proper recognition
✅ A ticket to the PM One Conference (worth $795!)... and yes, you go in the draw too.

🗣️ How to spill the good stuff:

• Call Scoop on 0483 935 833

• Tell her about a property manager who's gone above and beyond

• That’s it! Scoop does the rest (she’ll even email you the transcript if you want it)

Whether it’s a funny tale, a client-saving miracle, or just someone who makes 3am maintenance calls with a smile, Scoop wants to hear it.

Today’s read time: 7 minutes, 10 seconds

New to The Brief? Join us for free. 🤝

PM LAW

REWRITING THE RULE BOOK

How legislation is reshaping property management

Red tape or real reform? That’s the question agencies everywhere are asking as a tidal wave of legislation rolls through property management. But this isn’t just about ticking more boxes, it’s a shift in how we operate, how we’re seen, and what’s expected of us.

Across the country, property managers are being pushed to level up, becoming interpreters of legislation, protectors of standards, and the steady hand guiding landlords and tenants through the chaos. It’s a lot, says Samantha Xerri, real estate coach at Real+, but it’s also an opportunity to reshape how the industry is valued.

Tenants are getting more say

“No grounds” evictions are all but gone. In Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and the ACT, governments have moved to protect tenants with extended notice periods and tighter rules around termination.

Victoria’s gone particularly hard, banning no-cause evictions, capping rent increases, and introducing serious penalties for non-compliance. It’s a clear signal: tenant security is now front and centre, and landlords who don’t adapt will face more than just complaints.

Minimum standards are the new baseline

Those older, ‘affordable’ rentals with dodgy heaters or loose blinds? They’re on borrowed time. States are locking in minimum standards (things like safety, habitability, and basic comfort) and they’re not suggestions. In NSW, failing to comply could hit your licence.

In SA and Victoria, deadlines are closing in fast. For agents, this means tighter routines, better documentation, and a fresh round of education for landlords who might not be up to speed.

PMs are being told to step up

Property management is no longer the side hustle to sales. With mandatory CPD (Continuing Professional Development) in NSW and standardised processes landing in QLD, the job’s getting more technical, more visible, and more respected.

Short-stay rules are tightening too, clearing the line between professionals and part-timers. For switched-on agencies, this is the time to lead: invest in training, tighten systems, and position your PMs as specialists, not assistants.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, last week, we discussed how to stay ambitious without burning out.

TOGETHER WITH CONSTANT CONTACT

Register now: real estate Marketing Masterclass with Tom Panos

Join Australia’s leading real estate coach, Tom Panos, for a free virtual masterclass on Wednesday, 30 July, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm AEST. In this session, Tom will unpack how top-performing agents are using marketing, technology, and personal branding to win more clients.

You’ll learn what’s working in digital marketing right now, how to prospect in a digital-first world, and why trust is the ultimate differentiator in 2025. Tom is the founder of the Real Estate Gym and the 5am Club, and has delivered over 900 workshops across Australia and New Zealand. Places are limited: register now to secure your spot. Can’t make it live? Register anyway to get the recording.

Find out more about the Marketing Masterclass with Tom Panos here.

NEW HOME SALE TREND

New home sales hit three-year high amid rate cuts and incentives

Australia’s new detached home sales rose by 18.8 per cent in the June 2025 quarter, which is the strongest result in nearly three years, according to the HIA. Chief economist Tim Reardon attributed the spike to two cash rate cuts this year, end-of-financial-year incentives, and strong economic fundamentals such as low unemployment and rising real wages. All five major states recorded quarterly sales growth, with Victoria and Queensland leading the gains.

BUYER REGRET

The easy-to-miss home checks buyers still overlook

Agents are being urged to remind buyers about simple but often forgotten pre-purchase checks that can prevent major issues later. James Morrell, CEO of Muval, says basics like water pressure, power point locations, and signs of water damage are commonly missed. He also warns about hidden costs such as strata fees and higher insurance in risk zones and buyers should check zoning rules, commute times, and legal boundaries before committing.

US LISTINGS DRAMA

Zillow calls out Compass in listing transparency showdown

The courtroom battle between Zillow and Compass has flared up again, with Zillow urging the court to reject Compass’ bid to block its new listing rules. The portal slammed Compass’ “Hidden Listing Scheme,” claiming the brokerage wants access to Zillow’s traffic while keeping listings to itself.

According to Zillow, Compass’ three-phase strategy - private exclusive, coming soon, then public - is misleading and anti-transparent. The filing accuses Compass of saying one thing to sellers and another to buyers. Zillow also denied all antitrust claims, saying it isn’t a monopoly and has no duty to do business with Compass.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Justin Bieber's 'Salad Spinner' mansion gets chopped

The futuristic glass mansion once rented by Justin Bieber has received a US$3M price cut, now asking US$31.99M. Nicknamed the "salad spinner" for its distinctive circular structure, the 7,500-square-foot architectural marvel features six bedrooms and panoramic LA views. The current owners have rented it for up to US$85,000 monthly to celebrities, including Bieber, who made it infamous as a party venue after leaving his Calabasas home.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Harcourts Connect celebrates 100,000th customer milestone.

Tahlia Breheney received $4,000 in power bill savings as the company continues to streamline utility connections, saving homeowners over 400,000 hours collectively. More here.

Jake Battenally and Alec Brown named Joint MDs at Ray White Canberra

The pair have risen through the ranks and will lead the residential business while continuing as high-performing salespeople. 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

Because handing over the keys is the closest thing we get to a red carpet moment - enjoy our balloons, bubbles, and big smiles. 🥂🎈

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

Wishing you a productive day!

Elite Agent is the definitive platform for ambitious agents and industry players. Thought Leaders is the weekly show where top operators reveal how they’re reinventing real estate. AI-Powered Agents is your playbook for deploying AI that sells homes and scales teams.

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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