GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

In today’s edition of “only in Sydney,” a triangular 31sqm sliver of land in Neutral Bay is turning heads; not for its size, but for its $60,000 price guide. Listed by BresicWhitney, the former easement is more curiosity than cornerstone, and most likely appeals to a neighbour with vision (or very specific needs). Unusual listings? Yes. But it’s also a reminder that every square metre in Sydney still has value.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 40 seconds

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OPINION

Own it! The starting point for better leadership

Effective leadership doesn’t begin with a title or a strategy, it begins with you.

RE/MAX Australia Managing Director Joel Davoren believes that self-awareness, discipline and accountability form the bedrock of strong leadership. Rather than relying on external tools or validation, he encourages leaders to take ownership of their decisions, reflect on their purpose, and commit to continuous personal growth.

When you focus on leading yourself well, you create the conditions to lead others with clarity and confidence.

Leadership starts with self
Before you can lead others, you need to lead yourself. Joel believes that self-discipline, clarity, and integrity are the foundations of strong leadership. Instead of jumping straight to plans or KPIs, he says it’s more important to ask yourself the right questions: Why are you in business? What drives you? And what do you want your life to look like when it’s all said and done?

Be wary of external distractions
Looking outward for tools, validation or guidance can sometimes be a way to avoid responsibility. While there’s value in advice from others, Joel warns that too much noise, especially from those with no real stake in your outcomes, can derail your progress. The most effective leaders focus on what they can control and make confident decisions based on trusted input, not consensus.

Build habits that support growth
Leadership is a skill, and like any skill, it requires ongoing practice. Joel outlines three key actions: take full responsibility for your progress, stay disciplined in your decision-making, and continuously invest in your growth. Surrounding yourself with people who challenge and encourage you is also essential. The stronger your personal leadership, the more impact you’ll have on others.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed how to attract top talent to your business by polishing your personal brand.

SMART SNIPPETS

Legal and financial fallout over poor property maintenance
Neglecting maintenance at a rental property isn’t just an inconvenience - it’s a financial and legal risk. EBM RentCover reports that landlords and their property managers who fail to address repairs could face liability claims if tenants are injured, see insurance claims rejected due to poor upkeep, and even suffer a drop in property value. With insurers cracking down on maintenance-related claims and tenants expecting safe, well-maintained homes, experts warn that ignoring upkeep could be a costly mistake.

From Marinas to the Med: how Brock Rodwell built Ray White Marine
Ray White Marine CEO Brock Rodwell started the Sydney arm of the business at just 23, bringing a fresh approach to yacht sales by adapting real estate-style auctions for luxury vessels. With clients across Australia, New Zealand and overseas, the team sources boats globally and handles everything from brokerage to charter management. He tells Ray White Head of Performance, Bianca Denham, that despite the glamour, it’s not all “sun pads and rosé” — the work involves long hours, complex logistics and constant travel.

Using Empathy Mapping to tap into what really drives your clients
Empathy mapping helps agents uncover the deeper motivations behind client decisions by exploring what people are thinking, feeling, hearing, and doing. With AI tools like ChatGPT and Crystal Knows, it’s now easier to build detailed customer personas and tailor communication accordingly. The technique, featured in a new post by AI Powered Agents, offers a smarter way for agents to connect and convert.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Mark Wahlberg's former mansion gets a $13M price bump
Mark Wahlberg's former Beverly Hills estate is back on the market just two years after changing hands, now listed at a hefty US$68M. The 30,000-square-foot European villa-style mansion sits on 6 acres and features 20 bathrooms, a five-hole golf course, waterfall, and pickleball courts. Designed by Richard Landry, the "King of the Megamansion," the property was sold by Wahlberg in 2023 for US$55M as he relocated to Las Vegas.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Holding signs, sealing deals, and reminding everyone that now’s a great time to buy. Because sometimes the best marketing strategy is literally holding up a sign. 🪧 ✍🏼

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.

Stories marked with * are sponsored, including 'Together With' and the weekday 'Movers & Shakers' sections. Interested in promoting your brand to Elite Agent’s audience? Learn more at eliteagent.com/advertise.

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