GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Pets are now taking centre stage in new home listings, with agents increasingly using 'staging pets' to attract animal-loving buyers, according to research by Money.com.au. Canberra agent Catherine Halloran, who regularly features her French bulldog Rollo in listing photos, said cute puppies are a great sales tatcic . "I've had buyers check if a home suits their pets before worrying about the fridge fitting."

With a small percentage of listings on realestate.com.au already marked as pet-friendly, pets are the future stars of the property market.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 6 seconds.

New to The Brief? Join us for free 🤝

OPINION

Navigating buyer hesitation after the RBA hold

Just days ago, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held interest rates steady.

While mortgage holders and future buyers would have obviously welcomed a drop, in times like these, agents play a crucial role in guiding hesitant clients to see the bigger picture and focus on long-term property value, rather than immediate financial concerns.

In a wide-ranging interview with Samantha McLean on the Elevate Podcast, Christine Rudolph a top agent with Ray White New Farm, shared her approach to helping buyers overcome interest rate worries and seize opportunities in the property market. On the podcast, Christine shared her approach to helping buyers overcome interest rate worries and seize opportunities in the property market.

”You've just got to look at this as a long-term proposition rather than be fearful about interest rates rising. Because if you're going to be fearful about interest rates rising, you're actually going to miss the opportunity and wish that you had bought that property.

Use historical context to calm fears

"Interest rates have been much higher before"

When faced with anxious buyers, Christine said she reassures them by placing current rates in a historical context. “Compared to where interest rates were in 2009, as you and I would know, they were around that 9 percent mark. They're still historically very, very low.” This perspective helps buyers understand that, despite fluctuations, today’s rates remain manageable.

Shift the focus to long-term gains

"The capital growth on your property is going to outstrip your interest rates"

In this current climate, you need clients to focus on the long-term financial benefits of property ownership. Christine recommends sharing success stories, such as past clients who saw substantial capital growth despite buying during uncertain times.

By looking at real estate through a long-term lens, Christine said that logically, over time, the capital growth on a client’s property should outpace any increases in interest rates. “The good thing is that your capital growth on your property is going to outstrip your interest rates anyway.”

Offer a customised, collaborative approach

"Let's diagnose what's going on here"

Christine’s personalised approach includes guiding buyers and sellers through all their options.

“I want you to sit down and think about what option sits best with you because we're in this with a collaborative approach.”

By framing the process as a partnership, she helps clients feel supported and empowered to make the best decision for their financial situation.

ICYMI, yesterday we covered why helping people should be more important than sales

TOGETHER WITH AREA SPECIALIST

Art Sudharm turns family aspiration into real estate success

Art Sudharm’s real estate journey began with the desire to create a better future for her family, which led her to become a leading agent with Area Specialist in Melbourne’s south-east.

Inspired by local real estate success stories, Ms Sudharm initially hesitated about running her own business under the Area Specialist model, admitting, "I was a bit unsure at the beginning, to be honest. I thought, wow, so this is going to be my own business – can I make it?"

Fast forward, she now sells around 50 properties per year and her real estate success has afforded her opportunity to buy her family’s dream home, alongside four other investment properties.

"I just moved into my new house. It’s the house that my son wants to have … it all comes down to how hard you work."

SMART SNIPPETS

Negative gearing shake-up on the horizon?
The Australian government is considering changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions. Treasury is modelling potential modifications that could impact investors and the housing market. While the Greens push for an end to these tax breaks, real estate experts warn of possible "catastrophic" effects on the rental sector. The decision could become a key issue in the upcoming federal election.

realestate.com.au launches NextGen listings with enhanced imagery and AI features
Users will now benefit from larger, higher-resolution images, an immersive "Tour the Property" feature, and AI-driven enhancements that highlight key property features. These updates, part of a year-long rollout, aim to provide a more engaging experience for consumers while offering agents stronger brand presence. REA Group’s Chief Product and Audience Officer, Melina Cruickshank, said that this launch is a key step in meeting consumer demand. ”The next generation of property seekers want imagery and video at the core of their property experience. They expect much more immersive experiences, and over the next 12 months, we will unlock many new dynamic features.”

Rental market out of reach
If you're on a low income in Australia, finding an affordable rental is nearly impossible. A new report reveals that even full-time minimum wage earners are struggling nationwide. In most capital cities, JobSeeker recipients would need to spend their entire income or more on unit rents. The situation is so dire that some pensioners are left with just $8 a day after paying rent.

SOUND WAVES

The power of a perfect handshake in real estate

Today’s curated listen looks at why a handshake can make or break a deal. It is often the first point of contact in real estate, setting the tone for client relationships and deals. It's a universal gesture that can convey confidence, trustworthiness, and professionalism … or the exact opposite.

Read the article from The Etiquette School of New York here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

A real estate agent's good day can turn sour with just one call. Likely scenario: client ghosts after 20 home tours, citing “expert” advice from her boyfriend's uncle's cousin's sister's pet rock that now is not a good time to buy.

@danielasilva_sellsmiami

#realtorhumor #realtoroftiktok #realtorsbelike

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, 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.

If you see a * beside a story, it means it’s a sponsored post. To enquire about advertising with us, visit eliteagent.com/advertise.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.