GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

In a market that demands a sharper competitive edge than ever, where do you turn for real, actionable strategies? The answer (if you practice in Tasmania) is at this year's REIT Elevate conference, which features an impressive lineup of speakers ready to tackle that very challenge. 

We're thrilled that Sam is among them, as usual, cutting through any generic AI fluff to give you the real estate gold. If you’re ready to get practical, these are sessions you won’t want to miss. Today is the last day to register. Find out more here.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 33 seconds

New to The Brief? Join us for free 🤝

OPINION

Why we over-complicate a simple business

What a running mantra can teach agents about getting out of their own way

When Harcourts NSW CEO Katrina Tarrant's running coach said, “Running isn’t complicated. But runners are,” it triggered an unexpected moment of clarity; not just about fitness, but about real estate. Because, as Katrina puts it, real estate isn’t complicated either. But some agents are.

At its core, this business is beautifully straightforward: build trust, solve problems, match people with property. But the modern agent’s world is overflowing with over-complication: scripts, systems, tech stacks, social media strategies, AI, market noise. It’s like trying to enjoy a jog while obsessing over your smartwatch data and gear.

So, what happens when agents forget to “run” and start obsessing over how they look doing it?

Keep the tech, ditch the confusion

Katrina’s not anti-AI - far from it. But she cautions that tech should simplify and support, not confuse and replace. “Too many are chasing shiny tools without understanding how to use them meaningfully,” she says. The real magic lies in using these tools to strengthen, not dilute, your voice and your client relationships.

Don’t complicate conversations

Sellers want truth, not theatrics. According to Katrina, we often add fear, fluff, or over-explanations when simple honesty would do. Vendors are craving agents who are present, proactive, and most of all, clear. Forget the scripts, show up human.

Content versus clarity

There’s no shortage of training materials out there. But if agents aren’t anchored to their why, it all becomes “just another webinar.” She urges professionals to reconnect with purpose, because motivation and momentum don’t come from external downloads. They come from showing up when it’s uncomfortable.

Much like training for a marathon, building a career in real estate is about rhythm, not perfection. There are hard days, magic days, and a whole lot of ordinary days. The secret? Keep moving. Progress lives in motion.

Her challenge to the industry is simple: Stop overthinking. Get back to basics. Real estate is about relationships, energy, and momentum.

And as anyone who’s ever laced up for a run knows: you don’t have to make it perfect, you just have to keep going.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, last week we celebrated the real estate agents who were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

TOGETHER WITH HOMELY

Cut marketing, cut commission: why visibility still sells in 2025

Some agents see marketing as the first thing to cut in a tight market. But according to David Webb, Homely’s Head of Industry, Revenue and Partnerships, that mindset is a fast track to smaller results - and smaller commissions.

“Once you start cutting marketing, your commission is next on the chopping block,” David warns.

He urges agents to step up as strategic advisers, not order takers, helping vendors navigate today’s unpredictable conditions with clear, evidence-backed strategies.

He also challenges the myth that “everyone just uses one portal,” pointing out that “buyers, like most consumers, follow complex, non-linear journeys.” Homely’s partnership with Gumtree, for instance, has delivered “over 4 million listing engagements for agents” in just six months, offering visibility across non-traditional buyer pools.

“The case for visibility is simple: more exposure means more interest… which means more inspections and better outcomes.”

Read more about Homely here.

DEPT OF RATE DEBATE

Westpac’s surprise rate cut call could reignite the property market

Westpac has doubled its forecast for interest rate cuts, now tipping four reductions that could bring the cash rate back to 2.85% by mid-2026. The move could ease pressure on borrowers, saving up to $350 a month on a $600k loan. Real estate agents may see renewed buyer interest, especially as fixed rates dip below 5%. Canstar’s Sally Tindall cautions this is still a forecast, not a guarantee and the RBA’s next move is likely to hinge on June CPI data.

DEPT OF RENT

Rental squeeze tightens across NSW - agents brace for more opportunities (and challenges)

NSW’s rental market is still turning up the pressure, with Sydney’s vacancy rate stuck at a tight 1.7%, well below the “healthy” range. And it’s not just the big smoke; regional areas are also feeling the pinch, with availability continuing to slide.

Landlords are weighing their options, especially with proposed rental reforms on the table. Some are reportedly considering selling up or shifting their investments elsewhere, which could mean more listings for agents, but also fewer rentals to go around.

DEPT OF AFFORDABILITY

Brisbane's $800,000 reality check

Brisbane homebuyers are facing a large disconnect between dreams and reality, with new research revealing a $350,000 gap between what buyers can afford and what's available. In premium inner-city areas, this budget shortfall reaches $800,000. The housing crunch has triggered a significant shift in buyer behaviour, with searches beyond 20km of Brisbane CBD surging by 37.5% since 2020, while interest in properties within 20km has dropped by 13.4%.

CELEBRITY HOMES

From Wallabies to wide receiver: Jordan Petaia’s Brisbane pad is on the market

Rugby sensation turned NFL rookie Jordan Petaia is making big moves - literally. After swapping the green and gold of the Wallabies for the blue and gold of the LA Chargers, he’s now offloading his sleek riverside retreat in Brisbane’s Fairfield. This freshly renovated three-bedder sits pretty on a 647sqm corner block and blends modern flair with functional charm. NFL dreams, Queensland roots - Jordan’s playbook just got a new chapter.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Sam Oborn wins Harcourts' top customer experience award.

The Adelaide Hills agent beat thousands of competitors worldwide based on actual client feedback surveys. More here.

The Agency extends Hawthorn Football Club partnership.

The two-year renewal maintains their position as official real estate partner and recruitment partner of the Hawks. 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

Up at 5am for a power walk, juggling emails, open homes, and caffeine like a circus act, all before most people have found their other shoe. 🌅🙌🏻

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.

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.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.