GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

On June 13, 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court established Miranda Rights - a pivotal moment in legal history. We don’t have “Miranda rights” per se in Australia, but we do have similar protections under common law, including the right to silence and the requirement to caution suspects during interviews.

In real estate, the same spirit applies: transparency, disclosure, and protecting the public. Whether it’s a contract, an agency agreement, or advising on material facts, clear communication isn’t just best practice, it’s the law.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 07 seconds

New to The Brief? Join us for free 🤝

REAL IMPACT

KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS

Celebrating the property professionals recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours

This year’s King’s Birthday Honours List is a powerful nod to the real estate professionals shaping Australia’s future far beyond sales and settlements. From national leadership to grassroots community service and game-changing philanthropy, these honourees show what’s possible when industry expertise meets a drive to give back.

Real estate and philanthropy: A natural connection

Monika Tu’s recognition (OAM) for charitable work with children’s hospitals and cultural institutions shows how agents can use their networks for good. Many of this year’s honourees blend real estate success with purpose-driven giving, often behind the scenes. As Monika puts it, “Most (of my) vendors and buyers, they’re either philanthropists or art lovers”, and being part of that world creates opportunities to contribute meaningfully.

Behind-the-scenes leadership that shaped the industry

Many of the honourees have played quiet but critical roles in keeping the real estate industry running through turbulent times. Adrian Kelly, awarded an AM, helped steer the sector through COVID-19 as REIA President, advocating successfully for agent access to JobKeeper.

Others, like Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz and Robert McGauran, have contributed through national housing policy, executive leadership, and urban planning, proving that real estate professionals are not just market players, but policy shapers and public advocates.

Service to community as a professional ethos

Whether running chambers of commerce, mentoring veterans, or supporting reforestation, this year’s recipients show that community service isn’t a side hustle - it’s part of the job. Felix Reitano (OAM) has spent decades leading and volunteering in Ingham, QLD, while Geoff Baldwin and Clive Berghofer have used their business platforms to champion causes from veteran welfare to medical research. Their stories remind us that great agents don’t just build businesses, they build up communities.

See our industry’s 2025 Honours List here.

ICYMI, yesterday we found out why Paul Neshausen does real estate differently … and why it works.

DEPT OF MARKET MOOD SWINGS

Property listings bounce back but remain below 2023 levels

Australia’s property market shook off its Easter nap in May, with new listings jumping 7.6% nationwide. But before you get too excited, stock’s still nearly 10% lower than this time last year—proof that this autumn selling season has been running a bit lukewarm. Capital cities led the charge (regional markets hit snooze), and Sydney came out swinging with a hefty 21.7% spike in listings. Good news for agents chasing fresh stock, but buyers are still dealing with slightly slimmer pickings than they were a year ago.

DEPT OF RULES AND RECKONINGS

NSW cracks down on affordable housing

Big changes are coming to NSW’s affordable housing space, and developers won’t be flying under the radar anymore. The Community Housing Providers Amendment Bill 2025 is set to introduce the state’s first-ever public register of affordable homes.

Under the new rules, developers won’t be able to get an occupation certificate unless they’ve appointed a registered Affordable Housing Manager. The move aims to stamp out rent overcharging and questionable tenant selection practices.

DEPT OF INDIA’S BIG BUILDS

India’s ₹17.5 Lakh Crore boom has real estate at full throttle

India’s infrastructure pipeline is firing on all cylinders, and real estate is right in the fast lane. With ₹17.5 lakh crore set to be invested over this fiscal year and next, a 15% jump on previous years—the country is doubling down on roads, renewables, and premium property. Despite a rise in unsold inventory, demand for high-end housing remains strong, especially in metro markets. Developers are charging ahead, and the roads sector is helping fund future growth by monetising ₹3.5–4 lakh crore in existing assets. The message? Real estate is still a key player in India’s growth story.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Richard Simmons’ retro LA mansion is 1980s dream

Richard Simmons’ iconic Los Angeles estate is now for sale at USD $7 million (approx. AUD $10.5 million), one year after the fitness legend’s passing. Perched above the Sunset Strip, the 1937 Colonial-style home is packed with eccentric charm - lavender carpets, cherub murals, and a two-level gym suite included. The four-bedroom, five-bathroom property also features a keyhole-shaped pool, formal gardens, and a vintage vibe that’s pure Richard.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Harcourts Rata & Co takes the Big Freeze challenge.

The team raised over $5,400 for FightMND, resulting in directors, executives and even Harcourts Australia CEO Adrian Knowles taking the ice bucket plunge. More here.

Liam McDevitt joins Ray White St Peters as sales partner.

The former Ray White Walkerville director has merged his business with the neighbouring office, strengthening the brand's presence in Adelaide's eastern suburbs. 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

I’m on three coffees, a Red Bull, and the sheer fear of being out-listed, meanwhile, Gary just closed a deal from a treadmill desk and reckons he’s got a fourth off-market brewing. It’s not a competition... except it absolutely is. ☕📈

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.