GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

On August 13, 2008, Michael Phelps achieved the near-impossible, winning three Olympic gold medals in a single day, each in world record time.

His secret to success was his relentless preparation, flawless execution, and the ability to back up one win with another… and another.

In real estate, it’s no different. One great listing is impressive. But getting three on the board in a single week is elite. It takes discipline to prep every campaign perfectly, skill to deliver under pressure, and the stamina to keep performing over time.

So whether it’s gold medals or sold stickers, consistency is what makes champions.

Today’s read time: 7 minutes, 5 seconds

New to The Brief? Join us for free. 🤝

FAMILY FIRST

How Rudy Grommen’s resilience is inspiring his team and community

After 25 years in real estate, Harcourts Greater Springfield Principal Rudy Grommen is no stranger to challenges, but his latest battle is personal. Diagnosed last November with stage four colorectal cancer, Rudy has turned a life-altering moment into a catalyst for awareness, team unity, and business growth.

From plumbing to property success

Rudy’s career in real estate began after his plumbing business took a hit when several builders went bankrupt. Despite “absolutely no idea about real estate,” he quickly proved his aptitude, becoming the franchise's Rookie of the Year in his first year and the state’s top-selling agent for three consecutive years.

His business evolved into a true family enterprise. His wife joined to provide nurturing support, his daughter left elite gymnastics, and his son returned from a professional football career overseas to work alongside him. “It showed that we've done the right thing and raised our kids the right way,” Rudy says.

Facing cancer with openness and optimism

Despite his active lifestyle, Rudy’s diagnosis came as a shock. Two surgeries later, including a recent stoma procedure, he’s chosen to speak candidly about his condition, sharing updates on social media to raise awareness.

“We’re all human, make sure we look after each other… when you have things wrong with you, get yourself checked out,” he urges. His honesty has sparked community support and inspired others to prioritise their health.

Team loyalty in tough times

When competitors tried to lure away his agents or even buy his business, Rudy’s team stayed put. “There is no way in the world we are going to sell. We are a family business… we want to support our team and grow the individuals within the office.”

The loyalty reflects the culture he’s built: one of mutual respect and shared goals. His illness has only sharpened his focus. “Now I want to start pushing and making things bigger and better because the guys that work for us deserve that.”

Turning challenge into community action

True to form, Rudy is using his journey to give back. His team is organising a 10-kilometre charity run on September 28 to raise $10,000 for cancer research at the ICON Centre in Springfield. Just weeks after surgery, Rudy hopes to join in himself.

“You can crawl in bed and be miserable, or just live every day to your fullest… celebrate every good day, be positive,” he says.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday we heard about Daniel Ricciardo’s formula for winning in high-stakes real estate.

TOGETHER WITH READY25

Cathy Freeman continues to inspire at Ready25

Cathy Freeman, who made history as the first Aboriginal Australian to light the Olympic flame, remains an iconic figure in sports. After becoming the first female Australian Aboriginal to win gold at an international athletics event in 1990, she reached her career pinnacle by winning the 400m gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. At the upcoming Ready25 event, Freeman will share her career highs and lows, how she kept going to realise her dreams, and what life after such an achievement looks like.

Register for Ready 25 before tickets run out.

RATES TRIMMED

RBA cut to fuel spring property surge

Australia's central bank has delivered its third interest rate cut of the year, dropping the cash rate to 3.6% just in time for the spring selling season. The move could save homeowners with a $750,000 mortgage about $120 per month and increase borrowing capacity for some households by over $39,000. Despite the relief, experts warn that persistent housing undersupply will continue to drive prices upward, with affordability challenges remaining.

BOOM TIMES

Property boom creates millionaire explosion

Australia now boasts one of the world's highest concentrations of millionaires, with an astonishing one in ten Australians holding wealth exceeding US$1M. The property market is fuelling this surge, with real estate making up nearly 53% of the country's personal wealth, significantly higher than comparable markets. With the second-highest median wealth globally at US$268,000, Australia expects to add another 400,000 millionaires by 2028.

BARGAIN PRICES

Foreign buyers get a discount on US houses

The weakening US dollar is creating an advantage for international buyers in America's expensive housing market. Russian buyers are seeing the greatest benefit, with effective home prices dropping 9.6% in rubles despite US prices rising 1% year-over-year. Foreign investment in US real estate has already jumped 44% to $56 billion in the past year, with Florida remaining the top destination for international buyers.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Brad Pitt expands his real estate empire

Hollywood star Brad Pitt has added another impressive property to his growing collection, purchasing a Spanish-style home in the prestigious Outpost Estates for US$12M. The 8,385-square-foot residence features six bedrooms, architectural highlights including wood-beam ceilings and a distinctive tin-panel ceiling with sunflower motif. This purchase joins Pitt's extensive property portfolio, which includes homes in Carmel Highlands and Los Feliz, plus his French winery Château Miraval.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Ray White celebrates 2025 international winners

More than 3000 members gathered on the Gold Coast as Ray White Upper North Shore claimed top International Group for the fourth consecutive year. More here.

GoodNight Tasmania launches homeless initiative

The Harcourts Foundation has donated 150 Backpack Beds with a campaign target of 231 to support unsheltered Tasmanians in partnership with local homeless agencies. 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

Some agents share the price with so much enthusiasm, you’d think they were announcing a holiday giveaway. That’s the kind of energy clients remember. 📣🏖️

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.

Content in the ‘Together With’ section is sponsored. 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.