GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

On August 27, 1908, Sir Donald Bradman was born, the cricketing legend whose Test batting average of 99.94 remains untouched to this day. In 80 Test innings, he scored 29 centuries, meaning more than one-third of the occasions he stepped to the crease, he reached triple figures, an astounding level of consistency unmatched in the sport.

In real estate, just like cricket, it’s not the big sixes that make the difference, but the consistent runs that build a career over time.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 41 seconds

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OPINION

What is your time worth?

The $1,000/hour mindset that separates top agents

More hours won’t make you more money, but what you do in those hours can transform your business. That’s the belief of commercial real estate coach Darren Krakowiak, who urges agents to stop being “busy” and start focusing on what truly drives results.

Darren suggests dividing your workday into four value levels. At the bottom are $0/hour distractions like inbox shuffling and unnecessary meetings. Next are $10/hour admin tasks that are important, but not for you if you’re aiming to grow. Then come $100/hour activities like prospecting and inspections, which build the pipeline. But it’s the $1,000/hour tasks like winning listings, closing deals, building systems, leading your team, and growing your brand that create real leverage.

Protect prospecting and high-value work

Many agents fall into the trap of dropping prospecting when things get hectic. But that’s a short-term mindset. Skip it now, and you’ll feel it in your pipeline later. Darren suggests blocking it out and sticking to it, especially when you're busy.

The highest-value work often takes longer to master but delivers exponential returns. Pitching more listings directly increases income. Strong negotiation skills close deals faster. Systems reduce repetition. High-impact meetings create clarity. A strong brand brings in leads before you even make a call.

Ask the right questions … every day

To free up time for this work, you’ll need to let go of the rest. Ask yourself: Does this task need to be done at all? Does it need to be done by me? Could tech or a better process speed it up?

Darren says that at the start of each day, ask yourself, “What’s the highest-value thing I can do today?” Then do that first, before emails, before meetings, before the noise.

Most agents don’t stall from lack of effort; they stall because their effort is going into the wrong things. To grow your GCI, protect your time. Prioritise what brings results. And start acting like your hours are worth $1,000, because if you use them well, they are.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday, we found out how Monika Tu is changing perceptions and elevating purpose

RECORD DEMAND

Sydney's luxury rental market is among the world's hottest

Sydney has emerged as one of the world's top luxury rental hotspots, recording the third-highest growth globally over the past five years at a staggering 43.1%. Only Miami and New York experienced stronger growth in the premium residential sector. Despite current growth moderating to 2% annually, Sydney's ultra-premium homes still command eye-watering rents up to $25,000 a week, reflecting ongoing demand and persistent supply constraints.

FUR-GEDDABOUDIT 

Pets won't solve the office crisis

Australia now has more pets than people (101:100 ratio), but bringing Fido to work isn't fixing those empty CBDs. While companies like Amazon have gone dog-friendly, squeezing your Great Dane onto Sydney's packed trains might be more difficult. Experts suggest sports facilities might be the real winner for bringing employees back consistently.

BUYERS BACK OFF

Record home sale cancellations in US as buyers get cold feet

US home purchase agreements are falling through at the highest rate since tracking began in 2017, with approximately 58,000 deals (over 15% of contracts) collapsing in July. Texas and Florida markets were hit hardest, with San Antonio seeing nearly one in four deals cancelled. Despite a modest 2% increase in overall sales, affordability remains challenging with median home prices at $422,400 and mortgage rates at 6.7% – more than double what buyers could secure three years ago.

CELEBRITY HOMES

NASCAR champion's mega-estate hits the market

Former NASCAR champion Jamie McMurray is selling his lakefront mansion in Mooresville for US$12M (AUD$18M). The property spans an unprecedented 34 acres in "Race City U.S.A." and features a traditional 8,774-square-foot brick home completed in 2015. With five bedrooms, an extensive wine cellar, saltwater pool, and private dock on Lake Norman, it's one of the area's most expensive listings ever.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Industry mourns BigginScott founder, Kevin Biggin.

The real estate pioneer passed away on July 28 at age 88, leaving behind a legacy built on respect, hard work and personal connection. More here.

James Auty takes national role at Nutrien Ag Solutions.

He's been appointed Head of Corporate and Institutional Transactions, Real Estate to strengthen the company's focus on large-scale agricultural property transactions. More here.

Ray White celebrates its 2025 REINZ award winners.

The network secured four major wins, including Agency of the Year - Small for AT Realty, Manager of the Year for Richie Lewis, and top property management honours for Ray White Best. 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

When the speakers drop truth bombs at Ready25:

• Multitasking = losing 10 IQ points.

• Social media = pokies for your brain.

• Be the creator, not the cat video addict.

💣🤯

Seen an Agent On Social we should include? Let us know here (email link)

Wishing you a productive day!

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