GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Real estate agents are used to selling all kinds of quirky homes, but a 91.44cm wide property in Cornwall might take the crown. On the market for £235,000 (AUD $450,000) the aptly named Doll’s House is wedged between two buildings and offers just 31 square metres of living space.

For agents used to pitching sprawling family homes, this one’s a different kind of challenge. Even listing agent Tom Reed from The Mather Partnership had to admit, “You really wouldn't be able to host a family of four here.” Or swing a cat, for that matter.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 27 seconds.

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TECHNOLOGY

How tech is flipping property management on its head

Technology is no longer an optional add-on in property management - it’s an absolute necessity.

Yet, many property managers struggle with outdated systems, inefficiencies, and resistance to change. Jo-Anne Oliveri, a leading expert in property management, believes that success comes from structured, intentional implementation.

“Tech keeps your business hummin’ and team keep your business human,” she said. “Technology is reshaping property management, and those who fail to adapt risk being left behind, irrelevant and will most likely be unprofitable.”

The right tech, the right time
Choosing the right technology isn’t about jumping on trends, it’s about ensuring the tools serve their purpose, and Jo-Anne warns against the dangers of relying on a single system to handle everything.

“And don’t be lulled into a false sense of saving. Tech is specialised. The Property Management Software specialises in data and accounting. It does not specialise in inspections, maintenance, workflows, AI and so on. Property management encapsulates a series of very specialised tasks and services. Use the rightful tech for the rightful task.”

The human element
Technology only works if the team embraces it. One of the biggest challenges in implementation isn’t the software itself, it’s managing pushback from staff. “There will be pushback, excuses and justification. Trust your research and do not let team influence your progress and implementation.”

By following a structured approach (assessing workflows, defining objectives, selecting the right tech stack, and implementing in phases), property managers can build an efficient and profitable business. Those who hesitate risk falling behind, while those who integrate tech strategically will lead the industry forward.

Automation is a game-changer in property management
One of the biggest efficiency killers in property management is manual processes. From lease renewals to maintenance requests, tasks that could be automated often drain valuable time and resources. “With the current advances in technology, most service issues and repairs can be managed through AI,” says Jo-Anne. “Imagine the time and cost saving a business can make, on this process alone?”

Read the full article here

ICYMI, yesterday, we discussed how office design impacts productivity and recruitment

SMART SNIPPETS

Investors fuel record-breaking home loan spike
The housing market is seeing an unprecedented boom in investor activity, with new data showing 515,116 home loans worth $331 billion issued in 2024. Investor lending grew at more than triple the rate of owner-occupier loans, jumping 22% annually. Queensland has emerged as the nation's second-largest investor market, surpassing Victoria for the first time in history.

Rate cut brings little comfort to mortgage holders
The Reserve Bank's recent rate cut to 4.10% might not be enough to ease Australia's mortgage pain. While the reduction saves the average homeowner $103 monthly, a striking one-third of mortgage holders are still struggling with payments. Even more concerning - 37% of borrowers say they need their monthly payments to drop by $500 or more to achieve financial comfort.

US$100M+ listings are the “new normal”
South Florida’s high-end property market shows no signs of slowing, with homes asking over US$100 million becoming a staple rather than a rarity. From Miami Beach to Palm Beach, billionaire buyers are snapping up ultra-luxury estates, redefining the region’s real estate landscape.

CELEBRITY HOMES

London penthouse with Hollywood history listed for £1.85 Million
A historic London penthouse in the former New Concordia Wharf, once a filming location for the 1968 Oscar-winning movie Oliver!, has hit the market for £1.85 million (AUD $3.54 million). The 1,700-square-foot duplex boasts vaulted ceilings, exposed brick walls, and a private terrace overlooking the River Thames. Originally a Victorian grain mill, the building was converted into one of London’s first residential warehouse spaces in the 1980s.

SOUNDWAVES

Handling tough conversations in real estate

Difficult conversations are part of running a real estate business; whether it’s managing an underperforming team member, delivering a tough review, or addressing client concerns, these discussions can be tense. In this curated listen, Amber Williams, CEO of the Resolution Institute, highlights strategies to navigate them effectively, including acting early before issues escalate, focusing on facts rather than emotions, and ensuring both parties feel heard.

Dive straight into the listen below or the deeper dive here.

Read the article from Kochie’s Business Builders here.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

They want a waterfront mansion, a home theatre, and a wine cellar … on a first-home budget.

Next, they'll be asking if the butler is included.💲🍾

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, 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.

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