GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Today, the world celebrates International Dance Day, a tribute to the rhythm, precision and artistry of dance. In real estate, movement is just as important. From quick-stepping through open homes to the smooth waltz of negotiating offers, agents are constantly performing, often without an audience even noticing.

Someone who knows this better than most is Josh Horner, former principal dancer, Broadway performer, Dancing with the Stars judge, and now a successful real estate agent. Josh’s transition from stage to property shows that real estate, like dance, demands energy, presence, and the ability to read the room (sometimes quite literally).

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 51 seconds

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WORK/LIFE BALANCE

How Michelle Champion rebuilt her business - and her life - one breakfast at a time

When relentless hustle left Michelle Champion feeling restless, overwhelmed, and on the verge of burnout, she knew something had to change.

But the breakthrough didn’t come from a new strategy or another sales tactic. It started with a simple breakfast table ritual that helped her redraw the lines between work and life. By introducing structured “board meetings” with her husband and investing deeply in her personal growth, Champion reshaped not just her agency’s operations, but her entire approach to leadership. Her story is a powerful reminder that sustainable success in real estate starts with belief, balance, and building the right systems to support both.

Drawing boundaries with breakfast board meetings

Michelle, who works alongside her husband Wade, found that conversations about finances and goals often spilled into late nights, leaving them "restless and stressed."

To create clear boundaries between work and home life, they introduced regular board meetings over breakfast. "These meetings have improved our communication and created a clear boundary between work and family life. It’s made a real difference in how we balance the two."

Investing in mindset to unlock growth

Although Michelle had been in real estate for over a decade, doubts about how far she could grow persisted, especially in a regional market like Cairns. Hiring a coach proved transformational. "It wasn’t until I started working with a coach that I saw examples of other people achieving incredible things in similar situations that my mindset began to shift.”

This shift from day-to-day survival to future-focused leadership enabled her to create a bigger vision for herself and her agency. "It wasn’t just about managing the day-to-day, it was about believing in what my business could become."

Scaling through systems and real relationships

For years, Michelle managed a high volume of sales solo, selling up to 90 properties a year without a team.

"It worked, but it was unsustainable." Building an Effective Business Unit (EBU), including an executive assistant and two co-agents, allowed her to lead more strategically and deliver better service to clients. Equally important was a renewed commitment to personalisation.

"Instead of sending automated texts or emails, we reach out personally. After open homes, we send video messages to attendees thanking them for coming. These aren’t pre-recorded templates, they’re filmed on the spot, making them genuine and relevant to the property and the experience."

Read the full feature here.

ICYMI, yesterday we gave you 9 questions to ask in yourself in order to transform your career.

ELITE AGENT TV

What lessons from Sydney’s Elite Performers is Andrew McCulloch bringing to shake up the Gold Coast real estate scene?

After a powerhouse career steering at Ray White Corporate, Andrew McCulloch has traded Sydney for the Gold Coast sunshine, and a bold new chapter in business ownership. In this episode, Andrew shares how seeing the inside of hundreds of real estate businesses gave him a unique "unfair advantage," why leadership is the secret ingredient to success, and how community focus, after-sales care, and high-performance culture are reshaping his new venture at Ray White Shore Group. Whether you're thinking about growth, recruitment, or making your next career move, Andrew’s insights are a must-watch.

DEPT OF AFFORDABILITY

Housing taxed 'like a vice, not a necessity'

Victoria’s new building rules could end up making homes even pricier, says the Housing Industry Association. With fresh costs from insurance schemes and development bonds, building a home might soon cost at least 2% more. That’s enough to push some builders to call it quits. HIA’s Jocelyn Martin thinks housing is being taxed like a bad habit, not treated as a basic need. One idea on the table? Scrapping GST on new homes to ease the squeeze.

DEPT OF INSPIRATION

From broke to 124 sales: Lawrence Kenyon-Slade’s playbook

Ray White’s Lawrence Kenyon-Slade sold 124 homes in two years, placing him in the top 1% of agents in New Zealand. Starting in commercial property during COVID, his first sale took five months and left him nearly broke. With no base wage, he built a team on fixed salaries, now five strong, generating 21 appraisals a week and making up to 120 calls a day. He focuses solely on negotiation, running 100 auctions a year. His goal: 150 sales and $3.6M GCI in the next 12 months.

DEPT OF AI

From likes to listings: how to turn social media flirts into real clients

You’re working hard on social media – posting, liking, sharing – but if you’re not collecting your followers’ details, you’re basically throwing opportunities out the window. Likes don’t pay the bills, but email lists do. This guide shows you how a simple lead magnet (with a little AI magic) can turn casual scrollers into serious contacts. Stop letting your engagement slip away and start building a database you actually own. It’s easier than you think, and way more rewarding.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Gene Simmons lists his “No Schmucks” Beverly Hills mansion for US$13.995M

Rock icon Gene Simmons is selling his Beverly Hills smart home for US$13.995 million (around AUD $21.5M) , but he’s not handing over the keys to just anyone. “No schmucks,” he says of potential buyers. The ultra-modern hilltop house features floor-to-ceiling glass, a solar infinity pool, and a soundproof theatre.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Former A-League goalkeeper Adam Pearce joins Harcourts

The 25-year-old is applying his sports mindset to real estate after seven years with Central Coast Mariners. More here.

Richard McCouaig to lead RWC Robina commercial relaunch

The respected property expert brings 25+ years of industry experience and aims to build a thriving commercial business on the Gold Coast. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Let’s be honest – we’ve all done it. You’re out at an open, the place looks great, the vibe is immaculate… until someone plonks themselves down on the “designer” sofa that’s actually a cleverly styled stack of moving boxes covered in a Kmart throw.🛋️📦

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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