GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Sabah al-khayr 👋 from Elite Agent. Today is World Arabic Language Day. Arabic, spoken by over 450 million people, holds official status in nearly 25 countries, including the UAE, where Dubai is located. We thought it would be a great opportunity to explore how Dubai’s real estate market thrives at the crossroads of cultures (as you’ll see below).

But before we get there - today is your last day to get your favourite influencer on our Top 50 list for 2024. Who’s helped you in our journey? Who’s pushed the industry forward? It’s your last chance to vote here.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 27 seconds.

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MINDSET

Let’s build a bigger house in 2025

While discussions about diversity and work-life balance in real estate often become heated, Katie Cotton, head of growth and performance at Ray White Ascot, says we shouldn't dwell on the negatives.

Instead, she advocates for an approach that builds talent while maintaining high standards. "Change doesn't happen through mandates—it happens through showing people a better way forward," she explains, drawing from nearly a decade of industry experience.

Here’s why the industry needs to get on board with this shift:

1.Success in balancing work and family life comes down to routine

Katie emphasises that having a solid routine is crucial whether you're in administration, property management, sales, or leadership. She wakes up at 5 AM not because she's naturally regimented but because it helps her manage being a working mother of three while her husband works in the mines. This routine helps her maintain positive energy and achieve her goals.

2.Success in real estate requires full commitment and perseverance

As Katie puts it, "The first 12 to 18 months of your real estate career will be the worst, but then the remainder will be the best career that you've ever chosen." She stresses that you can't just "dip your toes in"—you need to be all in and stick with it, as it's an easy career to walk away from due to its many challenges.

3.Energy and attitude are fundamental—skills can be taught.

Katie emphasises that while she can teach people the skills they need for real estate, she "can't teach energy." She maintains that having a positive attitude is absolutely essential, saying, "I may have had a terrible morning, but you show up to work, and you have a positive attitude.” This philosophy has helped her build successful teams and navigate challenges throughout her career.

In this thoughtful editorial, Katie says, “The real estate industry I want to leave for the next generation—including my own daughters if they choose this path—is one where success is determined by what you bring to the table, not what you look like or where you came from.”

ICYMI, yesterday we reported on how a property’s energy rating will impact the market in 2025.

SMART SNIPPETS

Burpees, Brand Management, and Bold Moves
In a city where luxury Palm villas are being flipped for AED 50 million and off-plan sales make up 70% of monthly transactions, Dubai's property market keeps making headlines. But what's happening behind the scenes? Here's what a day inside Strada Real Estate looks like (and Ryan Serhant makes a cameo!)

Are you wearing too many hats?
Property managers are often the meat in the sandwich, tasked with managing the needs of their landlords and tenants. But what happens when your clients demand too much? Nick Brown explains why it's easy to find yourself giving too much and how you can pull back and set boundaries.

The tiny tourist town with 100 listings
Popular tourist destination Bright has over 100 homes currently for sale, double the listings from 2019. Yet the rental market remains extremely tight with just two properties available and a 1.3% vacancy rate. The situation has become so dire that the local council is now encouraging homeowners to take in lodgers.

CELEBRITY HOMES

It’s About Damn Time …Lizzo Bought Something New

Both the Robb Report and Mansion Global report that Lizzo’s Beverley Hills Pad is up for sale. No doubt she’ll be feeling ‘Good as Hell’ if she gets her USD 16 million asking price. Take a tour inside here.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Glenn Hamilton doubles down on Ray White.
The Ray White Beenleigh owner has acquired the Redland Bay office with plans to grow both sales and property management divisions. 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.

SOUND WAVES

Can Revitalising a Neighbourhood Reduce Crime Rates?

Does the number of building permits applied for have an impact on the crime rate of the community?

This fascinating, data-dense study - made accessible through the magic of Google NoteBookLM - shows that the more a neighbourhood is invested in, the lower the crime rate.

Aannnnddd… here’s why you should give this deep dive a listen: There could be an opportunity for you to consider the long-term well-being of the neighbourhoods you serve, educating clients about how this kind of investment can improve the value of properties in the community. More here.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

How many questions do you ask when you meet someone new? 🤔 🙋‍♀️❓

Seen an Agent On Socialwe 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, Giverny Pringle, 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.

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