GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Today is National Device Appreciation Day - (for real) because heaven forbid, in this industry, we would forget to honour the gadgets we cling to like lifelines!! Without the buzzing, dinging and the ability to take behind-the-scenes selfies, we’d all be pretty lost, right?

But aside from all that (and in all seriousness!), a good use of your device today is to appreciate your favourite person in the industry to be included in our annual influencers and innovators list.

Today is your second last day to vote them into the Readers Choice Top 10, so don’t miss out…….

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 2 seconds.

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FINANCE

Energy Ratings Will Affect Mortgage Rates

Sustainability will become a fundamental force in real estate in 2025, directly shaping property values, lending practices, and market success.

According to Jacob Caine, President of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, buildings' environmental performance is becoming more important than ever. This shift happens because of new rules, changing buyer preferences, and better technology.

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

1.The financial stakes are rising

"Properties with poor energy efficiency ratings may soon face higher interest rates or even struggle to secure financing altogether," says Jacob, drawing attention to how major banks are factoring climate risk into mortgage portfolios.

This shift in lending practices shows how environmental performance now directly affects financing options, making sustainability crucial for protecting property values and keeping homes affordable.

2.New standards for market

Rising energy efficiency standards give newer properties significant market advantages through lower operating costs and better lending rates. Jacob says these ratings are no longer mere technicalities but are transforming into pivotal market differentiators. "Recent CoreLogic analysis underscores this reality with their December 2024 'Amped Up' report revealing homes built after 2010 achieve nearly double the energy efficiency rating of older properties (5.9 stars versus 2.8 stars)."

3.The role of real estate professionals

"Our role must evolve from simply facilitating transactions to becoming trusted advisors who can guide clients through the complexities of sustainable property investment." Jacob says this shift is vital for guiding clients in making informed decisions that align with market trends and long-term value creation.

Read more about how you might set yourself apart by learning more about this topic in 2025 here.

ICYMI, last week we reported on why school zones are driving the property market

SMART SNIPPETS

Government to build 5,000 social homes
The Government is ramping up its fight against the housing crisis with an accelerated second round of the Housing Australia Future Fund. The $3 billion investment will deliver 5,000 new social homes across states and territories, featuring a 'use it or lose it' approach to ensure swift construction. This follows an initial round aimed at housing over 25,000 Australians.

What is it like to live in a shopping mall?
The US also faces a housing crisis with a deficit of around 4.5 million homes (according to CNBC). With the convergence of three trends - the decline of traditional shopping malls, the need for more housing and the abundance of vacant mall space some developers are turning to a creative solution - transforming struggling shopping malls into mixed-use spaces that include housing. But it comes at a cost and conversion is not all smooth sailing. Check out this interesting video here.

Selling Smarter: Why Personality Matters
How well do you know your team—or yourself? Spoiler alert: not every salesperson or property manager thrives in all situations.

While some agents shine in front of the client, others may excel more behind the scenes or in client calls. Identifying these strengths can help boost performance and morale and Pancho Mehrotra breaks down how to identify these strengths and boost morale.

CELEBRITY HOMES

The biggest celeb sales of 2024

It’s been an extraordinary year for celebrity real estate, with A-listers selling their homes for some jaw-dropping prices. From Malibu mansions to Beverly Hills estates, 2024 saw record-breaking sales, including Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s $200 million coastal masterpiece and Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s $68 million dream home.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Caroline Springs team joins Barry Plant.
The successful independent office led by Enzo Bufano brings its entire leadership team to Victoria's largest real estate group. 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

2024’s winners and losers

It’s been another strong year for property; however, there are some big differences across the country. Perth emerged as the star performer with a 21% annual value increase, while Melbourne declined 2.3%. The luxury market remains strong in Sydney's Bellevue Hill, with an eye-watering median house price of nearly $10 million, while bargain hunters might consider Norseman, WA, where houses average just $80,289.

Dive straight into the listen embedded in the deeper dive here.

Read the report from Elite Agent here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Real estate math: If you have three open houses, five client calls, and one appointment 30 minutes away (with traffic), how do you fit it all into a day? Answer: Divide by caffeine, multiply by luck, and carry the chaos. ⏲➗

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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