GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

For the last 18 months, we’ve been training our AI-powered agent students to familiarise themselves with a tool called Crystal Knows. This tool helps you predict the personality of anyone you're going to meet and then connect with them better.

On AI-powered agents this week, we shared three prompts that will:

1. Tell you which of your team members is likely to connect and get along with the client best (so you can close the deal)

2. Tell you which prospecting methods will best match your personality (so you can succeed at them)

3. Ask for an agenda for a meeting that is tailored to the client's style (so you can run a great meeting and give the client a great experience)

Imagine this superpowering your listing presentation?

Get it in the Spark community here.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 10 seconds

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OPINION

Are buyers ready for eco-real estate, or does location and price still drive decisions?

While global trends indicate growing demand for eco-friendly homes, Australian buyers, particularly in the luxury market, are yet to be wholly convinced.

Location, price, and lifestyle continue to drive purchasing decisions, with sustainability viewed as a nice-to-have rather than a must-have. However, middle-income buyers are leading the shift towards green homes, and international high-net-worth individuals are increasingly prioritising sustainability.

A step towards sustainable living
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has launched Green Star Apartments, a certification aimed at making eco-friendly housing more accessible. GBCA CEO Davina Rooney highlighted the financial benefits of sustainability, stating, “The rating system we’re launching will make it easier for developers to create generation-defining homes… saving buyers money now and into the future.”

Research suggests Green Star-certified apartments could deliver $111,000 in financial benefits over 30 years, reinforcing the growing appeal of energy-efficient homes.

Luxury end
Despite the push for green housing, Australia’s high-end property market is not driving demand for sustainability at this stage. Simon Cohen, founder of Cohen Handler, noted, “We haven’t seen that shift to sustainability in primary residences. People love technology, but no one is asking for solar power or energy efficiency.”

This contrasts with markets like the UK and US, where affluent buyers are embracing eco-conscious developments.

International trends: a different story
Abroad, luxury real estate is embracing eco-conscious design. In London, entrepreneur Pelham Olive is converting a 266-year-old townhouse into a BREEAM-certified green building, proving that heritage homes can be both luxurious and sustainable.

Meanwhile, in the US, developers like Blue Heron and MariSol Malibu are pioneering solar-powered, energy-efficient estates, catering to buyers who see sustainability as a long-term investment in wellness and cost savings. Caryn Black of B&B Luxury Properties summed it up: “Well-being is fast becoming a priority concern.” Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday we reported on why every departure can be a stepping stone to success.

SMART SNIPPETS

Buying a unit cuts first-home saving time by almost two years
New data from Domain’s First Home Buyer Report reveals that purchasing a unit instead of a house can save first-home buyers nearly two years of deposit-saving time. The report highlights affordability challenges, with entry-level house prices rising 58% over five years, compared to 27% for units.

Victoria wants to become the "townhouse capital"
Victoria is streamlining approvals for medium-density housing with a new "townhouse code" that will cut approval times by at least 60%. The reform aims to fix what the government calls a "snakes and ladders" planning system with over 40 hurdles for permit applicants. While neighbours can still raise concerns about developments, they'll lose third-party appeal rights at VCAT. The new system takes effect in April but won't override existing heritage or flood overlays.

Apollo expands real estate empire with $2.3 billion acquisition
American asset firm Apollo Global Management is acquiring Bridge Investment Group for $2.3 billion ($1.5 billion USD) marking a major expansion of its real estate platform. The deal adds $76 billion ($50 billion USD) in assets to Apollo’s portfolio, aligning with its $2.3 trillion ($1.5 trillion USD) asset target by 2029.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Step into Elvis Presley’s Beverly Hills retreat
A Beverly Hills mansion once owned by Elvis Presley is on the market for $24.5 million (AUD $37.3 million). Located in Trousdale Estates, the French Regency-style home, designed by Rex Lotery in 1958, was purchased by Presley in 1967 for $400,000.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Charles Callis joins Besser & Co
The respected agent brings over a decade of experience and a reputation for personalised service across Melbourne. More here.

The Agency opens its flagship hub in Surry Hills
The new office brings together agents serving more than 50 suburbs across Sydney, creating a collaborative central environment designed to enhance client service. 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.

SOUNDWAVES

Journaling your way to better business

In a fast-paced industry like real estate, staying organised, focused, and motivated is key. Business coach James Cartwright believes journaling can be a game-changer, helping agents improve productivity, set clear goals, and reflect on their successes. Whether tracking leads, managing client relationships, or setting career aspirations, this curated listen highlights how taking just five minutes a day to write can make all the difference.

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

Read the article from Momentum here.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

He’s right. If your real estate headshot looks like a passport photo from 1998, your clients will assume your marketing strategy is just as outdated. Then, it’s just about getting people to like you. 📸👍🏼

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.

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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