GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

In a world overloaded with inboxes and back-to-back meetings, a growing number of professionals, including CEOs and real estate agents, are carving out their most productive hours before the sun comes up. Once the realm of execs like Tim Cook and Bob Iger, the 4 a.m. wake-up is going viral, thanks in part to fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s intense routine, as reported by the WSJ.

Not everyone’s buying the hype. Media icon Arianna Huffington recently poked fun at the trend, quipping, “We’re not far from people wanting to get up so early they get up before they go to bed.”

Sure, those quiet pre-dawn hours could be gold: ideal for prospecting planning, market prep, or even a quick workout. The bottom line? It’s not about going to extremes; it’s about taking control of your time before the day starts moving at full speed. And that means calling it a night early, too.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 40 seconds

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OPINION

The case for connection

Why Spiro Drossos is ditching scripts and doubling down on real talk

In a tech-obsessed real estate landscape, Barry Plant Eastern Group MD and auctioneer Spiro Drossos is advocating for a radical rethink: not more automation, but a return to human-first communication. “This is not an impersonal market,” he says. “It’s not a bag of chips we’re talking about - it’s someone’s wholehearted and financial investment. We have to treat it with care.”

Cutting through the static

Sellers, still anchored to post-COVID price highs, are making costly decisions because direct communication is lacking. “Sometimes we see a vendor reject a strong offer on auction day, only to come back weeks later and accept $40,000 less,” he warns.

The answer? Less jargon, more honesty. Spiro's team has made a deliberate shift to “de-realestate” their language. “We’ve worked really hard to create dialogue that’s human to human … clear, simple and logical.”

From ‘vendor management’ to ‘vendor care’

Instead of formal meetings and polished pitch decks, Spiro’s team now favours what they call the “pop-in strategy”; casual coffee catch-ups that show vendors they’re supported, not just managed. The same ethos applies to appraisals, which are now faster and more intuitive. “People used to give you an hour. Now it’s about connecting quickly and informally,” Spiro says.

Communication is job security

Younger agents may be tech-savvy, but Spiro flags a gap: a reluctance to make calls. His rule of thumb? “More than two emails? Make a call.” That simple shift could be the difference between being replaceable and being indispensable.

It’s a lesson he’s applied across the business. When an inherited property management portfolio turned out to be too automated, his team switched platforms, opting for systems that still required real conversations. “It’s not about adding more tech. Sometimes it’s about removing it.”

In a market being reshaped by algorithms and AI, Spiro offers a timely reminder: technology is a tool, not a substitute for relationships. “We’re not anti-tech. But the second tech starts replacing the human side, that’s where the danger is.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, last week we showed you how to turn stress into success.

TOGETHER WITH HOMELY CONNECT

Homely launches ‘Homely Connect’ to simplify utility setup for movers

Homely has partnered with connectnow to launch Homely Connect, a one-stop service that helps renters and homeowners easily arrange electricity, internet, gas, and more with a single call. Designed to reduce the stress of moving, the service is available nationally and ensures essential utilities are ready before move-in. Homely Connect also offers access to removalists, van hire, and other moving essentials.

Read more about Homely Connect here.

DEPT OF ACQUISITIONS

It’s On: CoStar Confirms Domain Deal

CoStar Group is set to acquire Domain Holdings in a deal valued at approximately A$3 billion. The agreement, announced on May 9, follows CoStar's earlier acquisition of a 16.9% stake in Domain. Under the Scheme Implementation Deed, CoStar will purchase the remaining shares at A$4.43 each, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. Nine Entertainment, holding a 60.1% stake, supports the transaction.

DEPT OF RENTALS

Queensland's rental market tightens again

Queensland has started 2025 with virtually no rental options for tenants as the state-wide vacancy rate drops to just 0.9%. In some regions like Cook and Goondiwindi, vacancy rates have hit 0.0% – meaning literally no rental properties are available. With building approvals falling short of targets and 38 out of 50 areas reporting vacancy rates of 1.0% or less, REIQ's CEO claims there's "no silver bullet" to save renters.

DEPT OF LISTINGS

New listings hit a speed bump

Australia's property market took a breather in April, with new listings hitting a four-month low amid disruptions from consecutive long weekends and the Federal Election. Despite the slowdown, homes are selling faster in most capital cities, suggesting underlying buyer demand remains strong. Domain's Chief of Research, Dr Nicola Powell expects momentum to pick up again in May as the market transitions to a more balanced, sustainable pace.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Duran Duran bassist's Hollywood hideaway sells for $7.8M

Duran Duran bassist John Taylor and Juicy Couture co-founder Gela Nash-Taylor have parted with their historic Spanish-style home in the Outpost Estates. The couple purchased the 1931 property for US$2M in 1999 and just sold it for $7.8 million as they prepare to relocate to the UK. The 6,282-square-foot residence features Old Hollywood charm with beamed ceilings, a turret with panoramic views, and a luxurious outdoor space with pool and kitchen.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Vincent and Sandra Haupt thrive at @realty

The industry veterans have enjoyed increased earnings and better work-life balance since joining the innovative network in 2017 after running their own office for 15 years. More here.

Leading trio opens Harcourts SAS Deer Park

Spencer Nguyen, Andy Nguyen, and Martin Vu bring over 30 years of combined experience to their new office in Melbourne's western suburbs. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Got into real estate for the ‘easy money’, now I’ve shown 12 houses, answered 47 texts, and cried in my car twice... and it’s only Monday.😜🤦🏻‍♀️

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Wishing you a productive day!

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