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On 22 September 1918, Prime Minister Billy Hughes made history with the first direct wireless message from the UK to Australia, received in a Sydney living room. It was a breakthrough that proved technology could collapse distance and change the way people connect. More than a century on, the real estate industry leans on the same idea - instant communication, global reach and the ability to bring buyers and sellers together no matter where they are.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 12 seconds

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AUCTIONEERING

Mastering the art and psychology of selling

From street theatre to strategy

After more than three decades in the industry, Justin Long still finds his greatest thrill on the auction floor. As Director at Marshall White & Co, he’s built a reputation not just on performance flair but on deep respect for the process and the people involved. For Justin, the auction remains the fairest and most transparent way to sell real estate - provided it's done right, and in an industry constantly flirting with new formats, he stands firm in his belief that nothing beats the competitive tension of a well-run auction.

It’s not just theatre, it’s trust

Yes, auctions come with a touch of drama, but for Justin, it’s never about stealing the spotlight. “I don’t have any room for marketing myself over the client’s interests,” he says. Auctions are designed to maximise competition, not inflate egos.

He’s wary of innovations like livestreaming, which he believes dilute the energy of in-person bidding: “Live streaming gives buyers an excuse not to attend in person… we lose the chance for someone to decide on the spot to bid.” His focus is on creating the right “arena,” adapting the physical space to amplify atmosphere and drive momentum.

The power is in the process, not just the result

Not every auction ends with the hammer dropping on a high, and that’s okay.

“The auction is part of the process, not the whole process,” Justin explains. When a property passes in, it doesn’t lose value overnight, and he often finds the best deals are struck in the days that follow. His message to vendors?

Stay confident. “Sometimes you even find two buyers days after the auction who both want to pay reserve.” The real win is in maintaining transparency and keeping negotiations alive.

Confidence, not convenience: the case against EOI

Justin is also not shy about his views on expressions of interest campaigns. “Too often you end up with a private auction between two buyers anyway. So why not start with an auction in the first place?” To him, EOI strategies often reflect a lack of negotiating confidence. He urges agents to embrace their role as dealmakers. “If you can’t negotiate, then perhaps real estate isn’t for you.”

Justin recently marked 30 years with Marshall White, and is still energised by the sound of a bidding war and the challenge of creating the perfect selling moment. It’s clear he’s not ready to hang up the gavel anytime soon.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, last week we revealed why prioritising happiness isn’t just good for your mental health, it’s a business advantage.

THOUGHT LEADERS

What Happens When Two Real Estate Powerhouses Get It Right

Mergers in real estate are often framed in terms of numbers: bigger databases, more market share, stronger brands. But the truth is, most of them never live up to the promise because they underestimate the human side of the equation.

What happens when two leaders with thriving businesses, established cultures, and loyal teams decide they can go further together than apart?

That’s the question behind the merger of BresicWhitney and The Woollahra Group — a deal that was designed to create one of the most powerful real estate groups within 10 kilometres of Sydney’s CBD.

What makes this story different is that it wasn’t driven by retirement, exit strategies, or quick wins. It was sparked by two ambitious operators at their peak, both looking for new ways to grow — and willing to test whether their values, vision, and leadership styles truly aligned.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE

Young women lift homeownership optimism

Agile Market Intelligence’s latest survey shows young women are driving renewed housing optimism, with buying intent up 5% among those aged 18–34 and 35–54. While 55% of non-homeowners still want to buy, most face financial barriers, and 31% say they never plan to purchase; a slight drop from 34%. NSW and Victoria recorded growth in buyer intent, while WA had the highest opt-out rate at 44%. For agents, younger women remain a key market segment, with strong aspiration despite affordability pressures.

CAREER GOALS

From chef to rising real estate star

In a recent interview with Ray White Semaphore principal Bianca Denham, Christchurch agent Jiby Thomas shared how he went from chefing to becoming one of Ray White Metro City’s rising stars. After arriving in New Zealand at 18, he swapped kitchens for sales, reaching Premier status in his first year and going on to make more than 100 sales and write over $1 million. Jiby now runs his business with a disciplined approach, reinvesting up to 12% of revenue into marketing to attract clients rather than cold call, and has built his growth by working with developers and managing large-scale subdivisions.

US NEWS

Window of opportunity for US home buyers

The US housing market is experiencing a significant shift as sellers retreat, with new listings hitting a record low for August, down 7.3% from July. Despite this pullback, total housing inventory remains 15.3% higher than last year, creating a temporary advantage for buyers. Zillow Senior Economist Kara Ng advises, "Buyers who can afford a home should look closely at what's available now," warning that this window of opportunity won't stay open indefinitely as market conditions stabilise.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Historic QLD mansion hits the market

A piece of Brisbane's social history is up for grabs with "Everton House," a 1950s mansion built by prominent developer Sir Leon Trout. The six-bedroom property features its own ballroom, art gallery accessed by a circular staircase, and once hosted former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies. Sitting on a sprawling 3965sqm block at the highest point in Everton Park, this former hub for Brisbane's elite awaits someone to "make it sparkle again."

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Harcourts stands up at 2025 REIWA Awards

The network secured spots in Top 1% and 5% categories with Harcourts Mandurah winning Top Medium Office by Listing Sold and Brad Malingre placing in Top 5 Rookie of the Year. More here.

The Susan Mills Team joins REMAX Results

The award-winning Brisbane team brings their expertise to the high-performing Morningside office under Hayley Van de Ven's leadership. More here.

BizCover wins 5-Star Insurance Innovators award

The online business insurance service received the recognition for the third time, highlighting their AI innovations, including in-house tools Echo and Plinko. 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.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

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Wishing you a productive day!

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