GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

Those bold colour choices might be costing your sellers more than just a few raised eyebrows. According to Zillow research, a bright red bedroom can slash a home's sale price by nearly $2,000 USD. Even worse, yellow kitchens can reduce values by a staggering $3,915.

These "bold choices" might photograph well for social media, but they're actively devaluing properties. It's a reminder that in real estate, neutrality is OK. Perhaps the best advice we can give sellers is to express their vibrant colour preferences after the keys change hands, not before.

In today’s edition of The Brief

• The referral systems top agents use to make repeat business inevitable

• Why Gen Z is now the most mobile buyer cohort — and what it means for regional agents

• How AI is collapsing software development from months to minutes (and why agents should care)

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 13 seconds

New to The Brief? Join us for free 🤝

MOMENTUM

Six ways to make referrals inevitable

The dream business for every agent is one built on referrals – the model that weathers economic storms and sustains growth through shifting markets. But referrals don't just happen. According to real estate coach Jimmy Burgess, they're the result of a deliberate, consistent strategy that most agents never implement.

Your digital farm is missing

Most agents focus on geographic farming. The best agents build something else entirely – a digital farm of agents in other markets who send them business consistently. Jimmy's approach involves a specific monthly touchpoint strategy that keeps you top of mind without feeling salesy. But here's what most agents miss about making this work...

Your MVPs are already in your phone

Your next referral might be a text message away. Jimmy recommends creating an "MVP list" – your Most Valuable People – and staying connected in ways that feel authentic, not transactional.

"You don't have to ask for referrals directly," Jimmy said. "Staying top of mind does that for you."

The full article reveals the specific reconnection tactics that work.

The untapped referral source

Here's a strategy most agents overlook entirely: partnering with agents who've left the industry. Jimmy sees market fluctuations as an opportunity to create new referral streams while helping former colleagues monetise relationships they've already built.

What you'll learn in the full article:

• The digital farm blueprint: How to build and nurture an email list of agents in other markets who send you business

• The MVP reconnection system: Specific tactics for staying top of mind without generic "just checking in" messages

• Social media help requests: How to turn your posts into referral conversations that feel natural

• The referral story framework: Why making the referring agent the hero multiplies your incoming leads

Referral-based agents don't just outperform in good times – they endure in tough ones. This article breaks down exactly how to build a self-sustaining referral machine.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday, we heard about the hidden cost of keeping star agents

TOGETHER WITH @REALTY

Smarter CRMs are helping agents scale faster

Speed wins listings. Modern CRM systems pull leads from portals, emails, SMS, and social media into one place, so agents can respond in real time instead of chasing missed messages. Automated follow-ups keep prospects warm when you're flat out – @realty outlines how their platform supports growth without adding staff.

Find out why top agents are switching to smarter CRM systems.

REGIONAL MARKETS

Gen Z now most open to regional move

Nearly half of city-dwelling Gen Z are now eyeing a regional move – overtaking Millennials as the generation most open to relocation. The barrier that used to hold them back is fading too: concerns about limited job opportunities in regional areas have dropped from 55% in 2020 to just 27%. Worth noting if you're selling outside the capitals.

AI TOOLS

The conversation economy is replacing the coding economy

Elite Agent founder Samantha McLean reveals how she's now building custom software through simple AI conversations. "The distance between imagining a tool and holding it in your hands has collapsed to almost nothing," she explains.

As custom software costs plummet from months and millions to days and dollars, Sam argues real estate professionals with domain expertise have a unique advantage in this new landscape – if they can articulate what they need.

Her perspective on this fundamental shift is worth a few minutes.

HOW IT SOLD

Price withholding generates 10 offers in seven days

Anna Younan withheld the price during the first week and let buyer competition build. The Mount Annan home attracted 33 open attendees, 10 offers, and sold for $1.295m.

Your competitors know media coverage gets clients. Are you ready to get yours? getailsa.com

CELEBRITY HOMES

KISS legend won't sell mansion to schmucks

Gene Simmons has cut his Beverly Hills asking price to US$12.5M (about AUD$17.8M) – but the KISS co-founder says he's being selective about buyers. The 7,700 square foot glass-and-steel mansion includes a soundproofed home theatre and a 40-foot black-tiled infinity pool. Wait until you see that bronze sculptural entryway.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Ray White A T Realty expands across Auckland

Adam Thomson and Tom Rawson have acquired offices in Auckland Central and Wynyard Quarter, evolving from South Auckland specialists to a city-wide operation with six locations. 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

Real estate agents have perfected the art of laughing at client jokes… even when they’re really not funny. It’s called ‘keeping the sale alive.’ 😅 🧑🏻‍💼

Seen an Agent On Social we should include? Let us know here (email link)

Wishing you a productive day!

Elite Agent is the definitive platform for ambitious agents and industry players. Thought Leaders is the weekly show where top operators reveal how they’re reinventing real estate. AI-Powered Agents is your playbook for deploying AI that sells homes and scales teams.

Elite Agent is crewed by Mark Edwards, Catherine Nikas-Boulos, Rowan Crosby, Charmagne Arrubio, Iris Rebello 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.

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