GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Tomorrow marks the start of Ready25, and with legends like Cathy Freeman and Simone Biles taking the stage, it promises to be one of the most inspiring industry events of the year. It’s already a sell-out, but that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out. We’ll be on the ground from the first session to the final keynote, bringing you the insights, highlights, and standout moments as they unfold. From leadership lessons to fresh industry perspectives, you’ll get the best of Ready25.

So pour yourself a coffee, keep an eye on Elite Agent throughout the day, and follow along as we share the stories, strategies, and takeaways that matter most.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 21 seconds

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OPINION

Client relationships in a digital age

Human first, digital second

In the race to digitise, real estate may have left something essential behind: real connection.

That’s the belief of Ben Kingsberry, CEO of Harcourts Kingsbury, who argues that while tech tools have streamlined transactions, they've also stripped away the very moments that build trust, loyalty, and long-term client relationships.

“The transaction can be quite simple these days, and sometimes that comes at the cost of the relationship.”

The hidden cost of frictionless service

Yes, technology has made property transactions easier and faster. From DocuSign to virtual inspections, the real estate process has become more efficient, but it’s also become more impersonal.

Ben calls it the “digital paradox” - fewer roadblocks mean fewer opportunities for meaningful human interaction. And that's a problem because, as he sees it, nearly every client complaint stems from a communication breakdown.

Connection is the competitive edge

This isn’t about resisting change or clinging to old-school practices. It’s about recognising that trust is the currency of real estate. When agents slow down to ask the right questions, explain the process clearly, and tailor their communication, they turn transactions into relationships, and relationships into repeat business.

Ben says it’s time agents took steps to recalibrate this balance. Rather than chasing every new tool, they should focus only on the technology that enhances their service offering.

At Harcourts, they have also re-examined how they approach client knowledge. Ben recounts a moment when a highly educated friend asked basic questions about buying a home (questions he’d assumed everyone knew). That moment reinforced the need to stop assuming what clients understand and start asking more, explaining better.

In-person meetings are also making a comeback in their workflow. While digital channels are convenient, certain conversations deserve the depth and nuance of face-to-face interaction.

And finally, they’re moving away from automated, templated communication wherever possible. Taking the time to write personalised messages that reflect each client’s circumstances builds far stronger connections than generic updates ever could.

Technology as a support act

Ben isn’t anti-tech; but he’s certain that digital tools should support human interaction, not replace it.

“Properties don’t make decisions, people do,” he says. “And people make decisions based on trust, understanding, and connection.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, Kylie Walker told us about the biggest lie in real estate

TOGETHER WITH VIEW

Beyond the portals: reaching buyers where they really are

By stepping away from the traditional reliance on listing portals, boutique Byron Bay agency Kim Jones & Co trialled a $2,500 multi-channel campaign through View Media Group’s Acquire platform, and the results spoke for themselves: 22 fresh inquiries, 10 price requests and several serious buyers, 95 per cent of whom were completely new to the business.

The strategy capitalised on a simple reality: buyers spend just 37 minutes a month on property portals but six hours a day online. By targeting prospects across social media, lifestyle sites and premium publishers, Acquire connects agents with both active and passive buyers, often before they’ve even begun a formal property search.

The result is more engaged inquiries, stronger open home turnouts and a marketing edge that helps boutique agencies punch well above their weight.

Find out more about the Acquire platform here

EXPENSIVE TASTE

Designer homes fetch double the price

Professional interior design is proving to be a strategic investment rather than just a luxury. Analysis of over 115,000 property listings reveals homes marketed as "interior designer-designed" command premiums up to 120% higher in some suburbs. In Wembley, Western Australia, this translates to an additional $566,435 for two-bedroom homes, while Lindisfarne, Tasmania sees designer three-bedroom properties selling for nearly $887,000 more than comparable homes.

MARKET TRENDS

Rate cuts favour different housing markets each cycle

Australia's housing market has responded differently to each interest rate-cutting cycle since 2015. Research from Ray White Group shows coastal lifestyle markets benefited in 2015-2016, premium Sydney suburbs during the COVID emergency period, and now affordable outer suburbs are seeing the greatest gains. Perth is dominating the current cycle, with areas like Midland-Guildford posting 15.6% growth, while Adelaide's outer suburbs are also responding strongly.

US REAL ESTATE

US home sellers are playing a waiting game

The traditional summer surge in US home sales has stalled as sellers hold off listing their properties. New listings increased by just 1.5% compared to last year, while overall inventory jumped 22.8% – reaching the highest level since late 2019. Experts describe the current market as a "game of chicken," with sellers anchored to higher list prices despite properties spending six days longer on the market than a year ago.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Hollywood power couple's home on the market after 60 years

The longtime Los Angeles home of filmmaker John Cassavetes and actress Gena Rowlands is available for the first time in over six decades, listed at US$4.995M. Located in the Hollywood Hills area nicknamed "Celebrity Row," the 4,300-square-foot property includes unique features like a distinctive barroom with memorabilia that appeared in Cassavetes's film "Love Streams" and a garage converted into an editing space where the pioneering director worked on his films.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Ray White Forest Hill relaunches

Dexter Prack expands as Marc Lum, Darryl Wickham and Ryan Zhu return to the Ray White family, creating an 80-strong powerhouse team in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs. More here.

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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

How to stay calm when your client explains Mercury is in retrograde and “that’s why they can’t buy the house.” 🔮🏡

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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