GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

Back in 921, East and West France finally stopped arguing over borders and signed the Treaty of Bonn, formally recognising each other. For real estate agents, it’s a familiar story; two sides with different agendas eventually realising that cooperation gets better results than conflict. It’s the medieval version of agreeing on price, terms, and settlement instead of dragging out negotiations. In the end, everyone gets clarity, the deal moves forward, and both parties can focus on building value instead of defending territory.

Today’s read time: 8 minutes, 03 seconds

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RECRUITEMENT

Gavin Rubinstein’s take on creating the right mix, both here and abroad

Formula for success

TRG founder Gavin Rubinstein is preparing to take his powerhouse real estate brand global, with plans for the group’s first international office already in motion. At the same time, he’s executing a deliberate recruitment strategy at home; one that’s brought a wave of high-performing women into the business. For Gavin, the move isn’t coincidental; it’s part of a broader plan to create balance, strengthen culture, and ensure TRG’s continued growth.

Building balance

Gavin believes that while talent isn’t defined by gender, women bring a unique and valuable dimension to the business. “People love dealing with female agents; I know I do,” he says. “They bring skill sets that a lot of men don’t naturally have. I’m generalising, but attention to detail, empathy, patience … those things are incredibly valuable in real estate.”

That belief has helped shape TRG’s evolving team structure, which includes experienced performers such as long-time agent Chrissie Ren - dubbed “the Penthouse Queen” - alongside recent recruits Denise Cameron and Marion Badenoch. “Chrissie’s been with us three years now,” Gavin says. “Since joining, she’s sold several penthouses between five and fifteen million dollars and even a joint sale with me for twenty-seven million. She’s phenomenal.”

For Gavin, this mix of perspectives is a deliberate strength. “Having that feminine energy mixed with masculine energy - that yin and yang - only means good things for the people we represent. It’s about creating a team dynamic that adds as much value as possible for our clients.”

A hands-on approach

When it comes to recruitment, Gavin stays directly involved, meeting with every potential agent personally.

“I’ve met with, discussed, and strategised with every person who’s joined TRG,” he says. “After almost two decades in the business, you develop a pretty fair read of people. I don’t get it right all the time, but most of the time, you can tell who’s going to thrive and who won’t.”

He focuses on three non-negotiables: integrity, effort, and client focus: “Number one: people who do what they say they’re going to do. Number two: people who consciously put in effort and want to be better today than they were yesterday. And number three: people who are completely client-centric.”

Culture, authenticity and global growth

Gavin says the culture at TRG is driven by individuality, not imitation.

“At TRG, we’re not in the business of creating replicas,” he says. “I tell every agent who joins: don’t try to be me; it won’t work. The people who thrive here are the ones who lean into who they really are.” He points to long-time colleague Oliver Lavers as an example of how authenticity breeds success: “Ollie started out as my assistant 12 years ago. Now he’s Ray White’s number one salesperson for the last two years - because he’s authentic.”

That philosophy underpins TRG’s expansion plans as Gavin confirms an overseas office is on the horizon. “It’s the next logical step for us. The demand, the brand recognition, the calibre of people we’re attracting, it’s all pointing that way. My goal is simple: to build a global brand with people who are authentic, who work hard, and who want to be better every day.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed the hidden cost of relying on motivation alone.

TOGETHER WITH THE REA EXCELLENCE AWARDS

From rising star to director: How Nancy Yang’s career took off

Just a year after being named Rising Star of the Year at the 2024 REA Excellence Awards, Nancy Yang has become a Director at Buxton Port Phillip; she credits the recognition for sparking her confidence, opening new doors, and motivating her team to reach higher.

The award’s $5,000 professional development grant gave Nancy the chance to invest in training and attend key industry events, helping her build both skills and visibility. Since then, she has expanded into auctioneering, represented clients in premium property sales, and appeared in interviews and media features - opportunities she says she “never imagined a year ago.”

Her story highlights how professional recognition can fast-track success and inspire others in the industry to aim higher. Entries for the 2025 REA Excellence Awards are now open. If you’re ready for your own breakthrough moment, submit your entry before midnight Friday 14 November 2025.

Read more about the awards here.

VIC ECONOMY & INVESTMENT

Investor confidence shifts north as Melbourne loses ground to Sydney and Brisbane

Global investor sentiment toward Melbourne has weakened, with Victoria’s property market now attracting around 40 per cent less global investment per capita than New South Wales. Industry leaders at the Capital Markets Forum in Sydney warned that frequent policy changes, rising surcharges, and a lack of stability are deterring international capital. Charter Hall Office CEO Carmel Hourigan said that while Asia Pacific markets are well-positioned for renewed growth, Melbourne risks missing out as investors increasingly prefer Sydney and Brisbane.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Capital markets roaring back to life

Australia's commercial property market is experiencing a sharp rebound, with investment volumes reaching $13.5 billion in Q3 2025, the strongest quarter since 2022. Sydney office yields have tightened for the first time since 2021, signalling the market has turned a corner. Cross-border investors are leading the charge, accounting for 41% of all purchases and positioning Australia as the top destination for international capital in the Asia-Pacific region.

GREECE HOUSING PLAN

Greece taps public land and private capital in bid to solve housing crisis

Greece has announced two new housing initiatives, social rent and social housing, to tackle its worsening housing shortage. The plans will use state-owned land and inactive military sites to build up to 1,700 affordable homes in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras. A social rent scheme will see private developers refurbish disused public buildings, returning 30 per cent of the new homes to the state. While the approach mirrors successful European models, experts warn that Greece’s slow planning approvals and complex property ownership laws could stall progress. Analysts say long-term solutions require not just new housing but reforms to mortgage access, taxation, and transparency in property data.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Racing legend's mansion hits the market

Racing icon Michael Andretti has listed his sprawling Indiana lakefront estate for US$11.9M as he transitions to life in Florida. The 21,000-square-foot property sits on five acres and features nine bedrooms, a 12-bay climate-controlled garage, and luxury amenities including a 700-bottle wine cellar and 50-foot pool with waterfalls. The listing follows Andretti's step back from day-to-day operations at Andretti Global.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Veronica Perez builds thriving PRD Maroubra office.

The 20-year industry veteran transformed from an underestimated young agent to a successful business owner with nearly 20 employees. More here.

Ray White opens new Manuka office.

The move strengthens their position in Canberra's prestige market, building on their reputation for selling one in nine homes across the capital. 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

When a buyer says they want a waterfront view, a pool, and a $400k budget… you just show them the door. Literally, that’s all they can afford. 🚪💸

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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