GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

The actors have had their moment to bask in Academy Awards glory - now it’s time to turn our attention to the 1,300 square metre Brooklyn mansion featured in the Oscar-winning film Anora. Originally listed for $30 million over a decade ago, the estate was once home to a Russian heiress known as “Russia’s Paris Hilton.”

Now, as Anora enjoys Hollywood acclaim, real estate fans and film buffs alike are fascinated by this opulent property’s journey from oligarch retreat to silver screen sensation.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 44 seconds

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MINDSET

The ‘Happiness Advantage’ in real estate

Success in real estate isn’t just about market knowledge or negotiation skills - it’s about mindset.

Research shows that a positive brain is more productive, resilient, and successful than one stuck in stress or negativity. Yet, many agents believe they must work harder to achieve success, which will then bring happiness. In reality, the opposite is true.

Happiness fuels success. Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage and Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, believe that agents who learn to maintain a positive outlook actually perform better, handle rejection more effectively, and adapt quickly to market changes.

This shift in perspective isn’t about blind optimism; it’s a strategic advantage that keeps top agents ahead of the curve.

Reframing setbacks as opportunities
Every real estate agent faces challenges, from lost listings, difficult clients, and unpredictable market shifts. What separates top performers from those who struggle is perspective. The most successful agents don’t dwell on setbacks; they see them as stepping stones.

A slow market becomes a chance to build deeper client relationships, a failed deal opens the door to better opportunities, and a tough negotiation strengthens problem-solving skills. The ability to reframe obstacles into learning moments is what keeps top agents moving forward.

Boosting performance
Scientific studies in positive psychology have proven that happiness enhances cognitive function, creativity, and problem-solving ability.

Statistics from the Harvard Business Review showed that a positive agent is 31% more productive and 37% better at sales than one operating under stress.

When agents train their brains to see the good, they make better decisions, stay motivated, and build stronger relationships with clients and colleagues.

In contrast, negativity narrows focus, fuels self-doubt, and increases burnout. Cultivating a positive mindset isn’t about ignoring challenges, it’s about responding to them in a way that drives success.

How to train your brain
A positive mindset isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you build. Simple habits like daily gratitude, reframing stress as a challenge, and strengthening professional relationships can rewire the brain for long-term success.

Writing down three things you’re grateful for each day, practicing mindfulness, and surrounding yourself with growth-minded peers can shift how you approach setbacks. Real estate is a long game, and the agents who train their minds to stay resilient, optimistic, and adaptable will always have the edge.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday we spoke with Ailo founder Ben White about how to reignite your passion for property management.

TOGETHER WITH RE/MAX

RE/MAX Australia has been named Region of the Year – Asia Pacific at the 2025 RE/MAX R4 global convention in Las Vegas. The company also secured third place, Category 2, for office net gain and transactions per agent among 19 regional master franchises.

Operations Director Josh Davoren, alongside Finance Director Chris Chapman and Board Chairman Michael Davoren, accepted the awards, with Mr Davoren saying: “We say well done to everyone at RE/MAX Australia, as there is plenty of team effort at the heart of all of this!”

Additionally, RE/MAX Australia was named to the elite 'T3' group, recognising the top three global performing regions based on growth, agent productivity, and other key performance metrics.

The four-day RE/MAX R4 convention, held at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, drew thousands of global affiliates for networking, education, and industry innovation.

Read more about RE/MAX here.

SMART SNIPPETS

Property market rebounds as buyers eye rate cuts
Australian home values rose 0.3% in February, breaking a three-month downturn, with Melbourne and Hobart leading at 0.4%. CoreLogic attributes the turnaround to improving buyer sentiment and expectations of interest rate cuts. Auction clearance rates are back to long-term averages, while tight supply is adding pressure to prices.

REA Group invests in rural data platform Agtuary
REA Group has acquired a minority stake in Agtuary, a platform specialising in rural property and environmental data insights. Kris Matthews, Executive GM of PropTrack, said the investment will enhance rural land use, climate, and valuation data for property professionals.

Keller Williams secures investment from Stone Point Capital and names new CEO
Keller Williams has announced a strategic partnership with Stone Point Capital, with the investment firm providing capital to drive growth, innovation, and agent support. As part of the move, Christopher Czarnecki has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and President. Stone Point’s backing will help expand technology, training, and marketing resources to strengthen Keller Williams’ position as the world’s largest real estate franchise.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Famed singer Halsey puts her 1920s Los Feliz estate on the market
Designed by Arthur W. Larson, the famed singer is selling the six-bedroom estate which holds Historic-Cultural Monument status and features original 1920s details, a home theatre, and a pool.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Shanti Santhou joins The Agency Central Coast.
The experienced local agent brings extensive knowledge of Bateau Bay and will leverage the company's Sydney connections to access a wider buyer pool. 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.

SOUNDWAVES

Set expectations early, or pay for it later

In real estate, managing expectations isn’t just a soft skill; it’s the difference between a smooth transaction and a nightmare client experience. Whether it’s a seller who believes their home is worth more than the market suggests, a buyer expecting the impossible, or a vendor wanting daily updates, expectations can easily spiral out of control. This curated listen outlines how to take control before unrealistic demands take over.

Dive straight into the listen below or the deeper dive here.

Read the article from Alli Worthington here.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

You're laser-focused, locked into work, making deals happen. Then, out of nowhere:
"Hey, if you had to fight a small horse or twenty ducks, what would you pick?"
And just like that, your brain crashes like a bad WiFi signal. 🐴 🦆

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

Wishing you a productive day

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

Stories marked with * are sponsored, including 'Together With' and the weekday 'Movers & Shakers' sections. Interested in promoting your brand to Elite Agent’s audience? Learn more at eliteagent.com/advertise.

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