GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

Real estate agents know there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a perfectly colour-coded spreadsheet. From tracking listings and commissions to sorting buyers, budgets, and open-home snacks, spreadsheets keep the chaos in check. Today’s the day to celebrate the humble grid that secretly runs every agency - you guessed right, it’s Spreadsheet Day. And no, we did not make this up.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 45 seconds

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LEADERSHIP

Why real estate leaders need to start asking better questions

How genuine check-ins can boost engagement, loyalty, and performance

In real estate, where success relies on performance, resilience, and relationships, many leaders fail to check in on their team’s wellbeing. Amid the demands of listings, negotiations, and open homes, disengagement can quietly erode productivity and client experience.

Global data from Gallup reveals a decline in employee engagement and wellbeing, with managers, especially younger and female leaders, most affected. Research suggests that when employees feel genuinely supported and heard, they’re more likely to stay motivated and productive. Regular, meaningful conversations about mindset, purpose, and personal growth can build trust, foster loyalty, and strengthen performance across real estate teams.

The cost of disengagement

Employee engagement globally has dropped from 23% to 21%, costing an estimated US$438 billion in lost productivity. Managers are faring worse, with engagement sliding from 30% to 27%. Gallup estimates that improving engagement could add nearly US$9.6 trillion to the global economy. For real estate businesses, these numbers highlight the importance of creating supportive workplaces where agents feel valued and connected.

Conversations that matter

Leadership experts stress the importance of trust and empathy. As Emma Seppälä from Yale School of Management explains, employees must feel cared for before opening up. Leaders can start with simple, open-ended questions, such as rating their current mindset, sharing personal highlights outside work, or identifying what makes their role meaningful.

These discussions reveal what drives or drains team members and can help leaders respond more effectively. “If they don’t feel they can trust you or that you care, they won’t be open to talking to you,” she said.

Building long-term engagement

Retention challenges in real estate often stem from short-term thinking. By asking agents about their future goals and what makes their work rewarding, leaders can uncover ways to support growth and motivation. From adjusting workloads to creating clear career pathways, consistent and sincere communication helps build trust, loyalty, and resilience - ultimately leading to stronger teams and better business outcomes.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday David Highland explained how he build a $2B real estate network.

TOGETHER WITH VREC

VREC data reveals why agents are choosing culture and support over money

Over the past two years, Taylor (TJ) Shepherd, owner of VREC, a real estate recruitment company with a flat-fee subscription model that reduces recruitment costs by around 60%, has gained new insight into what really drives agents to move. Through VREC’s sales agent brokering subscription program, launched in 2024, more than 1200 agents across NSW and QLD have shared what matters most to them.

The data shows that 83% are more likely to join when directors are genuinely involved and approachable, rather than distant or transactional. Many also look for a concierge-style setup, with strong marketing, admin, compliance, and AI support. Lifestyle and alignment now outweigh money, with 91% of agents saying financial terms weren’t their main motivation—a notable change from pre-2023 trends. Directors’ priorities have also shifted: initial targets focused on GCI often evolve into conversations about culture, reliability, and stability. As market conditions tighten, the focus has moved from short-term growth to building sustainable, long-term businesses ready for the decade ahead.

Read more about VREC’s findings here.

INVESTOR NEWS

Investors eye opportunity as rents climb and rates ease

Australia’s property investors are making a comeback, with lending to investors hitting its highest share since 2017, according to REA Group’s PropTrack Terri Scheer Investor Report. The report points to falling mortgage rates, tight rental supply, and the prospect of a rate cut from the Reserve Bank as key factors behind the uptick.

Rental demand is running hot, vacancy rates are low, and yields have strengthened, with more than 90 per cent of investment properties sold in the past year fetching more than their purchase price. High-income earners and those aged between 35 and 64 dominate the investor pool, but over-60s are becoming a growing force. Sydney and Melbourne’s inner suburbs remain favourites, while more affordable regional areas are also attracting investor attention.

AUCTION UPDATE

Sydney leads auction upswing

Australia's auction market is heating up, with Sydney scheduled to host 1,167 home auctions this week, the city's second busiest auction week of 2025. The combined capital cities will see 2,708 properties go under the hammer, marking the busiest auction period since early June. With clearance rates hitting 68.2% (compared to 60.8% this time last year), the market is showing strong confidence as the spring selling season peaks.

AIRBNB CRACKDOWN

New EU housing plan to curb short-term rentals and tackle soaring rents

The European Union is preparing new rules to curb the impact of short-term rentals such as Airbnb and Booking.com, as part of its first continent-wide affordable housing plan. Housing commissioner Dan Jørgensen said the measures aim to address a “social crisis” caused by rising rents and property speculation, warning that failure to act could fuel support for populist parties.

The plan, expected in December, marks the EU’s first major intervention in housing policy, traditionally left to member states. Across the EU, house prices have climbed 48% and rents 22% since 2010, with some countries facing far sharper increases. The proposals are expected to include tighter regulation of tourist lets and stronger tenant protections.

CELEBRITY HOMES

TV star lists $33 million eco-mansion

Jamie Durie is selling his dream home overlooking Sydney's Pittwater for a cool $33M. The seven-storey residence, completed just last year after a decade-long creation process, can operate completely off-grid using geothermal heating, rooftop solar, and other sustainable features. Despite considering it their "forever home," Jamie and his family are relocating to a 30-hectare farm in the Byron Bay hinterland to give their children "a couple of years on the land."

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Toby Campbell takes the helm.

Collingwood's top agent by volume has rebranded the iconic 30-year-old business to Campbell Real Estate while maintaining its connection to the Ray White network. More here.

Harcourts Foundation hits $10 million milestone.

The charitable arm has supported 1,585 charities across New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa since its inception in 2008. More here.

Success doesn’t rest on weekends! 
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AGENTS ON SOCIAL

When your neighbour’s house hits the market and you’re doing Olympic-level side glances from the footpath, trying to read the agent’s name on the board without being spotted. 👀🏃‍♂️

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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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.

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