GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

It’s Walk to Work Day today which probably feels a bit redundant if you're a real estate agent; you're already clocking up serious steps doing letterbox drops, inspections, and “just popping by” a listing. But still, if you can swap the car for a walk to the office (or your first appointment), why not? It’s a chance to clear your head, notice what’s happening in the neighbourhood, and maybe even spot a sneaky off-market.

Just don’t forget your comfy shoes.

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 53 seconds

New to The Brief? Join us for free 🤝

ANALYTICS

Too much data, too little direction? Here’s the fix

Data has become a defining force in real estate, offering enormous potential - but only if we use it wisely.

With the volume of information growing daily, it’s easy to feel buried. Adrian Knowles, CEO of Harcourts Australia, urges professionals to shift from passive consumption to active hunting.

That means setting clear goals, choosing the right tools, and combining digital insights with local expertise. It’s not about collecting everything; it’s about choosing what moves the needle. The future belongs to those who lead with strategy, not those who lag behind in the noise.

Define your data goals
The first step in making data useful is knowing exactly what you're trying to achieve. Without clear objectives, even the most detailed analytics can become just another distraction. Adrian puts it simply: “Without clear goals, even the best data will amount to noise.”

Whether you're focused on increasing client satisfaction, improving team performance, or expanding your market presence, defining your “why” gives your data a job to do. It's the difference between scanning reports aimlessly and uncovering insights that actually drive results.

Use tools that work for you
There's no shortage of digital platforms promising game-changing insights; but not all tools are created equal. Adrian says the key is to invest in systems that do more than just collect data. “Advanced CRMs, AI-driven platforms, and property analytics solutions are making it easier to identify trends, provide predictive insights, and improve lead generation.” 

Look for tools that simplify decision-making, highlight patterns you might miss, and help your team move faster with more confidence. The right infrastructure won’t just save time, it’ll shape smarter strategy.

Pair data with local know-how
While data can signal trends and flag opportunities, it still needs a human filter. That’s where local market knowledge comes in. “Data might signal an up-and-coming area, but your expertise will dictate how to position a property to maximise its value,” says Adrian. 

In other words, insights are only useful if you know how to apply them. He explains the best results come from marrying digital insights with on-the-ground experience. That’s where intuition and information actually meet.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday why prestige property agents need to play the long game.

TOGETHER WITH THE AGENCY

The Agency breaks records with best sales month in its history
National real estate brand The Agency saw its highest level of sales in its eight-year history in March, led by record sales across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, and a continued strong performance in Western Australia.

“The Agency is going from strength to strength,” The Agency CEO of Real Estate Matt Lahood said. “In the month of March we saw record sales volumes, record opens and our property management division has also achieved a record number of properties under managements.”

Matt said the results were underpinned by The Agency’s ability to be able to attract some of the best real estate talent across the country.
“First homebuyers are back, investors are back, ex-pats are back. It really is an exciting time to be in real estate and especially to be part of a high calibre team of local property professionals.”

Read more about The Agency’s results here.

DEPT OF SALES

The ‘Art of Closing’ - why your pitch isn’t over until you ask for the business
Ray White’s inaugural ‘List’ month saw six major events packed with insights on how to win more listings - but one message stood out loud and clear: many agents still struggle to close. “So many agents aren’t adept at closing and asking for the business when they complete their presentation,” says the company’s Head of Performance and Recognition, Bianca Denham.

“A pitch without a close leaves the recipient with a feeling of confusion and lack of satisfaction.” Whether it’s fear of being pushy or simply never having been taught how, the result is the same: missed opportunities. Bianca breaks down why a clear agenda, confident questioning, and reading buyer cues are essential tools.

DEPT OF PM

Rental growth slows, but it’s still a landlord’s market
Rental growth might be easing up, (now at its slowest pace in four years), but that doesn’t mean tenants are getting a break just yet. Rents are still sitting at record highs across all the capitals, and with vacancy rates hovering below 2% nationally, landlords remain in a strong position.

The slowdown’s mostly down to affordability - after years of sharp increases, tenants are simply maxed out. That said, Darwin’s doing its own thing, with rents up 7.7% over the past year.

DEPT OF AI

Do Clients Actually Care if You Use AI? (And What They Really Think When You Do)
So, here’s the thing. Agents are feeling pretty good about their own use of AI. Smart. Responsible. Professional. But ask them about other agents? Suddenly, it’s all “chatbot chaos” and corner-cutting. 

Funny how that works. A recent study shone a light on this double standard. We’re apparently quite confident in ourselves - but not so sure about each other. And yes, that matters. Because if we don’t trust each other, what are the chances buyers and sellers will trust us?

CELEBRITY HOMES

Historic home once owned by John Eales snapped up for $5.8 Million
A 120-year-old stunner on Hamilton Hill, once home to the David Jones family and Wallabies legend John Eales, has just sold for $5.8 million. Last snapped up for $3.8 million in 2021, it’s now in the hands of a local investor. The home’s famous domed tower, rumoured to have hosted the US military in WWII, offers sweeping views. After drawing six offers, agent Nick Roche thinks it could hit $15 million post-reno.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Peter Diamantidis and Shiv Nair launch Ray White United Group
The merger combines their high-performing businesses with 100 professionals across multiple locations in Sydney, expanding their footprint into the Hills region. 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

Me, writing a sweet “Hope you’re loving your home” card. Them: [crickets] 🦗🦗🦗

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.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.