GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

It’s July 3, also known as Disobedience Day, not in a burn-your-license kind of way, but more a gentle nudge to ditch the usual routine. If you’ve been writing the same listing blurbs, sticking to the same open times, or wearing the same “safe” outfit to every appraisal, maybe today’s the day to shake it up. Try that quirky headline. Call the buyer you thought ghosted you. Post the behind-the-scenes photo. Real estate is full of rules, but every now and then, doing things your way is what gets people talking... and sometimes, buying.

Please note: this is a lighthearted reminder to break a rule (a harmless one, please).

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 59 seconds

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PROSPECTING

Ditch the friendship fantasy

Why agents must lead with confidence

In a refreshing shake-up of real estate dogma, Andy Reid challenges the beloved industry mantra that “It’s all about relationships.” While acknowledging the value of connection, Andy argues that this overplayed narrative is leading agents, especially newer ones, off course and out of listings.

Instead of focusing solely on being liked, he urges agents to remember why they’re invited into someone’s home in the first place: to solve a problem and sell the property. “Sellers don’t call us because they need more friends,” he writes. They call because they need certainty, leadership, and results.

Confidence, not counsel

Andy compares the ideal agent to a doctor - not a therapist. When agents defer to sellers on key decisions like pricing or method of sale, they’re essentially saying, “You decide,” which erodes their credibility. The result? Agents become passive order-takers, rather than strategic advisors.

The antidote is twofold: Relatability and Credibility. He explains that relatability builds trust (“I get you”), while credibility instils confidence (“I’ve got this”). When balanced, these traits project something far more valuable than a friendly vibe, and that is professional confidence.

Recalibrate your approach

Andy introduces the concept of the “Line of Confidence,” encouraging agents to assess why they lose listings. If it’s due to fees, you're not demonstrating enough value. If it’s about experience, you're likely underselling your knowledge. Either way, the fix isn’t more hand-holding, it’s proving you’re the safe pair of hands that can deliver a result.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday, we found out why Aussie agents are taking a leaf out of Barbara Corcoran’s playbook.

TOGETHER WITH VIEW.COM.AU

Buyers act faster, agents must think smarter

New research from View Media Group’s Path to Purchase report shows Australians are shaving nearly nine months off the property buying process, down from 29.6 months in 2020 to 20.6 months in 2025. View CMO Paul Tyrrell attributes the urgency to falling interest rates, limited stock and looming incentives, with the active purchasing phase now lasting just 3.2 months.

The survey also found that Gen Z and Millennials increasingly rely on social media and Google to inform decisions, highlighting the need for agents to go beyond portals. While 85% of vendors still want multi-portal exposure, they also rank agent personality, suburb expertise and a clear marketing plan as top selection criteria.

View’s off-portal platform, view.resi, reflects this evolution, bundling premium presence, data tools and performance marketing to help agents build brand equity.

Read more about the Path to Purchase report here.

AFFORDABILITY FILES

Where buying beats renting (yes, really)

Domain’s latest data drop has revealed something a bit unexpected; there are suburbs where it’s actually cheaper to buy than rent. They’re not in Sydney or Melbourne (no surprises there), but regional areas and unit markets are offering up some interesting opportunities. Just 6% of suburbs tick the box for houses, but nearly a quarter of unit markets are coming out on top for affordability. Perth leads the way for capital cities, and regional WA, including the Pilbara, is topping the charts.

QLD POLICY

Form 2 or forget it: QLD’s new disclosure laws are coming

From 1 August 2025, Queensland agents won’t be sealing any deals without a completed Form 2 Seller Disclosure Statement and all the required certificates before the contract’s signed. It’s part of a major law shake-up under the Property Law Act 2023, aimed at giving buyers key info upfront and reducing post-contract fallovers. Open homes, auctions, private sales - it all counts. The ‘buyer beware’ principle still applies, so your client’s inspections and checks are still essential.

NZ PROPERTY

Flat is the new normal

New figures from realestate.co.nz show New Zealand’s property market has now been flat for 2.5 years, with the national average asking price sitting at $855,360 - down just 0.9% year-on-year. Southland’s still punching above its weight, posting a second consecutive record-high average price, while Northland has cooled below $800k for the first time since mid-2024. National stock has been sliding since March, but Gisborne and the West Coast are bucking the trend.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Bella Thorne’s wild floral LA mansion hits the market

Bella Thorne is parting ways with her over-the-top Topanga Canyon estate, listing the flower-stuffed property for nearly $6 million AUD. The six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home is bursting with faux blooms, pastel murals, and enough whimsical flair to rival a movie set. Highlights include an ivy-covered bar, a fuchsia pool table, and a checkerboard lawn straight out of Alice in Wonderland.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

CEO gets on the tools at Barry Plant auction school

Barry Plant CEO Lisa Pennell surprised this year’s Auction School cohort by joining the 10-week training program herself. More here.

South Australian wine regions unite under Ray White

Barossa Valley owners Darren Pratt and Jamie Wood have taken over Clare Valley alongside new business owner Connor Young, while former owner Mark O'Meagher focuses on sales. 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

Oh, I totally don’t mind if my friends use other agents to sell their house… me, smiling politely while mentally popping them in the boot and slamming it shut. 😇🚗

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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