GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Sotheby’s NZ gets the award for weirdest listing this week. This three-level Noah’s Ark is a former function centre that comes with vaulted ceilings, timber beams, and even life-size wooden elephants. The 1,251sqm block was part of Gethsemane Gardens in Sumner and could become a home, hobby space, or the ultimate doomsday retreat (bonus: it's already on a hill for rising sea levels).

Today’s read time: 5 minutes, 19 seconds

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OPINION

Should you ever negotiate your commission as a real estate agent?

Commission negotiation is one of the most divisive topics in real estate. Some agents refuse to budge, while others offer discounts at the first sign of pushback.

But when, if ever, should you lower your commission? And if you do, how do you ensure it’s done strategically rather than out of desperation?

While some sellers genuinely need education on fees, others are simply looking for a discount. Cameron Ure, a real estate coach, warns against immediately folding under pressure, instead recommending agents reinforce their value, offer tiered commission structures, and know when to walk away. “There is too much of the folding mentality in the industry.”

The value of a strong commission pitch
Many sellers don’t fully understand what goes into selling a home, which is why transparency is key when discussing commission. “My best practice is going through the selling process, explaining the commission breakdown, and making it crystal clear where the money goes,” Cameron advises.

He says that by outlining marketing costs, negotiation expertise, and industry insights, agents can position themselves as an asset rather than an expense.

Handling commission pushback the right way
When sellers ask for a discount, Cameron recommends putting the decision back on them with a structured pricing model. “If you’re not going to do anything other than put it on the MLS (multiple listing service), then you can charge less. And then just build your model up from there. If you add more services, add more cost,” he explains. He says this approach ensures clients understand that high-level service comes with a high-level fee, rather than agents undervaluing their work.

Knowing when to walk away
Cameron says not every deal is worth taking, especially when sellers demand everything while refusing to pay fairly. “There are types of people that do not fit in your business model.

They will drag you through the mud, call you at all hours, demand everything under the sun from you, and not respect any boundaries while paying you nothing.” He encourages agents to be selective with their clients, ensuring they work with people who respect their expertise and time. “I’ll tell you right now, don’t take these listings. It is okay.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, last week we discussed why resistance to change could be hurting your business

SMART SNIPPETS

US giant eyes Domain
A major shake-up is brewing in Australia's property landscape as US-based CoStar Group launches a $2.7 billion takeover bid for Domain, the country's second-largest real estate platform. The move has already sent Domain's shares soaring 37%, with CoStar securing a 17% stake. The $50 billion US giant has a track record of transforming property portals, having previously invested $1 billion in Homes.com.

Social media rental scams on the rise
A new wave of sophisticated rental scams is hitting Australia's property market, with fraudsters creating convincing duplicates of legitimate listings on social media. The Real Estate Institute of Victoria reports scammers are modifying genuine rental listings with altered prices and false contact information. Prospective tenants are being urged to work with registered agents and use established listing platforms.

Dubai’s boom brings housing costs and traffic chaos
Dubai’s rapid growth has driven skyrocketing property prices and worsening traffic congestion, putting pressure on both Emirati citizens and expat workers. With a projected population spike to 5.8 million by 2040, housing affordability is declining, and commutes are getting longer.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Historic opportunity: Sir Robert Menzies’ former Kew estate listed for $9M
Do you have any contacts who consider themselves Prime Minister material? Sir Robert Menzies' former Kew mansion is up for grabs, with a price tag of $8.3M–$9M. This grand 1912 estate sits on 1,874sqm and comes with a tennis court, heated pool, wine cellar, and city views - perfect for entertaining like a statesman.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Sam Mansy builds a thriving real estate brand in just four weeks
Real estate agent Sam Mansy launched his own boutique brand, Mansy Estate Agents, in just four weeks using OASIS powered by @realty, achieving a 50% earnings increase without increasing his workload. The @realty platform provided him with branding, marketing, automation, and CRM tools, allowing him to streamline operations and focus on selling. More here.

Ray White Remuera expands with Greenlane acquisition
Industry leaders Megan Jaffe and Thomas Farmer add to their network following last year's Ponsonby opening marking their third Auckland location. 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

Phone etiquette that won’t make you sound like a robot

Real estate is all about people - and yes, people still use phones! According to this curated listen, you need to answer every call with a smile (they can hear it in your voice) and it’s best to skip the cringy “Who’s this?” and own the call by saying your name. Also, actually listen before suggesting, “Let’s book an appointment!” Clients know when you’re on autopilot.

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

Read the article from Finesse to Success here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

You pull up, order your triple-shot latte (because, you know, real estate never sleeps), and when they ask for a name, you say: “Top 1% Agent.” Now the whole coffee crew is impressed, the barista hands over your cup with respect, and somewhere in queue, a first-home buyer suddenly decides they need your expertise. Moral of the story? Always brand yourself … even in the drive-thru. ☕️🚘

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.

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