GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Forget the capitals, regional stars are shining brighter than the cities. CoreLogic reports that Queensland’s Mackay (+8.3%) and WA’s Geraldton (+8.2%) are top areas for quarterly growth, with Geraldton adding $100k to median values this year. For your buyers, it’s all about affordability and lifestyle.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 10 seconds.

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OPINION

Radical transparency is the secret to trust and long-term success in real estate

Radical transparency is transforming how real estate agents build trust and manage vendor relationships.

Many agencies excel at winning listings but fall short when it comes to keeping vendors informed during the sales process. Melbourne agency owner Dion Besser, from Besser + Co Estate Agents, argues that providing clients with full visibility into every stage of their campaign builds trust, reduces anxiety, and fosters long-term business success.

Transparency builds lasting trust

Dion notes that vendors are often left in the dark once a listing agreement is signed, which can create frustration and erode trust. By adopting a fully transparent approach, agents can strengthen relationships with vendors.

“When vendors can see exactly what's happening with their sale, they're more confident in the process and in you as their agent,” he said.

Informed vendors make better decisions

He also believes that keeping vendors informed makes the agent’s job easier by reducing uncertainty and empowering clients to make realistic decisions. “When vendors are fully informed, they become partners in the process rather than anxious outsiders.”

By regularly sharing buyer feedback and campaign updates, vendors can adjust their expectations based on real market conditions, leading to smoother transactions and better outcomes.

Transparency drives business growth

Implementing radical transparency doesn’t just improve individual transactions; it builds the foundation for long-term success. According to Dion transparency creates a positive feedback loop. “Transparent communication throughout one campaign leads to stronger relationships, which leads to more referrals and repeat business.”

ICYMI, yesterday Michelle May predicted the property trends that will dominate 2025

TOGETHER WITH CALL ME SUCCESSFUL

In the latest Call Me Successful episode, Domain’s managing director and chief commercial officer, John Foong, shares his inspiring journey from a tech executive at Google and Uber to leading digital transformation at one of Australia’s top real estate platforms. Raised with a deep appreciation for property investment and real estate by his father and grandmother, John reveals how his early influences shaped his career.

Listeners will hear about his transition from aspiring pastor to Silicon Valley leader, and how he navigated challenges at Uber before returning to Australia to drive innovation at Domain. John also talks about balancing tradition with forward-thinking strategies and offers insights into the future of real estate portals. Don’t miss his take on resilience, adaptability, and leading through change.

Listen to the Call Me Successful podcast here

SMART SNIPPETS

Queensland takes the crown as investor hotspot
Queensland has overtaken Victoria as Australia’s second-largest property investor market, trailing only New South Wales. Investor loans in Queensland grew 24% annually, far outpacing Victoria’s 5%. Lower taxes, high rental yields, strong migration, and a booming infrastructure pipeline make the Sunshine State a magnet for investors, with regional towns like Townsville and Mackay leading the charge.

74% of Sydney suburbs show growth potential
Despite a citywide slowdown, Sydney's property market is showing plenty of resilience. According to the Shore Financial State of Sydney Report, nearly three-quarters of suburbs are predicted to see price growth in the coming months. East Lindfield leads the premium market with forecast growth of over 5%, while Buxton tops the heartland segment.

More opportunities for US buyers in 2025
Zillow predicts more inventory and a modest 2.6% home value growth in 2025, giving buyers more leverage despite fluctuating mortgage rates. Pet-friendly rentals remain extremely popular with 58% of renters now owning pets and ‘cozy’ has become the new buzz-word in real estate.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Pulse Property welcomes its new Head of Performance.
Larissa Reed steps into the new leadership role focused on team development and the company’s expansion plans. More here.

The AFR Fast 100 recognises Proptech Labs' rapid growth.
The property management innovator has earned 19th spot with their revolutionary AI and automation solutions transforming the industry. 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.

SOUND WAVES

Taming the chaos: how to fix dysfunctional leadership teams

Dysfunctional leadership teams, whether cutthroat, overly agreeable, or stagnant, can cripple organisations. Today’s curated listen addresses why clear expectations are key to driving performance.

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

Read the article from HBR here

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Whether it’s a buyer, vendor, or random neighbour at an open home, in real estate, “we’re all family”. Much like the club, we’re hyping them up: “This is your dream home, you belong here!” The only difference? Instead of bottles, we’re popping sold stickers. Same energy, though. 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒🍾

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, Giverny Pringle, 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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