GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Ross Whiston from Ray White Gawler East has brought a piece of real estate history to life, rebuilding the group’s original 1902 “Shed” right inside his Adelaide office. Complete with corrugated iron and auction room vibes, it’s a nod to Ray White’s humble beginnings in Crows Nest... and proof that legacy and innovation can share the same roof. Bonus points for the 5:15am paint finish before auction kickoff. Now that’s commitment.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 02 seconds

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OPINION

40 YEARS FORWARD

How TOOP+TOOP’s human-first vision helped it outlast the competition

In a market where many agencies ride the highs and lows of the property cycle, TOOP+TOOP’s 40-year run is a rare feat. Founded in 1985 by Anthony and Sylvia Toop, the Adelaide-based agency has not only endured but evolved, now led by daughters Suzannah and Genevieve Toop, alongside her husband and co-owner/director, Bronte Manuel. As they mark this milestone, the leadership team reflects on what’s kept the business resilient, relevant, and real.

Innovation with intention

From day one, TOOP+TOOP set out to do things differently. Anthony was an early adopter of colour photography and nighttime signage - innovations that made the brand a standout. That same boldness continues today with an in-house development team capable of implementing new ideas quickly.

“We believe we had one of the first real estate videos on YouTube, before Google even bought it,” Genevieve says. While other agencies race to automate client comms, TOOP+TOOP takes a different tack: using tech to free up time for more human interactions, not fewer.

Staying human in a digital world

TOOP+TOOP embraces AI, but only where it enhances, not replaces, human connection. Bronte warns against using bots to impersonate agents: “It goes against everything we stand for.” For this team, tech is a support system, not a shortcut to customer service.

“AI is not the typewriter in the email revolution; it’s more like email itself,” Suzannah added. “Everyone needs it to compete, but how you use it sets you apart.”

Legacy with a modern edge

TOOP+TOOP continues to operate with a client-focused philosophy that dates back to its early years. An old piece of marketing “We’d rather do no deal at all than the wrong one for our client” still informs internal decision-making today. The company has deliberately resisted scaling for scale’s sake, opting instead for a smaller, high-performing team model: about 40 agents, each targeting $1 million in gross commission income.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, last week why discussed why silence from a buyer isn’t rejection - it’s emotional overload.

TOGETHER WITH REA

Why agents shouldn’t ignore energy efficiency in listings

A PropTrack and CSIRO study of over 1 million listings reveals energy-efficient features are often underreported, despite strong buyer demand. More than a third of Australians are willing to pay more for energy-saving homes, with 68% citing lower power bills as the key motivator. Yet many listings fail to include this info. Experts say standardising how energy features are displayed could help buyers and boost property appeal. Read more about the study here.

DEPT OF PAST PERFECT

Old is the new ‘green’: Why real estate’s having a rethink

A group of architects, developers and planners wants Australia to stop knocking down buildings and start reusing them instead. At a recent workshop, 24 bold ideas were put forward, including tax breaks for reuse, a national database of empty buildings, and policy changes to reward carbon savings.

They say the environmental cost of new builds is too high, and older buildings have untapped potential. For agents, that means retrofitted charm could soon rival brand-new shine. Turns out, the next big thing in real estate might already be standing.

DEPT OF RURAL NEWS

Farmland prices hit pause as rural property market fractures

After years of skyrocketing prices, Australia’s rural property market has officially cooled. Farmland values have flattened at around $9,600 per hectare, with 2024 growth crawling in at just 2 per cent and sales volumes at decade-lows.

But it’s not all doom and dust. WA surged nearly 19 per cent, hobby farms are fetching city-level prices, and carbon farming is making its mark. Meanwhile, NSW took a 24 per cent hit, showing it’s now less about national trends and more about what’s happening paddock by paddock.

DEPT OF FAIR PLAY 

US real estate body NAR scraps outdated listing rule

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the US has officially axed its “no-commingling” rule, a policy that let multi-listing services keep their listings separate from other property sources. The rule’s been under fire for years, with critics calling it confusing and anti-competitive. After pressure from the US Department of Justice, NAR voted to bin it.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Vanessa Hudgens's former Spanish-style retreat hits the market

The "High School Musical" star's former Los Angeles residence is available for US$4.375M, the first time it's been listed since she sold it in 2019. Vanessa owned the Studio City property for 11 years after purchasing it for US$2.75M in 2008. The 5,300-square-foot Spanish-style home features five bedrooms, multiple balconies with mountain views, and a luxurious outdoor entertainment area with pool and hot tub.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Colin Craig returns to Ray White Lower North Shore

The respected Mosman agent rejoins the group after time in Singapore, citing impressive technological advancements as a key factor in his decision. 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

Play nice, real estate’s a small world, more of a cul-de-sac than an industry. That buyer’s agent who ghosted you last year? She just became the sales manager at the agency your negotiating with. The rookie at last week’s open? Probably the auctioneer next Saturday. 😅🏡

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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