GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT 👋

TRUE OR FALSE?

Penthouses used to be for the poor.
(Scroll to the bottom for the answer!)

In today’s edition of The Brief

• A film set lesson in connection, courtesy of Miriam Margolyes

• Find out how NYC wants to revenue raise with a new housing tax

• Why does Vic have so many PM job openings?

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 50 seconds

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NETWORKING

What film star Miriam Margolyes taught this agent about connection

Eneka Burroughs was drinking coffee in bed when a friend tagged her in a Facebook post. A casting team needed someone 148cm tall and, in their direct phrasing, large. Eneka's best friend's nomination was characteristically blunt “this is you,” but her husband thought the whole thing was a scam.

Two days later, she was standing in a costume room at the University of Canterbury, being fitted for a nun's habit – and discovering exactly who she'd be doubling for; beloved actor Miriam Margoyles.

Body doubling is a job few understand. While crews spend hours setting up cameras and lighting, it's the doubles who stand in position, say the lines, and hold the frame until the principal actor walks in at the last moment.

Eneka's days were unpredictable, and she learned an important lesson about showing up when the schedule isn't yours to control. But the most invaluable lesson came via the film industry stalwart who took Eneka phone was she was on set to scroll through her photos.

“She asked: ‘Who's this? Why are they important? Why have you got a photo of your daughter but you've only got photos of your son in a van? Where's your husband? Where's this taken? Where's that?”

"She retains the information as well," Eneka says. "A few days later she was asking how my daughter was getting on. She’s an 84 years old who's an absolute legend, and she made me realise how important it is to ask the questions and really, really get to know people. Because that's what real estate is about."

What you'll learn in the full article:

• The 84-year-old's phone trick: What Miriam did with Eneka's camera roll that revealed the secret to genuine connection

• The real estate insight: Why watching a legend ask questions changed how Eneka thinks about client relationships

• The profile payoff: How buyers started recognising her at open homes – and what that meant for her business

Eneka's story is part unexpected adventure, part masterclass in genuine curiosity. Here's what happens when an agent says yes to something completely different.

Read the full article

ICYMI, yesterday: How you can ring the ‘bell of relevance’.

TOGETHER WITH BIZCOVER

Are digital leasing platforms putting tenant data at risk?

Concerns have emerged over the security of widely used rent-tech platforms in Australian real estate, with reports suggesting sensitive tenant documents may be accessible through unsecured links. These systems streamline rental applications and lease management, but some may lack strong authentication controls, potentially exposing IDs, payslips and lease agreements if links are accessed or guessed.

The findings highlight a broader cybersecurity risk for agencies as everyday digital tools increasingly handle highly sensitive client data. While improving efficiency, they also underscore the need for stronger safeguards and vendor oversight. BizCover explains how cyber liability and professional indemnity cover can help agencies manage the financial and operational impact of a data breach.

Read more about BizCover here.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

5,300 PM roles vacant despite six-figure salaries

Agencies are offering up to $120,000 for senior property managers – and still can't fill the positions. New data shows Victoria alone has 1,100 vacancies, with the average PM career now lasting just one year. With 130 regulatory changes since 2021, Kolmeo CEO Scott Bateman says the problem is "getting worse."

INTERNATIONAL

New York proposes tax on $5M second homes

Empty luxury apartments in New York City could face an annual tax under Governor Kathy Hochul's new proposal, which targets second homes worth US$5 million or more. The city estimates 102,900 units sit vacant most of the year – and expects to raise $500 million annually from owners.

HOW IT SOLD

Four buyers push Narrabeen studio $50k higher

By setting a guide just above recent sales, Grant Matterson created competitive tension on a Narrabeen studio. The strategy attracted four competing buyers, pushing the price to $710,000 in 26 days – $50,000 above comparables and $40,000 more than the vendors were prepared to accept.

A listing lasts weeks. The case study lasts forever. getailsa.com →

CELEBRITY HOMES

It’s About Damn Time: Lizzo sells Beverly Hills home at a loss

After more than a year on the market, the Grammy winner has found a buyer willing to pay around $19.5 million AUD – but that's still a loss on what she paid in 2022. The home sits on land previously owned by Harry Styles and features a two-storey atrium dripping with foliage. The saltwater infinity pool doesn't hurt either.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Domi Antalfy focuses on putting the buyer first

She launched Domination Buyers Agents after selling 250+ properties and spotting a gap in the market for genuine buyer representation. More here.

Anna Younan builds a leading business in Camden

After 19 years in real estate, she's a partner at Gilbert and Younan, overseeing residential sales across the Macarthur region through transparency and strong client relationships. 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

Real estate agent life: showing everyone sun-drenched outdoor spaces … from inside, under office lights ☀️😅

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

TRUE OR FALSE:

Penthouses used to be for the poor.

And the answer is …

TRUE. Before elevators existed, the top floors of buildings were the least desirable places to live. They were hot, hard to reach, and often used for storage or servants’ quarters because wealthy residents didn’t want to climb multiple flights of stairs. But when the elevator was introduced, everything flipped. Suddenly, the highest floors became the most desirable because they offered better views, more light, and less street noise. Over time, those top floors evolved into luxury “penthouses.”

Wishing you a productive day!

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