GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

Tomorrow night some of the industry’s big names, including Darren Ingram, Laurie Cosentino and David Flanagan, will ditch the doona and hit the pavement for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. Now in its 20th year, the event raises serious funds (over $100 million and counting) to support Aussies doing it tough. From crisis housing to mobile outreach, every dollar makes a difference. Want to chip in?

Head to ceosleepout.org.au, donations over $2 are tax deductible and warm fuzzies come free.

*WA event: 26 June.

Today’s read time: 7 minutes, 06 seconds

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SPORT OF REAL ESTATE

From Maroons to mortgages

Why Queensland’s Origin heroes are getting a real estate education

While the State of Origin action heats up on the field, a quieter kind of game plan is playing out behind the scenes, one that could shape the futures of Queensland’s top players long after their final tackle.

The 1980 Initiative, backed by the Queensland Rugby League and Former Origin Greats (FOGs), pairs current and emerging Maroons with business mentors who help them think beyond the game. It’s not about passing drills, it’s about passing on financial literacy, life skills, and long-term strategy. And one of the key players in that space is REMAX Precision’s Scott Mackey.

No boardroom, just boots on the ground

Scott isn’t lecturing in a classroom. He’s present at training camps, post-match chats, and mealtimes, earning trust through consistency.

“We’re there in the background so players know they have someone to turn to when the spotlight dims,” he says.

And that spotlight can be blinding. With sudden wealth and constant pressure, athletes often face overwhelming expectations, including financial ones.

“Some have million-dollar contracts, but no plan for what’s next,” he explains. “That’s where we start.”

Investments, not indulgence

Real estate often becomes the vehicle for stability. Scott recently helped Maroons hooker and Storm captain Harry Grant (pictured above wth Scott Mackey) invest in a high-potential apartment in Richmond Hill. With its wraparound deck and city views, it’s primed for short-term rental — part of a growing trend among players seeking smart, mixed-income portfolios.

“Harry’s off-field focus matches his on-field discipline,” he says. “He’s building something sustainable.”

Real lessons for real agents

Interestingly, Scott sees strong parallels between elite athletes and top agents. Both enter high-income environments with little preparation. Both face social pressure to flash success. And both risk burnout if they don’t build solid foundations.

“Young agents can earn $400K or $600K early and think it’s forever,” Mackey warns. “They post the lifestyle, lease the watch, then hit a slow patch and panic. It’s the same as a winger with one big contract and no plan B.”

His advice? Stick to the basics. Keep doing your extras. Know who to trust. And stay focused when the invites start rolling in.

“Elite status isn’t about one great year,” he says. “It’s what you build behind the scenes, in footy, in real estate, in life.”

Read the full story here

ICYMI yesterday, we discussed how to lead like a coach - not a commander.

TOGETHER WITH AILO

Investor 3.0: New free course helps agencies meet rising landlord expectations

Ben White, founder of Ailo, and Samantha McLean, co-founder of Elite Agent, have launched a new five-day course to help property management leaders “unlock new levels of growth and client satisfaction.”

Titled Investor 3.0: Meeting Rising Customer Expectations in Property Management, the program introduces Ben’s “Third Wave” framework, a model focused on delivering “superior investor experience and personalised service.”

“The most successful agencies are realising that exceptional, tailored service is the key to sustainable growth,” says Ben.

He explains the course will help agencies understand “four distinct investor segments,” and build services around their unique needs.

The program delivers daily lessons, including topics like communication frameworks, flexible team models, and aligning service with business growth.

“We’ve designed this course to give leaders actionable frameworks they can implement immediately to create service experiences that not only retain clients but also generate powerful referrals,” says Samantha.

The need is real: data shows more than six in ten landlords would switch agencies for clearer communication and a better service experience.

Find out more about the FREE course here.

DEPT OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND DRAMA

HIA says it’s time to stop scaring off the money we need to build more homes

The HIA wants governments to roll back hefty taxes on foreign investors, saying we’re chasing away the capital needed to hit housing targets. Chief economist Tim Reardon says it’s pretty simple: we can’t build 1.2 million homes in five years while punishing the people willing to help fund them. The average stamp duty bill has hit a record $31,210, and in some states, foreign investors are now copping up to $160,000 in extra costs.

DEPT OF REAL ESTATE GOALS

“You’ve gotta be nuts”: How Richard Thode went from factory floor to Ray White’s #1 agent in NZ

Richard Thode has been crowned Ray White’s number one agent in New Zealand, writing $3.6 million in GCI and settling over 71 sales in the past year. In an interview with Ray White’s Bianca Denham, he shares how his journey began on the factory floor of his family’s knife and saw business. He later moved into finance, sales, and bespoke property development before entering real estate - despite his wife telling him, “you’ve gotta be nuts.” His first listing led to three more, thanks to a focus on relationships and relentless prospecting.

DEPT OF CHINA REAL ESTATE 

China’s housing market stumbles as May price decline deepens two-year slump

China’s housing market just can’t catch a break. Home prices slipped again in May, down 0.2% for the month, stretching a two-year-long property slump. Even with policy tweaks and interest rate cuts, buyers are still holding back—especially in smaller cities where prices fell even harder. Year-on-year, the market’s off by 3.5%, and property investment is dragging too. Analysts are bracing for a slower winter unless bolder, city-specific support kicks in.

CELEBRITY HOMES

You won’t believe who used to live here: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s former home sold above asking

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s former Brentwood home just sold for $10.8 million (AUD $16.4 million), well above its asking price. Jennifer bought it solo in 2004, Ben moved in after their 2005 wedding, and she sold it in 2009. Since then, it’s been home to Cindy Crawford and even starred in Home Again with Reese Witherspoon. The four-bed, five-bath property comes with original tile floors, a courtyard, a pool, and major Hollywood history. It lasted just a month on the market, clearly, star power sells.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

I’d just sat down, socks half-off and dinner balanced on my lap, when a buyer texted; five seconds later I’m quoting recent sales like I hadn’t just Googled “can lasagne be reheated twice.” It’s not hustle culture… except it 100% is. 🍝📱

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

Wishing you a productive day!

Elite Agent is the definitive platform for ambitious agents and industry players. Thought Leaders is the weekly show where top operators reveal how they’re reinventing real estate. AI-Powered Agents is your playbook for deploying AI that sells homes and scales teams.

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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