GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

On May 21, 1927, Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic, 33 hours alone in the cockpit, chasing a dream others thought was impossible.

It’s a good reminder for business owners, principals, and solo agents that going out on your own can feel isolating. But sometimes, that solo mission is exactly what creates history.

Whether you’ve launched your own agency, built a brand from scratch, or taken a leap into a new market, risk and reward often fly together.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 57 seconds

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LEADERSHIP

Authenticity is the real power move in real estate leadership

Heather Edwards, CEO of Harcourts SA, doesn’t pretend to have all the answers and that’s exactly why her leadership stands out.

Real estate is often measured by transactions, commissions, and close rates, but Heather believes that the real key to success comes down to authenticity.

The case for leading with heart (not just head)

Authentic leadership isn’t fluff. It’s foundational. It's about leading with purpose, staying true to your values, and prioritising relationships over quick wins.

Heather feels that some of her most powerful leadership moments have come from admitting what she doesn’t know and inviting collaboration instead.

“Authenticity fosters trust,” she says. And in an industry where trust is currency, authentic leaders build businesses that withstand market volatility and client scepticism.

Crisis-proof leadership starts with the human element

The real estate sector has weathered its fair share of storms, including pandemics, rate hikes, and shifting client demands. But as Heather points out, leaders who showed up with empathy and consistency during turbulent times came out stronger.

When your team feels genuinely supported, they remain motivated. When your clients see you leading with integrity, loyalty follows, regardless of market conditions.

How authentic leaders deliver real results

Heather breaks down how people-first leadership translates into performance:

Motivation through connection: Know what drives each team member and lead with empathy.

Growth through empowerment: Under-performers can become stars with the right support system.

Leading by example: Model the behaviours - calm, curiosity, lifelong learning - you want to see.

Purpose-driven impact: Real estate is a life-changing business; treat it like one.

"Leadership isn’t about having all the answers," Heather says. "It’s about empowering others to find theirs."

Read the full article here.

Yesterday, we found out why questions are the real secret to closing more deals.

TOGETHER WITH LEADS TO LISTINGS

Would ChatGPT Recommend You?

After sold-out sessions in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, we’re giving agents one last chance to learn how AI is changing the lead generation game.

In a final, free online workshop: Leads → Listings with AI will unpack:

• Time-saving AI workflows to supercharge your prospecting and marketing

• Why AI search is flipping the lead funnel—and how to stay ahead of it

• The mindset shift that separates future-fit agents from those stuck in 2024

If a homeowner types “best real estate agent in [Suburb]” into ChatGPT… will they find you?

Don’t miss the last chance to get AI-ready in this virtual 90-minute class.

Register now for Leads → Listings with AI

DEPT OF ECONOMICS

Rate cut ripple: What the RBA’s move means for housing, borrowing, and buyer behaviour

The Reserve Bank has cut the cash rate to 3.85%, prompting a wave of cautious optimism across the property industry. Experts say the move will boost borrowing capacity and buyer confidence, but warn that affordability remains a key challenge. With global trade tensions, undersupply, and cost-of-living pressures still in play, this isn’t a green light for runaway price growth. Instead, it’s a signal that the market may be entering a more balanced phase. Here's what Australia’s top property minds are saying about the impact.

DEPT OF HOUSING

No end in sight to Western Sydney's housing shortage

Western Sydney is facing a critical housing shortage, with construction meeting just 22.5% of what's needed for projected population growth. The region requires 24,000 new dwellings annually, but only 5,404 are currently under construction. This shortage comes as NSW recorded 120,073 net overseas migrants, with Western Sydney absorbing most arrivals. Despite having over 35,000 DA-approved dwellings, construction continues to lag behind demand.

DEPT OF AI

Channel your inner Don Draper

You can now summon the creative genius of advertising legends without the Manhattan office or three-martini lunch. Modern AI tools let anyone craft attention-grabbing hooks by following structured prompts that focus on audience needs and unique selling points. The key is to add specific steps and guidance rather than simple requests. More detailed prompts yield more powerful results.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Oroton heir's luxury property play

Fashion empire heir Tom Lane has splashed $10.25 million on a Sydney harbourview Clontarf property, planning to transform it into a luxury residence. This purchase is part of a $24 million northern beaches spending spree by Tom and his wife Emma over the past six months. The couple has a track record of successful high-end property developments through their Range Estates portfolio, recently setting a Bangalow record with the $30 million sale of their equine estate.

AGENTS ON SOCIAL

Agents be like, “You don’t need a hug, you need to buy this house and let the ducted heating do the emotional heavy lifting.” 🤗 🏡

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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