GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

August 4 is Single Working Women’s Day, an unofficial holiday that deserves a bit more love, especially in real estate. From solo operators running their own brands to powerhouse agents juggling deals, kids, and 7am buyer calls without missing a beat, this day is a reminder that independence is a superpower.

Whether you're negotiating contracts or negotiating with your toddler about bedtime, today’s for the women doing it all - solo, strong, and seriously impressive. In the title, they’ve got a big say in where their humans choose to live.

Today’s read time: 6 minutes, 3 seconds

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MINDSET

Negotiation rewired

“Who’s winning?” is the wrong question. Here’s how smart agents negotiate instead

If you’re still framing negotiations as win-or-lose battles, you might be sabotaging deals before they start. Drawing from the Harvard Negotiation Project’s Getting to Yes framework by Roger Fisher and William Ury (pictured), this modern approach urges real estate agents to trade ego-driven tactics for collaboration and clarity.

In a market shaped by urgency, emotion, and competing interests, the best outcomes are rooted in empathy, creative problem-solving, and objective standards - not who talks loudest. Here's how agents can move beyond transactional thinking and into truly effective negotiation.

Ask “why”, not “what”

When clients dig in on price or terms, resist reacting to the demand, instead get curious about the motivation. Fisher and Ury’s advice? Focus on interests, not positions. A vendor’s high price might be about covering LMI or a renovation; a buyer’s delayed settlement request might stem from a pending sale. The more context you have, the more solutions you can offer. In short: don’t challenge the ask, but understand the why.

Use data to defuse tension

Subjective opinions stall deals; objective criteria move them forward. If one side’s expectations are off the mark, shift the conversation to market facts: recent sales, inspection reports, or marketing costs. This neutralises emotion and builds trust. When you position yourself as a source of fair, evidence-backed advice, you move from adversary to adviser.

Create more than one solution

The classic “cut the orange in half” isn’t always the smartest move. One child wanted the fruit, the other the peel - both could’ve had what they wanted. In property, this translates to early access clauses, conditional agreements, or creative settlement terms.

Brainstorm options with your team before negotiations and keep the list handy. When the pressure's on, preparation beats improvisation every time.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, last week why discretion is absolute in the high-end market.

TOGETHER WITH PIVOTT

Pivott delivers big wins for construction: faster projects, lower costs

Pivott, a new construction management platform developed by Aivot Sdn Bhd, is helping developers overcome chronic industry issues like delays and cost blowouts. According to co-founder Daniele Gambero, “Our clients are consistently reporting at least 5% savings on total project costs and up to 60% improvement in operational efficiency.”

Purpose-built for construction and property development, the platform digitises the Bill of Quantities, centralises communications, and creates “a unified source of truth” to avoid disputes, rework, and wasted time.

“Pivott brings procurement to the front of the strategic conversation,” says Daniele, allowing teams to lead with data and foresight. The platform also provides “real-time visibility over every dollar in play,” supports ESG tracking, and is API-ready for integration with BIM and accounting systems.

Pivott is a member of 2025 REACH Australia & New Zealand cohort, spotlighting top emerging proptechs across the region.

Read more about Pivott here.

PROPERTY BOOM

Changes to Aussie housing hierarchy

Australia's property market is changing dramatically as Brisbane dethroned Melbourne to become the nation's second most expensive housing market. This shift comes amid a nationwide property revival driven by interest rate cuts and housing shortages. In Perth, extreme supply constraints have properties selling in just 11 days, with experts predicting its median house price will hit the million-dollar mark by 2026. Meanwhile, rental markets remain under pressure with vacancy rates at critically low levels across most cities.

RENTAL LAW

Rental law shake-up prompts insurance rethink for landlords

Recent tenancy law reforms across Australia are reshaping how landlords manage risk, and how their insurance policies respond. From portable bond schemes and stricter pet permissions to limits on rent increases and a ban on no-grounds evictions, changes rolling out through 2024 and 2025 vary by state but carry nationwide insurance implications. EBM RentCover’s Sharon Fox-Slater warns that landlords must stay compliant or risk voiding claims.

NZ FIRST HOME BUYERS

Window opens as stock tightens

New Zealand's property market is creating a prime opportunity for first-time buyers as national housing stock falls for the third consecutive month. Data shows 58.5% of all properties listed in July were priced below $850,000, falling under the national average asking price. Experts suggest financially prepared buyers should act now before the traditional spring surge brings increased competition.

CELEBRITY HOMES

’Bridesmaids’ mansion scores blockbuster sale with US$20.5M price tag

The chateau-style mansion that played host to one of the most iconic meltdowns in movie history, (yes, that Parisian puppy-filled Bridesmaids bridal shower), just sold for a record-breaking $20.5 million (AUD$30.9M). The off-market deal marks the highest ever sale in Pasadena, California, and the first time the estate has changed hands in 26 years.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Corey Michelmore opens Harcourts Coast & Vines

The sixth-generation Willunga local brings 25 years of property experience to the new South Australian office located on High Street. More here.

Zoccali family joins Jellis Craig Moonee Valley

Basil, Rosa and Pat will continue their community-focused service to loyal clients, now backed by the strength of the Jellis Craig network in Melbourne's inner north west. 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

Buyers still waiting for prices to drop are like people holding out for a 2020 travel refund. Technically possible, but at some point, you’ve got to let it go and move on. The market’s not going backwards just to be polite. 🏡💸

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

Wishing you a productive day!

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