GOOD MORNING FROM ELITE AGENT

On 23 April 2005, a simple 18-second clip called “Me at the zoo” was uploaded by YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim. It was casual, unscripted, and featured a few words about elephants - but it quietly marked the beginning of a major shift in how we share video content.

Fast forward to today, and video has become a core part of real estate; whether it’s showcasing homes, providing market updates, or building trust with clients. From a quiet zoo moment to full property tours, it’s fair to say Jawed helped set the stage, even if unintentionally.

Today’s read time: 4 minutes, 59 seconds

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COACHING

Why real estate coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all (and what to do instead)

Coaching in real estate can be incredibly powerful, but only if it’s personal.

According to Laing+Simmons Head of Network Performance Angela Avgerinos, the best coaching doesn’t try to change who agents are. It helps them tap into their natural drive to achieve their goals on their terms.

Connection first, then coaching

Great coaching starts with understanding what truly motivates an agent. That might be money, career progression, flexibility, or simply the confidence to pick up the phone. While personality profiling offers a good baseline, the real insight comes through honest, one-on-one planning.

From there, the coaching plan must be tailored: clear benchmarks, consistent check-ins, and flexibility to pivot when needed. “Personally, I do weekly check-ins to stay on top of the status of everyone I’m training,” Angela says.

Look for the warning signs

When coaching misses the mark, agents show it. Skipped sessions, avoiding calls, gravitating toward admin instead of prospecting. These are signs confidence is slipping or the plan is misaligned. The fix is to adjust fast. Simplify goals. Go back to one-on-one sessions. Focus on quick wins, like “10 before 10” connections or nailing a roleplay with peer feedback. Small, meaningful victories can reignite an agent’s momentum.

Real results, real people

One quiet-but-capable agent overcame call reluctance with a 30-day connect challenge and was soon averaging one appraisal a day. Another agent grew appraisals 30% in six weeks by blocking daily follow-up time. A third tripled leads by slowing their door-knocking pitch to build real rapport. The key, Angela says, is helping agents be more of who they are, not less. “Only through authenticity will strong customer connections be made.”

Read the full story here.

ICYMI, yesterday we discussed how tapping into true motivation can transform your real estate career

DEPT OF NZ

NZ property prices stabilise but headwinds remain

New Zealand’s housing market has settled, with the median price holding at $790,000 for the past two years. Listings are up 10.9 per cent, giving first-home buyers a bit more breathing room, and more choice, with nearly 37,000 properties on the market. Still, it’s not all smooth sailing: migration’s dropped sharply, and looming US tariffs could put pressure on one of our key export markets.

DEPT OF BIG BUCKS

The billionaire city you've never heard of

Just 23 miles from Los Angeles lies a secretive two-square-mile city where fewer than 1,000 residents (mostly billionaires) live behind gates and security guards. The exclusive location features monster homes that often exceed 20,000 square feet and are larger than the LA mansions of Jennifer Aniston or Kim Kardashian. It also enforces unusual rules prohibiting public swearing, gambling, and even being intoxicated in private homes. Many properties remain unoccupied for years, serving primarily as investments for international wealth.

DEPT OF AI

Putting Manus AI through its paces: can it really make life easier for agents?

Our resident AI guru, Samantha McLean, recently put Manus AI to the test - a tool designed to lighten the load for real estate agents. From suburb research to sentiment analysis, it handled complex tasks with surprising autonomy. It updated in real time, ticked things off the list, and even pitched in as a buyer’s agent assistant. While results varied depending on how the prompts were phrased, the speed and output were genuinely impressive, so it’s probably like having an extra assistant - without the coffee breaks.

CELEBRITY HOMES

Historic mansion with royal connections lists for £45M

Ever fancied living like actual royalty, but with Wi-Fi and underfloor heating? Denham Place, a 17th-century estate in Buckinghamshire, has just gone up for grabs. It’s been around since 1688 and now offers 40,000 square feet of unapologetic luxury. Think Italian marble, silk wall panels that were handwoven (because of course they were), and a cheeky splash of 22-carat gold leaf for good measure.

MOVERS + SHAKERS

Jodie Jacobson thrives at Besser & Co

After surviving breast cancer, she turned to her true passion in real estate and has become a top performer in Melbourne's Bayside area, selling 30-40 properties in the past year. 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

You’re being chased by a serial killer — but halfway through, he mentions he's thinking about listing his house. What do you do?

If you’re Ryan Serhant, you slow down just long enough to hand him your business card… then sprint like your commission depends on it.😱🏃‍➡️

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

Wishing you a productive day

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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